Dynamic Virtual Bus Stop Selection for Ride-Sharing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ride-sharing systems lack efficient methods to dynamically optimize routes and virtual bus stops in real-time, leading to suboptimal passenger pickup and drop-off points, increased travel times, and inefficient vehicle occupancy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that dynamically selects virtual bus stops based on walking distance, comfort, safety, and passenger preferences, and assigns vehicles to maximize occupancy while minimizing wait times and travel duration by accessing real-time GPS data and ride-sharing information to generate and update route schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional ride-sharing systems use fixed routes and pickup points, then system complexity is reduced, but passenger wait times increase and vehicle occupancy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route optimization by continuously updating virtual bus stop locations and vehicle assignments based on real-time passenger requests, vehicle positions, and traffic conditions. The system transitions from static fixed routes to dynamic adaptive routes that adjust automatically to changing conditions, thereby reducing passenger wait times while managing system complexity through automated real-time computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the automated optimization algorithm independently processes passenger requests, assigns vehicles, and adjusts routes without requiring manual intervention. The computer processor automatically calculates optimal virtual bus stops and vehicle assignments based on real-time data, enabling the system to reduce wait times while maintaining manageable complexity through autonomous operation.
2Productivity
If ride-sharing systems use dynamic real-time route optimization, then vehicle occupancy efficiency is improved, but computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a grid of virtual bus stops across the service area before passenger requests arrive. This pre-computed infrastructure allows the system to quickly match passengers with nearby virtual stops and available vehicles, improving occupancy efficiency without requiring complex real-time calculations for every new request. The preliminary grid structure reduces computational burden during real-time operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual bus stop grid acts as an intermediary layer between passenger requests and vehicle assignments. Instead of directly matching passengers with vehicles, the system uses virtual stops as intermediate points that simplify the optimization process. This intermediary structure improves vehicle occupancy efficiency by grouping passengers at common pickup points while reducing computational complexity through a standardized matching framework.
3Ease of operation
If virtual bus stops are fixed in predetermined locations, then system operation is simplified, but passenger convenience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual bus stop selection where the system automatically determines optimal pickup and drop-off locations based on real-time passenger preferences, vehicle positions, and traffic conditions. Virtual stops are not fixed but dynamically adjusted to maximize passenger convenience and vehicle efficiency. This dynamic approach enhances adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters of virtual bus stops in real-time based on demand patterns, vehicle availability, and passenger requests. Instead of using fixed predetermined locations, the system continuously adjusts stop positions within the service area to optimize both passenger accessibility and operational efficiency. This parameter adaptation improves versatility while keeping system operation simple through algorithmic management.
4Duration of action of moving object
If ride-sharing systems dynamically adjust routes and virtual bus stops in real-time, then travel duration is reduced, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-computing and storing a comprehensive grid of virtual bus stops across the service area before operation begins. This pre-established infrastructure enables rapid real-time route adjustments without requiring complex calculations for every trip. The preliminary grid structure reduces travel duration by allowing quick optimization while managing system complexity through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual bus stops serve as intermediary points that simplify real-time route optimization. Instead of directly optimizing complex multi-passenger routes, the system uses predefined virtual stops as intermediate waypoints that break down the optimization problem into manageable segments. This intermediary approach reduces travel duration by enabling efficient route calculation while controlling system complexity through structured intermediate steps.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computer-implemented transportation system which can include at least the following components: a specialized computer machine, including: a non-transient memory, electronically storing particular computer executable program code; a specifically programmed computer processor of the specialized computer machine of the computer-implemented transportation system that is configured to perform at least the following operations: electronically receiving, in real-time, via a computer network, a plurality of electronic riding requests from a plurality of electronic computing devices operated by a plurality of ride-sharing requesting passengers; where each electronic riding request from each ride-sharing requesting passenger includes: a passenger-requested origin point, and a passenger-requested destination point; for a particular electronic riding request, dynamically determining, in real-time, from a plurality of candidate vehicles an assigned vehicle for picking up the particular ride-sharing requesting passenger and a pair of assigned virtual pickup and dropoff bus stop tasks.