Vehicle Management Server Container Locking for Shared Parcel Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle management systems for shared vehicles do not effectively allow users to manage space in vehicles during time slots other than when they are using the vehicle, limiting user convenience and efficiency in parcel delivery and collection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle management server that receives use reservations, creates a use schedule, and controls the locking and unlocking of containers in shared vehicles based on user reservations, enabling users to use spaces as parcel delivery locations and undertake delivery tasks, thereby increasing vehicle usage and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a shared vehicle is used by multiple users in different time slots, then vehicle utilization rate is improved, but user convenience in managing personal space is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is divided into multiple lockable containers, each assigned to a specific user. This segmentation allows each user to have dedicated personal space within the shared vehicle, maintaining privacy and control over their belongings while the vehicle is being shared with other users during different time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-arranges container assignments and locking schedules based on user reservations and vehicle usage schedules. Before a user arrives at the vehicle, their designated container is already prepared to be unlocked, and containers for other users are locked. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually manage locking/unlocking, enhancing convenience while maintaining high vehicle utilization.
2Productivity
If parcel delivery is integrated into shared vehicle usage, then delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shared vehicle system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a transportation vehicle for users and a parcel delivery system. The same containers that store user belongings can also be used for parcel delivery, and the existing lock/unlock control system manages both user access and parcel access. This multi-functionality improves delivery efficiency by utilizing existing resources while avoiding the need for separate dedicated delivery infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to participate in parcel delivery tasks as part of their vehicle usage. Users can deliver parcels to other users during their vehicle usage time slots, and the system automatically manages the locking and unlocking of containers for parcel handover. This self-service approach leverages the existing user-vehicle interaction model to provide delivery services without requiring additional complex management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle management server for managing a shared vehicle used by a plurality of users in different time slots. The vehicle management server includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The processor is configured to perform: receiving use reservations for using the shared vehicle from the plurality of users; and making a use schedule of the shared vehicle. The memory is configured to perform: storing a correspondence between a plurality of containers provided in the shared vehicle and the plurality of users respectively using the plurality of containers. The processor is further configured to perform: outputting a control signal to command the shared vehicle to lock or unlock each of the plurality of containers provided in the shared vehicle based on the use schedule made in the making and the correspondence stored in the memory.