Courier Assignment Using Food Preparation and Arrival Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food delivery systems inefficiently assign transportation providers, leading to extended wait times due to providers arriving before food preparation is complete, reducing overall delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device determines estimated preparation times and arrival times of multiple transportation providers to minimize wait times by assigning those who can arrive within a predetermined time frame relative to food preparation completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the idle transportation provider closest to the service provider is assigned, then the transportation provider's proximity is optimized, but the transportation provider may arrive before food preparation is complete, leading to extended wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by estimating the food preparation time in advance and using this estimation to determine the optimal arrival time for the transportation provider. The algorithm calculates a target arrival time based on the estimated preparation time, ensuring the provider arrives just in time for pickup rather than waiting idle or arriving too early.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the assignment parameters from purely distance-based to a composite approach that incorporates estimated preparation time, target arrival time, and actual arrival time. By dynamically adjusting the arrival time parameter based on preparation status, the system optimizes both proximity and timing to minimize wait time.
2Device complexity
If transportation providers are assigned based solely on proximity, then assignment simplicity is maintained, but delivery efficiency is reduced due to extended wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of food preparation time and uses this to calculate an optimal target arrival time for the transportation provider. This preliminary action enables the system to balance simplicity with efficiency by incorporating timing considerations into the assignment decision without significantly complicating the overall algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor and adjust assignments based on actual preparation progress. The algorithm uses feedback about whether the food is ready or will be ready soon to dynamically adjust which provider to assign, optimizing delivery efficiency while maintaining reasonable algorithmic simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assigning a courier by an electronic device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include identifying an estimated preparation time required for a store corresponding to an order received from a terminal of a customer to complete preparation for the order, identifying a plurality of couriers based on a location of the store, identifying a first estimated arrival time in which a first courier among the plurality of couriers arrives at the store, and determining, based on the estimated preparation time and the first estimated arrival time, whether to assign the first courier to the order.