Travel Time Calculation Using Segmented Delay Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack accurate methods for determining travel times and speeds that account for travel delays, which are essential for efficient fleet management and operational optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify speed, distance, and travel delay information to calculate estimated travel times and average speeds, utilizing telematics data and GPS-based systems to evaluate operational efficiencies and generate graphical presentations for fleet management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional travel time calculation methods are used, then calculation simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of travel times and speeds deteriorates due to failure to account for travel delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the travel time calculation by dividing the route into multiple segments and identifying specific delay locations along the route. Each segment's travel time is calculated separately, with delays at specific locations (such as traffic signals, intersections, or congestion points) being identified and accounted for individually. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision by capturing localized delay effects without requiring complete recalculation of the entire route, thus managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces delay information as an intermediary element that mediates between the basic speed-distance-time calculation and the final travel time estimation. By incorporating delay data from external sources (such as traffic management systems or historical data) as a mediating factor, the system can adjust calculated travel times to reflect actual conditions without fundamentally changing the calculation methodology, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Productivity
If travel delays are not accounted for, then calculation complexity is reduced, but productivity of fleet management operations deteriorates due to inaccurate travel time estimates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying potential delay locations along routes before actual travel occurs. Historical delay data, traffic pattern information, and route characteristics are analyzed in advance to establish expected delay points and their typical impact durations. This preliminary identification allows the system to proactively adjust travel time estimates, improving fleet management productivity by enabling better scheduling and resource allocation while minimizing time estimation errors.
3Measurement precision
If basic speed and distance information is used, then data collection simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of travel parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the travel time calculation adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the calculation by incorporating delay information that varies based on current conditions, location, and time. Instead of using fixed speed and distance parameters alone, the system continuously updates travel time estimates by adding delay components identified at specific locations along the route, thereby improving measurement precision while systematically addressing the loss of delay information.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for forecasting travel delays corresponding to streets, street segments, geographic areas, geofenced areas, and/or user-specified criteria. And from the forecasted travel delays, speed and travel times that take into account such travel delays can be determined.