Automated Package Relocation via Unmanned Aerial Kiosk Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional delivery systems do not allow packages to be relocated by unmanned aerial delivery devices from an unmanned kiosk to an alternate kiosk or returned back to the package delivery service.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that enables an aerial delivery device, such as a drone, to receive instructions to retrieve a package from a first kiosk and deliver it to an alternate kiosk or return it to the package delivery system, using a server that manages user authentication and kiosk communication for package relocation and return requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional delivery systems are used, then packages can be delivered to a fixed kiosk location, but packages cannot be relocated to an alternate kiosk or returned to the delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial delivery device is designed to perform multiple functions: initial package delivery to a first kiosk, package retrieval from the first kiosk, and package delivery to either an alternate kiosk or return to the delivery system. This multi-functionality enables package relocation capability without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that coordinates communication between the user computing device, the aerial delivery device, and the kiosk system. It manages authentication, processes relocation requests, and directs the aerial device's actions, thereby enabling complex package relocation operations through a centralized control mechanism that adds versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If manual package handling is used, then packages can be moved between kiosks, but human intervention is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated package relocation where the aerial delivery device autonomously retrieves packages from kiosks and delivers them to alternate locations based on server instructions. The user simply initiates a relocation request through a computing device, and the system handles the physical package movement automatically without requiring human operators to physically transport packages between kiosks.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of physically carrying packages between kiosks is replaced with an automated aerial delivery system using an unmanned aerial vehicle. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to manually handle package transport while maintaining ease of operation through digital request submission and automated system execution.
3Ease of operation
If packages are delivered to a fixed kiosk location, then delivery logistics are simplified, but user convenience is reduced when the original kiosk is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The package delivery system transitions from a static fixed-location model to a dynamic model where the package can be relocated to different kiosk locations based on user needs. The system allows users to request package relocation to alternate kiosks that are more convenient at the time of retrieval, and the aerial delivery device dynamically responds to these requests by transporting packages between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides users with the ability to pre-request package relocation before attempting to retrieve the package. Users can identify convenient alternate kiosk locations in advance, and the system can prepare for the relocation operation, reducing the time lost when the original kiosk is inaccessible by having relocation options ready beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated package deliveries comprises a server at a package delivery system that receives a request for a package delivery, the request comprising an identification of a package and an identification of a first kiosk location. The server associates the package with an aerial delivery device and a user authentication to retrieve the package. The server transmits to the delivery device instructions to deliver the package to the first kiosk. Subsequently, the server receives a request from a user computing device to retrieve the package from the first kiosk and deliver the package to an alternate kiosk. The server transmits to the delivery device instructions to retrieve the package from the first kiosk and instructions to deliver the package to the alternate kiosk. The delivery device retrieves the package from the automated kiosk and delivers the package to the alternate kiosk.