UAV Delivery Area Selection for Unattended Sensitive Goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in delivering goods without requiring the recipient to be present, especially for sensitive or perishable items, due to limited energy and payload capacity, and existing solutions are not effective in managing unforeseen events like traffic jams.
Innovation Solution
A method for UAVs to select a final delivery area based on a payload's vulnerability index and expected pick-up time, using computer vision and environmental predictions to ensure the integrity of the goods until they can be retrieved, along with a control system that allows for dynamic scheduling and swarm intelligence to optimize UAV fleet utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the recipient is required to be present for delivery, then the security and accountability of sensitive goods is improved, but the convenience and flexibility of delivery is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary secure area (such as a locked compartment, storage box, or designated safe zone at the destination) that acts as a mediator between the UAV and the recipient. The payload is delivered to this secure intermediary location where it remains protected until the recipient retrieves it, eliminating the need for the recipient to be present during the delivery moment while maintaining security through controlled access to the intermediary structure.
2Reliability
If the UAV keeps the payload onboard for extended periods, then the security of the payload is improved, but the energy consumption and payload capacity constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning secure storage structures or designated secure areas at the destination location before the UAV arrives. These pre-prepared secure locations allow for rapid transfer of the payload from the UAV to the secure area immediately upon arrival, minimizing the time the payload remains onboard the UAV and thus reducing energy consumption and payload capacity requirements while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If the UAV delivers to a designated location without recipient presence, then the convenience of delivery is improved, but the risk of payload vulnerability or damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure intermediary area or structure at the destination that protects the payload from environmental hazards and unauthorized access. This intermediary structure (such as a locked compartment, temperature-controlled container, or protected zone) shields the payload from harmful factors like weather, theft, or damage while the recipient is not present, enabling convenient delivery without increasing vulnerability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system in a delivery system performs a method to deliver a payload by an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, without requiring presence of the recipient even if the payload comprises sensitive or vulnerable goods. The method comprises obtaining a designated location for delivery of the payload, obtaining at least one payload vulnerability index for the payload, and obtaining a pick-up time indicative of a time point when the payload is expected to be retrieved by the recipient. The method further comprises selecting a final delivery area at or near the designated location as a function of the at least one payload vulnerability index and the pick-up time, and operating the UAV to deliver the payload to the final delivery area.