Real-Time Carpool Matching via Route Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional carpooling methods are inefficient as they typically require pre-existing relationships or social media connections, and do not effectively utilize partial route overlaps or public transportation, leading to suboptimal matching of carpool participants.
Innovation Solution
A real-time carpool matching system that analyzes multiple carpool requests to create composite routes by matching route segments, considers public transportation and participant preferences, and automatically assigns viable matches, with the option for users to override driver selection and monitor route adherence through GPS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional carpooling methods are used requiring pre-existing relationships, then trust and reliability between participants is improved, but the quantity of potential carpool matches is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carpool matching process into distinct components: route segment analysis, viability value calculation, and automated assignment. By breaking down complete routes into smaller segments and matching segments independently, the system can evaluate multiple potential matches objectively without relying on pre-existing relationships, thus increasing the quantity of matches while maintaining reliability through structured evaluation criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated matching system as an intermediary between carpool participants. This intermediary uses GPS data, route segment analysis, and viability value calculations to objectively evaluate and assign matches, replacing the need for pre-existing social connections while ensuring reliable matching through systematic criteria including safety assessments and preference compatibility.
2Productivity
If real-time automated matching is implemented, then the productivity of carpool formation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing GPS location data, route information, and participant preferences before matching is needed. Carpool requests are pre-processed with viability value calculations based on stored data, enabling rapid real-time matching without complex computations during the actual matching moment, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated matching system serves itself by using its own stored data and algorithms to evaluate and assign matches without human intervention. The system automatically calculates viability values, compares route segments, and makes assignments based on pre-established criteria, reducing the need for complex external coordination and enabling high-speed automated operation.
3Reliability
If complete route matching is required, then the reliability of carpool arrangement is improved, but the adaptability to partial overlaps and public transportation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides complete routes into smaller segments and evaluates matches based on segment compatibility rather than requiring complete route identity. This segmentation allows the system to identify partial overlaps and create viable matches even when routes differ in some portions, enabling integration with public transportation for non-overlapping segments while maintaining reliability through systematic viability assessment of the overlapping portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts matching criteria based on the specific characteristics of each request, allowing flexibility in how much route overlap is required. Rather than enforcing a fixed complete-route-matching rule, the system can adapt its viability calculations to accommodate partial overlaps, public transportation integration, and varying participant preferences, thus improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through structured evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for real-time carpool matching is provided. The method may include receiving a plurality of carpool requests having a plurality of carpool route segments. The method may include determining at least one carpool match in real-time based on the plurality of carpool route segments. The method may include assigning each carpool match a viability value. The method may then include assigning a selected carpool match automatically for a user associated with the determined at least one carpool match, based on the assigned viability value associated with each carpool match within the at least one carpool match. The method may further include choosing a driver from a plurality of carpool participants, whereby the plurality of carpool participants is based on the selected carpool match. The method may also include sending the selected carpool match to the plurality of carpool participants.