Parcel Drop Zone Registration for Unmanned Delivery Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery systems using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require the vehicle to be present at the delivery location for navigation and obstacle avoidance, limiting efficiency and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for registering delivery/pickup locations using customer input through a GUI or augmented reality, determining suitable zones for unmanned vehicles, and optimizing routes based on collected front-end information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unmanned vehicle is required to be present at the delivery location for navigation and obstacle avoidance, then the delivery safety is improved, but the delivery efficiency and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting front-end information about the delivery location, determining suitable zones, and identifying potential obstacles before the unmanned vehicle arrives. This advance preparation enables the vehicle to execute deliveries more efficiently without compromising safety, as the navigation path and delivery zones are pre-planned based on collected location data
2Productivity
If front-end information is collected regarding the delivery location, then the delivery efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the information collection process into distinct components: location data collection, zone determination, obstacle identification, and vehicle selection. Each component handles a specific aspect of the delivery preparation, which manages system complexity by dividing the overall task into manageable, specialized modules rather than requiring a single complex system to handle all functions
Data Source
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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.