Real-Time Transport Delay Determination Using GPS Reference Schedules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers face challenges in obtaining accurate real-time delay information for scheduled transports due to the lack of precise reference data between scheduled stops, leading to inaccuracies in delay calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a detailed reference schedule database with time-stamped reference positions and a logbook database to calculate and store real-time delays, allowing for position-based and time-based determinations of transport delays, even without position determination capabilities, by using user devices to request and process delay information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If official timetables are used to determine transport delay, then passengers can obtain scheduled departure and arrival times, but the timetables do not accurately reflect actual transport progression due to unexpected delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual position of the transport using GPS coordinates and comparing it with the scheduled position from the timetable. This real-time feedback loop allows the system to calculate and update delay information dynamically, ensuring that passengers receive accurate delay data that reflects the actual transport progression rather than static timetable information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reliance on static timetable data with an electronic/GPS-based position determination system. By substituting the traditional timetable-based delay calculation with a GPS-coordinate-based system, the invention achieves more accurate and real-time delay information that automatically adapts to actual transport conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a detailed reference schedule with time-stamped reference positions is implemented, then position-based delay determination accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing a detailed reference schedule containing time-stamped GPS coordinates for every position along the transport route before the actual journey begins. This reference schedule serves as a predetermined benchmark that simplifies real-time delay calculation, as the system only needs to compare current GPS position against the pre-established reference data rather than performing complex calculations during the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transport journey into multiple position points along the route, each with its own time-stamped reference coordinate in the detailed reference schedule. This segmentation allows the system to determine delay at any specific position along the route by comparing the actual GPS position with the corresponding segmented reference points, thereby achieving high position-based accuracy without requiring continuous complex computations.
3Measurement precision
If position-based determination is used to calculate real-time delay, then accurate delay information is provided for equipped devices, but user devices without position determination capabilities cannot access delay information
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by implementing a server that acts as a mediator between position-based determination and non-equipped devices. The server receives position-based delay calculations from equipped devices, processes and stores this information in a logbook database, and then provides delay information to non-equipped devices based on time-matching algorithms. This intermediary server layer ensures that all devices, regardless of position determination capabilities, can access accurate delay information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a dual-mode delay determination system that serves both equipped and non-equipped devices through a unified platform. The system maintains position-based determination for high accuracy while simultaneously providing time-based determination for universal device compatibility, thereby achieving multi-functionality that accommodates diverse device capabilities without compromising overall system effectiveness.
4Loss of information
If real-time delay information is provided to all user devices, then passenger information access is improved, but the challenge remains in providing accurate information to devices without position determination capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a logbook database that stores position-based delay information with associated timestamps before non-equipped devices request information. This preliminary data collection and storage enables the server to provide accurate delay information to non-equipped devices by matching their request timestamps with the pre-stored reference data, thereby maintaining high measurement precision without requiring position determination capabilities in the client devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A delay of a scheduled transport which runs along a route according to a timetable is determined The route comprises at least one leg. Determining the delay is based on a detailed reference schedule indicating arbitrary time-stamped reference positions of a transport that is on time. A request is received for the transport's delay by a user device located on the transport. The request indicates at least the current position of the transport. The transport's delay is calculated on the basis of the current position indicated in the request, a time-stamp and the corresponding time-stamped reference position of the detailed reference schedule. The calculated delay is returned to the user device. The calculated delay is stored into a logbook. In response to a request not indicating the current position of the transport, the delay is returned on the basis of the logbook.