Departure Time Duration Estimation for Vehicles in Snow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle users face challenges in anticipating departure time durations due to varying weather conditions, leading to potential late arrivals, especially in snowy conditions where heating the vehicle is not feasible, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure and report departure time durations for one vehicle user, estimating and notifying other users in the same geographical area of deviations from default times, incorporating weather information like ambient temperature and snowfall to provide accurate planning options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle user spends extensive time preparing the vehicle for departure in snowy conditions (removing snow and ice), then the vehicle can depart safely, but the departure time duration increases significantly leading to late arrivals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by measuring departure time duration in advance under various weather conditions and storing this data. Before a user needs to depart, the system estimates the required preparation time based on current weather conditions and historical data, allowing the user to plan accordingly and start preparations at the optimal time, thus reducing actual loss of time while ensuring safe departure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring weather conditions, measuring actual departure time durations, and using this data to refine estimates for future departures. The system provides feedback to users about expected departure time requirements based on current conditions, enabling better time planning and decision-making regarding alternative transportation options
2Loss of time
If the vehicle user heats the vehicle to remove snow and ice, then the departure preparation time is reduced, but this is not feasible in all situations (very cold weather with much snow)
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses the limitation of heating by changing the approach from active intervention (heating) to passive measurement and information provision. It measures and reports departure time duration parameters under various weather conditions, enabling users to make informed decisions about whether heating is feasible or if alternative preparations are needed, thus adapting to different weather scenarios without relying solely on heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary by providing information about expected departure time requirements and weather conditions. This intermediary information allows users to plan preparations appropriately or choose alternative transportation, compensating for the inability to use heating in extreme conditions by enabling proactive decision-making
3Loss of time
If the vehicle user does not have information about departure time duration, then the user maintains flexibility in planning, but the user cannot anticipate and plan for lengthy departure times leading to late arrivals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and estimation of departure time duration based on weather conditions and historical data. This preliminary information is made available to users before they need to depart, enabling them to plan their schedules in advance and allocate sufficient time for vehicle preparations, thus preventing late arrivals without causing unnecessary delays
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for supporting a user of a vehicle with information regarding a departure time duration. The method comprises measuring (110) a departure time duration for a first vehicle user associated to a geographical area, estimating (140) a current departure time duration for at least a second vehicle user associated to the geographical area based on the measured departure time duration for the first vehicle user, determining (150) any deviation of the estimated current departure time duration from a default departure time duration, and when a deviation is determined, notifying (160) the at least second vehicle user with information regarding the determined deviation of the default departure time duration for the geographical area. Corresponding apparatus, service and system are also disclosed.