Dynamic Transit Schedule Adjustment via Real-Time Run Scoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Demand-response transit scheduling is challenging due to fluctuating demand and inefficiencies caused by factors like unexpected traffic and no-shows, leading to costly over-provisioning and suboptimal schedules that are difficult to adjust manually.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically reviewing and adjusting demand-response transit schedules in real-time by calculating scores for runs based on characteristics such as distance, time, and passenger on-board time, and determining if these scores exceed thresholds, allowing for reallocation of trips and optimization of vehicle routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pre-set demand-response transit schedule is used, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but scheduling efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveschedule adaptabilityVSAvoidscheduling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic schedule adjustment by continuously monitoring run characteristics (arrival times, passenger counts, delays) and automatically recalculating scores to determine optimal schedule modifications. This transforms the static pre-set schedule into a dynamic system that adapts to real-time conditions while using automated algorithms to manage complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where run performance data (actual arrival times, passenger onboard time, delays) is collected and used to calculate scores that indicate whether schedule adjustment is needed. This feedback mechanism enables the schedule to self-correct based on actual performance without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual adjustments are made to the schedule, then some adaptability is achieved, but adjustment efficiency deteriorates due to cumbersome and tedious processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveschedule adjustment efficiencyVSAvoidmanual adjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service scheduling adjustment by automatically monitoring run characteristics, calculating adjustment scores, and implementing schedule modifications without requiring manual scheduler intervention. The system serves itself by detecting when adjustments are needed and executing them based on predefined criteria, dramatically improving adjustment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated computational system that calculates run scores and determines optimal schedule changes. This substitution eliminates the tedious manual work while maintaining or improving adjustment quality through systematic algorithmic evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If over-provisioning is used to handle fluctuating demand, then service reliability is improved, but operating costs worsen due to excessive resource allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts vehicle and driver allocation based on actual demand patterns and run performance. By continuously monitoring and recalibrating schedule capacity to match actual needs, the system eliminates over-provisioning while maintaining service reliability through adaptive resource allocation that responds to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation from static over-provisioning to dynamic optimization based on run scores and actual demand. The system adjusts vehicle capacity, driver assignments, and route timing parameters to match actual service needs, reducing operating costs while maintaining reliability through data-driven parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed routes and schedules are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but scheduling effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to respond to arbitrary trip requests

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrip request flexibilityVSAvoidscheduling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms fixed routes and schedules into dynamic, adaptable itineraries that respond to arbitrary trip requests. By continuously monitoring run characteristics and recalculating optimal routes based on actual demand patterns, the system maintains operational simplicity through automation while achieving high adaptability to diverse passenger requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8781726B2Method and system for adjusting a demand-response transit schedule

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 MODAXO INC

AI summary

A method and system for adjusting a demand-response transit schedule is provided. A demand-response transit schedule is reviewed during performance of the demand-response transit schedule. The fact that the demand-response transit schedule may need to be adjusted is detected. The demand-response transit schedule is then adjusted.