Shared Vehicle Scheduling for Parcel Delivery and User Reservations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle management systems are limited in utilizing shared vehicles for parcel delivery and other purposes, as they primarily rely on user vehicles rather than shared vehicles, restricting their usage and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle management server and system that allows shared vehicles to be used by multiple users in different time slots, equipped with containers that can be locked and unlocked remotely, enabling efficient parcel delivery and management through scheduling and communication with delivery service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses only user vehicles for parcel delivery, then delivery service is provided, but shared vehicles cannot be utilized for delivery purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables shared vehicles to serve dual purposes: both as user vehicles for personal use and as delivery vehicles for parcel delivery. The vehicle management server coordinates delivery operations during periods when shared vehicles are not being used by users, allowing the same vehicle fleet to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated delivery vehicles.
2Productivity
If shared vehicles are used for parcel delivery, then vehicle utilization increases, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle management server acts as an intermediary between the delivery service provider and the shared vehicle fleet. It receives delivery requests, checks vehicle availability against user reservations, creates optimal delivery schedules, and coordinates delivery operations. This centralized mediation simplifies the overall system by handling scheduling complexity in one location rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling by receiving delivery requests in advance and checking vehicle availability before committing vehicles to delivery tasks. The vehicle management server proactively identifies suitable vehicles and time slots for delivery operations, rather than reacting to delivery requests in real-time, which reduces scheduling conflicts and simplifies coordination.
3Ease of operation
If multiple users reserve shared vehicles, then vehicle availability for users is maintained, but delivery service opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates shared vehicles between user reservations and delivery services based on real-time availability. The vehicle management server continuously monitors reservation status and automatically identifies time slots when vehicles are not being used by users, converting these idle periods into delivery opportunities. This dynamic approach ensures that user reservations are always honored while maximizing delivery capacity during unused time slots.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle management server for managing a shared vehicle used by a plurality of users in different time slots and including a plurality of containers respectively configured to accommodate items from a delivery service provider. The vehicle management server includes: a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The processor is configured to perform: receiving use reservations for using the shared vehicle from the plurality of users; making a use schedule of the shared vehicle; and notifying the delivery service provider of the use schedule of the shared vehicle made in the making.