Dynamic Boarding Place Signage for On-Demand Bus Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-demand buses lack clear markings for boarding places, making it difficult for users and drivers to identify the correct stop, especially when places are arbitrarily designated.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device identifies a first output device near the boarding place and transmits a command to output an indication of the bus stop using existing signage or streetlights, such as signage devices on guardrails, poles, shops, or road indications, to mark the boarding place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand buses use arbitrarily designated boarding places without clear markings, then the bus can operate flexibly to meet user demands, but users and drivers cannot easily identify the correct boarding place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-emitting devices to display visual indicators (such as colored lights or illuminated signs) at arbitrarily designated boarding places. These visual indicators make the boarding places easily identifiable to both users and drivers, while maintaining the flexibility of on-demand bus operations. The light-emitting devices can be installed at various locations and controlled to indicate active boarding points.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fixed-route bus stops with clear markings are used, then users and drivers can easily identify boarding places, but the bus cannot operate flexibly to meet arbitrary user demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic boarding place indication system where light-emitting devices are controlled based on real-time bus operation data. The system can dynamically activate indicators at different locations along the route, allowing the bus to stop at arbitrary points requested by users while providing clear visual identification. This creates a flexible, adaptive system that replaces static bus stop markings.
3Ease of operation
If new dedicated signage devices are installed at every possible boarding place, then boarding places can be clearly marked, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal light-emitting devices that can serve multiple functions: indicating boarding places, providing illumination, and potentially displaying additional information. These multi-functional devices can be deployed at various locations without requiring dedicated signage infrastructure at each point, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining clear indication capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device of the present disclosure includes a control unit configured to control a plurality of output devices provided in an operation area of an on-demand bus. The control unit identifies a first output device close to a boarding place of the on-demand bus among the output devices. The control unit transmits a first command to output an indication of a bus stop of the on-demand bus to the first output device at a first timing that is earlier by a first time length than a boarding date of a user.