Cognitive needs-based trip planning

Abstract

A route-determination module (RDM) is provided, with the RDM having as input one or more cognitive preferences of a traveler. Further, the RDM receives input on a current or a forecasted cognitive state of the traveler, along with the cognitive load associated with one or more potential routes for traveling to a destination. A recommended route is determined based on the preference(s), state, and/or cognitive load.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for determining a trip route for a traveler, the method comprising:
 receiving a set of cognitive preferences of the traveler;   receiving a current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler;   receiving a cognitive load associated with the trip route; and   determining a desirable route;   wherein the step of determining a desirable route is based on the set of cognitive preferences of the traveler, the current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler, and the cognitive load associated with the trip route.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 defining a state transition model of cognitive states for the traveler, the state transition model being programmable by the traveler to determine the desirable route based on a specified cognitive state transition from a first state to a second state.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining a cognitive state for each traveler of a group of travelers;   wherein the desirable route is based on a target cognitive state of the group of travelers.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the set of cognitive preferences of the traveler includes an indication of a target cognitive state. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cognitive load associated with the trip route is based at least, in part, on one of: (i) historic traffic volume; (ii) historic traffic patterns; (iii) the number of complex intersections; (iv) history of aggressive drivers; (v) the need for crossing one or more lanes of traffic to reach an exit lane; (vi) a determination that areas are lacking in parking; (vii) current traffic volume; and (viii) current traffic patterns. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler is based at least, in part, on one of: (i) the number of occupants in the vehicle; (ii) the driver; (iii) the passenger; (iv) the noise level in the vehicle; (v) sleep history of the traveler; (vi) the time of day; and (vii) the distance driven. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler is a predicted cognitive state, based on historic cognitive states of the traveler at a specified time and/or date. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the trip route is a foot path for walking. 
     
     
         9 . A computer program product for determining a trip route for a traveler, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon:
 first program instructions programmed to receive a set of cognitive preferences of the traveler;   second program instructions programmed to receive a current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler;   third program instructions programmed to receive a cognitive load associated with the trip route; and   fourth program instructions to determine a desirable route;   wherein the step of determining the desirable route is based on the set of cognitive preferences of the traveler, the current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler, and the cognitive load associated with the trip route.   
     
     
         10 . The computer program product of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 defining a state transition model of cognitive states for the user, the state transition model being programmable by the traveler to determine the desirable route based on a specified cognitive state transition from a first state to a second state.   
     
     
         11 . The computer program product of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 determining a cognitive state for each traveler of a group of users;   wherein the desirable route is based on a target cognitive state of the group of users.   
     
     
         12 . The computer program product of  claim 9 , wherein the set of cognitive preferences of the traveler includes an indication of a target cognitive state. 
     
     
         13 . The computer program product of  claim 9 , wherein the cognitive load associated with the trip route is based at least, in part, on one of: (i) historic traffic volume; (ii) historic traffic patterns; (iii) the number of complex intersections; (iv) history of aggressive drivers; (v) the need for crossing one or more lanes of traffic to reach an exit lane; (vi) a determination that areas are lacking in parking; (vii) current traffic volume; and (viii) current traffic patterns. 
     
     
         14 . A computer system for determining a trip route for a traveler, the computer system comprising:
 a processor(s) set; and   a computer readable storage medium;   wherein:   the processor set is structured, located, connected, and/or programmed to run program instructions stored on the computer readable storage medium; and   the program instructions include:   receiving a set of cognitive preferences of the traveler;   receiving a current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler;   receiving a cognitive load associated with the trip road; and   determining a desirable route;   wherein the step of determining a desirable route is based on the set of cognitive preferences of the traveler, the current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler, and the cognitive load associated with the trip route.   
     
     
         15 . The computer system of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 defining a state transition model of cognitive states for the user, the state transition model being programmable by the traveler to determine the desirable route based on a specified cognitive state transition from a first state to a second state.   
     
     
         16 . The computer system of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 determining a cognitive state for each traveler of a group of users;   wherein the desirable route is based on a target cognitive state of the group of users.   
     
     
         17 . The computer system of  claim 14 , wherein the set of cognitive preferences of the traveler includes an indication of a target cognitive state. 
     
     
         18 . The computer system of  claim 14 , wherein the cognitive load associated with the trip route is based at least, in part, on one of: (i) historic traffic volume; (ii) historic traffic patterns; (iii) the number of complex intersections; (iv) history of aggressive drivers; (v) the need for crossing one or more lanes of traffic to reach an exit lane; and (vi) a determination that areas are lacking in parking; (vii) current traffic volume; and (viii) current traffic patterns. 
     
     
         19 . The computer system of  claim 14 , wherein the current or forecast cognitive state of the traveler is based at least, in part, on one of: (i) the number of occupants in the vehicle; (ii) the driver; (iii) the passenger; (iv) the noise level in the vehicle; (v) sleep history of the traveler; (vi) the time of day; and (vii) the distance driven. 
     
     
         20 . The computer system of  claim 14 , wherein the trip route is a foot path for walking.