On-Demand Order Batching Using OTE-Based Strategy Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-demand service batching methods often result in inefficiencies due to sequential batching strategies that are suboptimal, leading to wasted time during dispatching processes, especially when there is insufficient nearby demand to aggregate.
Innovation Solution
A server system that predicts overall time efficiency (OTE) based on market conditions and batching configuration parameters, selects appropriate batching strategies, and switches between upfront, in-transit, and idle allocations to optimize order batching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential batching strategy is used (upfront batching followed by in-transit batching), then batching can be executed in a structured manner, but efficiency is reduced due to wasted time when upfront batching is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic batching strategy selection by introducing an OTE predictor that evaluates market conditions in real-time. The system dynamically switches between upfront batching, in-transit batching, and hybrid modes based on predicted OTE values, transforming the static sequential approach into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes for current demand conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the batching mode parameter based on OTE predictions. When OTE exceeds a threshold, upfront batching is selected; when it falls below, in-transit batching is chosen. This parameter switching mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying market conditions and avoid the time waste associated with suboptimal fixed strategies
2Productivity
If upfront batching is attempted when there is insufficient nearby demand, then batching process is initiated, but time is wasted during dispatching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of market conditions using the OTE predictor before initiating the batching process. By predicting OTE based on historical data and current market signals, the system determines in advance whether upfront batching is likely to succeed, preventing the initiation of futile batching attempts that would waste dispatching time
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batching strategies are available, then flexibility in handling different market conditions is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity by using a clear parameter-based decision rule: compare predicted OTE against a threshold to select the batching mode. This simple threshold-based parameter change mechanism provides adaptability across different market conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through a straightforward decision logic
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects concern a server for facilitating batching orders of an on-demand service, the server comprising: a memory for storing instructions; a communication interface configured to receive an order for the on-demand service from a computing device; and a processor for executing the stored instructions and configured to: receive the order from the communication interface; predict an OTE (overall time efficiency) for a predetermined time slot at a predetermined area, based on a market condition signal and a batching configuration parameter; compare the predicted OTE with a predetermined OTE threshold; select a batching strategy from one or more batching strategies, based on the comparison of the predicted OTE with the predetermined OTE threshold; and attempt the selected batching strategy to batch the order with at least one other order.