Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a transportation tracking system and particularly to a public transportation tracking system.
Description of Related Art
[002] Public transportation networks are essential to urban mobility, yet many networks, especially in developing regions, struggle with operational transparency, resource efficiency, and consistent passenger satisfaction. A common challenge is the lack of reliable and well-structured timetables, which leaves passengers uncertain about arrival times and service availability. This unreliability is particularly problematic in regions where public transportation is the primary travel mode, but where services are often not highly reputable or well-organized, further reducing their appeal to passengers.
[003] However, traditional vehicle tracking systems in public transport often rely solely on Global Positioning System (GPS) location data, which, while helpful, does not provide a complete picture of real-time operational conditions. These systems generally fail to account for seat availability, a critical element for passengers aspiring for a comfortable and informed journey. Location updates are often inconsistent, and infrastructure limitations further reduce the accuracy of tracking. Consequently, passengers face uncertainty about both vehicle arrival and the likelihood of finding seating, which diminishes overall satisfaction and the system's effectiveness.
[004] Moreover, attempts to improve these systems have involved Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled digital platforms that offer route and basic schedule information, accessible through mobile applications. However, these existing solutions lack the technological depth needed to handle real-time, comprehensive updates across large fleets. Seat availability data, for instance, is rarely incorporated, which limits passengers' ability to make informed decisions and impacts the efficiency of vehicle utilization. Thus, traditional systems fall short of the demands of modern public transit, where detailed insights into vehicle location, seat occupancy, and route conditions are increasingly important for a positive passenger experience.
[005] Additionally, recent advancements in an Internet of Things (IoT), a sensor technology, and a cloud technology provide promising solutions to address these gaps. Integrating these technologies allows for an all-in-one platform that could offer continuous, real-time updates on vehicle location, seat availability, and traffic conditions, improving the predictability and reputation of public transport. However, current commercial implementations are often limited in scalability, data accuracy, and user-friendliness, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach that addresses both operational efficiency and passenger needs.
[006] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced public transportation tracking system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a public transportation tracking system. The system comprising: occupancy sensors, wherein each of the occupancy sensors is installed in proximity of seats in a vehicle, and adapted to detect a vacancy of the seats. The system further comprising: a location tracking unit, installed in the vehicle, adapted to track a geolocation of the vehicle. The system further comprising: a control unit installed in the vehicle, communicatively connected to the occupancy sensors, and to the location tracking unit. The control unit is configured to collate real-time data comprising the detected vacancy of the seats in the vehicle from the occupancy sensors along with the tracked geolocation of the vehicle. The system further comprising: a cloud-based processing unit in communication with the control unit through a first communication unit. The cloud-based processing unit is configured to: receive the real-time data from the control unit; generate insights selected from an overall occupancy rate, a seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle, a passenger volume in the vehicle, a time of arrival of the vehicle, a time of departure of the vehicle, or a combination thereof by analyzing the real-time data; and transmit the generated insights on a computer application installed in a user device through a second communication unit.
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for tracking public transportation using a public transportation tracking system for passengers. The method comprising steps of: detecting a vacancy of seats in a vehicle using occupancy sensors; tracking a geolocation of the vehicle using a location tracking unit; enabling transmission of real-time data comprising the detected vacancy of the seats in the vehicle from the occupancy sensors along with the tracked geolocation of the vehicle to a cloud-based processing unit from the control unit; generating insights, using the cloud-based processing unit, selected from an overall occupancy rate, a seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle, a time of arrival of the vehicle, a time of departure of the vehicle, or a combination thereof by analyzing the real-time data; and transmitting the generated insights on a computer application installed in a user device.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that provides accurate, real-time updates on vehicle location, allowing passengers to anticipate arrival times and plan accordingly.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that displays live seat occupancy status, enabling passengers to make informed decisions about boarding, reducing overcrowding, and improving travel comfort.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that offers convenience through real-time data on both location and seat availability, leading to a more pleasant and efficient transit experience.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that helps transportation authorities monitor and manage vehicle capacity, leading to better resource allocation and reducing vehicle idle times.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that allows easy expansion across different routes, vehicle types, and fleet sizes, accommodating growth in passenger volume and transportation demand.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that utilizes real-time data analytics to suggest optimal routes, reducing travel time, fuel consumption, and traffic congestion.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that facilitates efficient storage, processing, and analysis of large amounts of data, which improves system performance and enables predictive analytics.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that provides passengers with a simple, visually intuitive mobile or web interface to access real-time information, increasing system adoption and usability.
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Global Positioning System (GPS) and transportation infrastructure, minimizing the need for extensive retrofitting or new installations.
[0019] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that enhances visibility into vehicle occupancy and arrival times, the system reduces passenger uncertainty, making public transport a more appealing option.
[0020] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that leverages data to predict demand peaks, allowing transportation providers to allocate resources more effectively and avoid overcrowding.
[0021] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that offers transportation authorities insights into passenger behavior and vehicle usage patterns, facilitating informed decision-making for future route planning and service improvements.
[0022] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a public transportation tracking system that optimizes resource allocation and reduces unnecessary delays, the system lowers operational costs for transportation providers.
[0023] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0024] 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 utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] 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:
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a public transportation tracking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 1B illustrates a computer application of the public transportation tracking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 1C illustrates the computer application of the public transportation tracking system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 1D illustrates the computer application of the public transportation tracking system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a cloud-based processing unit of the public transportation tracking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for tracking public transportation using a public transportation tracking system for passengers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] 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
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a public transportation tracking system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be adapted to track public transportation. Further, the system 100 may be configured to generate information and insights relating to public transportation such as a passenger may be able to have a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may further be configured to enable a passenger to plan a journey based on a route of travel and an availability of seats.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the information and insights generated by the system 100 may be an overall occupancy rate, a seat availability, a geolocation of the public transportation, a passenger volume in the public transportation, a time of arrival of the public transportation, a time of departure of the public transportation, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any information and insights that may be generated by the system 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, the public transportation may be, but not limited to, a roadways transportation, a railways transportation, an airways transportation, a waterways transportation, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the public transportation, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may be installed in locations such as, but not limited to, a bus station, a railway station, an airport, a ship port, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location for installation of the system 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may be installed in a vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 may be adapted to enable an onboarding of the passenger who may be travelling. Further, the vehicle 102 may be scheduled to travel on a predefined route, with predefined stops, for a predefined time. The passenger onboarded on the vehicle 102 may further be traveling to and from the one or more predefined stops of the vehicle 102, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle 102 may be, but not limited to, a cab, a bus, a train, a flight, a train, a subway, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the vehicle 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle 102 may comprise seats 104a-104n (hereinafter referred individually to as the seat 104, and plurally to as the seats 104), occupancy sensors 106a-106n (hereinafter referred individually to as the occupancy sensor 106, and plurally to as the occupancy sensors 106), a location tracking unit 108, and a control unit 110.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, seats 104 may be installed in the vehicle 102. The seats 104 may be adapted to enable a seating/reclining accommodation for the passenger. The seats 104 may comprise a headrest, a handrest, a backrest, a footrest, and so forth, to enable a comfortable journey for the passenger. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any means that may induce comfortability to the passenger onboard the vehicle 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the seats 104 may further comprise occupancy sensors 106. The occupancy sensors 106 may be installed in proximity of the seats 104, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the occupancy sensors 106 may be installed inside the seats 104. The occupancy sensors 106 may be adapted to detect a vacancy in the seats 104. The occupancy sensors 106 detect a vacancy of the seats 104 by computing factors such as, but not limited to, a weight load on the seats 104, a movement on the seats 104, a weight-distribution on the seats 104, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any factors that may be computed by the occupancy sensors 106 for detecting the vacancy of the seats 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0044] Further, in scenarios such as, where the passenger may place a luggage onto the seats 104, the occupancy sensors 106 may engage a visual information reception. Further, upon reception of the information that the luggage is placed on the seats 104, the corresponding seats 104 may be deemed vacant by the occupancy sensors 106. Additionally, the occupancy sensors 106 may be configured to detect the vacancy of the seats 104 after every predefined duration, so that a seat that may have been vacated recently may not be deemed as occupied, even though the corresponding seat may be vacant.
[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, the occupancy sensors 106 may be, but not limited to, a weight sensor, a skin sensor, a camera, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the occupancy sensors 106 may be an ultrasonic sensor or a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the occupancy sensors 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the location tracking unit 108 may be installed in the vehicle 102. The location tracking unit 108 may be adapted to track a geolocation of the vehicle 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tracked geolocation of the vehicle 102 may be recorded and represented in x° North, y° East coordinated format. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tracked geolocation of the vehicle 102 may be recorded and represented 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 geolocation of the vehicle 102 may be recorded and represented may be in any format. According to embodiments of the present invention, the location tracking unit 108 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), a Real-time locating system (RTLS), and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the location tracking unit 108 may be a Global Positioning System (GPS). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the location tracking unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be installed in the vehicle 102. The control unit 110 may be connected to the occupancy sensors 106 and the location tracking unit 108, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be configured to collate real-time data comprising the detected vacancy of the seats 104 in the vehicle 102 from the occupancy sensors 106 along with the tracked geolocation of the vehicle 102. The control unit 110 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 110 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 control unit 110 may be a Node Microcontroller Unit (MCU) Espressif (ESP) 8266. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may further comprise a first communication unit 112, a cloud-based processing unit 114, a second communication unit 116, and a user device 118.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first communication unit 112 may be adapted to establish a communicative link and enable communication between the control unit 110 and the cloud-based processing unit 114. According to embodiments of the present invention, the first communication unit 112 may be, but not limited to a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, and so forth.
[0050] According to embodiments of the present invention, the wired communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a twisted pair cable, a co-axial cable, an Ethernet cable, a modem, a router, a switch, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wired communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wireless communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a millimeter waves communication module, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communication module, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wireless communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first communication unit 112 may be a cellular service such as, but not limited to, a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), an Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the first communication unit 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud-based processing unit 114 may be adapted to be in communication with the control unit 110 via the first communication unit 112. The cloud-based processing unit 114 may be configured to generate route planning recommendations. The cloud-based processing unit 114 may generate the route planning recommendation by analysis of the real-time data generated by the control unit 110, in an embodiment of the present invention. The route planning recommendation may optimize routes that may be traveled by the vehicle 102. The optimization of routes may operate on variables such as real-time traffic conditions and passenger demands.
[0053] The cloud-based processing unit 114 may further be configured to monitor a compatibility for operating of the vehicle 102 with existing transportation systems and standards. In an exemplary scenario, the cloud-based processing unit 114 may maintain a compatibility of the roadways transportation with a railways transportation, by monitoring and executing operations of buses or cabs, at timings and routes, that may provide inbound and/or outbound connectivity with corresponding trains.
[0054] The cloud-based processing unit 114 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud-based processing unit 114 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cloud-based processing unit 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud-based processing unit 114 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second communication unit 116 may be adapted to establish a communicative link and enable the digital communication between the cloud-based processing unit 114 and the user device 118. According to embodiments of the present invention, the second communication unit 116 may be, but not limited to a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, and so forth.
[0056] According to embodiments of the present invention, the wired communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a twisted pair cable, a co-axial cable, an Ethernet cable, a modem, a router, a switch, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wired communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wireless communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a millimeter waves communication module, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communication module, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wireless communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 118 may be an electronic device that may be used by the passenger. The user device 118 may be adapted to receive insights generated by the cloud-based processing unit 114, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the insights received by the user device 118 may be, but not limited to, the overall occupancy rate, the seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle 102, the passenger volume in the vehicle 102, the time of arrival of the vehicle 102, the time of departure of the vehicle 102, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any insights that may be received by the user device 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0058] According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 118 may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a desktop, a server, a laptop, a tablet, 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 118 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 118 may comprise software applications such as, but not limited to, a navigation application, a booking application, a tracking application, an electronic payment application, and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user device 118 may comprise a computer application 120 which may be a computer-readable program installed in the user device 118 for executing functions associated with the system 100.
[0060] FIG. 1B illustrates the computer application 120 installed in the user device 118, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the computer application 120 may be, but not limited to, a web application, an Android application, an internet Operating System (iOS) application, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computer application 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0061] The computer application 120 may comprise an interface that may be accessible by the user upon log-in into the computer application 120. The computer application 120 may be downloadable from an application store or similar platform. In an embodiment of the present invention, the computer application 120 in association with the interface may be configured to enable the passenger to carry out the tasks that may be, but not limited to, tracking the geolocation of the vehicle 102, checking the availability of the seats 104, reserving the seats 104, fetching a list of vehicle(s) 102 travelling/passing through an origin and a destination of the passenger, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any tasks that may be carried out by the passenger on the computer application 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0062] FIG. 1C illustrates the computer application 120 of the public transportation tracking system 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the computer application 120 may be configured to enable the user to select a variety of options such as, but not limited to, a bus type, a location, a destination, number of vacant seats, and so forth. The user may visualize upcoming vehicles and associated data based on the selected options through the computer application 120.
[0063] FIG. 1D illustrates the computer application 120 of the public transportation tracking system 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the interface of the computer application 120 may be configured to enable the user to visualize the vehicles for example buses that may be near to a location of the user. The interface of the computer application 120 may further be configured to enable the user to visualize the time of arrival of the vehicles that may be near the location of the user.
[0064] The interface of the computer application 120, as described in the aforementioned embodiments, may be configured to display a wide variety of transit-related data. The types of transit-related data displayed are subject to technological compatibility, user preferences, and data availability, and may vary based on device, operating system, and user access permissions.
[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the cloud-based processing unit 114 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cloud-based processing unit 114 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a data generation module 202, and a data transmission module 204.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be adapted to receive the real-time data from the control unit 110. The real-time data received from the control unit 110 may comprise the detected vacancy of the seats 104 in the vehicle 102 and the tracked geolocation of the vehicle 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the received real-time data may further be transmitted to the data generation module 202.
[0067] The data generation module 202 may be activated upon receipt of the real-time data from the data receiving module 200. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data generation module 202 may be configured to analyze the real-time data. Further, the data generation module 202 may be configured to generate insights from the analyzed real-time data.
[0068] According to embodiments of the present invention, the insights generated by the data generation module 202 may be, but not limited to, the overall occupancy rate, the seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle 102, the passenger volume in the vehicle 102, the time of arrival of the vehicle 102, the time of departure of the vehicle 102, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any insights that may be generated upon analysis of the type real-time data, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data generation module 202 may further be configured to transmit the generated insights to the data transmission module 204.
[0070] The data transmission module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the insights from the data generation module 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data transmission module 204 may be configured to transmit the generated insights on the computer application 120 installed in the user device 118 through the second communication unit 116.
[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, the data transmission module 204 may be configured to transmit notifications to the data transmission module 204 may be configured indicating updates such as, but not limited to, a delay of the vehicle 102, an unavailability of the seats 104, a cancellation of the vehicle 102, a diversion of the route, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any updates that may be indicated using the notifications transmitted to the user device 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0072] The notifications received on the user device 118 may be in a pre-defined form, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the pre-defined form of the notifications received on the user device 118 may be, but not limited to a pop-up notifications, a flash notifications, a ringer notifications, a silent notifications, a push notifications, a hidden notifications, an electronic mail notifications, a Short Message Service (SMS) notifications, an always on-screen notifications, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any pre-defined form of the notifications that may be received on the user device 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0073] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for tracking the public transportation using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] At step 302, the system 100 may detect the vacancy of the seats 104 in the vehicle 102 using occupancy sensors 106.
[0075] At step 304, the system 100 may track the geolocation of the vehicle 102 using the location tracking unit 108.
[0076] At step 306, the system 100 may enable the transmission of real-time data comprising the detected vacancy of the seats 104 in the vehicle 102 from the occupancy sensors 106 along with the tracked geolocation of the vehicle 102 to the cloud-based processing unit 114 from the control unit 110.
[0077] At step 308, the system 100 may generate insights, using the cloud-based processing unit 114, selected from an overall occupancy rate, the seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle 102, the time of arrival of the vehicle 102, the time of departure of the vehicle 102, and so forth by analyzing the real-time data.
[0078] At step 308, the system 100 may transmitting the generated insights on the computer application 120 installed in the user device 118.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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 public transportation tracking system (100), the system (100) comprising:
occupancy sensors (106a-106n), wherein each of the occupancy sensors (106a-106n) is installed in proximity of seats (104a-104n) in a vehicle (102) and adapted to detect a vacancy of the seats (104a-104n);
a location tracking unit (108), installed in the vehicle (102), adapted to track a geolocation of the vehicle (102);
a control unit (110) installed in the vehicle (102), communicatively connected to the occupancy sensors (106a-106n), and to the location tracking unit (108), characterized in that the control unit (110) is configured to collate real-time data comprising the detected vacancy of the seats (104a-104n) in the vehicle (102) from the occupancy sensors (106a-106n) along with the tracked geolocation of the vehicle (102); and
a cloud-based processing unit (114) in communication with the control unit (110) through a first communication unit (112), wherein the cloud-based processing unit (114) is configured to:
receive the real-time data from the control unit (110);
generate insights selected from an overall occupancy rate, a seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle (102), a passenger volume in the vehicle (102), a time of arrival of the vehicle (102), a time of departure of the vehicle (102), or a combination thereof by analyzing the real-time data; and
transmit the generated insights on a computer application (120) installed in a user device (118) through a second communication unit (116).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first communication unit (112) is selected from a cellular service, a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), an Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or a combination thereof.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second communication unit (116) is selected from an internet, a Bluetooth, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), and so forth.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensors (106a-106n) are selected from an ultrasonic sensor, a weight sensor, a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, a skin sensor, or a combination thereof.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is a Node Microcontroller Unit (MCU) Espressif (ESP) 8266.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer application (120) is selected from a web application, an Android application, an internet Operating System (iOS) application, or a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud-based processing unit (114) is configured to generate route planning recommendations based on the analyzed the real-time data. (for optimizing routes based on real-time traffic conditions and passenger demand.)
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud-based processing unit (114) is configured to monitor a compatibility of operating the vehicle (102) with existing transportation systems and standards.
9. A method (300) for tracking public transportation using a public transportation tracking system (100) for passengers, the method is characterized by steps of:
detecting a vacancy of seats (104a-104n) in a vehicle (102) using occupancy sensors (106a-106n);
tracking a geolocation of the vehicle (102) using a location tracking unit (108);
enabling transmission of real-time data comprising the detected vacancy of the seats (104a-104n) in the vehicle (102) from the occupancy sensors (106a-106n) along with the tracked geolocation of the vehicle (102) to a cloud-based processing unit (114) from the control unit (110);
generating insights, using the cloud-based processing unit (114), selected from an overall occupancy rate, a seat availability, the geolocation of the vehicle (102), a time of arrival of the vehicle (102), a time of departure of the vehicle (102), or a combination thereof by analyzing the real-time data; and
transmitting the generated insights on a computer application (120) installed in a user device (118).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the occupancy sensors (106a-106n) are selected from an ultrasonic sensor, a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, a skin sensor, or a combination thereof.
Date: November 28, 2024
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant