Transport Service Location Determination via GPS Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing service arrangement systems face challenges in accurately determining the start location and time of transport services, leading to inaccuracies in trip data and potential undercharging or overcharging of drivers and riders, due to human error in inputting the correct start location and time.

Innovation Solution

A system that programmatically determines the start location and time of a transport service by analyzing location data points from a driver's device, using GPS information and timestamp data to identify the correct start point even if the driver incorrectly inputs it, by setting thresholds for distance and time proximity to the pickup location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If drivers manually input start location and time, then the system can record trip data, but human error causes inaccuracies in trip data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrip data recording efficiencyVSAvoidstart location and time accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines start location and time using GPS location data and timestamp from the driver's device, eliminating the need for manual driver input. The service arranges itself without human intervention for data collection, improving both efficiency and accuracy simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (driver typing location and time) with automated electronic detection (GPS coordinates and system timestamp). This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining efficient data recording

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the system uses driver-input data, then data collection is simple, but inaccuracies lead to undercharging or overcharging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection simplicityVSAvoidcompensation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures location and time data without requiring driver action, making the operation equally simple while dramatically improving reliability. The driver simply needs to be at the correct location, and the system handles the rest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the driver by comparing automated GPS data with expected pickup locations, allowing real-time correction of any discrepancies and ensuring accurate compensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual entry is used for start location, then the system requires minimal technology, but human error creates inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem technology requirementsVSAvoidtrip data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple manual entry with automated GPS and timestamp technology, increasing device complexity slightly but eliminating human error and improving overall productivity through accurate, consistent data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11605246B2Programmatically determining location information in connection with a transport service

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 UBER TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A computing system receives location data from a computing device of a transport provider and based on the location data, monitors a location of the transport provider as the transport provider operates a vehicle to travel towards a service location of the service request. The system determines, based on monitoring the location of the transport provider, that the transport provider has not indicated at least one of a correct start location or a correct start time for fulfilling the service request. In response to determining that the transport provider has not indicated the at least one of the correct start location or the correct start time, the system uses a set of the location data received from the computing device of the transport provider to determine the at least one of the correct start location or the correct start time for fulfilling the service request.