Multi-Point Arrival Analysis for Delivery ETA Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems provide inaccurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs) due to uncertainties in preparation and travel times, leading to inconvenience for customers as these estimates are not updated in real time throughout the delivery process.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that analyzes and updates ETAs at multiple points, including the assignment of a delivery worker and retrieval of items from a merchant, using estimated travel times and preparation times to provide accurate and timely updates to customers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ETA is calculated at order placement, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of delivery time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery process into multiple distinct stages (order placement, worker assignment, item retrieval, final delivery) and calculates an ETA for each stage. This segmentation allows the system to provide progressively more accurate ETA updates as the delivery progresses, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system complexity by breaking down the complex prediction into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ETA calculations at each stage of the delivery process before the actual delivery is complete. By calculating and communicating ETAs at order placement, worker assignment, and item retrieval stages in advance, the system provides customers with progressive time estimates, improving measurement precision without requiring the entire delivery process to be completed first.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ETA calculations are performed at different delivery stages, then the measurement precision of delivery time is improved, but the loss of time for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic ETA calculations at predetermined stages of the delivery process (order placement, worker assignment, item retrieval) rather than continuously. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain high measurement precision by updating ETAs at critical decision points while minimizing processing time loss by not performing calculations at every possible moment during delivery.
3Reliability
If real-time ETA updates are provided throughout the delivery process, then the reliability of delivery information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where ETA calculations at each stage are communicated back to the customer through the interface. This feedback loop provides reliable, real-time updates on delivery status and revised ETAs, improving the reliability of delivery information while managing system complexity by using a standardized feedback communication channel rather than complex individualized tracking for each customer.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for mufti-point destination arrival time analysis. In one aspect, the system may include a memory storing instructions and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to. The processor performs operations including receiving a request for an order, receiving an acceptance of an order associated with the first external system, determining, upon receiving the acceptance, a first arrival estimate, determining, upon assigning a delivery worker to fulfill the order, a second arrival estimate, and determining, upon receiving confirmation that the delivery worker has retrieved the order from the merchant, a third arrival estimate. Additionally, the operations may include and forwarding, upon their determination, the first, second, and third arrival estimates to the customer.