DE102023200950A1 - Electronic transport information system and method for operating a transport information system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a transport information system (1) with which transport participants (2) who wish to take part in a transport journey (3) with a vehicle (4) can obtain information, in which the following steps are carried out:
- Providing transport participant information of potential transport participants (2) of the transport journey (3) and transport journey information of the transport journey (3) to an evaluation unit (5) of the transport information system (1);
- determining at least one transport criterion for the transport journey (3) depending on the transport participant information provided and the transport journey information by the evaluation unit (5);
- generating at least one item of assessment information (23) by the evaluation unit (5) by assessing the potential transport participants (2) depending on the at least one transport criterion;
- providing the at least one generated assessment information (23) to the transport information system (1);
- Outputting the at least one item of assessment information (23) with an electronic output unit (10, 26) to at least one transport participant (2, 6, 7).
Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic transport information system (1) and a computer program.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a transport information system with which transport participants who wish to take part in a transport journey with a vehicle can obtain information.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program and an electronic transport information system.

From the US 2019/0 050 787 A1 A method for bringing together participants of a “ride sharing offer” is known. In addition to geographical information, passenger information can also be taken into account.

Furthermore, the KR 2018 006 5319 A a process for “peer-to-peer car sharing” is known. The merging of such sharing offers takes place based on the position of a vehicle to be shared.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic transport information system and to operate it in such a way that an improved, in particular automated, compilation or formation of a transport journey can be carried out on the system side.

This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product and an electronic transport information system according to the independent patent claims. Useful further developments arise from the dependent patent claims.

• - Insbesondere Bereitstellen von Beförderungsteilnehmerinformationen potentieller Beförderungsteilnehmern der Beförderungsfahrt und Beförderungsfahrtinformationen der Beförderungsfahrt an eine Auswerteeinheit des Beförderungsinformationssystems;
• - Insbesondere Bestimmen zumindest eines Beförderungskriterium für die Beförderungsfahrt abhängig von den bereitgestellten Beförderungsteilnehmerinformationen und den Beförderungsfahrtinformationen durch die Auswerteeinheit;
• - Insbesondere Generieren zumindest einer Beurteilungsinformation durch die Auswerteeinheit, indem die potentiellen Beförderungsteilnehmer in Abhängigkeit von dem zumindest einen Beförderungskriterium beurteilt werden;
• - Insbesondere Bereitstellen der zumindest einen generierten Beurteilungsinformation an das Beförderungsinformationssystem;
• - Insbesondere Ausgeben der zumindest einen Beurteilungsinformation mit einer elektronischen Ausgabeeinheit an zumindest einen Beförderungsteilnehmer.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a transport information system with which transport participants who wish to take part in a transport journey with a vehicle can obtain information, in which the following steps are preferably carried out:

• - In particular, providing transport participant information of potential transport participants of the transport journey and transport journey information of the transport journey to an evaluation unit of the transport information system;
• - In particular, determining at least one transport criterion for the transport journey depending on the transport participant information provided and the transport journey information by the evaluation unit;
• - In particular, generating at least one assessment information item by the evaluation unit by assessing the potential promotion participants depending on the at least one promotion criterion;
• - In particular, providing the at least one generated assessment information to the transport information system;
• - In particular, outputting the at least one item of assessment information to at least one transport participant using an electronic output unit.

The proposed method allows a transport journey to be put together or formed in an intelligent manner, in particular with the help of the generated at least one assessment information. This putting together or forming of such a transport journey is carried out on the system side by the transport information system. The assessment information, which is generated on the system side, in particular automatically, can be output in one embodiment and preferably to at least one transport participant and/or several transport participants by means of an electronic output unit. Thus, for example, a transport journey can be pre-generated or planned or formed on the system side by the transport information system. For this purpose, various models or algorithms or methods can be used, for example, to plan or assess the transport journey on the system side. For this purpose, a wide variety of input variables or input parameters, such as the transport participant information and the transport journey information, can be taken into account. Based on these variables or parameters, a calculation can be carried out on the system side by the transport information system. For this purpose, the transport criterion for the transport journey can first be determined on the basis of the transport participant information provided and the transport journey information, i.e. the input variables. This can be done using the electronic evaluation unit or an electronic processing unit. With this at least one generated or specific transport criterion, the system can use the transport information system to assess or evaluate the potential transport participants in the transport journey, i.e. transport participants who would like to take part in such a transport journey. This can be done on the system side using the generated or generated transport criterion. rium. This means that the system uses a generated criterion to assess potential transport participants, so that the transport journey can be planned or calculated in advance. This can in turn be provided with at least one piece of assessment information as an output value for the transport information system. This in turn can then be issued to the transport participants digitally or electronically.

In particular, the proposed method is a computer-implemented method.

For example, the transport information system can be a digital, in particular electronic, system. In particular, the transport information system can be a vehicle fleet management system. In particular, the transport information system can be designed as a cloud application or as a backend.

For example, the transport information system can manage, monitor and/or compile several vehicles, several transport participants or potential transport participants and/or several transport trips. The transport information system is therefore a complex system for creating and managing transport trips or passenger transport.

For example, the transport participant information can be used to provide individual or participant-specific information on potential transport participants to the evaluation unit, in particular the transport information system. The information can be provided by the potential transport participant, for example via an electronic input unit. The information can also be provided by an AI ("artificial intelligence") system, such as a neural network, a Bayesian network or any algorithm, of the transport information system. The information can also be provided by the transport information system itself, in that the transport information system independently searches for this information and retrieves it from information sources. The transport journey information can also be provided. The information can be provided in a similar way to that just described with regard to the transport participant information.

The transport trip information can be used to provide a starting point, an intermediate point and/or an end point of the transport trip. Route information, route information and/or a route can also be provided. Furthermore, the transport trip information can be used to provide information about what type of vehicle is required or available for this transport trip. This influences the number of potential transport participants, for example.

With the help of at least one transport criterion or several transport criteria generated or determined by the system, conditions and/or requirements for participation in the transport journey can be specified or provided. For example, an algorithm, in particular a matching algorithm, can be used for this purpose. With the help of the generated transport criterion, the potential transport participants of the transport journey can be assessed or evaluated. For this purpose, above all, each potential transport participant can be assessed, so that, for example, the system can group or categorize the potential transport participants, depending on the extent to which a potential transport participant meets the transport criteria generated by the system or not.

In particular, passenger traffic, i.e. the transport of people, on the roads is continuously increasing. This poses challenges, particularly but not exclusively, for cities, which are being addressed in particular by expanding capacity. While the number of passenger cars on the roads is increasing, the utilization of the vehicles themselves is usually lower, since most passenger cars are on the road without other passengers. In order to address this traffic problem, the available seats in cars must be utilized and thus traffic reduced. In terms of traffic problems, districts, municipalities and cities in particular, but not exclusively, are faced with the challenge that their residents are dependent on passenger cars as a means of transport, since public transport coverage cannot be economically provided at the frequency desired by the user. Both of the problems mentioned can be addressed, for example, with so-called "peer-2-peer ride sharing". This is based on the principle of voluntarily taking other people along, similar to hitchhiking, but supported by a digital service. However, in order for a peer-to-peer ride-sharing offer to be relevant for both the driver and the passenger, supply and demand must be coordinated as precisely as possible in order to keep the effort for both sides, especially for the person giving the ride, as low as possible. This can be achieved by intelligently combining requests and offers. This is where the proposed procedure comes into its own, as it can solve the problems just mentioned.

In peer-to-peer ride sharing, one criterion is that a commercial claim is the main reason for a ride to take place. Aspects such as paying a contribution towards the cost of the ride are relevant, but do not constitute a claim to a ride, as would be the case with a taxi, for example. Peer-to-peer ride sharing is based on a person, for example a person giving a ride, usually in their own car, or a person requesting a ride, giving another person a ride, for example a person taking a ride or requesting a ride. In this case, either the first person offers a ride or the other person actively asks about the possibility of a ride for a certain route. Whether a shared ride takes place depends largely on the relevance of the respective request for the mutual trust between the people and, in particular, the feeling of security. In addition to the problems mentioned above with a peer-to-peer ride-sharing offer, the proposed method also has particular advantages, since the proposed method performs an assessment on the system side based on a system-generated transport criterion, so that an improved transport trip can be planned and then, for example, provided or offered to the respective persons.

The proposed method can, for example, provide an automated, intelligent and system-based method or option to make the known solution for spontaneous trips, which is done by signaling a ride request at the side of the road using a hand signal or a sign, irrelevant. Such a procedure involves, for example, a spontaneous ride request ("hitchhiking"), which may be met by drivers on a corresponding route. However, this form of "sharing" has lost relevance due to safety concerns on the part of the person giving the ride and the person taking the ride. It is a spontaneous trip; the communication of ride requests and the possibility of a ride share is not of a technical nature. By signaling the ride request using a hand signal, the ride request can be signaled to all vehicles traveling on the respective route, which means that relevance is given, but vehicles traveling on parallel roads, for example, cannot be signaled the ride request. Another disadvantage here is the safety issue, since the driver and passenger may not know each other and have little time in traffic to carry out some kind of safety check. The proposed method is again advantageous in order to be able to solve the problems just mentioned.

Furthermore, with spontaneous trips there is always the problem that the trip request may be time-critical, for example immediately or within the next 30 minutes, and must suit the situation of the person giving the ride. This problem is avoided with planned trips. The best-known form of peer-to-peer ride sharing is the ride sharing service, where both trips and trip requests can be requested on a platform. This is done especially for planned, longer trips. The trip can be in digital form, for example on a website or application, or in analog form, such as a ride request on a bulletin board. There is often a commercial component to this type of sharing, usually by paying the proportionate travel costs and paying a fee for arranging a platform. This type of sharing can also be replaced by the proposed method and, in particular, an improved alternative to it can be provided, in particular automated or transmitted by the system.

In addition to peer-to-peer ride sharing, there are also ride sharing offers from commercial providers. These are operated by commercial drivers or passenger transport companies. Examples of this are shared taxis, where the coordinates are taken over by a taxi center. Another form is ride sharing with digital services, such as "Uber" or "Uber Pool". These often function like a digitally supported taxi solution. A ride request is sent to a driver with a vehicle, and the passenger pays for the ride service. The proposed method can also be used particularly advantageously to address this problem and provide an improved, system-based transport trip.

In addition, so-called autonomous robo-shared taxis (AD-robo-shared taxis) are used, where a trip with several passengers can be arranged in an autonomous vehicle of a commercial operator. The safety aspect of such taxis is also However, such a robo-shared taxi has the disadvantage that there is no predetermined route for any driver, i.e. the role of the person giving the ride is eliminated, so that everyone involved is a passenger or a person taking the ride. The proposed method can also remedy this, since both the driver and the passenger or passengers can be informed accordingly using the at least one transport information that is generated and issued.

In particular, the proposed method offers the advantage that safety can be increased for both the driver and the passengers on a transport journey. Another advantage is that any number of potential transport participants can be assessed or analyzed based on the transport criteria generated by the system in order to be able to provide a suitable transport journey. Furthermore, the proposed method can be used to plan or provide a future transport journey accordingly, and to dynamically change or plan a transport journey scheduled at short notice, in particular using pre-processed data. In particular, the potential transport participants can be assessed with regard to the transport journey. This can in turn be saved and the system can react quickly to a short-term change or request for a transport journey.

In one embodiment, it is provided that first transport participant information of a driver of the transport journey is provided as at least one transport participant to the evaluation unit, wherein driver-specific information relating to the transport journey is provided with the first transport participant information. This driver-specific information is taken into account when determining the at least one transport criterion. In particular, the first transport participant information can be searched for or queried using data technology using the transport information system. This can also be generated using a Kl algorithm or a Bayesian network. Furthermore, the driver can, for example, provide first transport participant information. The driver of the transport journey can, in particular, initially be classified or classified as a potential driver of the transport journey. When the transport journey is finally realized later, a decision can again be made, in particular on the system side, as to which potential driver should be selected or preferred for the transport journey. With the help of the first transport participant information, information, conditions, requirements and/or prerequisites relating to the transport journey can thus be provided. These can include, for example, a driving style, a driving pattern, experience, age, health status or other specifications of the driver. This information can be used by the system to make an initial classification or categorization of the transport journey. This driver-specific information can be taken into account or used by the system, in particular by the evaluation unit, when determining or generating at least one transport criterion.

In one embodiment, it is further provided that, depending on the driver-specific information, a driver transport criterion is determined with which requirements for at least one passenger are characterized as at least one transport participant. The driver transport criterion can be taken into account when generating the assessment information. In this way, several transport criteria can be created or generated on the system side. For example, a general criterion can be used for basic transport trips. Another, i.e. specific, is the driver transport criterion just mentioned. With the help of this driver transport criterion, the system side can carry out an assessment of the potential passengers as transport participants for a transport trip based on the potential driver. The transport assessment system and in particular the evaluation unit can thus analyze or evaluate the potential transport participants based on the driver transport criterion. In other words, the potential driver can specify how an assessment is to be carried out on the system side with regard to potential passengers. With the help of the driver transport criterion, several requirements for the passengers, in particular for at least one passenger, can be specified or characterized.

By taking the driver's transport criterion into account as a possible transport criterion with regard to the transport journey, the transport information system can plan or check a transport journey based on the driver's requirements, wishes and/or availability.

In one embodiment, it is provided that second transport participant information of a, in particular potential, passenger on the transport journey is provided as at least one transport participant to the evaluation unit, wherein passenger-specific information relating to the transport journey is provided with the second transport participant information. This passenger-specific information is taken into account when determining the at least one transport criterion. The second transport participant information, as the transport participant information, can be used to communicate or provide the transport information system with corresponding information relating to a potential passenger or several potential passengers on the transport journey. This second transport participant information can also be automatically accessed or retrieved on the system side. On the system side, passenger-specific information, i.e. special information relating to the potential passenger or the potential passenger, can be provided with the help of this second transport participant information and in particular transmitted to the transport information system. This passenger-specific information can be taken into account on the system side when determining or generating the at least one transport criterion.

In one embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the passenger-specific information, a passenger transport criterion is determined with which requirements for at least one driver are characterized as at least one transport participant. This passenger transport criterion can be taken into account when generating the assessment information. Thus, in addition to the aforementioned driver transport criterion, another transport criterion, namely the passenger transport criterion, can be created or generated. This is also done with the help of the evaluation unit and in particular with the transport information system. With the help of this passenger transport criterion, the wishes, requirements, preferences and/or other criteria of the passenger or passengers can be taken into account by the system when assessing potential transport participants. With the help of the passenger transport criterion, at least one or more passengers can set specifications or requirements for other passengers and/or for a driver of the transport trip. This is calculated or analyzed accordingly by the evaluation unit, so that the assessment information can be generated more comprehensively and in particular more adapted to the respective transport trip. In one embodiment, it is further provided that the first transport participant information and the second transport participant information are provided as input variables to a processing unit of the transport information system, with a mediator algorithm of the processing unit generating probability information regarding the compatibility of the driver and the passenger for joint participation in the transport trip based on the input variables. In other words, on the system side, with the help of an algorithm and in particular with the help of a KI algorithm, a probability can be determined as to the extent to which passengers and/or a driver are compatible or fit together for joint participation in the transport trip. For this purpose, a prediction can be made based on the input variables and in particular the information provided to the transport information system in order to be able to offer and in particular provide a suitable transport trip for the passenger and the driver. The mediator algorithm can be a matching algorithm, for example. The processing unit can be, for example, a neural network, machine learning unit, Bayesian network or a software application. In addition to the input variables mentioned, further input variables relating to the transport journey and the transport participants can be made available to the processing unit, so that probability information or compatibility information can be generated as an output variable. In this case, transport journeys carried out in the past and in particular past information relating to the transport participants can also be made available to the processing unit as an input variable. This enables a continuous intelligent generation process with regard to compatibility to be carried out, since current and past input variables can always be used for this purpose.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the probability information is taken into account when generating the assessment information, whereby a first assessment information for the driver and a second assessment information for the passenger are generated depending on the probability information. Based on the probability information and, for example, the respective passenger transport criterion and the information already mentioned regarding the transport journey, assessment information can be generated for the driver as well as for at least one passenger or for all passengers on the transport journey. This means that, for example, the potential driver or drivers can be assessed based on the driver transport criteria, the passenger transport criteria and the probability information. This also applies analogously to all potential passengers on the transport journey. This means that the system can intelligently carry out a precise analysis or assessment for each transport participant or for a potential transport participant on the transport journey.

Thus, special or specific assessment information regarding the type of transport can be provided to the respective transport participants and, for example, issued using the output unit.

In one embodiment, it is provided that a prioritization list of potential passengers as potential transport participants is generated and made available to the driver on the basis of the driver transport criterion. In addition or instead, a prioritization list of potential drivers as potential transport participants can be generated and made available to the passenger on the basis of the passenger transport criterion. Prioritization lists or special sequences can thus be generated with the aid of the evaluation unit and in particular the transport information system, so that a prioritization or a sequence of, in particular suitable, transport participants of the transport trip can be generated or created on the basis of the assessed information regarding the potential transport participants. These respective prioritization lists can in turn be made available to the respective transport participant, i.e. the driver or the passengers, using the output unit, in particular an electronic output unit. A list or a selection list can thus be made available to the transport participants on the system side, so that, for example, the driver can select the potential passengers who suit him. The passenger can also, for example, decide whether he actually wants to take part in the transport trip with a particular driver.

Another criterion could be to assess the driver and/or the potential passenger(s) in terms of their current geographical position and the destination or travel destination they would like to reach. The current position of the driver of the transport journey or the vehicle can be taken into account to check whether participation is possible without major delays or without hindrance.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the preceding aspect or an advantageous development thereof. For example, the computer program can be integrated into the transport information system, in particular in the evaluation unit. For this purpose, the transport information system can have computing units and/or processing units on which the computer program can be executed.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an electronic transport information system with an evaluation unit and an electronic output unit, wherein the transport information system is designed to carry out or execute a method according to one of the preceding aspects or an advantageous development thereof. In particular, the previously described method can be carried out or executed with the transport information system just described.

For example, the transport information system can be designed as a central server unit or as a data cloud or in the server system.

Advantageous embodiments of one aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the other aspects and vice versa.

For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and/or a request to enter user feedback is issued and/or a default setting and/or a predetermined initial state is set.

As a further solution, the invention also comprises a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data memory (e.g. as a flash memory and/or as an SSD - solid state drive) and/or at least partially as a volatile data memory (e.g. as a RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be arranged in the computer or computer network The storage medium can also be operated as a so-called app store server and/or cloud server on the Internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor. The program code can be provided as binary code and/or as assembler code and/or as source code of a programming language (e.g. C) and/or as a program script (e.g. Python).

The invention also includes further developments of the computer program according to the invention and of the transport information system according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the computer program according to the invention and of the transport information system according to the invention are not described again here.

The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines elektronischen Beförderungssystems und einen beispielhaften Betrieb dieses Systems;
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung beziehungsweise Ablauf eines Bayes'schen Netzwerks einer Verarbeitungseinheit des Beförderungsinformationssystems aus 1;
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Beförderungsfahrt mit Beförderungsteilnehmern.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described.

• 1 shows an embodiment of an electronic transportation system and an exemplary operation of this system;
• 2 shows a schematic representation or sequence of a Bayesian network of a processing unit of the transport information system from 1 ;
• 3 shows a schematic representation of a transport journey with transport participants.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the components described each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore to be viewed as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

In the 1 An electronic transport information system is shown schematically. With the help of the electronic transport information system 1, transport participants 2 (see 3 ) regarding a transport journey 3 (see 3 ) with a vehicle 4 (compare 3 ) or a means of transport. In particular, a transport journey or several transport journeys can be administered, planned, managed and/or monitored using the transport information system 1.

For the respective processing of data, in particular the administration of the transport journey 3, the electronic transport information system 1, which is designed as a backend, for example, can have at least one electronic evaluation unit 5 (see 3 ) exhibit.

In the following, a possible design or a conceivable embodiment of an operation of the transport information system 1 is explained. In this case, a sequence of contact or bringing together or merging two transport participants or potential transport participants 6, 7 (cf. 3 ) on the transport journey 3.

In a first step S1, the transport participant 6 can make a trip request or requests regarding the transport trip 3. This trip request can be made, for example, by means of an application on a mobile device, such as a smartphone, of the person 6. Furthermore, this request can be made via an, in particular electronic, input unit 8 (see 3 ) of the transport information system 1. Furthermore, in the first step S1, for example, a status of the transport participant 6 can be provided or transmitted to the system 1. For this purpose, for example, transport participant information and in particular transport participant information of the potential transport participant 6 can be provided to the system 1.

In an exemplary second step S2, based on the request of the transport participant 6, an order or a “matching order” can be transmitted by the system 1 to a processing unit 9 of the system 2. The processing unit 9 can be, for example, an AI (artificial intelligence) component. This serves, for example, to assign the transport participant 6 to the transport participant 7 from the group or number of potential transport participants 2. In doing so, care can be taken to ensure that the relevance of the request for the transport participant 6 and the trust of the transport participants 6, 7 in each other is maximized and, in addition, security aspects can be taken into account.

In particular, the evaluation unit 5 or the system 1 can be provided with transport participant information of some or all potential transport participants 2 and, for example, transport trip information with regard to the transport trip 3 in order to be able to carry out better information processing or data processing with regard to the transport trip 3. In particular, first transport participant information, for example driver-specific information, of the transport participant 6 and second transport participant information, for example ride-specific information, of the transport participant 7 can be provided.

In an optional third step S3, a result can be provided to the processing unit 9. In this case, the person or the selected transport participant 7 selected by the system can be selected based on relevance and trust. In particular, the system can calculate probabilities as to the extent to which the transport participants 6, 7 are compatible.

In an optional fourth step S4, a trip request can be transmitted to the selected transport participant 7. For this purpose, this information, in particular assessment information, can be displayed to the transport participant 7 on an electronic output unit 26. This can be done on an output unit of the transport information system 1 as output unit 26 or on a mobile terminal of the transport participant 7.

In a subsequent optional fifth step S5, the transport participant 7 can confirm or reject the request. For this purpose, the respective status or additional information, such as transport participant information of the transport participant 7, can also be transmitted or provided.

In an optional sixth step S6, the respective response from the transport participant 7 can again be made available to the transport participant 6. This can be done on the system side, for example, with the help of assessment information. This can be output to an electronic output unit 10 or to the terminal device of the transport participant 6. For this purpose, the system side can generate, for example, depending on a transport criterion with which requirements or criteria of the transport participants 6, 7 are taken into account, depending on the transport participant information provided, such as the first and second transport participant information. With this transport criterion, which includes, for example, a driver transport criterion and/or a passenger transport criterion, the potential transport participants 6, 7 can be assessed on the system side, i.e. by the transport information system 1, and the assessment information can be generated. Thus, on the one hand, the direct answer of the transport participant 7 can be made available to the transport participant 6, or the answer of the transport participant 7 is evaluated on the system side and at least one transport information is issued to the transport participant 6. The request of the transport participant 7 regarding participation in the transport trip 3 can then be confirmed or rejected by the transport participant 6 or by the transport information system 1. If the transport trip is rejected, a new process can be carried out accordingly to search for a potential transport participant 2.

If a confirmation has been made, an observation order or analysis order for the transport trip 3 can be generated in an optional seventh step S7 and in particular made available to a trip observer 11, which can be a unit of the transport information system 1. With this trip observer 11, the transport trip 3 actually carried out can be analyzed, monitored or assessed. Following or at the end of the transport trip 3, an assessment of the situation of the transport trip 3 can be carried out using an assessment system 13 of the transport information system 1. In this case, for example, an assessment request can be made to the transport participant 7 so that the transport participant 7 can assess the transport trip 3 with the transport participant 6. This can of course also be done the other way around. Thus, after the trip, an assessment can be made as learning feedback for the processing unit 9, for example, so that the transport information system 1 can be improved for future transport trips. The assessment system 13 can be referred to, for example, as a customer assessment system.

In particular, the intelligent transport information system 1 can be used to transport journey 3 is divided into different phases and the individual data processing with regard to the transport journey 3 takes place there. A distinction can be made between a first phase 14, a second phase 15 and a third phase 16. The first phase 14 is the time before the start of the journey. This is where a carpool or a transport journey 3 is put together. Phase 15 can be understood as the journey actually carried out. Phase 16 can be the time after the end of the transport journey 3.

A travel agent 12, an electronic unit of the system 1, can be provided for the processing or for the data processing in phase 14.

In an optional step S8, particularly after the end of the transport journey 3, information regarding the end of the journey, the evaluation of the transport participants 2, 6, 7 and other information regarding the transport journey 3 can be made available or transmitted to a machine learning unit 17. This machine learning unit 17 can be, for example, an AI trainer for the processing unit 9. In this way, a continuous learning process can be carried out to improve the transport information system 1.

This learning process can again take place in an optional ninth step S9.

In the embodiment described, the transport participants 6, 7 can be at least one passenger and the other a driver of the transport journey. For example, the transport participant 6 can be the driver 18 (see 3 ) and the transport participant 7 as at least one passenger 19 (cf. 3 ).

In the 2 The functionality or approach of the processing unit 9 is shown as an example. As already mentioned, the processing unit 9 can be a Kl component "matchmaker". This can contain, for example, a "matchmaker algorithm" or a mediator algorithm. For this purpose, a computer program can be provided as the processing unit 9, for example.

For example, the evaluation unit 5 and the processing unit 9 can be integrated together in one unit.

For this purpose, a wide variety of input variables 20 can be made available or provided, in particular to the processing unit 9. For this purpose, in particular transport participant information of the potential transport participants 2 and above all the information regarding the transport participants 6, 7 can be provided. First transport participant information can be provided for the transport participant 6 and second transport participant information can be provided for the transport participant 7.

The input variables can be, for example, information or parameters, such as a time of the start of the transport journey 3 or the end of the transport journey 3. Furthermore, a distance or route of the transport journey 3 can be referred to as an input variable. Furthermore, for example, a vehicle capacity of the vehicle 4 with regard to a range and a number of passengers and/or goods can be used as a unit value. Furthermore, individual information of the transport participants 2, 6, 7 can be used as an input variable. For example, this can be common employers, common clubs or the same surname. Other input variables can be, for example, crime statistics and user preferences of the transport participants 2, 6, 7.

In particular, the input variables 20 can be referred to as independent input variables. Furthermore, input variables 20 can be provided which can be referred to as dependent input variables. The dependent input variables 20 can be recorded or provided as data. The dependent input variables 21 can be recorded as data, but are statically dependent on the independent input variables 20 and are calculated by the system.

Using the input variables 20, 21, for example, at least one transport criterion or several transport criteria can be generated. For example, a transport criterion can be generated for the transport participant 6 and for the transport participant 7. In particular, in the example with regard to the driver 18 and the passenger 19, a driver transport criterion can be generated. And a passenger transport criterion can be generated for the passenger 19. Partial results 22 can be calculated using these criteria. These partial results 22 can in turn be used to specify or characterize the criteria. In these parts The results 22 can be criteria or transport criteria such as relevance, trust and safety. Based on these, the bringing together of transport participants 2 for the transport journey 3 can be carried out more efficiently and precisely.

The input variables 21 can, for example, be a location of the respective transport participant 2, such as a workplace or home. Contacts in a telephone book can also be provided here and, for example, an assessment can be made as to whether the route is dangerous with regard to the transport journey 3.

Based on the transport criteria and in particular the partial results 22, the at least one piece of assessment information 23 can be generated or created. For example, this can be referred to as the probability of help or willingness to help. The matchmaker algorithm can therefore calculate the willingness to help or the probability of help of each network participant for each ride request if the helper and the person seeking help are in a common geographical area. Thus, for example, depending on the environment relating to the transport trip 3, the potential transport participants 2 who would like to or could take part in this transport trip 3 can be calculated. Using the transport information, for example, probability information regarding the compatibility of the driver 18 and the passenger 19 for joint participation in the transport trip 3 can be generated. This can of course be calculated for all potential transport participants 2. This can in turn be done for step S3 (see 1 ) should be taken into account.

The partial results 22 can be statistically dependent on all input variables 20, 21 and can be used, for example, to calculate the output variable, i.e. the assessment information 23.

The results of the algorithm or the processing unit 9 can be selected from a list of network participants and used based on the forecast to determine whether a request is accepted or not. For this purpose, a prioritization list of potential transport participants 2 can be generated for the transport participant 6 and for the transport participant 7. For example, one can be generated for the driver 18 and one for the passenger 19 and then issued to them. The knowledge and helpfulness or the assessment information 23 can be used to make a targeted request from network participants or transport participants 2, preventing all transport participants 2 from having to be asked, but only the eligible or relevant ones. This can primarily improve the user experience or the transport trip 3, since only relevant requests are made. This also results in cost savings, since not everyone has to be asked and informed, but only the relevant participants of the potential transport participants 2 have to be asked and informed. This can be done primarily with the help of the system 1.

In particular, a Kl algorithm, such as a Bayesian network, can be used to calculate the auxiliary probability or the transport information or assessment information 23. Furthermore, the processing unit 9 can also implement the corresponding algorithm or determined algorithm with other heuristics, such as artificial neural networks. The implementation of the algorithm is not limited to the input variables 20, 21 or influencing variables used, but other influencing variables can also be integrated or used, such as local weather information.

For example, the “Matchmaker algorithm” can be implemented using a Kl algorithm.

The number of levels of the Bayesian network can vary or be expanded. Furthermore, a starting point 24 and an end point 25 of the transport journey 3 (compare 3 ) should be taken into account.

The relevance of the partial result 22 is to be understood as meaning that a request from the transport participant 6 or the driver 18 matches the current situation or current circumstances of the transport participant 7 or the passenger 19 and thus the occurrence of a transport trip 3, such as a peer-2-peer ride-sharing situation, is more likely. In order to assess the relevance, information can be included that affects the perception of relevance. This includes the inclusion of situational factors such as the association of a location with the workplace or home and availability information derived from this. Furthermore, situational factors derived from user behavior or user behavior can be taken into account, such as the frequent fical realisation of a transport journey in the past at a certain time. Furthermore, a social connection contributes to relevance. This can be achieved, for example, by a surname comparison, connection in a social network, telephone book entry, mobile phone. In addition, route information from transport journeys carried out in the past by the transport participant 2 and their history, such as the planned, forecast route and the additional effort derived from this, contribute to relevance. Profile data, such as the capacity of the vehicle, time of the request, time windows in which one can be requested as well as the place of residence, time, history and then with regard to trips or transport journeys that have been made and rejected as well as the probability of stay and other factors such as staying in the same geographical context, for example in the same city or district, a measure of the detour taken by the person giving the trip, such as time, length, if applicable costs due to the detour, the distance of the place of residence of the person giving the trip from the starting point to the request influence the relevance.

Trust as a partial result 22 can be understood when the transport participants 6, 7 have a common social basis. This can be used to determine the probability that safety concerns are minimized and the trip takes place. Social proximity also implies that the transport participants 6, 7 may be willing to put in more effort to get a ride. Such a social basis can be, for example, a common employer, club membership, social commitment, mutual friends and acquaintances, group memberships in social networks or neighborhood networks.

Safety as a partial result 22 means that the person taking the ride, i.e. the passenger 19, does not want to be picked up or transported by just anyone. For example, this person only wants to travel with direct social contacts, knowing that this reduces the probability of matching due to the limited group of people. After a transport trip has been completed, the person giving the ride, i.e. the driver 18, and the person taking the ride, i.e. the passenger 19, can assess safety from their respective perspectives. The algorithm can estimate the safety situation and also take user wishes into account in order to provide the right ride or, based on available data such as crime rates, in a specific geographical context. This is particularly important when using robo-shared taxis.

In particular, the transport information system 1 according to the invention enables the advantage that an improved solution can be taken into account with regard to customer-related requirements for transport trips. With each additional trip, the customer result automatically improves because the algorithm, in particular the processing unit 9, is constantly learning with the help of the machine learning unit 17, for example. For this purpose, a learning success can be generated primarily from past trips or trips that did not take place. With the help of the transport information system 1, for example, a pre-selection of transport participants can be made or carried out (in particular on the system side) who would help to be trustworthy at the same time. The transport trip 3 can thus be made more efficient and more pleasant for all participants. In particular, the transport information system 1 can also be used in ride-sharing offers. Here, the algorithm can also determine the social proximity of the passengers and also take safety aspects into account. This can ensure greater safety for people in need of protection. If, for example, no suitable match or no suitable transport participants 2 can be found, a single trip can be offered, for example. This can happen, for example, if the security requirements of the individual transport participants 2 could not be reconciled or, for example, if a planned transport journey would lead through areas with high crime rates. Furthermore, if such a transport journey 3 cannot be carried out, other services such as public transport can be used.

With the help of the Bayesian network, the transportation information system 1 can be continuously improved. In particular, trust- and relevance-based calculations of the willingness to help can be carried out with the help of the processing unit 9, so that corresponding transportation trips can be offered and accepted in turn. With the help of the present invention, the occurrence of transportation trips can be increased through evidence-based matching of those giving and taking the trip.

Furthermore, a feeling of security can be increased by estimating and taking into account the probable perception of mutual trust of the transport participants 6, 7. In particular, the transport information system 1 does not use deterministic rules to determine a match, but adaptable, dynamic and probable probability-based estimates. Furthermore, the transport information system 1 can determine thresholds above which relevance, trust or helpfulness of a match can be assumed. This can be specified automatically with the system 1 or set manually. Furthermore, the transport information system 1 can be advantageous for ride sharing agencies. For this purpose, suitable routes for a transport trip can be included and offered with the help of the system 1 in a selection of routes planned for the future. This enables improved planning and search for transport trips.

The embodiments of the present invention can, for example, improve the offer of a peer-to-peer ride-sharing service, which is made possible by the matching algorithm for spontaneous trips. The inclusion of relevance, trust and security in the selection of potential trip givers and takers makes it possible to combine a high degree of availability with a high degree of trust in the service. For this purpose, an automated improvement in the service quality can be carried out based on the machine learning unit 17, which in turn has a machine learning algorithm. The measured or recorded user behavior can be used to improve the algorithm. For example, it can be taken into account in which constellations of input variables 20, 21 a trip is accepted by the average of those requested. Furthermore, feedback from the transport participants 6, 7 can be used to influence the training of the algorithm. In particular, the algorithm or the network is adaptable. In principle, there can be any number of levels, such as input variables of all kinds, partial results of all kinds and results of all kinds, and nodes in the network, so any number of influencing variables on the willingness to help or other target variables can be modulated. If in a later analysis another piece of data can help to improve the calculation, it can simply be added. Both quantitative and qualitative measurements can be taken into account, such as collecting customer feedback on trust and relevance. In contrast to neural networks, the algorithm, its structure and the learned probability distributions are comprehensible and more interpretative, but artificial neural networks can also be used. All probability distributions or data from the modulated parts of the service can be used to improve it. Orientation towards specific customer segments and individualization of the offer are therefore conceivable. Furthermore, it is possible to identify the main influencing factors on the occurrence of the trips and can use this to focus service optimization on them.

For example, the transport information system 1 can be used for mobility services based on a peer-to-peer principle. Furthermore, the system 1 can be used in areas of automated driving, such as ride-hailing. Furthermore, it can be used in cooperation with the aviation industry, such as drones for short distances. For example, the transport information system 1 can also be used in autonomous bus shuttles. Other areas of application are also conceivable.

List of reference symbols

1

electronic transport information system

2

Transport participants

3

Transport journey

4

vehicle

5

Evaluation unit

6, 7

Transport participants

8th

electronic input unit

9

Processing unit

10

electronic output unit

11

Trip observer

12

Travel agent

13

Rating System

14

Phase before the trip

15

Phase during the journey

6, 7 16

Phase after the trip

17

Machine learning unit

18

driver

19

passengers

20

independent input variable

21

dependent input variable

22

Partial results

23

Assessment information

24

Starting point

25

Endpoint

26

electronic output unit

S1 to S9

first to ninth step

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 20190050787 A1 [0003]
• KR 20180065319 A [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for operating a transport information system (1) with which transport participants (2) who want to take part in a transport journey (3) with a vehicle (4) can obtain information, in which the following steps are carried out: - Providing transport participant information of potential transport participants (2) of the transport journey (3) and transport journey information of the transport journey (3) to an evaluation unit (5) of the transport information system (1); - Determining at least one transport criterion for the transport journey (3) depending on the transport participant information provided and the transport journey information by the evaluation unit (5); - Generating at least one assessment information item (23) by the evaluation unit (5) by assessing the potential transport participants (2) depending on the at least one transport criterion; - Providing the at least one generated assessment information item (23) to the transport information system (1); - Outputting the at least one item of assessment information (23) with an electronic output unit (10, 26) to at least one transport participant (2, 6, 7). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that first transport participant information of a driver (18) of the transport journey (3) as at least one transport participant (2, 6) is provided to the evaluation unit (5), wherein driver-specific information relating to the transport journey (3) is provided with the first transport participant information, and wherein this driver-specific information is taken into account when determining the at least one transport criterion. Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that depending on the driver-specific information, a driver transport criterion is determined with which requirements for at least one passenger (19) are characterized as at least one transport participant (2, 7), wherein the driver transport criterion is taken into account in the generation of the assessment information (23). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that second transport participant information of a passenger (19) of the transport journey (3) is provided as at least one transport participant (2, 7) of the evaluation unit (5), wherein passenger-specific information relating to the transport journey (3) is provided with the second transport participant information, and wherein this passenger-specific information is taken into account when determining the at least one transport criterion. Procedure according to Claim 4 , characterized in that depending on the passenger-specific information, a passenger transport criterion is determined with which requirements for at least one driver (18) are characterized as at least one transport participant (2, 6), wherein the passenger transport criterion is taken into account in the generation of the assessment information (23). Procedure according to Claim 2 and 4 , characterized in that the first transport participant information and the second transport participant information are provided as input variables (20, 21) to a processing unit (9) of the transport information system (1), wherein a mediator algorithm of the processing unit (9) is used to generate probability information regarding compatibility of the driver (18) and the passenger (19) for joint participation in the transport trip (3) on the basis of the input variables (20, 21). Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the probability information is taken into account when generating the assessment information (23), wherein depending on the probability information a first assessment information for the driver (18) and a second assessment information for the passenger (19) is generated. Procedure according to Claim 3 and 5 , characterized in that on the basis of the driver transport criterion, a prioritization list of potential passengers (19) as potential transport participants (2, 7) is generated and made available to the driver (18), and/or on the basis of the passenger transport criterion, a prioritization list of potential drivers (18) as potential transport participants (2, 6) is generated and made available to the passenger (19). Computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 8th to execute. Electronic transport information system (1) with an evaluation unit (5) and an electronic output unit (10, 26), wherein the transport information system is designed to carry out a procedure according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 8th is trained.

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