Unified Ride Service Integration in Navigation Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mapping applications require users to switch between ride service applications to compare options and book rides, which is inconvenient and disrupts the navigation experience.
Innovation Solution
The mapping application integrates ride service APIs to provide users with a seamless experience, allowing them to select ride options, view prices, wait times, and driver information directly within the mapping interface, without the need to open separate ride service apps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users switch between mapping application and ride service application to book rides, then ride booking functionality is available, but user convenience deteriorates and navigation experience is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ride service functionality with the mapping application by embedding ride service APIs directly into the mapping app interface. This allows users to search for, compare, and book rides without leaving the mapping application, effectively merging two separate applications into one unified experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping application is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it provides traditional mapping and navigation services while also integrating ride service booking capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to switch between applications, as the mapping app now serves as a universal platform for both navigation and ride booking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mapping application integrates multiple ride service APIs, then ride service options increase, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer within the mapping application that manages multiple ride service APIs. This intermediary component handles the complexity of integrating multiple ride providers by providing a unified interface for searching, comparing, and booking rides across different services, thereby shielding users from the underlying system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ride service integration is segmented into distinct functional modules within the mapping application, including separate components for searching rides, comparing options, and booking services. This modular segmentation allows the system to manage multiple ride service APIs efficiently while maintaining organizational clarity and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If ride service information is displayed within mapping application, then user convenience improves, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping application performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching ride service information such as pricing, wait times, and route details before users need to view them. This preliminary data preparation reduces the processing load during user interactions, as the information is already prepared and readily available for display within the mapping interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive digital map of a geographic area is provided via a user interface. A request to obtain travel directions to a destination is received via the user interface. Respective indications of candidate rides for at least a portion of a route to the destination are requested from third-party providers, each of the indications including a pick-up location, a price estimate, and pick-up time. The requested indications of the candidate rides are received. A ranking of the candidate rides is determined using at least one of the corresponding pick-up locations, the price estimates, or the pick-up times, and a listing of the candidate rides is provided via the user interface in accordance with the determined ranking. In response to one of the candidate rides being selected via the user interface, a request for the selected ride is transmitted to the corresponding third-party provider.