Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a vehicle tracking system and particularly to a bus tracking system, and a method of tracking the same.
Description of Related Art
[002] In today's fast-paced urban landscape, efficient and dependable public transportation is vital for the prosperity of urban centers. Recognizing the imperative for enhanced transit services, the integration of bus tracking systems has transformed how commuters navigate cities. By harnessing advanced technologies, these systems provide a real time monitoring, elevate passenger experiences, and optimize fleet management.
[003] Before the introduction of bus tracking systems, traditional public transportation faced several challenges. Passengers frequently endured lengthy wait times, unpredictable arrival schedules, and overcrowded bus stops. Transit authorities struggled with inefficient route planning, inadequate resource allocation, and a lack of real time data to respond effectively to disruptions. These issues significantly impeded an overall effectiveness and convenience of public transportation.
[004] Additionally, the bus tracking systems emerged as a remedy for challenges faced by both passengers and transit authorities. The widespread adoption of GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and mobile connectivity played a pivotal role in enabling the development of these systems. Equipping buses with GPS devices and utilizing communication networks made the real time data on bus locations, schedules, and arrival times easily accessible.
[005] Furthermore, the bus tracking systems utilize a combination of hardware, software, and network infrastructure to deliver accurate and dependable information to passengers and transit authorities. Each bus is equipped with GPS devices that monitor its location, speed, and route. This data is transmitted to the central control center, where it is processed, analyzed, and shared with various stakeholders.
[006] Moreover, passengers can access real time bus information through intuitive mobile applications, websites, or electronic display boards at bus stops. They can plan their journeys, view estimated arrival times, and receive alerts for delays or route changes. Transit authorities use this data to monitor fleet operations, optimize routes, manage schedules, and make informed decisions to enhance services.
[007] Additionally, the bus tracking systems offer numerous advantages for both passengers and transit authorities. Commuters enjoy reduced wait times, heightened convenience, and improved reliability. Furthermore, real time data analysis enables informed decision-making, leading to increased operational efficiency and cost savings. While the current bus tracking systems offer numerous benefits, they do have some limitations, such as accuracy in fetching complete and correct information. Other limitations include technical issues, privacy concerns, and reliability. Additionally, current tracking systems provide location tracking but may lack accurate vehicle arrival time tracing in cases of route deviations due to poor tracking signals.
[008] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced bus tracking system that can administer the abovementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a bus tracking system. The system comprising: a tracking unit installed in a bus and configured to receive tracking signals for real time tracking of the bus. The system further comprising; a processor connected to the tracking unit, wherein the processor is configured to: receive and process the tracking signals from the tracking unit to determine a location of the bus in real time; identify a route deviation by comparing the determined location with a stored map; determine a new route to a user’s bus stop upon identifying the route deviation; generate and transmit notifications related to the identified route deviations and/or the determined new route to a user device via a computer application; measure a speed of the bus and provide an estimated speed value; estimate arrival time for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop based on the estimated speed value; and display the estimated time of arrival at the user’s bus stop on a user device.
[0010] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method of tracking a bus using a bus tracking system. The method comprising steps of: receiving tracking signals from a tracking unit; processing the received tracking signals to determine a location of the bus in real time; identifying a route deviation by comparing the determined location with a stored map; determining a new route to a user’s bus stop upon identifying the route deviation; generating and transmitting notifications related to the identified route deviations and/or the determined new route to a user device via a computer application; measuring a speed of the bus and provide an estimated speed value; estimating time of arrival for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop based on the estimated speed value; and display the estimated time of arrival of the bus at the user’s bus stop on a user device.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages depending on configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that is easy to use and install.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that displays an accurate location of a bus.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that informs the change in route through notification.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that provides real time tracking of the bus.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that displays an approximate speed of the bus.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that displays an exact latitude and longitude of the bus.
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a bus tracking system that estimates an arrival time of the bus.
[0019] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0020] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting a bus tracking, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1B illustrates a prototype of the bus tracking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a processor of the bus tracking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for bus tracking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0028] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0029] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0030] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting a bus tracking system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bus tracking system 100 may analyze the location of the bus through a tracking unit 102 installed in the bus by receiving tracking signals for real time tracking of the bus. The bus tracking system 100, further comprises a processor 104 connected to the tracking unit 102 to receive and process the tracking signal from the tracking unit 102 and determine the location of the bus in real time, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bus tracking system 100 may estimate the time of bus arrival based on measured bus speed value.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, the bus tracking system 100 may comprise a tracking unit 102, a processor 104, a user device 106, a computer application 108, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 110, and a power supply unit 112.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the tracking unit 102 may installed in the bus and configured to receive tracking signals for real time tracking of the bus. According to an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 102, may be, but not limited to, a Global Navigation Tracking System (GLONASS) tacking service, a Bei Dou tacking service, a Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) tracking service, Real time locating systems (RTLS), and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tracking unit 102 may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) & and ESP 32 module. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the tracking unit 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bus tracking system 100 may detect a geolocation of the bus. The tracking unit 102 may configured to display latitude and longitude coordinates of the location of the bus in real time to the user device 106, in an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking unit 102 may track a real time location of the bus, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tracked location may be represented in x° North, y° East coordinated format. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tracked location may be in x° North y minute and z second, a° East b minute and c second coordinated format. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tracked location may be in any format. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any format to display location, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 104 may be connected to the tracking unit 102. The processor 104 may be configured to receive and process the tracking signals from the tracking unit 102. The processor 104 may determine the location of the bus in real time based on processed tracking signals, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 104 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processor 104 may be a NodeMCU ESP8266. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 104 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, components of the processor 104 may be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 106 may be a device that may be utilised by the user to receive notifications regarding the delay in arrival or an advance arrival time based on the estimated time of arrival at the user’s bus stop. The user device 106 may further display the estimated time of arrival at the user’s bus stop, in an embodiment of the present invention. The user device 106 may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a consumer device, a mobile phone, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a wearable device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user device 106 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 106 may comprise the computer application 108 such as, but not limited to, a location tracking application, a software application, a bus route identification application, a notification application, a route monitoring application, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user device 106 may comprise the computer application 108 which may be a computer-readable program installed in the user device 106 for executing functions associated with the bus tracking system 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the computer application 108 comprises an input field to enable the user to add or modify the stop.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 104 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored in a memory (not shown) to generate an output relating to the bus tracking system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the memory may be, but not limited to, a Random-Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM), a Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM), a NAND Flash, a Secure Digital (SD) memory, a cache memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid-State Drive (SSD), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the memory, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface of the computer application 108 may provide a human-machine communicable interface. The user interface may enable the user to interact with the user device 106, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface of the user device 106 may be a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The Graphical User Interface (GUI) may project information related to the computer application 108 in a graphical representation. According to embodiments of the present invention, the graphical representation may include elements such as, but not limited to, graphs, charts, bullet points, animations, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any graphical elements that may be utilised for information projection relating to the computer application 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the user interface of the computer application 108 may be a Command Line Interface (CLI). The Command Line Interface (CLI) may project information related to the computer application 108 in a textual format.
[0040] According to embodiments of the present invention, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 110, may connected to the processor 104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 110, may be, adapted to display the location of the bus in real time. In another embodiment of the present invention, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 110 may be, a TN (twisted nematic), an IPS (in-plane switching), a VA (Vertical Alignment), and so forth. Further, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 110 may feature a backlight that may be turned on and/or turned off based on a requirement. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 110 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112 may connected to the tracking unit 102. The power supply unit 112 may further be connected to the processor 104, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112 may be a battery, a wall-outlet power supply, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112 may be a dual port rapid charger 114. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112, may provide a Direct Current (DC) voltage of 5 volts. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the power supply unit 112 that may supply any kind of current of any ratings, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of processor 104 of the bus tracking system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processor 104 may identify a route deviation by comparing the determined location with a stored map, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stored map may comprise information selected from a user’s bus stop, multiple bus stops corresponding to other users, a bus route, a pick up, a drop time at each of the bus stops, and so forth.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 104 may comprise a data receiving module 200, a route identification module 202, a route determination module 204, a notification generation module 206, a speed measurement module 208, a time estimation module 210 and a time display module 212.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200, may be configured to receive and process the tracking signals from the tracking unit 102 to determine the location of the bus in real time. According to embodiments of the present invention, the tracking signals received from the tracking unit 102 comprise the tracking information may be, but not limited to, a real time update on the bus location, traffic conditions, an estimated time of arrival, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any tracking information that may be delivered from the tracking unit 102 through the tracking signals, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to transmit the received data to the route identification module 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, the route identification module 202, may identify the route deviation by comparing the determined location with a stored map. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stored map may comprise information selected from the user’s bus stop, multiple bus stops corresponding to other users, a bus route, a pick up and a drop time at each of the bus stops, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any stored map that may deliver tracking information, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the route identification module 202 may enable the activation of route determination module 204. Upon activation, the route determination module 204 may determine a new route to a user’s bus stop upon identifying the route deviation, in an embodiment of the present invention. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the route determination module 204 may be configured to transmit the identified route deviation information to the notification generation module 206.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the notification generation module 206 may be activated upon receipt of the identified route deviation information from the route determination module 204. Upon activation, the notification generation module 206, may generate and transmit notifications related to the identified route deviations and/or the determined new route to the user device 106 via the computer application 108. Upon receipt of the notifications related to the identified route deviations, the notification generation module 206 may transmit a signal to activate speed measurement module 208, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Upon activation, the speed measurement module 208 may measure the speed of the bus and provide an estimated speed value, in an embodiment of the present invention. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the speed measurement module may transmit the obtained estimated speed value to the time estimation module 210.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the time estimation module 210 may be activated upon receipt of the obtained estimated speed value from the speed measurement module 208. Upon activation, the time estimation module 210 may estimate the time of arrival for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop based on the estimated speed value. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the time estimation module 210 may transmit the estimated time of arrival for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop to the time display module 212.
[0050] Upon receipt of the estimated time of arrival for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop from the time estimation module 210, the time display module 212 may display the estimated time of arrival at the user’s bus stop on the user device 106, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for bus tracking system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] At step 302, the bus tracking system 100 may receive the tracking signals from the tracking unit 102.
[0053] At step 304, bus tracking system 100 may process the received tracking signals to determine the location of the bus in real time.
[0054] At step 306, bus tracking system 100 may identify the route deviation by comparing the determined location with the stored map.
[0055] At step 308, bus tracking system 100 may determine the new route to a user’s bus stop upon identifying the route deviation.
[0056] At step 310, the bus tracking system 100, may generate and transmit notifications related to the identified route deviations and/or the determined new route to a user device 106 via the computer application 108.
[0057] At step 312, the bus tracking system 100 may measure the speed of the bus and may provide the estimated speed value.
[0058] At step 314, the bus tracking system 100, may estimate a time of arrival for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop based on the estimated speed value.
[0059] At step 316, the bus tracking system 100, may display the estimated time of arrival of the bus at the user’s bus stop on the user device 106.
[0060] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0061] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A bus tracking system (100) comprising:
a tracking unit (102) installed in a bus and configured to receive tracking signals for real time tracking of the bus; and
a processor (104) connected to the tracking unit (102), characterized in that the processor (104) is configured to:
receive and process the tracking signals from the tracking unit (102) to determine a location of the bus in real time;
identify a route deviation by comparing the determined location with a stored map;
determine a new route to a user’s bus stop upon identifying the route deviation;
generate and transmit notifications related to the identified route deviation and/or the determined new route to a user device (106) via a computer application (108);
measure a speed of the bus and provide an estimated speed value;
estimate an arrival time for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop based on the estimated speed value; and
display the estimated time of arrival at the user’s bus stop on the user device (106).
2. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tracking unit (102) is a global positioning system (GPS).
3. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (104) is configured to display latitude and longitude coordinates of the location of the bus in real time to the user device (106).
4. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (104) is configured to display a delay in arrival or an advance arrival time based on the estimated time of arrival at the user’s bus stop on the user device (106).
5. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer application (108) comprises an input field to enable the user to add or modify the stop.
6. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power supply unit (112) for powering the tracking unit (102), and the processor (104).
7. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit (112) comprises a dual port rapid charger (114).
8. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stored map comprises information selected from the user’s bus stop, multiple bus stops corresponding to other users, a bus route, a pick up and a drop time at each of the bus stops, or a combination thereof.
9. The bus tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a Liquid crystal display (LCD) (110) connected to the processor (104) and adapted to display the location of the bus in real time.
10. A method (300) of tracking a bus using a bus tracking system (100), the method (300) comprising steps of:
receiving tracking signals from a tracking unit (102);
processing the received tracking signals to determine a location of the bus in real time;
identifying a route deviation by comparing the determined location with a stored map;
determining a new route to a user’s bus stop upon identifying the route deviation;
generating and transmitting notifications related to the identified route deviation and/or the determined new route to a user device (106) via a computer application (108);
measuring a speed of the bus and providing an estimated speed value;
estimating a time of arrival for the bus to reach the user’s bus stop based on the estimated speed value; and
displaying the estimated time of arrival of the bus at the user’s bus stop on the user device (106).

Date: December 13, 2023
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)