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US6584401B2
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US
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Automatic gathering and analysis of data on commute paths
Assignee: DIDI HK Science and Technology Ltd
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Filing: 2001-11-27
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Granted: 2003-06-24
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Expires: 2021-11-27
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for automatically gathering data on paths taken by a number of commuters and then analyzed to provide recommendations for improving the commute experience. Data may be gathered by recording time and position data from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver the commuter carries, recording time and position data from a mobile phone the commuter carries, departure or arrival indications, or a commute log. Commute data may be augmented with a likely route generated based on a start point, an end point, and a map. Commute data may be analyzed by determining a subset of the commuters whose paths are similar. For example, they have a similar start point, a similar end point, a similar start point and a similar end point, a start point similar to a particular point, an end point similar to a particular point, or similar start and end points.
Inventors
- 👤 Evan R. Kirshenbaum
- 👤 Kave Eshghi
- 👤 Henri Jacques Suemondt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:19
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/20; G01; G01C; G01C21/00; G01C21/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of gathering and automated analyzing of commute path data, the method comprising: receiving an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; gathering data over a period of time on commute paths taken by each of the commuters; analyzing the commute path data using automated computing means; and providing recommendations based on the results of said analyzing steps, wherein the recommendations are selected from suggesting that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of gathering and automated analyzing of commute path data, the method comprising: receiving an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; gathering data over a period of time on commute paths taken by each of the commuters; analyzing the commute path data using automated computing means; and providing recommendations based on the results of said analyzing steps, wherein the recommendations are selected from suggesting that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the indication further specifies a privacy setting for the commuter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the indication further specifies a commute constraint for the commuter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the indication further specifies a method for the gathering of the commute path data for the commuter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said gathering step comprises a method selected from recording time and position data from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that the commuter carries, recording time and position data from a mobile phone the commuter carries, receiving a departure indication from the commuter, receiving an arrival indication from the commuter and receiving a commute log from the commuter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the commute path data is augmented with a likely route that is automatically generated based on a start point, an end point and a map.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said analyzing step comprises determining a subset of the commuters whose commute paths have a similarity, wherein the similarity is determined employing a similarity metric.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
108 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein the similarity metric is selected from having a similar start point, having a similar end point, having a similar start point and a similar end point, having a start point similar to a particular point, having an end point similar to a particular point, having a start point similar to a first particular point and an end point similar to a second particular point, having a start point similar to a particular trajectory, having an end point similar to a particular trajectory, having a trajectory similar to a particular start point and having a trajectory similar to a particular end point.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
134 words
A media containing instructions that control a process when the instructions are read and executed by a system, the process comprising: receiving an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; gathering data over a period of time on commute paths taken by each of the commuters; analyzing the commuter path data; and providing recommendations based on the results of said analyzing steps, wherein the recommendations are selected from suggesting that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
134 words
A media containing instructions that control a process when the instructions are read and executed by a system, the process comprising: receiving an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; gathering data over a period of time on commute paths taken by each of the commuters; analyzing the commuter path data; and providing recommendations based on the results of said analyzing steps, wherein the recommendations are selected from suggesting that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The media of claim 9 , wherein the indication further specifies a privacy setting for the commuter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The media of claim 9 , wherein the indication further specifies a commute constraint for the commuter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The media of claim 9 , wherein the indication further specifies a method for the gathering of the commute path data for the commuter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
59 words
The media of claim 9 , wherein said gathering step comprises a method selected from recording time and position data from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that the commuter carries recording time and position data from a mobile phone that the commuter carries, receiving a departure indication from the commuter, and receiving an arrival indication from the commuter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The media of claim 9 , wherein the commute path data is augmented with a likely route that is automatically generated based on a start point, an end point and a map.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein said analyzing step comprises determining a subset of the commuters whose commute paths have a similarity, wherein the similarity is determined employing a similarity metric.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
108 words
The media of claim 15 , wherein the similarity metric is selected from having a similar start point, having a similar end point, having a similar start point and a similar end point, having a start point similar to a particular point, having a end point similar to a particular point, having a start point similar to a first particular point and an end point similar to a second particular point, having a start point similar to a particular trajectory, having an end point similar to a particular trajectory, having a trajectory similar to a particular start point and having a trajectory similar to a particular end point.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
149 words
A system configured to gather and analyze commute path data, the system comprising: an input device configured to receive an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; a data gathering device configured to gather data over a period of time on commute paths taken by a commuter; a data analysis device configured to analyze the commute path data and produce an analysis result; and an output device configured to provide a recommendation based on the analysis result, wherein the recommendation is selected from suggesting that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
149 words
A system configured to gather and analyze commute path data, the system comprising: an input device configured to receive an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; a data gathering device configured to gather data over a period of time on commute paths taken by a commuter; a data analysis device configured to analyze the commute path data and produce an analysis result; and an output device configured to provide a recommendation based on the analysis result, wherein the recommendation is selected from suggesting that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, suggesting that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and suggesting that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein said data gathering device comprises a device selected from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that the commuter carries, a mobile phone that the commuter carries, a device configured to receive a departure indication from the commuter, a device configured to receive an arrival indication from the commuter, and a device configured to receive a commute log from the commuter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 17 , wherein said data analysis device is further configured to produce the analysis result based on determining a subset of the commuters whose commute paths have a similarity, wherein the similarity is determined employing a similarity metric.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
108 words
The system of claim 19 , wherein said similarity metric is selected from having a similar start point, having a similar end point, having a similar start point and a similar end point, having a start point similar to a particular point, having an end point similar to a particular point, having a start point similar to a first particular point and an end point similar to a second particular point, having a start point similar to a particular trajectory, having an end point similar to a particular trajectory, having a trajectory similar to a particular start point and having a trajectory similar to a particular end point.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for gathering and analyzing commute path data, the system comprising: a means for receiving an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; a means for gathering data over a period of time on commute paths taken by each of the commuters; a means for analyzing the commute path data and for providing an analysis result; and a means for providing recommendations based on the analysis result, wherein the recommendations are selected from a suggestion that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, a suggestion that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, a suggestion that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, a suggestion that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and a suggestion that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for gathering and analyzing commute path data, the system comprising: a means for receiving an indication of participation from a multiplicity of commuters; a means for gathering data over a period of time on commute paths taken by each of the commuters; a means for analyzing the commute path data and for providing an analysis result; and a means for providing recommendations based on the analysis result, wherein the recommendations are selected from a suggestion that the subset of commuters carpool, suggesting that the subset of commuters vanpool, a suggestion that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route, a suggestion that the subset of commuters take a mass transit route augmented with a last mile service, a suggestion that the subset of commuters alter their commute time of day, and a suggestion that the subset of commuters alter their commute route.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
54 words
A computer-implemented method for informing commuters of transportation options, comprising: gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; identifying similar commute paths and associated commuters; providing information that describes ridesharing arrangements amongst the plurality of commuters.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
54 words
A computer-implemented method for informing commuters of transportation options, comprising: gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; identifying similar commute paths and associated commuters; providing information that describes ridesharing arrangements amongst the plurality of commuters.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 , wherein gathering commute path data comprises automatically gathering commute path data via mobile phone position information.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 22 , wherein gathering commute path data comprises uploading GPS data from a plurality of GPS devices.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 24 , uploading the GPS data constrained by time parameters.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 22 , wherein gathering commute path data includes route information and time information and the identifying step further comprises identifying subsets of commuters associated with commute paths having similar route information and similar time information.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the information that describes ridesharing arrangements includes names of commuters.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the information that describes ridesharing arrangements includes address of commuters.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the information that describes ridesharing arrangements includes description of mass transit routes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the information that describes ridesharing arrangements includes description of vanpool routes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 22 , wherein; the commute path data includes route information and time-of-day information; the identifying step further comprises identifying subsets of commuters associated with commute paths having similar route information; and the information that describes ridesharing arrangements includes information that describes suggested adjustments in a time-of-day at which commuters travel.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for informing commuters of transportation options, comprising: means for gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; means for identifying similar commute paths and associated commuters; and means for providing information that describes ridesharing arrangements amongst the plurality of commuters.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for informing commuters of transportation options, comprising: means for gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; means for identifying similar commute paths and associated commuters; and means for providing information that describes ridesharing arrangements amongst the plurality of commuters.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
52 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer-readable medium configured with instructions for causing a computer to perform the steps of, gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; identifying similar commute paths and associated commuters; and providing information that describes ridesharing arrangements amongst the plurality of commuters.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
52 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer-readable medium configured with instructions for causing a computer to perform the steps of, gathering commute path data that describes commute paths of a plurality of commuters; identifying similar commute paths and associated commuters; and providing information that describes ridesharing arrangements amongst the plurality of commuters.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-23 | 2006-12-23 | 2007-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-23 | 2010-12-23 | 2011-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-23 | 2014-12-23 | 2015-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |