Patent Publication Number: US-2023162114-A1

Title: Generating and communicating device balance graphical representations for a dynamic transportation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 16/543,368, filed on Aug. 16, 2019, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, the popularity and usage of on-demand transportation matching systems have steadily increased. Indeed, the proliferation of web and mobile applications enable requesting devices to submit transportation requests via on-demand transportation matching systems and identify available provider devices that can provide transportation services from one geographic location to another. In many circumstances, conventional transportation matching systems also provide digital communications regarding fluctuations in requesting device demand to allow provider devices to select times for providing transportation services. For example, conventional transportation matching systems can provide a graph reflecting requester device demand over time in an effort to forecast times for provider devices to provide transportation services. However, conventional transportation matching systems suffer from a number of disadvantages with respect to accuracy and efficiency of implementing computing systems. 
     For instance, although many conventional transportation systems generate and transmit fluctuations in demand to provider devices, conventional systems often provide these digital communications in a manner that is misleading to provider devices. For example, communicating linear demand can provide inaccurate, misleading, and unhelpful information when there is a large spike in demand within a communicated time period. In such circumstances, for instance, demand for other time periods becomes distorted, which leads driver devices to over-commit during some time periods (e.g., during a time period corresponding to a large spike) and under-commit at other time periods. For example, when there is a large event or a holiday weekend rush hour, conventional systems do not provide an accurate indication to provider devices as to when to provide transportation services within a particular target time period. 
     In addition, this inaccurate communication of provider device incentives can also lead to inefficiencies in conventional transportation matching systems. Indeed, because digital communications fail to accurately convey transportation opportunities, conventional transportation matching systems often experience requester device imbalances (e.g., excessive levels of demand from requesting devices relative to transportation devices) or provider device imbalances (e.g., excessive levels of transportation devices relative to demand from requesting devices). These imbalances often lead to high wait times (for requesting devices and/or provider devices) and excessive burdens on computing resources (e.g., inefficiencies at the server in responding to requesting devices and provider devices due to unbalanced availability relative to demand). For example, conventional systems often face excessive computational overhead due to an imbalance in requester devices or provider devices as these devices repeatedly query servers for transportation matches, transportation updates, or other information due to lag resulting from uneven distribution across the transportation matching system. In addition, this can negatively affect both user experience and provider experience, yielding retention problems for conventional systems. 
     These along with additional problems and issues exist with regard to conventional transportation matching systems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide benefits and/or solve one or more of the foregoing or other problems in the art with systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for generating provider device balance graphs reflecting device utilization ratios between provider devices and requester devices. For example, the disclosed systems can determine market balance measures over a target time period based on driver supply hours and requester device application sessions within the target time period. Further, the disclosed systems can utilize the market balance measures to generate and display provider device balance graphs to provider devices. Moreover, the disclosed system can apply various scaling models to create an intuitive visual scale to address seasonality, special events, and/or differences between regions. The disclosed systems can also apply thresholds to generate smooth visual scales that allow driver devices to more accurately determine driving schedules. In this manner, the disclosed systems can avoid distortions that result from large fluctuations in requestor device demand and provide a more accurate reflection of provider device incentives across a transportation matching system. 
     For example, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems determine device utilization ratios for a period of time based on projections for device utilization for requester computing devices and device utilization for provider computer devices across time periods. Then, the disclosed systems can utilize a probability distribution for a representative time period to determine probabilities for the device utilization ratios. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems map device utilization rations and/or probabilities to “bins” and utilize those bins to generate a provider device balance graph. By utilizing device utilization ratios between utilization of provider devices and requester devices, the disclosed systems can display provider device balance graphs that more accurately reflect transportation times for provider devices, that allow for more efficient scheduling of provider devices, and that lead to more efficient operation of implementing computer systems. 
     Additional features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are outlined in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such example embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description provides one or more embodiments with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, as briefly described below. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a diagram of an environment in which a provider balance system can operate in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate example graphical user interfaces for a provider balance system in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an overview of generating a provider device balance graph in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates utilizing a probability distribution to generate probabilities in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates binning probabilities according to determined bin ranges in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates generating and utilizing an earnings-ridership metric for a provider balance system in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a provider scheduling graphical user interface in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates applying event and seasonal adjustments to provider incentive graphs in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a flowchart of a series of acts for a provider balance system in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a block diagram of an example transportation matching system in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure describes one or more embodiments of a provider balance system that generates provider device balance graphs reflecting device utilization ratios between provider devices and requester devices. More specifically, the provider balance system can determine device utilization ratios for various time periods based on projections for utilization of provider devices and requester devices. The provider balance system can utilize the device utilization ratios to generate a provider device balance graph. By utilizing a provider device balance graph that reflects such market balance metrics, the provider balance system can more accurately represent provider device utilization rate and earnings relative to conventional systems. Indeed, the provider balance system can avoid distortions in driver device incentives and reduce inefficiencies across transportation matching systems that result from pure demand metrics. 
     To illustrate, the provider balance system can determine predicted requester computing device application sessions and predicted computing device availability within a given region and within a given time period. Then, the provider balance system can determine device utilization ratios for the given time period based on the forecast measures. Further, the provider balance system can determine probabilities of the device utilization ratios. The provider balance system can then generate and provide a provider device balance graph portraying the probabilities for efficient communication of provider incentives and deployment of provider devices. 
     As mentioned, the provider balance system can generate and utilize various predicted device utilization measures for provider devices and requestor devices. In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system utilizes a number driver supply hours to forecast driver device utilization and utilizes a number of requester device application sessions to forecast requester device utilization. However, the provider balance system can utilize a variety of particular metrics to predicted device utilization. For example, the provider balance system can forecast a number of requests, a number of hours required to fulfil requests, or a cumulative distance needed to be driven to fulfil requests. Further, the provider balance system can forecast a number of providers, a number of provider miles, or a number of transportation services (e.g., rides). 
     As discussed above, the provider balance system can utilize forecast metrics to generate device utilization ratios. More specifically, in one or more embodiments, the provider balance system can generate the device utilization ratios as a ratio of requester device application sessions and provider device availability. For example, the provider balance system can generate the device utilization ratios by determining the ratio of the number of application sessions over a time period to a number of driver supply hours for the same time period. 
     In addition, as mentioned, the provider balance system can also determine probabilities. In particular, the provider balance system can determine probabilities by applying a probability distribution to forecasted device utilization ratios. For example, the provider balance system can determine a probability distribution that reflects probabilities of device utilization ratios for a representative time period (e.g., an average week). The provider balance system can then utilize the probability distribution to determine probabilities. To illustrate, the provider balance system can utilize a probability distribution to determine percentile bins that reflect ranges of cumulative probabilities and corresponding ranges of device utilization ratios. The provider balance system can then map forecast device utilization ratios to the appropriate percentile bins to generate probabilities. 
     In some embodiments, the provider balance system can also generate device utilization ratios by applying device balance thresholds. Indeed, the provider balance system can further avoid distortion by applying upper and/or lower thresholds of device utilization ratios. For example, in some embodiments, the provider balance system can constrain the minimum device utilization ratio (or probability) to a lower threshold (e.g., a 10 percent lower bound). Similarly, the provider balance system can map the maximum device utilization ratio (or probability) to an upper threshold (e.g., a 100 percent upper bound). 
     As mentioned above, the provider balance system can also apply various scales to device utilization ratios. For instance, in some embodiments, the provider balance system can apply a seasonal scaling to reflect variations in device utilization ratios across seasons. In addition, the provider balance system can apply an event scaling (e.g., multiplicatively) to reflect variations in device utilization ratios specific to particular events. 
     The provider balance system can also generate and utilize provider device ridership metrics. For example, in some embodiments, the provider balance system generates provider device ridership metrics that reflect projected earnings corresponding to provider devices in light of ridership corresponding to requestor devices. Specifically, the provider balance system can generate ridership metrics based on a projected earnings metric and the radical of a projected number of rides. The provider balance system can utilize these earnings-ridership metrics to generate one or more provider device balance graphs. 
     As just mentioned, the provider balance system can generate provider device balance graphs and can provide these provider device balance graphs for display in graphical user interfaces via provider devices. For example, the provider balance system can generate a timeline of probabilities and provide the timeline for display to provider devices to more efficiently distribute provider devices across different times (e.g., hours) within a target time period (e.g., a day). The provider balance system can also generate and provide recommend transportation schedules for provider devices based on device utilization ratios. 
     The provider balance system provides many advantages and benefits over conventional systems and methods. For example, by utilizing device balance metrics and/or probability distributions the provider balance system can improve accuracy relative to conventional systems. Specifically, the provider balance system can generate and display provider device balance graphs that accurately communicate provider device incentives without undue distortion caused by spikes or other fluctuations in requester device demand. The provider balance system can utilize probability distributions to determine provider device balance graphs that are smoother and easier to understand and that more accurately convey transportation times to provider devices. 
     Additionally, the provider balance system improves efficiency for the implementing transportation matching system. Indeed, the provider balance system more accurately conveys incentives across provider device transportation times and therefore reduces imbalances across provider devices and requester devices. The provider balance system can thus reduce spike imbalances between provider devices and requester devices and reduce the burdens on implementing computing systems in seeking to matching provider devices and requester devices under such circumstances. For example, the provider incentive system can reduce the number of repeat requests for providers and/or requesters, queries for updates, and/or queries for transportation provider status reports that result from device imbalances. The provider balance system also provides better projections and yields better requester and provider experience by ensuring that provider devices align to demands from requester devices. 
     As illustrated by the foregoing discussion, the present disclosure utilizes a variety of terms to describe features and advantages of the provider balance system. Additional detail is now provided regarding the meaning of such terms. For example, as used herein, the term “transportation request” (or “request”) refers to a query, demand, or invitation for transportation services. To illustrate, a requester can interact with one or more user interfaces of a requester application on a requester device to configure a transportation request (e.g., to indicate a requested pickup location, a requested drop-off location, a requested type of transportation, and/or a requested time of transportation), and then submit the transportation request to the transportation matching system. As used herein, the terms “requester” refers to an individual that has submitted (or will submit) a transportation request. Similarly, a “requester device” (or “requester computing device”) refer to a computing device that submits (or has submitted) a request (e.g., a computing device associated with a requestor). 
     Further, as used herein, the term “provider” refers to an individual, entity, or vehicle that provides transportation services. Moreover, the term “provider device” (or “provider computing device”) refer to a computing device associated with a provider (e.g., a computing device associated with a driver or automated vehicle). Additional detail regarding provider devices and requester devices is provided below (e.g., in relation to  FIG.  1   ). 
     In addition, as used herein, the term “predicted device utilization” refers to a forecast metric or measurement reflecting an extent that one or more devices will be used. To illustrate, a predicted device utilization can include a metric that conveys a predicted supply, and/or demand of requester devices and/or provider devices. As mentioned, the provider balance system can generate a predicted device utilization for requester computing devices as a forecast measure of requester computing device application sessions. 
     In addition, as used herein, a predicted device utilization for provider computing device can include a predicted metric of a supply of transportation services or provider device availability. In particular, predicted device utilization for provider computing devices can include a number of hours utilized to provide transportation services during a specified time (e.g., a predicted number of driver hours available to provide transportation services during a specified time). 
     Further, as used herein, the term “device utilization ratios” refers to a metric reflecting both predicted device utilization for provider computing devices and requester computing devices. In particular, a device utilization ratio can include a ratio of the number of application sessions over a time period to a number of driver supply hours for the same time period. 
     Also, as used herein, the term “probabilities” refers to a likelihood of a particular result (e.g., a probability of a utilization ration determined based on a probability distribution). In particular, the provider balance system can determine a probability distribution (e.g., a correlation between probabilities and values of a variable) of device utilization ratios. The provider balance system can then map device utilization ratios to probabilities utilizing the probability distribution. For example, a device utilization ratio of 0.5 may map to a probability of 15 (e.g., a 15% inverse cumulative probability of achieving a 0.5 device utilization ratio or lower during the time period). 
     In addition, as used herein, the term “provider device balance graph” refers to a visual representation of relative supply and/or demand. In particular, the term “provider device balance graph” can include a graphical representation of device utilization ratios, probabilities, and/or provider device earnings-ridership metrics. To illustrate, a provider balance system can include provider device balance graph in a graphical user interface within a provider application. 
     Additionally, as used herein, the term “bins” refers to a grouping or range of data. In particular, the term “bins” can include a range of device utilization ratios corresponding to a range of probabilities. For example, the provider balance system  116  can identify an 80%-90% probability bin defined by a range of device utilization ratios corresponding to an 80% inverse cumulative probability and a 90% inverse cumulative probability. 
     Further, as used herein, the term “provider device ridership metric” (or “earnings-ridership metric”) refers to a metric based on earnings for a provider and ridership. In particular, the term “provider device ridership metric” can include metric based on a projected earnings metric and the radical of a projected number of rides. Additionally, as used herein, the term “radical” refers to the root of a number or quantity. In particular, the term “radical” can include a square root, a cube root, or a root with another radicand. 
     Further, as used herein, the term “event modifier” refers to a metric corresponding to an event. In particular, the term “event modifier” can include a value corresponding to a scale at which an event will escalate demand in a given time and/or location. To illustrate, an event modifier can include a variety of metrics and/or measures corresponding to increased demand expected and/or experienced as a result of an event such as a concert, sporting event, performance, etc. Similarly, a “seasonal modifier” can include a metric corresponding to a particular season (e.g., increased demand expected due to a particular month, week, or other time of year). 
     Additional detail will now be provided regarding the provider balance system in relation to illustrative figures portraying exemplary embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  1    illustrates an environment  100  including requester device(s)  102 , each implementing a requester application  104 , and provider device(s)  106 , implementing a provider application  108 . The requester device(s)  102  communicate, via a network  110 , with server device(s)  112 . The server device(s)  112  can implement a transportation matching system  114 , which in turn can include a provider balance system  116 . 
     Although  FIG.  1    illustrates the provider balance system  116  implemented via the server device(s)  112 , the provider balance system  116  can be implemented via other components. For example, the provider balance system  116  can be implemented in whole, or in part, by the requester device(s)  102  and/or the provider device(s)  106 . 
     The requester device(s)  102  can include various types of computing devices. For example, the requester device(s)  102  can include smart phones, tablets, smart watches, laptop computers, or other mobile computing devices, such as further explained below with reference to  FIG.  10   . Additionally, the requester application  104  can include various types of requester applications. For example, the requester application  104  can be a web application (e.g., accessed using a web browser) or a native application provided by the transportation matching system  114  for communicating with and accessing the services of the transportation matching system  114  (e.g., to request transportation). Similarly, the provider device(s)  106  can include various types of computing devices (e.g., a smartphone or integrated computing device within an autonomous vehicle), and the provider application  108  can include a web or native application for communicating with and accessing the services of the transportation matching system  114  (e.g., to provide transportation services to one or more requesters). Additionally, the server device(s)  112  can include one or more computing devices, such as those explained below with reference to  FIG.  10   . 
     The requester device(s)  102 , the provider device(s)  106 , and the transportation matching system  114  may communicate by way of the network  110 , which can include one or more communications networks using communication platforms and technologies suitable for transporting data and/or communication signals, examples of which are described with reference to  FIG.  10   . 
     The transportation matching system  114  dynamically matches transportation requests received from requesters (e.g., requesters associated with requester device(s) 102) with available transportation service providers (e.g., transportation providers associated with the provider device(s)  106 ). To illustrate, a transportation matching system can identify transportation requests, identify potential transportation provider devices, determine locations of requester devices and provider devices, and match provider devices and requester devices based on a variety of criteria. One will appreciate that the supply of transportation providers does not always match the demand of transportation requesters. Accordingly, the transportation matching system  114  can perform various actions for determining and communicating supply and demand to providers so that providers can drive at appropriate/optimal times. In accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the transportation matching system  114  utilizes the provider balance system  116  to determine, visualize, and communicate supply and demand information. 
     As discussed above, the provider balance system  116  can generate provider device balance graphs.  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate example graphical user interfaces utilized by one or more transportation matching systems. In particular,  FIG.  2 A  illustrates a user interface generated in accordance with one or more conventional systems described above. Specifically,  FIG.  2 A  illustrates a user interface  200  that visualizes demand only. Moreover,  FIGS.  2 B- 2 C  illustrate provider device balance graphs generated by the provider balance system  116  in accordance with one or more embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  2 B  illustrates a provider device balance graphical user interface  202  with a provider device balance graph  210  visualizing device utilization ratios and  FIG.  2 C  illustrates a provider device balance graphical user interface  204  with a provider device balance graph  220  visualizing probabilities. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 A , conventional systems generate user interfaces with a visualization  206  that portrays demand. However, because the visualized time period includes some demand “spikes” (where some hours have a much higher demand than others), it appears as if the demand is very low for most of the displayed time period. Accordingly, this approach can mislead providers, causing an over-supply of driver devices during these “spike” time periods and an under-supply of driver devices during other time periods. 
     In contrast, the provider balance system  116  can generate device incentive graphs that more accurately and efficiently distribute provider devices. As shown in  FIG.  2 B , the provider device balance graph  210  visualizes device utilization ratios over the same time period visualized in  FIG.  2 A . More specifically, the provider device balance graph  210  visualizes device utilization ratios determined based on forecasted requester device sessions and driver supply hours. As shown, the provider device balance graph  210  is much less distorted and avoids drastic spikes throughout the target time period. The provider device balance graph  210  in  FIG.  2 B  is much more efficient in distributing provider devices because it illustrates relative balance between requester devices and provider devices over the time period rather than raw demand. 
     As mentioned above, the provider balance system  116  can also generate device incentive graphs that reflect probabilities.  FIG.  2 C  illustrates a provider device balance graph  220  that reflects probabilities. That is, the provider device balance graph  220  reflects device utilization ratios that have been modified utilizing a probability distribution. Specifically, each of the bars in the provider device balance graph  220  reflect a cumulative probability (e.g., an inverse cumulative probability) of a corresponding forecast measure. In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  utilizes a probability distribution to determine bins for device utilization ratios. As shown in  FIG.  2 C , the visualization of probabilities further smooths the device incentive graph in order to communicate to the provider the relative benefit of providing transportation services at various times. 
     It will be appreciated that the provider balance system  116  can provide a variety of user interface elements for interacting with device incentive graphs. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2 C , the provider device balance graphical user interface  204  can include a time selection element  222 . For example, a time selection element  222  can include a user interface element for selecting time periods. Upon detecting user interaction with the time selection element  222 , the provider balance system  116  can include a provider device balance graph for a different time period. For example, upon user interaction with the time selection element  222  the provider balance system  116  can generate a provider device balance graph for a specified week rather than a specified day. 
     As also shown in  FIG.  2 C , the provider device balance graphical user interface  204  can also include a set goal button  224 . Upon detecting selection of the set goal button, the provider balance system  116  can present the provider device with a scheduling graphical user interface. In particular the provider balance system  116  can generate scheduling elements that automatically assist the provider to select times to provide transportation services. Additional detail regarding suggesting a transportation service schedule via a scheduling graphical user interface is provided below (e.g., in relation to  FIG.  7   ). 
     As shown, the provider device balance graphical user interface  204  can also include other user interface elements, such as a home tab  226 , an earnings tab  228 , and a scheduling tab  230 . In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can display a default or home screen in response to detecting selection of the home tab  226 . The provider balance system  116  can also present the provider device balance graphical user interface  204  in response to detecting selection of the earnings tab  228 . Further, the provider balance system  116  can present a scheduling graphical user interface upon detecting selection of the scheduling tab  230  (e.g., a scheduling interface that includes scheduled transportation times to achieve a particular goal). 
     As discussed above, the provider balance system  116  can determine device utilization ratios and probabilities and generate provider device balance graphs. For example,  FIG.  3    illustrates a series of acts  302 - 310  utilized to generate a provider device balance graph in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the provider balance system  116  performs an act  302  of detecting requester devices and provider devices at a location. In particular, the provider balance system  116  can track historical and current data as to the volume and type of interactions of both requester device(s)  102  and provider device(s)  106  over various locations where the transportation matching systems offers transportation services. For example, the provider balance system  116  can monitor the number of application sessions from requester devices over time for different geographic regions. Similarly, the provider balance system  116  can monitor the number of provider devices (or provider device hours) over time for different geographic regions. In addition the provider balance system  116  can monitor a variety of other metrics, such as the number of rides, number of application sessions, miles of transportation provided, earnings received (e.g., earnings per driver device), number of requests received, number of riders, etc. Accordingly, the provider balance system  116  can actively monitor activity across the transportation matching system and determine various metrics with regard to requester devices and provider devices. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the provider balance system  116  also performs an act  304  of generating predicted device utilization for requester computing devices and provider computing devices. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can determine forecast measures of provider computing device availability and forecast measures of requester computing device application sessions. In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  generates these forecasts based on historical data from requester device(s)  102  and/or provider device(s)  106  (e.g., from the act  304 ). The provider balance system  116  can utilize various historical data, including ride data, seasonal data, and/or event data. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can also apply seasonal and/or event scaling to a provider device balance graph. 
     The provider balance system  116  can utilize a variety of analytical techniques to determine forecast measures. For example, in some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can analyze historical metrics (e.g., historical application sessions or historical provider device availability) utilizing regression techniques to determine typical or average provider device availability or requester device application sessions. The provider balance system  116  can also train and utilize machine learning models to generate these forecast measures, such as neural networks (e.g., a convolutional neural network), autoencoders, linear regression models, logistic regression models, vector machines, decision tress, Bayesian networks, conditional random fields, or Hidden Markov models. 
     Using one or more forecasting models, the provider balance system  116  can generate predicted device utilization for requester computing devices and provider computing devices (e.g., forecast measures of provider computing device availability and requester computing device application sessions). These measures can take a variety of specific forms. For example, the provider balance system  116  can forecast a number of times an application connects to a server, a number of requests from a transportation application, a number of application executions (e.g., a number of times an application is opened), payments received via a transportation application, or a number of completed rides arranged via a transportation application. Similarly, the provider balance system  116  can forecast a number of provider devices during a particular time, a number of provider device supply hours (e.g., a number of hours that provider devices are available), a number of miles of transportation services provided by provider devices, or an amount of earnings (e.g., dollars received per driver device). 
     In addition to generating predicted device utilization for requester computing devices and provider computing devices, the provider balance system  116  can also receive forecast measures (e.g., from the transportation matching system  114 , or from another source via the network  110 ). As discussed above, the forecast measures can reflect various measurements of supply and demand for the transportation matching system  114 . 
     Additionally, the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  306  of generating device utilization ratios. In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  determines device utilization ratios based on a supply forecast measure with respect to requester devices (e.g., demand) and a forecast measure with respect to provider devices (e.g., supply). More specifically, the provider balance system  116  can generate the device utilization ratios based on a ratio of a device utilization for requester computing devices and device utilization for provider computing devices (e.g., a ratio of a demand forecast measure to a supply forecast measure). As shown in  FIG.  3   ., the provider balance system  116  can determine the device utilization ratios based on a ratio of requester device application sessions for a given time period to driver supply hours over the time period. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  308  of generating probabilities. In particular, the provider balance system  116  can determine a probability distribution that reflects the probability across forecast measures. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can determine a probability distribution reflecting probabilities of different device utilization ratios for any particular time period and/or location. As will be discussed in greater detail below with regard to  FIG.  4   , the provider balance system  116  can utilize a probability distribution to generate the probabilities. 
     The provider balance system  116  can generate a probability distribution by analyzing historical measures with regard to provider devices and requester devices. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can determine historical device utilization ratios for a particular location for a given time period (e.g., an hour, a day, or a week). The provider balance system  116  can analyze the historical device utilization ratios and determine the mean, variance, and/or standard deviation defining the probability distribution. In this manner, the provider balance system  116  can generate probability distributions for various locations (e.g., geographic regions) and times (e.g., hours, days, weeks or months). 
     The provider balance system  116  can then utilize the probability distribution to determine probabilities. Specifically, the provider balance system  116  can determine individual probabilities of device utilization ratios, cumulative probabilities of device utilization ratios, and/or cumulative percentile bins corresponding to device utilization ratios. The provider balance system  116  can then utilize one or more of these metrics as probabilities. 
     Upon determining the probabilities, the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  310  of generating a provider device balance graph. In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  generates the provider device balance graph based on the probabilities. For example, the provider balance system  116  can plot cumulative probabilities (e.g., inverse cumulative probabilities) for a plurality of times within a time period. To illustrate, the provider balance system  116  can map a device utilization ratio for a time period to a cumulative probability bin (e.g., 90-95% probability of having a device utilization ratio at or below the determined value) and then plot a representation of the cumulative probability bin for the time period. 
     The provider balance system  116  can also generate the provider device balance graph  210  based on a variety of other measures and/or metrics. For example, as will be discussed below with regard to  FIG.  6   , the provider balance system  116  can generate a provider device balance graph that reflects earnings-ridership metrics. 
     Accordingly, the provider balance system  116  can select which metric and/or measure to visualize via the provider device balance graph. For example, the provider balance system  116  can select between provider device measures or earnings-ridership measures based at least in part on the readability (i.e., the ease with which a user can understand the meaning of a visualization) of each potential visualization. The provider balance system  116  can determine the readability of a potential visualization based on the scale of a given visualization (e.g., select the metric with the smallest range shown in the provider device balance graph to reduce spikes). Further, the provider balance system  116  can select a measure to illustrate in a provider device balance graph based on provider device preferences and/or previous provider device(s)  106  interactions with provider device balance graphs. 
     As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can apply thresholds to device utilization ratios to further smooth provider device balance graphs. For example, the provider balance system  116  can apply a lower probability distribution device balance threshold and/or an upper probability distribution device balance threshold.  FIG.  4    provides additional detail regarding a process for determining probabilities and applying minimum or maximum thresholds in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the provider balance system  116  can utilize the device utilization ratios  402  and a probability distribution  404  for a representative week (or other representative time period) to determine the probabilities  406 . More specifically, the provider balance system  116  can determine a probability  406  corresponding to a particular device utilization ratio by determining the inverse cumulative probability (from the probability distribution) for the device utilization ratios  402  that device utilization ratio. 
     The provider balance system  116  can determine a probability distribution based on historical or forecasted measures. For example, the provider balance system  116  can determine a probability distribution by analyzing historical device utilization ratios from a representative time period (e.g., a “normal” or “average” week or month). In some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can determine forecast measures for a time period (e.g., a week) and generate a probability distribution based on the forecast measures (e.g., determine a mean and standard deviation of the forecast measures). 
     As mentioned, the provider balance system  116  can utilize various approaches to determine probabilities  406 . For example, the provider balance system  116  can rank and bin device utilization ratios  402  by percentile to generate probabilities  406 . In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  determines a percentile for each of the device utilization ratios  402  and assigns the device utilization ratios  402  to bins based on their percentile rank. In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can utilize the binned values as the probabilities  406 . 
     Further, in one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  generates probabilities  406  based on a cumulative distribution. In particular, the provider balance system  116  can generate an inverse cumulative probability distribution and utilize the inverse cumulative probability distribution to generate the probabilities  406 . That is, the provider balance system  116  can determine probabilities  406  by determining from the inverse cumulative probability distribution that a random value takes a value less than or equal to the corresponding device utilization ratios  402 . 
     As mentioned, in one or more embodiments, he provider balance system  116  can utilize an inverse cumulative probability distribution to map device utilization ratios to corresponding probability bins. To illustrate, the provider balance system  116  can utilize an inverse cumulative probability distribution to identify ranges of device utilization ratios that corresponding to inverse cumulative distribution ranges. The provider balance system  116  can then bin the device utilization ratios  402  according to each of the determined probability ranges and utilize those binned values as the probabilities  406 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the provider balance system  116  can also perform an act  408  of imposing minimum and/or maximum thresholds on the probabilities  406 . That is, upon generating the probabilities  406 , the provider balance system  116  can impose thresholds before generating the provider device balance graph. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the provider balance system  116  can impose a lower device balance threshold  410  and an upper device balance threshold  412 . The provider balance system  116  can map values that fall below the lower device balance threshold  410  to values at or above the lower device balance threshold  410 . Similarly, the provider balance system  116  can map values that fall above the upper device balance threshold  412  to at or below the upper device balance threshold  412 . 
     In some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can map the largest value (e.g., the largest probabilities) to the upper device balance threshold  412 . In particular, the provider balance system  116  can require the largest value to the upper device balance threshold (and redistribute the remaining values) to more clearly articulate differences between measures shown on the graph 
     To illustrate, in some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  imposes a lower device balance threshold of 10 and an upper device balance threshold of  100 . The provider balance system  116  can then distribute (or normalize) probabilities between the lower device balance threshold and the upper device balance threshold. For example, the provider balance system  116  can multiply each probabilities  406  by 0.9 and add 10. However, it will be appreciated that the provider balance system  116  can adjust the probabilities within a variety of selected ranges. 
     As discussed above, in one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can determine probabilities  406  based on a binning procedure and/or can bin probabilities  406  before generating the provider device balance graph.  FIG.  5    illustrates a binning procedure for probabilities in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the provider balance system  116  can rank the probabilities and can map each probabilities onto a bin and corresponding bin value based on its bin range. Specifically, upon ranking the probabilities, the provider balance system  116  can determine a probability distribution. For example, in relation to  FIG.  5   , the provider balance system  116  determines that the top two measures (4.8, 5.1 reflecting the top 10% of values) corresponding to a first bin (e.g., labeled 100) corresponding to an inverse cumulative probability range of 91-100%. Similarly, the provider balance system  116  determines that the next two measures (3.2, 4.45) correspond to a second bin (e.g., labeled 90) corresponding to an inverse cumulative probability range of 81%-90%. 
     As shown, the provider balance system  116  can also assign measures to bins based on a bin range. Although  FIG.  5    shows the bin ranges corresponds to the probability distribution device measures as ranked, in some embodiments, the bin ranges are determined separately from the ranked device utilization ratios. For example, the provider balance system  116  can determine a probability distribution based on historical values and determine bin ranges based on the probability distribution. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can determine that a 91% inverse cumulative probability corresponds to a first value and use the first value to define the lower range for the first bin (labeled “100”). Similarly, the provider balance system  116  can determine that an 81% inverse cumulative probability corresponds to a second value and that a 90% inverse cumulative probability corresponds to a third value. The provider balance system  116  can determine a range for the second bin utilizing the second value and the third value. More specifically, the provider balance system  116  can utilize the second value as the lower range for the second bin (labeled “90”) and the third value as the upper range for the second bin. 
     Thus, the provider balance system  116  can determine a number of bins and can assign a value to probabilities assigned to that bin. Further, the provider balance system  116  can determine a range of probabilities for each bin based on a probability distribution (e.g., based on an inverse cumulative distribution as discussed above). Then, the provider balance system  116  can utilize the bin values to visualize the probabilities  406  in the provider device balance graph. Accordingly, in relation to  FIG.  5   , the provider balance system  116  maps the device utilization ratio 5.1 to a probability of  100 . Similarly, the provider balance system  116  maps the device utilization ratio 0.8 to a probability of 20. 
     As also discussed briefly above, the provider balance system  116  can generate and utilize earnings-ridership metrics to utilize in an earnings-ridership graph within a provider incentive graphical user interface.  FIG.  6    illustrates generating and utilizing an earnings-ridership metric. For example, as shown in  FIG.  6   , the provider balance system  116  performs an act  602  of determining projected earning metrics and projected number of rides. Similar to the discussion above with regard to forecast measures, the provider balance system  116  can generate the projected earning metrics and projected number of rides based on data monitored from the requester device(s)  102  and the provider device(s)  106 . The provider balance system  116  can also receive the projected earning metrics and projected number of rides from the transportation matching system  114  and/or from another source via the network  110 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG.  6   , the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  604  of generating an earnings-ridership metric. The provider balance system  116  can generate the earnings-ridership metric based on the projected earning metrics and the projected number of rides for a specified time period. More specifically, in one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  generates the earnings-ridership metric by multiplying the projected earning metrics for a given time period and a radical of the projected number of rides for the given time period. The provider balance system  116  can utilize a projected earnings metric per ride and/or per time interval. For example, the provider balance system  116  can utilize the square root or the cube root of the number of projected rides to determine the earnings-ridership metric. 
     Then, the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  606  of generating a driver device incentive graph that reflects the earnings-ridership metrics. In particular, the provider balance system  116  can generate a driver device incentive graph with a visual representation for individual earning-ridership metrics for individual times within a target time period. As discussed above (in relation to  FIG.  4   ), the provider balance system  116  can apply thresholds to the earning-ridership metrics and/or determine probability distribution earning-ridership metrics. The earnings-ridership graph can accurately communicate relative benefit of driving at various times by utilizing both earnings and ride frequency rather than raw demand. 
     As discussed briefly above, the provider balance system  116  can present a scheduling graphical user interface including a provider device balance graph to communicate to provider device(s).  FIG.  7    shows an example embodiment of a scheduling graphical user interface presented in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the scheduling graphical user interface  700  can include a provider device balance graph  702 . In one or more embodiments, the provider device balance graph  702  that includes scheduling indicators  703 . The scheduling indicators  703  identify suggested time periods for providing transportation services. 
     As illustrated, in some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can generate the scheduling indicators  703  based on a particular goal for the provider device. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can suggest a schedule to satisfy a monetary goal or other goals (e.g., a goal for a number of rides or a goal for an amount of time spent driving). For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the scheduling indicators  703  bracket two time periods at which the driver can drive during the visualized day in order to meet a weekly goal. However, the provider balance system  116  can present the scheduling indicators  703  in accordance with a variety of designs that communicate selected time periods. For example, the scheduling indicators  703  can be highlighted portions of the provider device balance graph, portions of the provider device balance graph with an alternate color, a circled or boxed portion of the provider device balance graph, or any other indication of a selected portion. In some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can suggest a transportation schedule utilizing a variety of different interface elements (e.g., by providing a calendar with drive times highlighted). 
     The provider balance system  116  can generate suggested schedules based on a variety of factors. In some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  generates suggestions based on the highest device utilization ratios (or highest probabilities). In some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  suggests transportation times with the highest device utilization ratios until satisfying a particular goal. For instance, in relation to  FIG.  7   , the provider balance system  116  generates suggested transportation times until projected earnings during the suggested times exceed $800. 
     In one or more embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can generate a suggested schedule based on preferred or historical transportation times of the provider device (e.g., emphasize night times for a provider device that is typically available at nights). Similarly, the provider balance system  116  can generate a schedule based on a minimum consecutive drive time (e.g., group drive times into a minimum of two hour drive times). 
     The provider balance system  116  can utilize heuristic approaches to generate suggested schedules. In some embodiments, the provider balance system  116  can utilize a machine learning model to generate suggested schedules. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can utilize a neural network (e.g., a recurrent neural network) to analyze input parameters (e.g., goals, historical drive times, etc.), and generate suggested drive times. 
     Although  FIG.  7    illustrates suggestions for particular times, the provider balance system  116  can also generate suggestions for particular locations. For instance, the provider balance system  116  can analyze device utilization ratios for a plurality of locations and suggest a location based on the device utilization ratios (e.g., suggest the locations and times with the highest device utilization ratios). 
     Further, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the scheduling graphical user interface  700  can include a scheduling explanation  704 . The scheduling explanation  704  can display the goal corresponding to the provider device  106  and the duration of the goal. For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the scheduling explanation  704  indicates that the goal is a “Weekly Goal” and recites “Drive at these time to earn your goal of $800.” As also shown in  FIG.  7   , the scheduling explanation  704  can include the goal input area  706 . The goal input area  706  can receive provider input indicating the provider’s target earnings. In response to receiving input at the goal input area  706 , the provider balance system  116  can generate and/or update the placement of the scheduling indicators  703  to reflect the provided goal. 
     Though  FIG.  7    shows a weekly goal and a day view of a provider device balance graph, it will be appreciated that the scheduling graphical user interface  700  can present provider device balance graphs and scheduling indicators  703  corresponding to a variety of goals and goal durations. For example, the scheduling graphical user interface  700  can include daily, monthly, or yearly goals. Additionally, the scheduling graphical user interface  700  can include provider device balance graphs visualizing relative supply and demand over various time periods, including a week or month. 
     Additionally, as briefly mentioned above, the provider balance system  116  can apply event modifiers and/or seasonal scaling .  FIG.  8    illustrates applying these adjustments to an example provider device balance graph. First, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the provider balance system  116  can start with a generated provider device balance graph  802 . 
     Then, as also shown in  FIG.  8   , the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  804  of generating and applying an event modifier. The provider balance system  116  can generate the event modifier based on historical data and/or data received from the transportation matching system  114  and/or via the network  110 . That is, the provider balance system  116  can utilize both historical data from a variety of sources and data regarding an upcoming event received from an administrator or from another source. Then, based on the event data, including based on data from similar events, the provider balance system  116  can generate an event modifier for a provider device balance graph  802 . Then, the provider balance system  116  can apply the event modifier to the relevant portions (i.e. times) on the provider device balance graph  802 . 
     For example, the provider balance system  116  can analyze historical data and determine that a professional basketball game increases device utilization ratios by a factor of 1.4 (on average). The provider balance system  116  can analyze a repository of upcoming events and identify that a professional basketball is scheduled. The provider balance system  116  can the apply the event modifier (e.g., 1.4) to the device utilization ratios. 
     The provider balance system  116  can apply scaling metrics to a variety of time periods. For example, the provider balance system  116  can perform scaling on a per day or per week basis. Thus, for instance, the provider balance system  116  can apply a Christmas Day event scaling metric to an entire day or a basketball event scaling metric to a particular hour. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the provider balance system  116  can perform an act  806  of applying a seasonal adjustment based on historical data. As discussed above, the provider balance system  116  can determine historical data via requester device(s)  102  and provider device(s)  106 , via the transportation matching system  114 , and/or from other sources via the network  110 . The provider balance system  116  can determine a seasonal adjustment for a provider device balance graph  802  based on the time of year applicable to the graph. For example, the provider balance system  116  can determine that a geographical area around a university experiences increased requests on weekdays in the afternoon during the school year, but not during summer break. That is, the provider balance system  116  can determine that during the season applicable to a provider device balance graph  802 , the transportation matching system  114   experiences increased demand during a particular time of day and can scale the provider device balance graph  802  accordingly. 
     In addition to event or seasonal scaling, the provider balance system  116  can also apply other scaling metrics. For example, the provider balance system  116  can apply geographic scaling metrics. To illustrate, the provider balance system  116  can apply a particular scaling metric (e.g., a 2.0 multiplier) to a first geographic location relative to a second geographic location. 
       FIGS.  1 - 8   , the corresponding text, and the examples provide a number of different methods, systems, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media of the provider balance system  116 . In addition to the foregoing, one or more embodiments can also be described in terms of flowcharts comprising acts for accomplishing a particular result, as shown in  FIG.  9   .  FIG.  9    may be performed with more or fewer acts. Further, the acts may be performed in differing orders. Additionally, the acts described herein may be repeated or performed in parallel with one another or parallel with different instances of the same or similar acts. 
     As mentioned,  FIG.  9    illustrates a flowchart of a series of acts  900  for the provider balance system  116  in accordance with one or more embodiments. While  FIG.  9    illustrates acts according to one embodiment, alternative embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify any of the acts shown in  FIG.  9   . The acts of  FIG.  9    can be performed as part of a method. Alternatively, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can comprise instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a computing device to perform the acts of  FIG.  9   . In some embodiments, a system can perform the acts of  FIG.  9   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the series of acts  900  includes an act  902  for determining a forecast measure for requester computing devices within a time period. In particular, the act  902  can include determining a forecast measure of requester computing device application sessions for a plurality of requester computing devices of a transportation matching system for a plurality of times within a time period. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  9   , the series of acts  900  includes an act  904  for determining a forecast measure of provider computing device availability for a plurality of provider computing devices within the time period. In particular, the act  904  can include determining a forecast measure of provider computing device availability for a plurality of provider computing devices of the transportation matching system for the plurality of times within the time period. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG.  9   , the series of acts  900  includes an act  906  for based on the forecast measure of requester computing device application sessions and the forecast measure of provider computing device availability, generating device utilization ratios. In particular, the act  906  can include, based on the forecast measure of requester computing device application sessions and the forecast measure of provider computing device availability, generating device utilization ratios for the plurality of times within the time period. In one or more embodiments, the act  906  can include generating projected provider device earnings-ridership metrics for the plurality of times based on projected provider device earnings metrics for the plurality of times and a radical of a projected number of rides for the plurality of times. 
     The series of acts  900  also includes an act  908  for generating probabilities from the device utilization ratios based on cumulative probabilities of the market balance measures. In particular, the act  908  can include generating probabilities from the device utilization ratios based on cumulative probabilities of the market balance measures. Specifically, the act  908  can include determining ratios of the forecast measures of provider computing device application sessions to the forecast measure of provider computing device availability measures. Further, the act  908  can include organizing the device utilization ratios for the plurality of times into a plurality of bins based on the cumulative probabilities, wherein the plurality of bins reflect cumulative probability ranges. 
     Additionally, the act  908  can include determining a lower probability distribution device balance threshold and generating the probabilities by mapping the device utilization ratios above the lower probability distribution device balance threshold. The act  908  can also include identifying a standardized probability distribution device balance distribution based on historical provider computing device availability and historical requester computing device application sessions for a test time period and determining the cumulative probabilities of the market balance measures based on the standardized probability distribution device balance distribution. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the series of acts  900  further includes an act  910  for providing a provider device balance graph portraying the probability distribution device balance metrics with respect to the time period. In particular, the act  910  can include providing, for display via a provider computing device, a provider device balance graph portraying the probability distribution device balance metrics with respect to the plurality of times. Specifically, the act  910  can include displaying visual representations of the plurality of bins with respect to the plurality of time. In one or more embodiments, the act  908  can include generating one or more provider device balance graphs portraying the provider device earnings-ridership metrics with respect to the plurality of times. Further, the act  908  can include identifying an event corresponding to a time range within the time period, determining an event modifier corresponding to the event, identifying a set of probabilities corresponding to the time range from the probabilities, and adjusting the set of probabilities corresponding to the time range utilizing the event modifier. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. In particular, one or more of the processes described herein may be implemented at least in part as instructions embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more computing devices (e.g., any of the media content access devices described herein). In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, from a non-transitory computer-readable medium, (e.g., memory), and executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. 
     Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) and transmission media. 
     Non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. 
     A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media (devices) at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media. 
     Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed by a processor, cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. In some embodiments, computer-executable instructions are executed by a general-purpose computer to turn the general-purpose computer into a special purpose computer implementing elements of the disclosure. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented in cloud computing environments. As used herein, the term “cloud computing” refers to a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. For example, cloud computing can be employed in the marketplace to offer ubiquitous and convenient on-demand access to the shared pool of configurable computing resources. The shared pool of configurable computing resources can be rapidly provisioned via virtualization and released with low management effort or service provider interaction, and then scaled accordingly. 
     A cloud-computing model can be composed of various characteristics such as, for example, on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service, and so forth. A cloud-computing model can also expose various service models, such as, for example, Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”). A cloud-computing model can also be deployed using different deployment models such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth. In addition, as used herein, the term “cloud-computing environment” refers to an environment in which cloud computing is employed. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device  1000  that may be configured to perform one or more of the processes described above. One will appreciate that one or more computing devices, such as the computing device  1000  may represent the computing devices described above (e.g., computing requester device(s)  102 , provider device(s)  106 , and/or server device(s)  112 ). In one or more embodiments, the computing device  1000  may be a mobile device (e.g., a mobile telephone, a smartphone, a PDA, a tablet, a laptop, a camera, a tracker, a watch, a wearable device, etc.). In some embodiments, the computing device  1000  may be a non-mobile device (e.g., a desktop computer or another type of client device). Further, the computing device  1000  may be a server device that includes cloud-based processing and storage capabilities. 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the computing device  1000  can include one or more processor(s)  1002 , memory  1004 , a storage device  1006 , input/output interfaces  1008  (or “I/O interfaces 1008”), and a communication interface  1010 , which may be communicatively coupled by way of a communication infrastructure (e.g., bus  1012 ). While the computing device  1000  is shown in  FIG.  10   , the components illustrated in  FIG.  10    are not intended to be limiting. Additional or alternative components may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the computing device  1000  includes fewer components than those shown in  FIG.  10   . Components of the computing device  1000  shown in  FIG.  10    will now be described in additional detail. 
     In particular embodiments, the processor(s)  1002  includes hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. As an example, and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions, the processor(s)  1002  may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, memory  1004 , or a storage device  1006  and decode and execute them. 
     The computing device  1000  includes memory  1004 , which is coupled to the processor(s)  1002 . The memory  1004  may be used for storing data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor(s). The memory  1004  may include one or more of volatile and nonvolatile memories, such as Random-Access Memory (“RAM”), Read-Only Memory (“ROM”), a solid-state disk (“SSD”), Flash, Phase Change Memory (“PCM”), or other types of data storage. The memory  1004  may be internal or distributed memory. 
     The computing device  1000  includes a storage device  1006  includes storage for storing data or instructions. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the storage device  1006  can include a non-transitory storage medium described above. The storage device  1006  may include a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination these or other storage devices. 
     As shown, the computing device  1000  includes one or more I/O interfaces  1008 , which are provided to allow a user to provide input to (such as user strokes), receive output from, and otherwise transfer data to and from the computing device  1000 . These I/O interfaces  1008  may include a mouse, keypad or a keyboard, a touch screen, camera, optical scanner, network interface, modem, other known I/O devices or a combination of such I/O interfaces  1008 . The touch screen may be activated with a stylus or a finger. 
     The I/O interfaces  1008  may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen), one or more output drivers (e.g., display drivers), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In certain embodiments, I/O interfaces  1008  are configured to provide graphical data to a display for presentation to a user. The graphical data may be representative of one or more graphical user interfaces and/or any other graphical content as may serve a particular implementation. 
     The computing device  1000  can further include a communication interface  1010 . The communication interface  1010  can include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface  1010  provides one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between the computing device and one or more other computing devices or one or more networks. As an example, and not by way of limitation, communication interface  1010  may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI. The computing device  1000  can further include a bus  1012 . The bus  1012  can include hardware, software, or both that connects components of computing device  1000  to each other. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific example embodiments thereof. Various embodiments and aspects of the invention(s) are described with reference to details discussed herein, and the accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments. The description above and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the methods described herein may be performed with less or more steps/acts or the steps/acts may be performed in differing orders. Additionally, the steps/acts described herein may be repeated or performed in parallel to one another or in parallel to different instances of the same or similar steps/acts. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an example network environment  1100  of a transportation matching system (e.g., the transportation matching system  114 ). The network environment  1100  includes a client device  1106 , a transportation matching system  114 , and a vehicle subsystem  1108  connected to each other by a network  1104 . Although  FIG.  11    illustrates a particular arrangement of the client device  1106 , the transportation matching system  114 , the vehicle subsystem  1108 , and the network  1104 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable arrangement of the client device  1106 , the transportation matching system  114 , the vehicle subsystem  1108 , and the network  1104 . As an example, and not by way of limitation, two or more of the client device  1106 , the transportation matching system  114 , and the vehicle subsystem  1108  communicate directly, bypassing the network  1104 . As another example, two or more of the client device  1106 , the transportation matching system  114 , and the vehicle subsystem  1108  may be physically or logically co-located with each other in whole or in part. Moreover, although  FIG.  11    illustrates a particular number of the client devices  1106 , the transportation matching systems  114 , the vehicle subsystems  1108 , and the networks  1104 , this disclosure contemplates any suitable number of the client devices  1106 , the transportation matching systems  114 , the vehicle subsystems  1108 , and the networks  1104 . As an example, and not by way of limitation, the network environment  1100  may include multiple client devices  1106 , the transportation matching systems  114 , the vehicle subsystems  1108 , and the networks  1104 . 
     This disclosure contemplates any suitable network  1104 . As an example, and not by way of limitation, one or more portions of the network  1104  may include an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular telephone network, or a combination of two or more of these. The network  1104  may include one or more networks  1104 . 
     Links may connect the client device  1106 , the transportation matching system  114 , and the vehicle subsystem  1108  to the communication network  1104  or to each other. This disclosure contemplates any suitable links. In particular embodiments, one or more links include one or more wireline (such as for example Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), wireless (such as for example Wi-Fi or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or optical (such as for example Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) links. In particular embodiments, one or more links each include an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a VPN, a LAN, a WLAN, a WAN, a WWAN, a MAN, a portion of the Internet, a portion of the PSTN, a cellular technology-based network, a satellite communications technology-based network, another link, or a combination of two or more such links. Links need not necessarily be the same throughout the network environment  1100 . One or more first links may differ in one or more respects from one or more second links. 
     In particular embodiments, the client device  1106  may be an electronic device including hardware, software, or embedded logic components or a combination of two or more such components and capable of carrying out the appropriate functionalities implemented or supported by the client device  1106 . As an example, and not by way of limitation, a client device  1106  may include any of the computing devices discussed above in relation to  FIG.  7   . A client device  1106  may enable a network user at the client device  1106  to access a network. A client device  1106  may enable its user to communicate with other users at other client systems  1106 . 
     In particular embodiments, the client device  1106  may include a transportation service application or a web browser, such as MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER, GOOGLE CHROME or MOZILLA FIREFOX, and may have one or more add-ons, plug-ins, or other extensions, such as TOOLBAR or YAHOO TOOLBAR. A user at the client device  1106  may enter a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or other address directing the web browser to a particular server (such as server), and the web browser may generate a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request and communicate the HTTP request to server. The server may accept the HTTP request and communicate to client device  1106  one or more Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) files responsive to the HTTP request. The client device  1106  may render a webpage based on the HTML files from the server for presentation to the user. This disclosure contemplates any suitable webpage files. As an example, and not by way of limitation, webpages may render from HTML files, Extensible Hyper Text Markup Language (XHTML) files, or Extensible Markup Language (XML) files, according to particular needs. Such pages may also execute scripts such as, for example and without limitation, those written in JAVASCRIPT, JAVA, MICROSOFT SIL VERLIGHT, combinations of markup language and scripts such as AJAX (Asynchronous JAVASCRIPT and XML), and the like. Herein, reference to a webpage encompasses one or more corresponding webpage files (which a browser may use to render the webpage) and vice versa, where appropriate. 
     In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may be a network-addressable computing system that can host a ride share transportation network. The transportation matching system  114  may generate, store, receive, and send data, such as, for example, user-profile data, concept-profile data, text data, ride request data, GPS location data, provider data, requester data, vehicle data, or other suitable data related to the ride share transportation network. This may include authenticating the identity of providers and/or vehicles who are authorized to provide ride services through the transportation matching system  114 . In addition, the transportation service system may manage identities of service requestors such as users/requesters. In particular, the transportation service system may maintain requester data such as driving/riding histories, personal data, or other user data in addition to navigation and/or traffic management services or other location services (e.g., GPS services). 
     In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may manage ride matching services to connect a user/requester with a vehicle and/or provider. By managing the ride matching services, the transportation matching system  114  can manage the distribution and allocation of vehicle subsystem resources and user resources such as GPS location and availability indicators, as described herein. 
     The transportation matching system  114  may be accessed by the other components of the network environment  1100  either directly or via network  1104 . In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may include one or more servers. Each server may be a unitary server or a distributed server spanning multiple computers or multiple datacenters. Servers may be of various types, such as, for example and without limitation, web server, news server, mail server, message server, advertising server, file server, application server, exchange server, database server, proxy server, another server suitable for performing functions or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, each server may include hardware, software, or embedded logic components or a combination of two or more such components for carrying out the appropriate functionalities implemented or supported by server. In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may include one or more data stores. Data stores may be used to store various types of information. In particular embodiments, the information stored in data stores may be organized according to specific data structures. In particular embodiments, each data store may be a relational, columnar, correlation, or other suitable database. Although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular types of databases, this disclosure contemplates any suitable types of databases. Particular embodiments may provide interfaces that enable a client device  1106 , or a transportation matching system  114  to manage, retrieve, modify, add, or delete, the information stored in data store. 
     In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may provide users with the ability to take actions on various types of items or objects, supported by the transportation matching system  114 . As an example, and not by way of limitation, the items and objects may include ride share networks to which users of the transportation matching system  114  may belong, vehicles that users may request, location designators, computer-based applications that a user may use, transactions that allow users to buy or sell items via the service, interactions with advertisements that a user may perform, or other suitable items or objects. A user may interact with anything that is capable of being represented in the transportation matching system  114  or by an external system of a third-party system, which is separate from the transportation matching system  114  and coupled to the transportation matching system  114  via a network  1104 . 
     In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may be capable of linking a variety of entities. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the transportation matching system  114  may enable users to interact with each other or other entities, or to allow users to interact with these entities through an application programming interfaces (API) or other communication channels. 
     In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may include a variety of servers, sub-systems, programs, modules, logs, and data stores. In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may include one or more of the following: a web server, action logger, API-request server, relevance-and-ranking engine, content-object classifier, notification controller, action log, third-party-content-object-exposure log, inference module, authorization/privacy server, search module, advertisement-targeting module, user-interface module, user-profile store, connection store, third-party content store, or location store. The transportation matching system  114  may also include suitable components such as network interfaces, security mechanisms, load balancers, failover servers, management-and-network-operations consoles, other suitable components, or any suitable combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the transportation matching system  114  may include one or more user-profile stores for storing user profiles. A user profile may include, for example, biographic information, demographic information, behavioral information, social information, or other types of descriptive information, such as work experience, educational history, hobbies or preferences, interests, affinities, or location. 
     The web server may include a mail server or other messaging functionality for receiving and routing messages between the transportation matching system  114  and one or more client systems  1106 . An action logger may be used to receive communications from a web server about a user’s actions on or off the transportation matching system  114 . In conjunction with the action log, a third-party-content-object log may be maintained of user exposures to third-party-content objects. A notification controller may provide information regarding content objects to a client device  1106 . Information may be pushed to a client device  1106  as notifications, or information may be pulled from the client device  1106  responsive to a request received from the client device  1106 . Authorization servers may be used to enforce one or more privacy settings of the users of the transportation matching system  114 . A privacy setting of a user determines how particular information associated with a user can be shared. The authorization server may allow users to opt in to or opt out of having their actions logged by the transportation matching system  114  or shared with other systems, such as, for example, by setting appropriate privacy settings. Third-party-content-object stores may be used to store content objects received from third parties. Location stores may be used for storing location information received from the client systems  1106  associated with users. 
     In addition, the vehicle subsystem  1108  can include a human-operated vehicle or an autonomous vehicle. A provider of a human-operated vehicle can perform maneuvers to pick up, transport, and drop off one or more requesters according to the embodiments described herein. In certain embodiments, the vehicle subsystem  1108  can include an autonomous vehicle—i.e., a vehicle that does not require a human operator. In these embodiments, the vehicle subsystem  1108  can perform maneuvers, communicate, and otherwise function without the aid of a human provider, in accordance with available technology. 
     In particular embodiments, the vehicle subsystem  1108  may include one or more sensors incorporated therein or associated thereto. For example, sensor(s) can be mounted on the top of the vehicle subsystem  1108  or else can be located within the interior of the vehicle subsystem  1108 . In certain embodiments, the sensor(s) can be located in multiple areas at once— i.e., split up throughout the vehicle subsystem  1108  so that different components of the sensor(s) can be placed in different locations in accordance with optimal operation of the sensor(s). In these embodiments, the sensor(s) can include a LIDAR sensor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) including one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, and one or more magnetometers. The sensor suite can additionally or alternatively include a wireless IMU (WIMU), one or more cameras, one or more microphones, or other sensors or data input devices capable of receiving and/or recording information relating to navigating a route to pick up, transport, and/or drop off a requester. 
     In particular embodiments, the vehicle subsystem  1108  may include a communication device capable of communicating with the client device  1106  and/or the transportation matching system  114 . For example, the vehicle subsystem  1108  can include an on-board computing device communicatively linked to the network  1104  to transmit and receive data such as GPS location information, sensor-related information, requester location information, or other relevant information. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific example embodiments thereof. Various embodiments and aspects of the invention(s) are described with reference to details discussed herein, and the accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments. The description above and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the methods described herein may be performed with less or more steps/acts or the steps/acts may be performed in differing orders. Additionally, the steps/acts described herein may be repeated or performed in parallel to one another or in parallel to different instances of the same or similar steps/acts. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.