UAV Package Delivery Using GPS and Device ID Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package transport systems face challenges in efficiently delivering packages to specific locations, especially in crowded or remote areas, where traditional ground transport is limited, and there is a need for accurate identification of delivery points to ensure secure and reliable package transfer.
Innovation Solution
A package transport system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that uses GPS coordinates and unique device identifiers for package docking devices to ensure precise delivery, with a control processor verifying the device identifier upon arrival and implementing the transfer operation, and optionally includes secure locking mechanisms and portable docking devices for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ground transport vehicles are used for package delivery, then delivery infrastructure is simple, but delivery efficiency is reduced due to traffic congestion and limited accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions package delivery from the ground plane to the aerial dimension by deploying UAVs. This dimensional shift allows packages to bypass ground-based traffic congestion and access remote or difficult-to-reach locations, thereby improving delivery efficiency without being constrained by traditional road infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized control server as an intermediary that coordinates multiple UAVs and manages package routing. This mediator handles flight path planning, UAV assignment, and delivery coordination, enabling efficient aerial delivery operations while managing the complexity of the three-dimensional delivery system
2Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates alone are used for delivery point identification, then location information is simple, but delivery accuracy is insufficient in crowded areas with multiple delivery points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification methods into a unified system: GPS coordinates provide broad location context, while unique device identifiers (such as RFID tags or QR codes) on package receptacles provide precise point-specific identification. This merged approach enables accurate delivery point identification in crowded areas where GPS coordinates alone are insufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The control server implements a feedback mechanism where the system receives the unique device identifier from the target package receptacle, verifies it against the intended delivery destination, and confirms successful delivery. This feedback loop ensures high delivery accuracy by validating that the package reaches the correct receptacle among multiple possible destinations
3Reliability
If package delivery is performed without verification mechanisms, then transfer operation is simple, but delivery security and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control server performs preliminary verification actions before the UAV completes the delivery. The system receives and validates the unique device identifier from the target package receptacle, confirms the receptacle is accessible and ready to receive the package, and authorizes the transfer operation. This preliminary action ensures delivery security by preventing unauthorized or erroneous deliveries
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback verification where the control server receives confirmation from the package receptacle (via its unique device identifier) that it is the intended destination and is ready to receive the package. This feedback mechanism provides reliable verification of delivery accuracy and security, ensuring the package is transferred only to the authorized destination
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided that is capable of flying between a pick up point and a delivery point with respect to a package transfer operation. The delivery point is identifiable by the UAV through global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the delivery point and verification of a device identifier of a package docking device (PDD) associated with a package transfer request. A control processor coupled to the UAV receives a transaction packet for the operation that includes the GPS coordinates and the device identifier of the PDD associated with the request. Upon arrival of the UAV at the delivery point, the control processor verifies that a device identifier of a PDD located at the delivery point matches the device identifier in the transaction packet, implements the package transfer operation, and transmits confirmation of completion of the operation to an originator of the request.