DE102020209510A1 - Method, computer program and device for providing a route for transporting a user - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions and a device for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transport. In a first step, information about the place of origin and the destination is received (10). In addition, at least one user specification for the transport is received (11). A route from the starting point to the destination is then determined (12), with the means of transportation being used on a section of the route determined by the at least one user specification. Finally, the route is transmitted to the user and at least the partial route to the means of transportation (13).

Description

The present invention relates to a method, a computer program with instructions and a device for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transport.

Autonomous driving is currently one of the major topics in the automotive industry. According to general assessment, autonomous driving will initially establish itself in defined markets. Autonomous driving services such as taxis and minibuses will probably start, possibly with fixed stops or in fixed districts. An important aspect for the acceptance of autonomous driving services is that such means of transport must be meaningfully integrated into mobility planning if mobility customers want transport from a starting point to a destination.

In this context describes U.S. 2019/0361447 A1 a control system for a self-driving vehicle that can process sensor data from a sensor system to autonomously operate acceleration, braking and steering systems of the vehicle in a given region. The control system may receive a transport order to service a requesting user's pick-up request. The transportation instruction specifies a pickup location entered by the user. The control system then autonomously controls the acceleration, braking, and steering systems along a current route to a pickup area that includes the entered pickup location. The control system may further determine a corresponding set of pickup location options for the pickup area and, as the vehicle approaches the pickup area, perform a hierarchical operation to identify an optimal pick-up location for the user from the sensor data.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved solutions for providing a route for transporting a user from an origin to a destination using a means of transportation.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, by a computer program with instructions according to claim 9 and by a device having the features of claim 10. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

• - Empfangen von Informationen zum Ausgangsort und zum Zielort;
• - Empfangen zumindest einer Nutzervorgabe für den Transport;
• - Bestimmen einer Route vom Ausgangsort zum Zielort, wobei das Fortbewegungsmittel auf einer durch die zumindest eine Nutzervorgabe bestimmten Teilstrecke der Route genutzt wird; und
• - Übermitteln der Route an den Nutzer und zumindest der Teilstrecke an das Fortbewegungsmittel.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transport comprises the steps:

• - receiving information about the place of origin and the place of destination;
• - receiving at least one user specification for the transport;
• - Determining a route from the starting point to the destination, the means of transportation being used on a section of the route determined by the at least one user specification; and
• - Transmission of the route to the user and at least the partial route to the means of transport.

• - Empfangen von Informationen zum Ausgangsort und zum Zielort;
• - Empfangen zumindest einer Nutzervorgabe für den Transport;
• - Bestimmen einer Route vom Ausgangsort zum Zielort, wobei das Fortbewegungsmittel auf einer durch die zumindest eine Nutzervorgabe bestimmten Teilstrecke der Route genutzt wird; und
• - Übermitteln der Route an den Nutzer und zumindest der Teilstrecke an das Fortbewegungsmittel.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the following steps for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transport:

• - receiving information about the place of origin and the place of destination;
• - receiving at least one user specification for the transport;
• - Determining a route from the starting point to the destination, the means of transportation being used on a section of the route determined by the at least one user specification; and
• - Transmission of the route to the user and at least the partial route to the means of transport.

The term computer is to be understood broadly. In particular, it also includes mobile devices and other processor-based data processing devices.

The computer program can be provided for electronic retrieval, for example, or it can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

• - eine Empfangseinheit zum Empfangen von Informationen zum Ausgangsort und zum Zielort und zum Empfangen zumindest einer Nutzervorgabe für den Transport;
• - eine Planungseinheit zum Bestimmen einer Route vom Ausgangsort zum Zielort, wobei das Fortbewegungsmittel auf einer durch die zumindest eine Nutzervorgabe bestimmten Teilstrecke der Route genutzt wird; und
• - eine Übermittlungseinheit zum Übermitteln der Route an den Nutzer und zumindest der Teilstrecke an das Fortbewegungsmittel.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a device for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transport has:

• - a receiving unit for receiving origin and destination information and for receiving at least one user preference for the transport;
• - a planning unit for determining a route from the starting point to the destination, the means of transportation being used on a section of the route determined by the at least one user specification; and
• - A transmission unit for transmitting the route to the user and at least the partial route to the means of transportation.

In the solution according to the invention, a user can order transport using a mobility service, e.g., an autonomous or driver-controlled taxi or minibus. The order can be placed, for example, using an application on the user's mobile device, e.g. a smartphone or a tablet. The route from the starting point to the destination is then planned in such a way that the necessary journeys are made on at least part of the route with the desired means of transport. The leg is determined on the basis of one or more user specifications. The user specifications can, for example, be specified by the user as part of the order or can be stored in a user profile. While the complete route is transmitted to the user, at least the necessary partial route is transmitted to the means of transportation. It is also possible to provide several sections for several means of transportation. When transmitting the leg, the leg can be sent in detail, i.e. in the form of a complete route for the leg. Alternatively, only the end points of the leg can be transmitted. In this case, the route is planned on the partial route by the means of transportation. By taking into account user specifications when planning the route, the necessary journeys of the means of transport are optimized with regard to the wishes of the user. The means of transportation can in particular be a motor vehicle, but also a ship, a manned or unmanned aircraft, e.g. a Volocopter, etc.

According to one aspect of the invention, a boarding location for the user to board the means of transportation and an alighting location for the user to exit the means of transportation are determined on the basis of the at least one user specification. When planning the route, boarding and alighting points for transports with the desired mobility service are determined in such a way that they are particularly efficient for the user with regard to the user specifications if the user wants to get from the starting point to the destination. These points of boarding and disembarking for the mobility service do not have to be the same as the point of departure or the point of destination. For example, if a user wants to be taken from his current location to a destination using an autonomous taxi, it is determined where the best possible boarding point for the user should be implemented with the autonomous taxi. The user can then be navigated to this boarding location, for example on foot. Alternatively, other means of transport can also be included for this purpose. The exit point for exiting the autonomous taxi can also be selected in such a way that the user can reach the destination in the best possible way, taking into account all specifications. Here, too, the user can navigate from the exit point to the destination using footpaths and other forms of transport on further route sections. On the way from the place of departure to the destination, several intermediate transports with the desired mobility service can be provided on several sections.

According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one user specification includes a specification regarding the costs of the transport, emissions due to the transport or a time limit for the transport. The specification regarding the costs of the transport can, for example, take the form of maximum costs per kilometer or maximum total costs for the transport. This allows the user to adapt the transport to their financial leeway. The specification regarding emissions due to transport can, for example, consider CO2 emissions, particulate matter emissions, fuel consumption or, more generally, energy consumption, each related to the kilometer or the entire transport. This allows the user to adapt the transport to their personal requirements with regard to the ecological balance. The specification with regard to a time restriction for the transport can, for example, take the form of a maximum estimated total time for the transport or a latest accepted arrival time at the destination. This allows the user to adapt the transport to their schedule or other temporal constraints.

According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one user specification includes a specification with regard to a footpath of the route or with regard to the use of further means of transportation. Preferably, before or when ordering a mobility service from a mobility provider, the user can specify which distance can or should be covered during transport from the starting point to the destination on foot or with other means of transport. The information can consider the various forms of transport individually, in subgroups or as a whole. The distance can eg in the form of a maximum percentage of the entire route or as an absolute distance specification. For example, the user can specify a maximum length of the footpaths or a maximum percentage of the total distance traveled with an autonomous taxi. The user can also make specifications as to which available means of transport or forms of transport may or should be used, e.g. on foot, subway, bus, e-scooter, autonomous taxi, e-bike, bicycle, etc.

According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one user specification includes a specification regarding a number of changes between different modes of transport. Preferably, before or when ordering a mobility service from a mobility provider, the user can specify how large the maximum number of changes between means of transport or modes of transport may be over the entire route. The number can also be determined as a function of the total route or the total duration of the transport. This allows the user to adapt the transport to their personal comfort requirements.

According to one aspect of the invention, the user preferences have information about a weighting. When planning the route, it may happen that the user's specifications cannot be met or cannot be fully met. In this case, the user can store or request a weighting with regard to the importance of the specifications. In this way, it can be specified for which of the specifications exceeding or deviations are permitted if necessary. The weightings can also be used to optimize the transport. The weightings determine which specifications are given priority when optimizing the transport.

According to one aspect of the invention, the user specifications are dependent on boundary parameters. The specifications set by the mobility customer can vary depending on a number of boundary parameters. Boundary parameters are, for example, the time of day, the day of the week, the season, the existence of a vacation period or a public holiday, the forecast traffic volume, the weather situation, pollution, other burdens on the user or the health values or biovital data of the user.

As an example of the predicted traffic volume, e.g. the use of a subway can only be desired below a predicted number of people. As a further example, the use of an autonomous taxi can be made dependent on whether an increased traffic volume is forecast.

The weather conditions, e.g. the outside temperature, the intensity of the sun or the probability of rain or storms, can influence the choice of transport modes. For distances that are to be covered on foot or by bike, it can be considered as a forward-looking restriction that exceeding a mugginess limit or a limit value of absolute humidity in the air is only permitted for a limited time in order to avoid discomfort or sweating avoid.

Footpaths and cycle paths can also be limited if certain limit values for pollutants in the air are forecast to be exceeded. Examples of pollutants in the air are fine dust, ozone, nitrogen oxides, pollen pollution, etc. Exceeding recognized health hazards or limit values specified by the user can be considered. These limit values can be set as specifications and stored in a separate profile. Combinations of limit values can also be evaluated differently than the individual limit values. If, for example, two of the significant loads are close to a limit value without exceeding it, this can be evaluated as if the limit value was exceeded by a parameter.

If there is an increased risk of an influenza epidemic or other communicable diseases due to physical proximity to other people in everyday life, this circumstance can also be included in the route planning in order to reduce the risk of a possible transmission of the contagious disease. For example, public transport, car sharing or other mobility services with several people in a vehicle cabin can be avoided or not provided at all from a certain risk situation in the event of a flu epidemic.

Other aspects that can be taken into account are expected stresses from insects (e.g. oak processionary moths) or arachnids (e.g. ticks), contact with other animals to which an allergy or phobia exists, etc.

Another example of stress on the user is impairment of the sense of security or well-being. This can be due to the risk of theft or acts of violence, for example, or contact with the drug scene. A general risk potential on business trips or journeys, a specific risk potential on the planned route, an increased risk potential in certain areas in a big city, etc. The sense of security or well-being can also be influenced by the lighting conditions or the time of day. A footpath through a forest or a park in the light will not cause any discomfort, but in the dark it will.

The user’s health values or biovital data, e.g. heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, electrical skin conductivity, respiratory rate, moisture release or perspiration, can be measured by wearables, i.e. small electronic devices that are worn on the body. Examples of wearables are e.g. a smartwatch or smart clothing or textiles. The Biovital data can be used to record any physical problems the user may have and include them in route planning. For example, a footpath can be interrupted and a vehicle ordered.

According to one aspect of the invention, the route is dynamically adjusted when the boundary parameters change. Since some of the boundary parameters are subject to a temporal development, it makes sense to adjust the route in the event of relevant deviations. Depending on the changed current traffic situation, weather conditions, pollution, etc., the route and any intermediate destinations as well as the way in which the modes of transport are changed can be dynamically adjusted during transport.

A method according to the invention or a device according to the invention is used particularly advantageously in a backend of a mobility service provider. However, a solution according to the invention can also be used in a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone or a tablet. For this purpose, the method can be implemented in the form of an application. It is also possible to provide a solution according to the invention in a means of transportation.

• 1 zeigt schematisch ein Verfahren zum Bereitstellen einer Route für einen Transport eines Nutzers von einem Ausgangsort zu einem Zielort unter Verwendung eines Fortbewegungsmittels;
• 2 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Bereitstellen einer Route für einen Transport eines Nutzers von einem Ausgangsort zu einem Zielort unter Verwendung eines Fortbewegungsmittels s;
• 3 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Bereitstellen einer Route für einen Transport eines Nutzers von einem Ausgangsort zu einem Zielort unter Verwendung eines Fortbewegungsmittels; und
• 4 zeigt schematisch ein Systemdiagramm einer erfindungsgemäßen Lösung.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the figures.

• 1 shows schematically a method for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transportation;
• 2 shows a first embodiment of a device for providing a route for transporting a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transportation s;
• 3 shows a second embodiment of a device for providing a route for a transport of a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transportation; and
• 4 shows schematically a system diagram of a solution according to the invention.

For a better understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the features described can also be combined or modified without leaving the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1 shows schematically a method for providing a route for a transport of a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transportation. In a first step, information about the place of departure and the destination is received 10. In addition, at least one user specification for the transport is received 11. The user specification can be recorded, for example, by a user input or can be taken from a user profile. A route from the starting point to the destination is then determined 12, with the means of transportation being used on a section of the route determined by the at least one user specification. For this purpose, based on the at least one user specification, a boarding location for the user to board the means of transportation and an alighting location for the user to exit the means of transportation can be determined. Finally, the route is transmitted to the user and at least the leg to the means of transport 13. The user specifications can be, for example, a specification regarding the costs of transport, emissions due to transport or a time limit for transport, a specification regarding a footpath of the route or regarding the Use of other means of transport or a requirement for a number of changes between different modes of transport. The user specifications can also have information about a weighting or be dependent on boundary parameters. The route is preferably adapted dynamically when the boundary parameters change.

2 shows a simplified schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device 20 for providing a route for a transport of a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transportation. The device 20 has an input 21 via which a receiving unit 22 receives information to the origin A and to the destination B and at least one user specification N for the transport. The user specification N can, for example, be recorded by a user input or can be taken from a user profile. A planning unit 23 now determines a route R from the starting point A to the destination B in such a way that the means of transportation is used on a leg T of the route R determined by the at least one user specification N. For this purpose, the planning unit 23 can determine, based on the at least one user specification, a boarding location O1 for the user to board the means of transportation and an exit location O2 for the user to disembark from the means of transportation. A transmission unit 24 finally transmits the route R to the user via an output 27 of the device 20 and at least the leg T or the boarding point O1 and the disembarking point O2 to the means of transportation. The user specifications N can include, for example, a specification regarding the costs of transport, emissions due to the transport or a time limit for the transport, a specification regarding a footpath on the route or regarding the use of other means of transport or a specification regarding a number of changes between different modes of transport. The user specifications N can also have information about a weighting or be dependent on boundary parameters. The route R is preferably dynamically adapted by the planning unit 23 when the boundary parameters change.

The receiving unit 22, the planning unit 23 and the transmission unit 24 can be controlled by a control unit 25. If necessary, settings of the receiving unit 22, the planning unit 23, the transmission unit 24 or the control unit 25 can be changed via a user interface 28. The data occurring in the device 20 can be stored in the memory 26 if required, for example for later evaluation or for use by the components of the device 20. The receiving unit 22, the planning unit 23, the transmission unit 24 and the control unit 25 can be used as dedicated Be realized hardware, for example as integrated circuits. Of course, they can also be partially or fully combined or implemented as software running on a suitable processor, such as a GPU or a CPU. The input 21 and the output 27 can be implemented as separate interfaces or as a combined bidirectional interface.

3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device 30 for providing a route for a transport of a user from a starting point to a destination using a means of transportation. The device 30 has a processor 32 and a memory 31 . For example, the device 30 is a computer or a control device. Instructions are stored in the memory 31 which, when executed by the processor 32, cause the device 30 to carry out the steps according to one of the methods described. The instructions stored in the memory 31 thus embody a program which can be executed by the processor 32 and implements the method according to the invention. The device 30 has an input 33 for receiving information, for example information on the origin and destination and at least one user specification for the transport. Data generated by the processor 32 is provided via an output 34 . In addition, they can be stored in memory 31. The input 33 and the output 34 can be combined to form a bidirectional interface.

Processor 32 may include one or more processing units, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, or combinations thereof.

The memories 26, 31 of the described embodiments can have both volatile and non-volatile memory areas and can include a wide variety of memory devices and storage media, for example hard disks, optical storage media or semiconductor memories.

4 shows schematically a system diagram of a solution according to the invention. A user 40 uses an application on his smartphone 41 to order a mobility service in the form of transport from a starting point A to a destination B using a means of transport 50. The application records one or more user specifications N. The user specifications N can, for example, be entered by the user 40 are entered via a user interface of the smartphone 41 or are determined on the basis of data that is already available, for example using a user profile created at an earlier point in time. The user specifications N can include, for example, a specification regarding the costs of transport, emissions due to the transport or a time limit for the transport, a specification regarding a footpath on the route or regarding the use of other means of transport or a specification regarding a number of changes between different modes of transport. The user specifications N can also have information about a weighting or be dependent on boundary parameters. The application now transmits the transport request, ie at least information about the starting point A and the destination B as well the user specifications N, to a backend 42 of a mobility service provider. A route R from the starting point A to the destination B is determined in the backend 42 on the basis of the received data in such a way that the means of transport 50 is used on a section T of the route R determined by the at least one user specification N. For this purpose, a boarding location O1 for the user 40 to board the means of transportation 50 and an exit location O2 for the user 40 to disembark from the means of transportation 50 can be determined in the backend 42 on the basis of the user specifications N. The route R is then transmitted from the backend 42 to the user 40, in this example to the smartphone 41. The leg T, however, is transmitted from the backend 42 to the means of transport 50. The leg T can be transmitted in detail, ie in the form of a complete route for the leg T. Alternatively, only the end points of the leg T can be transmitted, ie the boarding point O1 and the alighting point 02. In this case, the specific route is planned on the leg T on the part of the means of transport 50. After receiving the route R, the user 40 can be navigated to the boarding point O1 by the application, for example on foot or using other means of transport. In this context, there is the possibility that the backend does not transmit a detailed route R to the user either, but essentially the boarding point O1 and the alighting point O2. In this case, the specific route from the starting point A to the boarding point O1 and from the exit point O2 to the destination B is planned by the smartphone 41, ie by the application.

In the example shown, the route R is planned in a backend 42. Alternatively, it can also be done in the means of transportation 50 or in the smartphone 41 of the user 40.

Reference List

10

Receiving information about an origin and a destination

11

receiving at least one user preference

12

Determination of a route in which a means of transport is used on a leg

13

Transmission of the route to a user and the partial route to the means of transportation

20

contraption

21

input

22

receiving unit

23

planning unit

24

transmission unit

25

control unit

26

Storage

27

exit

28

user interface

30

contraption

31

Storage

32

processor

33

input

34

exit

40

user

41

smartphone

42

backend

50

means of transportation

A

starting point

B

destination

N

user default

O1

boarding point

O2

exit location

R

route

T

leg

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US 2019/0361447 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Method for providing a route (R) for transporting a user (40) from a starting point (A) to a destination (B) using a means of transportation (50), with the steps: - Receiving (10) information about the starting point (A) and the destination (B); - receiving (11) at least one user specification (N) for the transport; - Determining (12) a route (R) from the starting point (A) to the destination (B), the means of transportation (50) being used on a leg (T) of the route (R) determined by the at least one user specification (N); and - Transmission (13) of the route (R) to the user (40) and at least the leg (T) to the means of transportation (50). procedure according to claim 1 , wherein on the basis of the at least one user specification (N) a boarding location (01) for the user (40) to board the means of transportation (50) and an exit location (02) for the user (40) to exit the means of transportation (50) are determined will. procedure according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one user specification (N) includes a specification regarding costs of transport, emissions due to transport or a time limit for transport. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one user specification (N) comprises a specification regarding a footpath of the route or regarding the use of further means of transport. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one user specification (N) comprises a specification regarding a number of changes between different modes of transport. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user specifications (N) have information on a weighting. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user specifications (N) are dependent on boundary parameters. procedure according to claim 7 , where the route (R) is dynamically adjusted when the boundary parameters change. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to carry out the steps of a method according to any one of Claims 1 until 8th to provide a route (R) for a transport of a user (40) from a starting point (A) to a destination (B) using a means of transportation (50). Device (20) for providing a route (R) for transporting a user (40) from a starting point (A) to a destination (B) using a means of transportation (50), with: - A receiving unit (22) for receiving (10) information about the starting point (A) and the destination (B) and for receiving (11) at least one user specification (N) for the transport; - a planning unit (23) for determining (12) a route (R) from the starting point (A) to the destination (B), the means of transport (50) on a section (T) of the route determined by the at least one user specification (N). (R) is used; and - A transmission unit (24) for transmitting (13) the route (R) to the user (40) and at least the leg (T) to the means of transportation (50).

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