WO2015057142A1 - Method and system for vehicular passenger transport - Google Patents

Method and system for vehicular passenger transport Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015057142A1
WO2015057142A1 PCT/SE2014/051211 SE2014051211W WO2015057142A1 WO 2015057142 A1 WO2015057142 A1 WO 2015057142A1 SE 2014051211 W SE2014051211 W SE 2014051211W WO 2015057142 A1 WO2015057142 A1 WO 2015057142A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
travel
passenger
operator
potential passenger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2014/051211
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jon Andersson
André Claesson
Original Assignee
Scania Cv Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scania Cv Ab filed Critical Scania Cv Ab
Priority to DE112014004339.7T priority Critical patent/DE112014004339T5/en
Publication of WO2015057142A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015057142A1/en

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Classifications

    • G06Q50/40—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/123—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating the position of vehicles, e.g. scheduled vehicles; Managing passenger vehicles circulating according to a fixed timetable, e.g. buses, trains, trams
    • G08G1/133—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating the position of vehicles, e.g. scheduled vehicles; Managing passenger vehicles circulating according to a fixed timetable, e.g. buses, trains, trams within the vehicle ; Indicators inside the vehicles or at stops
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0968—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/123—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating the position of vehicles, e.g. scheduled vehicles; Managing passenger vehicles circulating according to a fixed timetable, e.g. buses, trains, trams

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for vehicular passenger transport according to the preamble of claim 1 .
  • the invention also relates to a system for vehicular passenger transport.
  • the invention also relates to a motor vehicle.
  • the invention further relates to a computer program and a computer program product.
  • bus stops are not always located along the main road, but rather the bus has to turn off of said road and drive on to the stop if any passenger is standing there.
  • the passenger can often signal in some way that he/she wishes to be picked up, e.g. via a lamp or sign that the driver can read from afar in order to determine whether it will be necessary to turn off the main road or not.
  • a stop may be obstructed by plants, buildings, fog etc, making it difficult for the driver to determine whether any passengers are at the stop.
  • the driver must thus make an extra turn with the bus, even though it may actually be unnecessary, in order to ensure that no passenger is being missed.
  • Under certain conditions, such as in fog and/or darkness it may be difficult to determine where the next stop is located, even if it lies in proximity to or directly along the route of travel of the bus.
  • a stop at which people are present is detected at a late stage, there is a risk that the driver will brake forcefully, which can affect passenger comfort and, in some cases, pose a general traffic hazard.
  • JP08063697 describes a passenger-detecting device in the form of a camera arranged at each bus stop to detect whether waiting passengers are present at the bus stops. The results are sent to a remote monitoring site, which in turn sends signals to each bus indicating to the driver that passengers are waiting at the stop.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for vehicular passenger transport that enables the efficient and safe forward travel of the vehicle, taking into account potential passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger is performed in a sufficiently timely manner that a controlled stop at said boarding site is enabled. Safety is thereby improved.
  • the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger is conditioned upon certain criteria for forward travel not being fulfilled, which criteria are determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site. Reminding the vehicle operator only when the need for a reminder exists results in the vehicle operator not being disturbed unnecessarily, which enables improved traffic safety.
  • the method further comprises the step of warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder fails to trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site. The risk that a waiting passenger will be missed is thereby minimized. According to one variant, such a warning occurs in immediate connection to the boarding site. According to one embodiment of the method, the step of warning occurs a given time and/or a given distance after the driver has been reminded, so as to ensure that the operator has opportunity to react to said reminder.
  • the step of determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle includes the step of determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle. Efficient and safe forward travel of the vehicle is thereby enabled, taking into account potential passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle, wherein the driver need not stop unnecessarily just because a potential passenger is present at the boarding site, but rather only for passengers who intend to board the vehicle.
  • a system for vehicular passenger transport comprising means for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle, and means for informing the vehicle operator of such presence, further comprising means for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated in a sufficiently timely manner that a controlled stop at said boarding site is made possible.
  • the means for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated on the condition that certain criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, which criteria are arranged so as to be determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site.
  • the system further comprises means for warning the vehicle operator in the event that the provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site.
  • the warning means are arranged so as to be activated a given time and/or a given distance after the driver has been reminded in order to ensure opportunity for the operator to react to said reminder.
  • the system means for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the exemplary vehicle 1 consists of a heavy vehicle in the form of a bus.
  • the vehicle can alternatively consist of any arbitrary suitable vehicle for vehicular passenger transport, such as a boat/ferry or other suitable vehicle for vehicular passenger transport on which passengers board at boarding sites.
  • the vehicle contains a system I for vehicular passenger transport according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system I for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.
  • the system I comprises means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise, according to one variant, means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site are, according to one variant, arranged in connection to the boarding site.
  • the means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site are, according to one variant, arranged on the vehicle.
  • the means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site are, according to one variant, arranged in connection with the boarding site and on the vehicle.
  • the means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site consist of one or more detecting elements, wherein said detecting elements consist of any arbitrary detecting elements for sensing a potential passenger in connection with a boarding site, with the detecting elements consisting of a suitable camera element, according to one variant.
  • the means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means 100, 220 for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle, so that an unnecessary stop can be avoided in the event that the potential passenger does not intend to board the relevant vehicle but rather a different vehicle, which can occur, for example, in connection with bus traffic involving multiple bus lines that stop at the same bus stop.
  • the means 100, 220 for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle can comprise any arbitrary means for determining whether a potential passenger at the next upcoming board site intends to board the vehicle in question.
  • the means 100, 220 for determining the intention of the potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger.
  • the means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, a travel application 22, i.e. a so-called app, in a unit such as a mobile phone, tablet, computer or the equivalent, via which a potential passenger can indicate a travel intention and provide for the communication of said travel intention to the relevant vehicle. Said communication can also include the current location of the passenger.
  • a travel application 22 i.e. a so-called app
  • Said communication can also include the current location of the passenger.
  • the means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, means 224 for recording information about a travel intention in connection with booking a ticket, which information includes, according to one variant, the intended boarding time for the trip and the boarding site for the trip.
  • the means 224 can be comprised in the means 222.
  • the means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, activatable indicating elements 226 arranged at the boarding site, whereupon a potential passenger can activate the indicating elements 226 for vehicles on which the potential passenger intends to travel.
  • said indicating elements 226 consist of buttons or the equivalent, wherein each respective button corresponds to vehicles for a specific vehicle line/bus line, whereupon the potential passenger can manually activate the indicating element for the desired vehicle line.
  • Such an indication can be communicated to the vehicle via communication means such as the communication means 310 described below, so that the driver receives an indication that the potential passenger intends to board at the relevant boarding site. Such an indication could also be indicated to the driver visually at the boarding site.
  • the means 220 for indicating travel intention could, according to one example, be utilized for an express bus that is to drive between site A and D, wherein sites A and D could consist of urban areas.
  • the express bus must also pick up passengers at sites B and C, which could also consist of urban areas.
  • the means for indicating travel intention indicate that one or more people intend to travel with the express bus from site B
  • the operator/driver knows that the express bus must turn into the urban area B.
  • the reminder cited below and, if necessary, also a warning can be activated, whereupon the driver can, in the event of a missed exit, take a later exit after having receiving the reminder/warning.
  • the means for indicating travel intention indicate that no passengers intend to travel with the express bus from site C
  • the operator/driver of the express bus knows that the express bus need not turn into the urban area C, and can thus save both time and fuel.
  • the system I comprises means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator of the presence of passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator of the presence of passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle include communication means 310 for communication between one or more additional units and the vehicle, so that the vehicle operator can thereby be informed of the presence of a potential passenger.
  • said units include units in connection with the boarding site.
  • the communication means 310 comprise and/or are connected with the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the boarding site.
  • the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger are, according to one variant, arranged so as to, either directly or via a separate unit, communicate to the vehicle the presence of a potential passenger in connection with the next upcoming boarding site, so that the vehicle operator is informed.
  • the means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator of the presence of passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means 320 for indicating, to the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the means 320 for indicating the presence of a potential passenger can comprise any arbitrary indicating means, such as means 322 for visual indication, means 324 for auditory indication and/or means 326 for tactile indication.
  • the means 320 for indicating the presence of a potential passenger can consequently comprise any arbitrary indicating elements, such as auditory indicating elements, visual indicating elements and/or tactile indicating elements.
  • the means 320 for indicating the presence of a potential passenger comprise means 322 for visual indication.
  • the means 322 for visual indication comprise at least one activatable light unit 322a arranged at the boarding site, wherein the light unit is, according to one variant, manually activatable, so that the passenger can activate the light unit at the boarding site, or automatically activatable, so that the light unit is activated by the presence of a potential passenger at the boarding site.
  • the light unit 322a can be read manually by the vehicle operator and/or by means of sensing elements such as a camera element of the vehicle.
  • the means 322 for visual indication comprise, according to one variant, a display unit 322b from which the driver receives an indication regarding the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the means 322 for visual indication comprise, according to one variant, a boarding symbol 322c indicating an intention on the part of the passenger to board at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the boarding symbol 322c corresponds essentially to a stop symbol displayed for the driver and indicating that a person intends to board the vehicle at the next upcoming boarding/unboarding site, such as a stop symbol on a bus that is activated by passengers in the bus via buttons arranged in the bus, wherein the difference is that, when activated, the boarding symbol 322c indicates an intention to board at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the means 300:1 for informing can comprise one or more of said means which, according to one variant, are activated the entire time or deactivated when the vehicle operator is informed of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the system I comprises means 300: 2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise, according to one variant, means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator/driver of the presence of potential passengers.
  • the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator comprise, according to variants, said communication means 310 and/or other communication means for communicating information about the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator comprise, according to one variant, said indicating means 320 for indicating, with the purpose of reminding the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site and/or other indicating means, wherein the indicating means comprise means 322, 324, 326 for visual, auditory and/or tactile indication.
  • the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger differ from the means 300:1 for informing the driver, in that the means 300:2 for reminding the operator add additional escalation of the notification of the vehicle operator in the form of a reminder wherein, for example, means for auditory and/or tactile indication are added to a visual indication, and/or visual indication is further strengthened via a blinking function or the equivalent, and/or auditory and/or tactile indication is/are additionally strengthened.
  • the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated on the condition that certain criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, which criteria are determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site.
  • the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger comprise means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel while approaching boarding sites.
  • the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel while approaching boarding sites comprise means 330a for determining the retardation of the vehicle while approaching a relevant boarding site.
  • the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel while approaching boarding sites comprise means 330b for determining the activation of a turn signal and/or indication that the vehicle is turning toward a relevant boarding site when approaching a relevant boarding site.
  • the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel when approaching boarding sites comprise means 330c for determining a downshift of the vehicle when approaching a relevant boarding site.
  • the system I consequently comprises means 340 for activating the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger in the event that one or more set criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled.
  • the system I comprises means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site.
  • the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site comprise the means 300:1 , 300:2 for informing/reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of potential passengers.
  • the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator comprise, according to variants, said communication means 310 and/or other communication means for communicating information about the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator comprise indicating means 320 for indicating, to the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming board site and/or other indicating means, wherein said indicating means comprise means 322, 324, 326 for visual, auditory and/or tactile indication.
  • the means 300:3 for warning are arranged so as to be activated a given time and/or distance after the driver has been reminded, in order to ensure that the operator has opportunity to react to said reminder.
  • the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator comprise means 350 for determining whether the operator has reacted to said reminder.
  • the system I consequently comprises means 360 for activating the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a given time and/or a given distance has elapsed since the driver was reminded.
  • said means 300:3 for warning the driver are arranged so as to activated in immediate connection with the relevant boarding site. The warning can also occur if the driver has missed an exit that leads to the boarding site.
  • the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator differ from the means 300:2 for reminding the driver in that the means for warning the driver add additional escalation of the notification of the vehicle operator in the form of a warning wherein, for example, means for auditory and/or tactile indication are added to visual indication, and/or wherein visual, auditory and/or [tactile] indication are further strengthened by means of a blinking function or the equivalent, and/or auditory indication is further strengthened by means of, for example, an alarm and/or tactile indication is further strengthened.
  • the system I consequently comprises means 300:1 for, in a first stage, informing the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger, means 300:2 for, in a second stage, reminding the operator, and means 300:3 for, in a third stage as the final measure, warning the operator.
  • the means 300:1 for informing, the means 300:2 for reminding and the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator are comprised in means 300 for notifying the driver of the presence of potential passengers.
  • the system I comprises means 400 for determining a route of travel.
  • the means 400 for determining a route of travel are arranged so as to supply predetermined characteristics of and associated with the roadway along the route of travel of the vehicle, including boarding sites along the route of travel of the vehicle and the vehicle position along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means 400 for determining a route of travel are arranged so as to supply information including the position and intention on the part of passengers to board along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the means 400 for determining a route of travel comprise a cartographic information unit 410 containing cartographic data including said characteristics of and associated with the roadway, including boarding sites such as stops along the route of travel of the vehicle. Said characteristics of and associated with the roadway can also comprise intersections, traffic lights, curves, topography and any on-ramps/off-ramps as the basis for determining criteria for forward travel .
  • the means 400 for determining a route of travel further comprise means 420 for determining vehicle position in the form of a geographical positioning system, e.g. GPS, for identifying the vehicle position.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle via a link 20.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 20, a signal from the means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle representing data for passenger presence.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle via a link 21 .
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 21 , a signal from the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle representing data for passenger presence.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 220 for indicating the intention of a potential passenger to ride via a link 22.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 22, a signal from the means 220 for indicating the intention of a potential passenger to ride representing data for an intention to board.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 300 for notifying the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at a boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle via a link 30.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 30, a signal to the means 300 representing data for providing notification of passenger presence.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to communication means 310 for communication between one or more additional units and the vehicle via en link 31 .
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 31 , a signal from the communication means 310 representing data for passenger presence.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 320 for indicating, to the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site via a link 32.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32, a signal to the means 320 representing indicating data for the presence of passengers.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 322 for visual indication via a link 32:2.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32:2, a signal to the means 322 representing visual indicating data for the presence of passengers, wherein the visual indication for the vehicle operator can occur via a display unit, via a light unit at the boarding site, and/or via a boarding symbol.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 324 for auditory indication via a link 32:4.
  • the electronic control unit 1 00 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32:4, a signal to the means 324 representing auditory indicating data for the presence of passengers, where the auditory indication can occur by means of a voice message, acoustic alarm or the equivalent.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 326 for tactile indication via a link 32:6.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32:6, a signal to the means 326 representing tactile indicating data for the presence of passengers, wherein the tactile indication for the vehicle operator can occur via vibrations/bumps/movements in the driver seat, steering wheel, accelerator or the equivalent.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 33, to the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel when approaching boarding sites.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 33, a signal from the means 330 representing data for criteria for forward travel, which data can comprise retardation data, turn signal data and/or turn indicating data and/or downshifting data.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 34, to the means 340 for activating the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger, wherein activation of the means 300:2 comprises activation of the means 320 comprising activation of the means 322, the means 324 and/or the means 326.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 34, a signal from the means 340 representing activating data for activating the means 300:2, i.e. activating data for activating the means 320 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 35, to the means 350 for determining whether the operator has reacted to said reminder.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 35, a signal from the means 350 representing data for determining whether the operator has reacted to the earlier reminder.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 36, to the means 360 for activating the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a given time and/or given distance has elapsed after the driver was reminded, wherein activation of the means 300:3 comprises activation of the means 320 comprising activation of the means 322, the means 324 and/or the means 326.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 36, a signal from the means 360 representing activating data for activating the means 300:3, i.e. activating data for activating the means 320 to warn the vehicle operator.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 40, to the means 400 for determining a route of travel.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 40, a signal from the means 400 representing route of travel data for predetermined characteristics of and associated with the roadway along the route of travel of the vehicle comprising boarding sites along the route of travel of the vehicle and the vehicle position along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said data for passenger presence from the means 200 comprising the processing of said data for passenger presence from the means 210 and/or said data from the means 220 and/or said data from the communication means 310 for thus determining the presence of a potential passenger and, in relevant cases during the processing of data from the means 220, also determining whether the potential passenger intends to board at the next upcoming boarding site.
  • the electronic control unit 100 will send indicating data in the form of visual, auditory and/or tactile indicating data to the means 320 for informing the driver of the presence of the potential passenger.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said data for criteria for forward travel, which data can comprise retardation data, turn signal data and/or turn indication data and/or downshifting data from the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel when approaching boarding sites.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, based on activating data from the means 340, indicating data in the form of visual, auditory and/or tactile indicating data to the means 320 for reminding the driver of the presence of the potential passenger, so that the driver can take action in the form of said criteria for forward travel, i.e. retard the vehicle, indicate an intention to turn and perform the downshifting necessary to safely approach the boarding site to pick up waiting passengers.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said data for determining whether the operator has reacted to the earlier reminder from the means 350.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, based on activating data from the means 360, indicating data in the form of visual, auditory and/or tactile indicating data to the means 320 for warning the driver of the immediate risk of missing making a stop to allow waiting passengers to board, so that the driver can take action in the form of retardation/braking and/or other action, such as turning around so that waiting passengers can be picked up and boarded.
  • the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said route of travel data for predetermined characteristics of and associated with the roadway along the route of travel of the vehicle comprising boarding sites along the route of travel of the vehicle and the vehicle position along the route of travel of the vehicle so as to facilitate the determination of the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel.
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method for vehicular passenger transport comprises a first step S1 .
  • the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle is determined in this step.
  • the method for vehicular passenger transport comprises a second step S2. In this step the vehicle operator is informed of such presence.
  • the method for vehicular passenger transport comprises a third step S3.
  • the vehicle operator is reminded of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the control unit 100 that is described with reference to Fig. 2 can comprise the device 500.
  • the device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data-processing unit 510 and a read/write memory 550.
  • the non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory part 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored so as to control the function of the device 500.
  • the device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O elements, an A D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown).
  • the non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory part 540.
  • a computer program P contains routines for vehicular passenger transport according to the innovative method.
  • the program P contains routines for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the program P contains routines for informing the vehicle operator of such presence.
  • the program P contains routines for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the program P can be stored in executable fashion or comprised fashion in a memory 560 and/or in a read/write memory 550.
  • the data-processing unit 510 executes a certain part of the program that is stored in the memory560, or a certain part of the program that is stored in the read/write memory 550.
  • the data-processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515.
  • the non-volatile memory 520 is intended for communication with the data-processing unit 510 via a data bus 512.
  • the separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data-processing unit 51 0 via a data bus 51 1 .
  • the read/write memory 550 is arranged so as to communicate with the data-processing unit 510 via a data bus 514.
  • the links associated with the control unit 100 can, for example, be connected to the data port 599. When data are received at the data port 599, they are stored temporarily in the second memory part 540.
  • the data-processing unit 510 is arranged so as to perform the execution of code in a manner as described above.
  • the signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to determine the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • the signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to inform the vehicle operator of such presence.
  • the signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to remind the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
  • Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by the device 500 with the help of the data-processing unit 51 0 that runs the program stored in the memory 560 or the read/write memory 550.
  • the methods described herein are executed when the device 500 runs the program.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for vehicular passenger transport comprising the steps of: determining (S1) the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle; and informing (S2) the vehicle operator of such presence. The method further comprises the step of reminding (S3) the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle. The present invention also relates to a system for vehicular passenger transport. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

Method and system for vehicular passenger transport
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method for vehicular passenger transport according to the preamble of claim 1 . The invention also relates to a system for vehicular passenger transport. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a computer program and a computer program product.
BACKGROUND
In, for example, sparsely populated areas, bus stops are not always located along the main road, but rather the bus has to turn off of said road and drive on to the stop if any passenger is standing there. The passenger can often signal in some way that he/she wishes to be picked up, e.g. via a lamp or sign that the driver can read from afar in order to determine whether it will be necessary to turn off the main road or not.
However, a stop may be obstructed by plants, buildings, fog etc, making it difficult for the driver to determine whether any passengers are at the stop. The driver must thus make an extra turn with the bus, even though it may actually be unnecessary, in order to ensure that no passenger is being missed. Under certain conditions, such as in fog and/or darkness, it may be difficult to determine where the next stop is located, even if it lies in proximity to or directly along the route of travel of the bus. When a stop at which people are present is detected at a late stage, there is a risk that the driver will brake forcefully, which can affect passenger comfort and, in some cases, pose a general traffic hazard. JP08063697 describes a passenger-detecting device in the form of a camera arranged at each bus stop to detect whether waiting passengers are present at the bus stops. The results are sent to a remote monitoring site, which in turn sends signals to each bus indicating to the driver that passengers are waiting at the stop.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for vehicular passenger transport that enables the efficient and safe forward travel of the vehicle, taking into account potential passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects, which are presented in the description below, are achieved by means of a method and a system plus a motor vehicle, computer program and computer program product of the kinds described above and further exhibiting the features specified in the characterizing part of the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in the accompanying dependent claims. According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a method for vehicular passenger transport comprising the steps of: determining the present of potential passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle; and informing the vehicle operator of such presence, further comprising the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of potential passengers at the next boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle. Such reminding of the vehicle operator/driver enables the efficient and safe forward travel of the vehicle, taking into account potential passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle, wherein the risk that the driver will fail to stop for a passenger is reduced.
According to one embodiment of the method, the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger is performed in a sufficiently timely manner that a controlled stop at said boarding site is enabled. Safety is thereby improved.
According to one embodiment of the method, the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger is conditioned upon certain criteria for forward travel not being fulfilled, which criteria are determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site. Reminding the vehicle operator only when the need for a reminder exists results in the vehicle operator not being disturbed unnecessarily, which enables improved traffic safety.
According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder fails to trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site. The risk that a waiting passenger will be missed is thereby minimized. According to one variant, such a warning occurs in immediate connection to the boarding site. According to one embodiment of the method, the step of warning occurs a given time and/or a given distance after the driver has been reminded, so as to ensure that the operator has opportunity to react to said reminder.
According to one embodiment of the method, the step of determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle includes the step of determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle. Efficient and safe forward travel of the vehicle is thereby enabled, taking into account potential passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle, wherein the driver need not stop unnecessarily just because a potential passenger is present at the boarding site, but rather only for passengers who intend to board the vehicle.
According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a system for vehicular passenger transport comprising means for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle, and means for informing the vehicle operator of such presence, further comprising means for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle. According to one embodiment of the system, the means for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated in a sufficiently timely manner that a controlled stop at said boarding site is made possible.
According to one embodiment of the system, the means for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated on the condition that certain criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, which criteria are arranged so as to be determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site.
According to one embodiment, the system further comprises means for warning the vehicle operator in the event that the provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site.
According to one embodiment of the system, the warning means are arranged so as to be activated a given time and/or a given distance after the driver has been reminded in order to ensure opportunity for the operator to react to said reminder.
According to one embodiment, the system means for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle.
The system claims exhibit advantages corresponding to those cited above for the corresponding method claims.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference designations refer to the same parts consistently throughout the many views, and in which:
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The term "link" refers herein to a communication link, which can be a physical line, such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical line, such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio or microwave link. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary vehicle 1 consists of a heavy vehicle in the form of a bus. The vehicle can alternatively consist of any arbitrary suitable vehicle for vehicular passenger transport, such as a boat/ferry or other suitable vehicle for vehicular passenger transport on which passengers board at boarding sites. The vehicle contains a system I for vehicular passenger transport according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system I for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.
The system I comprises means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle.
The means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise, according to one variant, means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle. The means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site are, according to one variant, arranged in connection to the boarding site. The means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site are, according to one variant, arranged on the vehicle. The means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site are, according to one variant, arranged in connection with the boarding site and on the vehicle. The means 210 for sensing a potential passenger at a boarding site consist of one or more detecting elements, wherein said detecting elements consist of any arbitrary detecting elements for sensing a potential passenger in connection with a boarding site, with the detecting elements consisting of a suitable camera element, according to one variant.
The means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means 100, 220 for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle, so that an unnecessary stop can be avoided in the event that the potential passenger does not intend to board the relevant vehicle but rather a different vehicle, which can occur, for example, in connection with bus traffic involving multiple bus lines that stop at the same bus stop.
The means 100, 220 for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle can comprise any arbitrary means for determining whether a potential passenger at the next upcoming board site intends to board the vehicle in question. The means 100, 220 for determining the intention of the potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger.
The means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, a travel application 22, i.e. a so-called app, in a unit such as a mobile phone, tablet, computer or the equivalent, via which a potential passenger can indicate a travel intention and provide for the communication of said travel intention to the relevant vehicle. Said communication can also include the current location of the passenger.
The means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, means 224 for recording information about a travel intention in connection with booking a ticket, which information includes, according to one variant, the intended boarding time for the trip and the boarding site for the trip. The means 224 can be comprised in the means 222.
The means 220 for indicating the travel intention of a potential passenger comprise, according to one variant, activatable indicating elements 226 arranged at the boarding site, whereupon a potential passenger can activate the indicating elements 226 for vehicles on which the potential passenger intends to travel. According to one variant, said indicating elements 226 consist of buttons or the equivalent, wherein each respective button corresponds to vehicles for a specific vehicle line/bus line, whereupon the potential passenger can manually activate the indicating element for the desired vehicle line. Such an indication can be communicated to the vehicle via communication means such as the communication means 310 described below, so that the driver receives an indication that the potential passenger intends to board at the relevant boarding site. Such an indication could also be indicated to the driver visually at the boarding site.
The means 220 for indicating travel intention could, according to one example, be utilized for an express bus that is to drive between site A and D, wherein sites A and D could consist of urban areas. The express bus must also pick up passengers at sites B and C, which could also consist of urban areas. In the event that the means for indicating travel intention indicate that one or more people intend to travel with the express bus from site B, the operator/driver knows that the express bus must turn into the urban area B. In the event that the driver forgets to turn in, the reminder cited below and, if necessary, also a warning, can be activated, whereupon the driver can, in the event of a missed exit, take a later exit after having receiving the reminder/warning. In the event that the means for indicating travel intention indicate that no passengers intend to travel with the express bus from site C, the operator/driver of the express bus knows that the express bus need not turn into the urban area C, and can thus save both time and fuel.
The system I comprises means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator of the presence of passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle.
The means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator of the presence of passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle include communication means 310 for communication between one or more additional units and the vehicle, so that the vehicle operator can thereby be informed of the presence of a potential passenger. According to one variant, said units include units in connection with the boarding site. According to one variant, the communication means 310 comprise and/or are connected with the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the boarding site. The means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger are, according to one variant, arranged so as to, either directly or via a separate unit, communicate to the vehicle the presence of a potential passenger in connection with the next upcoming boarding site, so that the vehicle operator is informed.
According to one variant, the means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator of the presence of passengers along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means 320 for indicating, to the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site.
The means 320 for indicating the presence of a potential passenger can comprise any arbitrary indicating means, such as means 322 for visual indication, means 324 for auditory indication and/or means 326 for tactile indication. The means 320 for indicating the presence of a potential passenger can consequently comprise any arbitrary indicating elements, such as auditory indicating elements, visual indicating elements and/or tactile indicating elements.
According to one variant, the means 320 for indicating the presence of a potential passenger comprise means 322 for visual indication. According to one variant, the means 322 for visual indication comprise at least one activatable light unit 322a arranged at the boarding site, wherein the light unit is, according to one variant, manually activatable, so that the passenger can activate the light unit at the boarding site, or automatically activatable, so that the light unit is activated by the presence of a potential passenger at the boarding site. The light unit 322a can be read manually by the vehicle operator and/or by means of sensing elements such as a camera element of the vehicle. The means 322 for visual indication comprise, according to one variant, a display unit 322b from which the driver receives an indication regarding the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site.
The means 322 for visual indication comprise, according to one variant, a boarding symbol 322c indicating an intention on the part of the passenger to board at the next upcoming boarding site. According to one variant, the boarding symbol 322c corresponds essentially to a stop symbol displayed for the driver and indicating that a person intends to board the vehicle at the next upcoming boarding/unboarding site, such as a stop symbol on a bus that is activated by passengers in the bus via buttons arranged in the bus, wherein the difference is that, when activated, the boarding symbol 322c indicates an intention to board at the next upcoming boarding site.
The means 300:1 for informing can comprise one or more of said means which, according to one variant, are activated the entire time or deactivated when the vehicle operator is informed of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle.
The system I comprises means 300: 2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle. The means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise, according to one variant, means 300:1 for informing the vehicle operator/driver of the presence of potential passengers. The means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator comprise, according to variants, said communication means 310 and/or other communication means for communicating information about the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site. The means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator comprise, according to one variant, said indicating means 320 for indicating, with the purpose of reminding the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site and/or other indicating means, wherein the indicating means comprise means 322, 324, 326 for visual, auditory and/or tactile indication.
According to one variant, the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger differ from the means 300:1 for informing the driver, in that the means 300:2 for reminding the operator add additional escalation of the notification of the vehicle operator in the form of a reminder wherein, for example, means for auditory and/or tactile indication are added to a visual indication, and/or visual indication is further strengthened via a blinking function or the equivalent, and/or auditory and/or tactile indication is/are additionally strengthened.
According to one embodiment of the system, the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated on the condition that certain criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, which criteria are determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site.
According to one variant, the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger comprise means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel while approaching boarding sites. The means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel while approaching boarding sites comprise means 330a for determining the retardation of the vehicle while approaching a relevant boarding site. The means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel while approaching boarding sites comprise means 330b for determining the activation of a turn signal and/or indication that the vehicle is turning toward a relevant boarding site when approaching a relevant boarding site. The means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel when approaching boarding sites comprise means 330c for determining a downshift of the vehicle when approaching a relevant boarding site. The system I consequently comprises means 340 for activating the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger in the event that one or more set criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled.
The system I comprises means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site.
According to one variant, the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site comprise the means 300:1 , 300:2 for informing/reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of potential passengers. The means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator comprise, according to variants, said communication means 310 and/or other communication means for communicating information about the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site. According to one variant, the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator comprise indicating means 320 for indicating, to the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming board site and/or other indicating means, wherein said indicating means comprise means 322, 324, 326 for visual, auditory and/or tactile indication.
According to one embodiment of the system I, the means 300:3 for warning are arranged so as to be activated a given time and/or distance after the driver has been reminded, in order to ensure that the operator has opportunity to react to said reminder.
According to one variant, the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator comprise means 350 for determining whether the operator has reacted to said reminder. The system I consequently comprises means 360 for activating the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a given time and/or a given distance has elapsed since the driver was reminded. According to one variant, said means 300:3 for warning the driver are arranged so as to activated in immediate connection with the relevant boarding site. The warning can also occur if the driver has missed an exit that leads to the boarding site.
According to one variant, the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator differ from the means 300:2 for reminding the driver in that the means for warning the driver add additional escalation of the notification of the vehicle operator in the form of a warning wherein, for example, means for auditory and/or tactile indication are added to visual indication, and/or wherein visual, auditory and/or [tactile] indication are further strengthened by means of a blinking function or the equivalent, and/or auditory indication is further strengthened by means of, for example, an alarm and/or tactile indication is further strengthened.
The system I consequently comprises means 300:1 for, in a first stage, informing the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger, means 300:2 for, in a second stage, reminding the operator, and means 300:3 for, in a third stage as the final measure, warning the operator.
The means 300:1 for informing, the means 300:2 for reminding and the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator are comprised in means 300 for notifying the driver of the presence of potential passengers.
According to one variant, the system I comprises means 400 for determining a route of travel. The means 400 for determining a route of travel are arranged so as to supply predetermined characteristics of and associated with the roadway along the route of travel of the vehicle, including boarding sites along the route of travel of the vehicle and the vehicle position along the route of travel of the vehicle. The means 400 for determining a route of travel are arranged so as to supply information including the position and intention on the part of passengers to board along the route of travel of the vehicle.
According to one variant, the means 400 for determining a route of travel comprise a cartographic information unit 410 containing cartographic data including said characteristics of and associated with the roadway, including boarding sites such as stops along the route of travel of the vehicle. Said characteristics of and associated with the roadway can also comprise intersections, traffic lights, curves, topography and any on-ramps/off-ramps as the basis for determining criteria for forward travel . The means 400 for determining a route of travel further comprise means 420 for determining vehicle position in the form of a geographical positioning system, e.g. GPS, for identifying the vehicle position.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle via a link 20. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 20, a signal from the means 200 for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle representing data for passenger presence.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle via a link 21 . The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 21 , a signal from the means 210 for sensing the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle representing data for passenger presence.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 220 for indicating the intention of a potential passenger to ride via a link 22. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 22, a signal from the means 220 for indicating the intention of a potential passenger to ride representing data for an intention to board.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 300 for notifying the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at a boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle via a link 30. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 30, a signal to the means 300 representing data for providing notification of passenger presence.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to communication means 310 for communication between one or more additional units and the vehicle via en link 31 . The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 31 , a signal from the communication means 310 representing data for passenger presence.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 320 for indicating, to the vehicle operator, the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site via a link 32. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32, a signal to the means 320 representing indicating data for the presence of passengers.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 322 for visual indication via a link 32:2. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32:2, a signal to the means 322 representing visual indicating data for the presence of passengers, wherein the visual indication for the vehicle operator can occur via a display unit, via a light unit at the boarding site, and/or via a boarding symbol.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 324 for auditory indication via a link 32:4. The electronic control unit 1 00 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32:4, a signal to the means 324 representing auditory indicating data for the presence of passengers, where the auditory indication can occur by means of a voice message, acoustic alarm or the equivalent. The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected to the means 326 for tactile indication via a link 32:6. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, via the link 32:6, a signal to the means 326 representing tactile indicating data for the presence of passengers, wherein the tactile indication for the vehicle operator can occur via vibrations/bumps/movements in the driver seat, steering wheel, accelerator or the equivalent.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 33, to the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel when approaching boarding sites. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 33, a signal from the means 330 representing data for criteria for forward travel, which data can comprise retardation data, turn signal data and/or turn indicating data and/or downshifting data.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 34, to the means 340 for activating the means 300:2 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger, wherein activation of the means 300:2 comprises activation of the means 320 comprising activation of the means 322, the means 324 and/or the means 326. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 34, a signal from the means 340 representing activating data for activating the means 300:2, i.e. activating data for activating the means 320 for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 35, to the means 350 for determining whether the operator has reacted to said reminder. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 35, a signal from the means 350 representing data for determining whether the operator has reacted to the earlier reminder.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 36, to the means 360 for activating the means 300:3 for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a given time and/or given distance has elapsed after the driver was reminded, wherein activation of the means 300:3 comprises activation of the means 320 comprising activation of the means 322, the means 324 and/or the means 326. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 36, a signal from the means 360 representing activating data for activating the means 300:3, i.e. activating data for activating the means 320 to warn the vehicle operator.
The electronic control unit 100 is signal-connected, via a link 40, to the means 400 for determining a route of travel. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to receive, via the link 40, a signal from the means 400 representing route of travel data for predetermined characteristics of and associated with the roadway along the route of travel of the vehicle comprising boarding sites along the route of travel of the vehicle and the vehicle position along the route of travel of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said data for passenger presence from the means 200 comprising the processing of said data for passenger presence from the means 210 and/or said data from the means 220 and/or said data from the communication means 310 for thus determining the presence of a potential passenger and, in relevant cases during the processing of data from the means 220, also determining whether the potential passenger intends to board at the next upcoming boarding site.
If it is determined that (a) potential passenger/passengers intending to board is/are present along the route of travel of the vehicle, the electronic control unit 100 will send indicating data in the form of visual, auditory and/or tactile indicating data to the means 320 for informing the driver of the presence of the potential passenger.
The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said data for criteria for forward travel, which data can comprise retardation data, turn signal data and/or turn indication data and/or downshifting data from the means 330 for determining criteria for forward travel when approaching boarding sites.
If it is determined that said criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, based on activating data from the means 340, indicating data in the form of visual, auditory and/or tactile indicating data to the means 320 for reminding the driver of the presence of the potential passenger, so that the driver can take action in the form of said criteria for forward travel, i.e. retard the vehicle, indicate an intention to turn and perform the downshifting necessary to safely approach the boarding site to pick up waiting passengers.
The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said data for determining whether the operator has reacted to the earlier reminder from the means 350.
If it is determined that the operator has not reacted to the earlier reminder, the electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to send, based on activating data from the means 360, indicating data in the form of visual, auditory and/or tactile indicating data to the means 320 for warning the driver of the immediate risk of missing making a stop to allow waiting passengers to board, so that the driver can take action in the form of retardation/braking and/or other action, such as turning around so that waiting passengers can be picked up and boarded.
The electronic control unit 100 is arranged so as to process said route of travel data for predetermined characteristics of and associated with the roadway along the route of travel of the vehicle comprising boarding sites along the route of travel of the vehicle and the vehicle position along the route of travel of the vehicle so as to facilitate the determination of the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for vehicular passenger transport according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the method for vehicular passenger transport comprises a first step S1 . The presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle is determined in this step. According to one embodiment, the method for vehicular passenger transport comprises a second step S2. In this step the vehicle operator is informed of such presence.
According to one embodiment, the method for vehicular passenger transport comprises a third step S3. In this step the vehicle operator is reminded of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
A diagram of an embodiment of a device 500 is shown with reference to Fig. 4. In one embodiment, the control unit 100 that is described with reference to Fig . 2 can comprise the device 500. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data-processing unit 510 and a read/write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory part 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored so as to control the function of the device 500. The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O elements, an A D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory part 540.
A computer program P is provided that contains routines for vehicular passenger transport according to the innovative method. The program P contains routines for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle. The program P contains routines for informing the vehicle operator of such presence. The program P contains routines for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle. The program P can be stored in executable fashion or comprised fashion in a memory 560 and/or in a read/write memory 550.
When it is stated that the data-processing unit 510 performs a given function, it is to be understood that the data-processing unit 510 executes a certain part of the program that is stored in the memory560, or a certain part of the program that is stored in the read/write memory 550.
The data-processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is intended for communication with the data-processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data-processing unit 51 0 via a data bus 51 1 . The read/write memory 550 is arranged so as to communicate with the data-processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. The links associated with the control unit 100 can, for example, be connected to the data port 599. When data are received at the data port 599, they are stored temporarily in the second memory part 540. Once received input data have been stored temporarily, the data-processing unit 510 is arranged so as to perform the execution of code in a manner as described above. The signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to determine the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle. The signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to inform the vehicle operator of such presence. The signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to remind the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by the device 500 with the help of the data-processing unit 51 0 that runs the program stored in the memory 560 or the read/write memory 550. The methods described herein are executed when the device 500 runs the program. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, or to limit the invention to the described variants. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best clarify the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and to thus enable one skilled in the art to understand the invention in its various embodiments and with the modifications that are suitable for the intended use.

Claims

1. A method for vehicular passenger transport comprising the steps of: determining (S1 ) the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle; and informing (S2) the vehicle operator of such presence, characterized by the step of reminding (S3), by means of means (300:2), the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger occurs in a sufficiently timely manner that a controlled stop at said boarding site is enabled.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger occurs on the condition that certain criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, which criteria are continuously determined when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site.
4. A method according to any of claims 1 -3, further comprising the step of warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the step of warning occurs a given time and/or a given distance after the driver is reminded, so as to ensure opportunity for the operator to react to said reminder.
6. A method according to any of claims 1 -5, wherein the step of determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprises the step of determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle.
7. A system (I) for vehicular passenger transport comprising means (200) for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle and means (300:1 ) for informing the vehicle operator of such presence, characterized by means (300:2) for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger at the next upcoming boarding site along the route of travel of the vehicle.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the means (300:2) for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated in a sufficiently timely manner that a controlled stop at said boarding site is enabled.
9. A system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the means (300:2) for reminding the vehicle operator of the presence of a potential passenger are arranged so as to be activated on the condition that certain criteria for forward travel are not fulfilled, which criteria are arranged so as to be determined continuously when the vehicle is to approach said boarding site.
10. A system according to any of claims 7-9, further comprising means (300:3) for warning the vehicle operator in the event that a provided reminder does not trigger a desired operator behavior indicating a stop at said boarding site.
11. System according to claim 10, wherein the means (300:3) for warning are arranged so as to be activated a given time and/or a given distance after the driver is reminded, so as to ensure an opportunity for the operator to react to said reminder.
12. A system according to any of claims 7-1 1 , wherein the means (200) for determining the presence of a potential passenger along the route of travel of the vehicle comprise means (220) for determining the intention of the potential passenger to board the relevant vehicle.
13. A vehicle (1 ) comprising a system (I) according to any of claims 7-12.
14. A computer program (P) for vehicular passenger transport for a motor vehicle, wherein said computer program (P) contains program code which, when it is run by an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), enables the electronic control unit (100) to perform the steps according to claim 1 -6.
15. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium that stores the computer program according to claim 14.
PCT/SE2014/051211 2013-10-16 2014-10-14 Method and system for vehicular passenger transport WO2015057142A1 (en)

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SE1351220A SE538277C2 (en) 2013-10-16 2013-10-16 Procedure and system for determining the presence of potential passengers for vehicle-borne passenger traffic

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DE112014004339T5 (en) 2016-06-09
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