Dynamic UAV Pickup Routing for Unassigned Package Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of loading packages into UAV payload compartments is time-consuming, leading to resource wastage and inefficiency in delivery services, as UAVs idle while waiting for specific package assignments.
Innovation Solution
UAVs are dynamically assigned to pick up packages at random from a loading location, with package identification followed by task updates based on the identified package, eliminating the need for extensive loading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UAVs are assigned specific packages to pick up, then package delivery accuracy is improved, but loading time and resource wastage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having UAVs arrive at the loading location before specific package assignments are made. The UAVs wait in a designated area and are subsequently assigned packages from the available inventory, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual identification and loading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of package identification and loading with an automated electronic assignment system. The computing system automatically assigns packages to UAVs based on availability and destination, substituting human operators with automated software that rapidly processes assignments without physical package handling during the assignment phase.
2Measurement precision
If UAVs wait for specific package assignments, then package loading accuracy is improved, but UAV battery power and time resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
UAVs perform preliminary actions by arriving at the loading location and positioning themselves in ready states before package assignments are finalized. This allows the system to assign packages based on real-time UAV availability without requiring UAVs to idle indefinitely, optimizing battery usage while maintaining assignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic package assignment where UAVs can be reassigned to different packages based on changing conditions such as battery status, destination requirements, and package availability. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize energy usage by assigning packages to the most suitable UAVs rather than maintaining static assignments that may become inefficient.
3Measurement precision
If manual package identification and loading processes are used, then package assignment accuracy is improved, but delivery speed and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual package identification and loading processes with automated electronic assignment and robotic handling. The computing system automatically matches packages to UAVs based on destination and availability, while robotic systems handle the physical loading, dramatically increasing delivery speed while maintaining assignment accuracy through automated tracking and verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the automated system independently performs package identification, assignment, and loading without human intervention. The computing system automatically tracks package locations, assigns them to appropriate UAVs, and coordinates the loading process, enabling high-speed operations while maintaining accuracy through automated verification protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to a method of dynamically updating a transport task of a UAV. The method includes receiving, at a transport-provider computing system, an item provider request for transportation of a plurality of packages from a loading location at a given future time. The method also includes assigning, by the transport-provider computing system, a respective transport task to each of a plurality of UAVs, where the respective transport task comprises an instruction to deploy to the loading location to pick up one or more of the plurality of packages. Further, the method includes identifying, by the transport-provider system, a first package while or after a first UAV picks up the first package. Yet further, the method includes based on the identifying of the first package, providing, by the transport-provider system, a task update to the first UAV to update the respective transport task of the first UAV.