Ad-hoc ride sharing application using continuous SPARQL queries

In the existing ride sharing scenario, the ride taker has to cope with uncertainties since the ride giver may be delayed or may not show up due to some exigencies. A solution to this problem is discussed in this paper. The solution framework is based on gathering information from multiple streams such as traffic status on the ride giver's routes and the ride giver's GPS coordinates. Also, it maintains a list of alternative ride givers so as to almost guarantee a ride for the ride taker. This solution uses a SPARQL-based continuous query framework that is capable of sensing fast-changing real-time situation. It also has reasoning capabilities for handling ride taker's preferences. The paper introduces the concept of user-managed windows that is shown to be required for this solution. Finally we show that the performance of the application is enhanced by designing the application with short incremental queries.