User Schedule-Based Product Transport Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting products, such as those described in PTL 1, are impractical for long distances due to cost constraints when using taxis, limiting the convenience of product transportation by non-carrier parties.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that acquires and analyzes schedule information to select and request a user, who is passing near a first shop, to transport products to a second shop, improving the convenience of product transportation by non-carrier parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a taxi is requested to transport products over long distances, then transportation speed is improved, but transportation cost increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects transportation methods based on distance and urgency. For short distances, taxis are used for speed; for long distances, the system coordinates with carriers or other users for cost-effectiveness. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by choosing the optimal method for each specific scenario rather than using a single fixed method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transportation parameter (method selection) based on distance parameters. When distance exceeds a threshold, the system switches from taxi transportation to carrier coordination or user-to-user transport, thereby changing the cost-speed relationship to be more favorable for long distances.
2Loss of energy
If a carrier is used to transport products, then transportation cost is reduced, but transportation time increases to at least one day
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transportation method based on urgency and distance. For urgent deliveries within a day, the system coordinates with carriers or finds suitable users nearby. For non-urgent deliveries over long distances, the system uses carriers to minimize cost. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by matching the delivery timeline with the appropriate transportation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary coordination with carriers and users before the actual transportation begins. By pre-arranging transportation plans and matching users with products needing transport, the system can optimize both cost and time efficiency before the delivery occurs, rather than reacting after the fact.
3Ease of operation
If random users are requested to transport products, then transportation convenience is improved, but request acceptance rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring schedule information about users before making transportation requests. This allows the system to identify users who are likely to be available and willing to transport products, thereby improving the acceptance rate while maintaining the convenience of using non-carrier users for transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from schedule information acquisition to refine its user selection process. By analyzing user schedules and preferences, the system can adjust its request strategy to target users who are more likely to accept transportation requests, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a controller configured to acquire schedule information, upon acquiring information regarding a need to transport a product of a first shop to a second shop, for at least one user who is staying near the first shop or is scheduled to pass near the first shop, select, based on the schedule information, a user for requesting transportation of the product from among the at least one user, and transmit, to a terminal apparatus of the selected user, information requesting transportation of the product.