Vehicle-Drone Rendezvous Control for Traffic Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones are underutilized during idle periods when customer delivery and pickup demand is low, and there is a need for efficient drone-to-vehicle interaction systems to facilitate delivery of items to drivers stuck in traffic congestion.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-based computing system equipped with a controller and transceiver that periodically transmits location and trip route information to guide drones to rendezvous locations, allowing for the delivery of items such as food, drinks, and emergency supplies to vehicles in need, using various communication protocols like cellular technology, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drones are deployed for delivery during low-demand periods, then drone utilization rate is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for vehicle-drone coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional stationary deliveries and mobile vehicle deliveries. The vehicle-mounted receiving mechanism allows the drone to serve both fixed locations (distribution centers, residences) and moving targets (vehicles in traffic), thereby improving utilization during low-demand periods without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle acts as an intermediary between the drone and the final recipient. The drone delivers items to the vehicle, which then serves as a mobile receiving point. This intermediary approach enables flexible delivery to moving targets while maintaining simple drone operation protocols
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle transmits location and route information continuously to guide the drone, then delivery accuracy is improved, but communication energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller periodically transmits location and trip route information to the drone at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic communication maintains sufficient delivery accuracy by providing updated positioning data at regular intervals while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with constant communication
3Ease of operation
If the drone delivers items to moving vehicles, then customer convenience is improved, but safety risks increase due to proximity operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions before the actual delivery: the vehicle controller opens the receiving mechanism in advance upon receiving a proximity notification from the drone. This preliminary preparation ensures the receiving mechanism is ready when the drone arrives, enabling quick and safe item transfer without requiring the vehicle to stop or slow down significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The drone transmits proximity notifications to the vehicle when approaching, and the vehicle controller responds by opening the receiving mechanism. This feedback loop ensures coordinated action between drone and vehicle, maintaining safety through real-time communication and automated response protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a controller that may be configured to, responsive to receiving a delivery request associated with a drone, periodically transmit a current location, trip route information, and acceleration data of the vehicle to guide the drone to a rendezvous location, and responsive to receiving a proximity notification associated with the drone, open a delivery opening of the vehicle.