Parcel Delivery Zone Registration for Unmanned Dropoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel delivery technologies, particularly involving unmanned vehicles, face inefficiencies due to the need for on-site determination of suitable delivery/pickup locations, which can delay or prevent successful delivery/pickup, especially in dynamic or obstructed environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for registering and establishing suitable delivery/pickup locations through a graphical user interface, allowing customers to define and select release/retrieve zones based on configurable options and sensed data, determining zone suitability, and confirming these zones for unmanned vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If on-site determination of delivery location is performed by unmanned vehicle, then delivery flexibility is maintained, but delivery time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of suitable delivery zones by analyzing location data, images, and sensed information before the unmanned vehicle arrives. The registration process pre-identifies release/retrieve zones and determines their suitability, so that when the vehicle reaches the location, the decision is already made, eliminating on-site deliberation time.
2Productivity
If pre-registration of delivery zones is implemented, then delivery efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to perform self-service registration by providing configurable options through a graphical interface. Customers can define their own release/retrieve zones and provide location information without requiring complex manual configuration by operators, thus improving efficiency while keeping the interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration process is segmented into discrete configurable options that can be independently selected and modified. This modular approach allows the system to handle complexity in manageable segments rather than as a monolithic configuration process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurable options are provided for zone definition, then customer flexibility increases, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical interface provides a universal set of configurable options that can accommodate various customer needs and delivery scenarios. The same interface framework handles different types of zone definitions, location information formats, and delivery requirements, making it versatile while maintaining consistent ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, media, and methods for collecting front-end information from a customer to establish a delivery/pickup location for delivery/pickup of a parcel by unmanned vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, a customer may be guided though a registration process that includes establishing release/retrieve zones for unmanned delivery/pickup. In some cases, release/retrieve zones may be determined using a map provided to the customer. Areas to establish release/retrieve zones may be suggested to the customer, or in some cases, the customer may suggest potential release/retrieve zones. It may be determined whether a release/retrieve zone is suitable based on customer configurations and consents. Some embodiments include establishing a release/retrieve zone using augmented reality. In some cases, customers may wish to designate off-limits areas, including no-fly zones, to prohibit certain unmanned vehicles from entering the off-limits areas.