Real-Time Service Broker Matching Location and Availability
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require pre-scheduling for service provision, leading to delays when individuals need immediate assistance, such as tutoring or fashion advice, as they must wait for a tutor or expert to be available at a scheduled time.
Innovation Solution
A networked environment with location-aware user and service provider clients, facilitated by a service broker application, allows for real-time matching and on-demand service provision by identifying and connecting users with available service providers within a predefined response time based on geographical location and mode of transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-scheduling is used for service provision, then service providers can be organized and managed efficiently, but users experience delays and must wait until scheduled times to receive assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically matches users with service providers based on real-time availability and location data. Service providers update their availability status dynamically, and the matching algorithm continuously adapts to current conditions rather than relying on fixed schedules, enabling immediate service provision when users need assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The service broker application acts as an intermediary between users and service providers. It receives service requests from users, queries available service providers based on criteria such as location and expertise, and facilitates real-time matching without requiring pre-scheduling, thus eliminating user wait time while maintaining efficient service delivery
2Loss of time
If real-time service matching is implemented, then users can receive immediate assistance without pre-scheduling, but the system complexity increases due to location tracking and real-time coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The service broker application performs multiple functions within a single system: receiving service requests, tracking service provider locations and availability, performing real-time matching based on multiple criteria, and coordinating service delivery. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a centralized platform rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
Service providers autonomously update their own availability status and location information in the system. The matching algorithm automatically processes requests and identifies suitable providers without manual intervention. This self-service approach reduces the operational complexity of managing real-time data while enabling immediate service matching
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various systems, methods, and other embodiments involving the brokering of real time services for users. To this end, location data is maintained in at least one server representing a current location of each one of a plurality of service providers. A subset of the service providers is identified in the at least one server that are located within a predefined response time relative to a location of a user in response to a request for a service from the user. A listing of the subset of the service providers is sent from the at least one server to a client contemporaneously with a receipt of the request for the service to facilitate a selection of one of the service providers to render the service.