Delivery Location Identifiers for UAV Precision Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional delivery methods rely on human intervention for the final mile of item delivery, which can be inefficient and lacks precision in delivering items to specific locations within a delivery destination.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with delivery location identifiers (DLIs) that allow users to specify and accurately deliver items to precise locations within a delivery destination, using visual, sound, or RFID tags for identification and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human controlled vehicles are used for final mile delivery, then delivery can be completed with simple technology, but delivery accuracy to specific locations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces delivery location identifiers (DLIs) as intermediary objects placed at specific delivery locations. These DLIs serve as mediators between the UAV and the target delivery spot, enabling the UAV to accurately locate and deliver items to precise positions without complex navigation systems. The DLI acts as a simple visual marker that bridges the gap between aerial navigation and ground-level precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the delivery location through the DLI, which replicates the target position's identity. The UAV detects this visual copy (the DLI) to determine where to deliver the item, rather than relying on complex coordinate-based navigation. This copying approach simplifies the delivery system while maintaining high accuracy.
2Productivity
If human drivers are used for item retrieval, then operational flexibility is maintained, but delivery time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service delivery system where the UAV autonomously navigates to the delivery location by detecting DLIs without human intervention. The system serves itself by using automated visual recognition and navigation, eliminating the need for human drivers to retrieve items. This self-service approach significantly increases delivery speed and operational efficiency while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the UAV continuously detects DLIs and adjusts its navigation accordingly. The visual detection system provides real-time feedback on the UAV's position relative to the target location, enabling automated course corrections and precise delivery without human input. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high productivity through full automation.
3Reliability
If traditional delivery methods are used, then system complexity is low, but safety and precision of item placement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery system into distinct functional components: the UAV for transport, the DLI for location identification, and the visual detection system for navigation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the DLI provides simple visual markers for safe landing zones, while the UAV handles precise navigation. The segmentation improves reliability by separating safety-critical functions without requiring overall system complexity to increase proportionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing DLIs at delivery locations before the UAV arrives. This advance preparation ensures that when the UAV reaches the area, the location identifiers are already in place, enabling immediate and safe item placement. The preliminary positioning of DLIs enhances delivery safety by pre-establishing accurate target locations without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the delivery process.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for delivery of items using an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”). A user may be provided with a delivery location identifier (“DLI”) that is to be placed at a delivery location within a delivery destination to identify where a UAV is to position an item as part of a delivery to the delivery destination. For example, the delivery destination may be a user's home. Within the deliver destination of the user's home, the user may select a delivery location, such as a spot in the back yard wherein the UAV is to position the ordered item as part of the delivery. To aid the UAV in navigating to the delivery location, the user places the DLI at the delivery location. The UAV detects the DLI and positions the item at or near the DLI as part of the item delivery.