Delivery location determination

A method and system for determining a delivery location is provided. The method includes enabling a UAV delivery application specifying a delivery location for delivery of a package. A street address defining the delivery location is received and an eyewear based video device is enabled and directed towards a geographical area associated with the delivery of the package. GPS data associated with the geographical area is retrieved from the eyewear based video device and first GPS coordinates identifying a location of an embedded computing device are retrieved from a GPS system. A distance between the first GPS coordinates and the geographical area is calculated. Additionally, second GPS coordinates identifying the geographical area are calculated based on the GPS data, the distance, and the first GPS coordinates and it is determined if the second GPS coordinates are located within a specified perimeter surrounding the street address defining the delivery location.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method for determining a location for delivery and in particular to a method and associated system for determining a specified perimeter associated with an aerial vehicle with respect to the location for delivery.

BACKGROUND

Determining an area for delivery of products typically includes an inaccurate process with little flexibility. Resolving accuracy issues with respect to the delivery area may include a complicated process that may be time consuming and require a large amount of resources. A delivery method may not take into account all related factors and therefore is unable to execute appropriate delivery actions. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a delivery location determination method comprising: enabling, by a computer processor of an embedded computing device in response to a command from a user, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery software application associated with specifying a delivery location for delivery of at least one package; receiving, by said computer processor from said user, a street address defining said delivery location; enabling, by said computer processor, an eyewear based video device of said embedded computing device; directing, by said computer processor, said eyewear based video device towards a specified geographical area associated with said delivery of said at least one package; retrieving, by said computer processor from said eyewear based video device, GPS data associated with said specified geographical area; retrieving, by said computer processor from a GPS system, first GPS coordinates identifying a location of said embedded computing device; calculating, by said computer processor, a distance between said first GPS coordinates and said specified geographical area; calculating, by said computer processor based on said GPS data, said distance, and said first GPS coordinates, second GPS coordinates identifying said specified geographical area; and first determining, by said computer processor, if said second GPS coordinates are located within a specified perimeter surrounding said street address defining said delivery location.

A second aspect of the invention provides delivery method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor of an embedded computing device comprising an eyewear based video device, a street address for delivery of at least one package to a user; determining, by said computer processor, that said street address comprises an apartment complex comprising a plurality of residences; retrieving, by said computer processor from a data store associated with said user and said apartment complex in response to results of said determining, data describing said user and a specified geographical area located within a specified perimeter surrounding said street address; and enabling, by said computer processor, a flight plan for a UAV for delivering said at least one package to said specified geographical area.

A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program product, comprising a computer readable hardware storage device storing a computer readable program code, said computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a computer processor of an embedded computing device implements a delivery location determination method, said method comprising: enabling, by said computer processor in response to a command from a user, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery software application associated with specifying a delivery location for delivery of at least one package; receiving, by said computer processor from said user, a street address defining said delivery location; enabling, by said computer processor, an eyewear based video device of said embedded computing device; directing, by said computer processor, said eyewear based video device towards a specified geographical area associated with said delivery of said at least one package; retrieving, by said computer processor from said eyewear based video device, GPS data associated with said specified geographical area; retrieving, by said computer processor from a GPS system, first GPS coordinates identifying a location of said embedded computing device; calculating, by said computer processor, a distance between said first GPS coordinates and said specified geographical area; calculating, by said computer processor based on said GPS data, said distance, and said first GPS coordinates, second GPS coordinates identifying said specified geographical area; and first determining, by said computer processor, if said second GPS coordinates are located within a specified perimeter surrounding said street address defining said delivery location.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method and associated system capable of determining an area for delivery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a system100for determining a location for package delivery, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System100enables a process for determining a specific location for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery of consignments to apartments (or any type of structures) by leveraging customer-defined delivery locations. System100enables the following features:

1. Utilization of an eyewear based video device (e.g., a eyewear gadget/glasses comprising an integrated display, camera, and GPS) to specify/modify an UAV based consignment delivery location for a specified location (e.g., a specific apartment in an apartment building/complex) with respect to delivering consignments.
2. Validating customer-defined drone delivery locations with respect to apartment building/complex boundaries and identifying duplicates/overlap with another user's UAV delivery location.

System100ofFIG. 1includes a GPS system135, a (external) data store128, an online retailer logistics system151and a UAV control system142connected through a network to an embedded computer114comprising an eyewear based video device114acomprising a GPS receiver. Embedded computer114retrieves GPS coordinates based data (from GPS system135) in response to a user118(wearing embedded computer114comprising eyewear based video device114a) directing eyewear based video device114a(in a direction110) towards a specified area108at an apartment building104(comprising specified apartments104a. . .104n). The GPS coordinates based data (from GPS system135) and delivery based data are analyzed (by embedded computer114) to determine exact coordinates for enabling a UAV to accurately deliver a package specified area108based on a selection enabled by the user's118view. The coordinates are transmitted to a UAV control system for generating instruction for control of a UAV for delivery of packages. An embedded computer is defined herein as a remotely portable dedicated computer comprising a combination of computer hardware and software (fixed in capability or programmable) specifically designed for executing a specialized function. Programmable embedded computers may comprise specialized programming interfaces. An eyewear based video device114ais defined herein as a wearable technology comprising an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) for displaying information in a smartphone type hands free format. A UAV is defined herein as an aircraft comprising no pilot on board. A UAVs may comprise a remote controlled aircraft (e.g., a drone flown by a pilot at a ground control station) an autonomously controlled aircraft based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems.

System100enables user118(e.g., a customer) to define and/or modify delivery (via usage of eyewear based video device114a) locations for last mile (i.e., a very specific location such as a customer location) deliveries via UAVs. Additionally, the location for delivery may be validated based on user selection. The validation process may be performed with respect to apartment building/apartment complex (e.g., apartment building104) boundaries. Likewise, the validation process may determine if the determined delivery location comprises a duplicate and/or overlapping location with respect to another user's UAV delivery location. Additionally, the validation process may enable enforcement of legal regulations, security regulation, and privacy regulations.

Data store128maintains records describing customer specific UAV delivery locations. The following chart illustrates an example comprising a table for maintaining the records in data store128.

FIG. 2illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by system100ofFIG. 1for determining a specified location for package delivery, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each of the steps in the algorithm ofFIG. 2may be enabled and executed in any order by a computer processor(s) executing computer code. In step200, a user launches a UAV delivery application on his/her eyewear based video device via a menu option or voice command. In step202, the user enables a login process with respect to the application. If the user has previously completed a registration process, he/she may enter credentials to login to the UAV delivery application. Alternatively, the application enables a registration process and then enables a login process with respect to the application. In step204, the user directs the eyewear based video device on an intended UAV delivery location with respect to his/her apartment. The eyewear based video device illustrates an area comprising a predefined size necessary for UAV based deliveries. In step208, the user selects the UAV delivery location in the UAV delivery application via a menu option or voice command. In response, the UAV delivery application calculates a distance from its current GPS coordinates and dynamically computes GPS coordinates of the UAV delivery location selected by the user. In step210, the UAV delivery application verifies the selected location with respect to an inputted street number (i.e., address) boundary to ensure the selected location exists within a specified perimeter comprising the apartment building or complex. The verification process enables the package to be delivered to a correct address within the apartment building or complex. Additionally, the verification process prevents fraudulent attempts to retrieve packages belonging to users in a differing location. In step212, it is determined if the selected UAV delivery location exists within a street number boundary of the apartment building or complex. If in step212, it is determined that the selected UAV delivery location does not exist within a street number boundary of the apartment building or complex then in step214, the UAV delivery application rejects the selected location and generates/transmits an error message via a voice notification and/or via a display and step204is repeated. The error message comprises a reason for rejection (e.g., selected location does not exist within the specified perimeter). Additionally, a request for selection of another UAV delivery location is generated. If in step212, it is determined that the selected UAV delivery location does exist within a street number boundary of the apartment building or complex then in step216, the UAV delivery application verifies the selected location against additional UABV delivery locations specified by other users. The verification process of step216includes:

1. Determining if the selected location comprises a duplicate location with respect to another user.

2. Determining if the selected location overlaps with a UAV delivery location associated with another user.

3. Determining if the selected location is very close to a UAV delivery location of another user.

The verification process of step216ensures unique UAV delivery location usage and an availability of sufficient space for UAV based deliveries. In step218, it is determined (based on results of step216) if the selected UAV delivery location overlaps with a UAV delivery location of another user. If in step218, it is determined that the selected UAV delivery location overlaps with the UAV delivery location of another user then in step220, the UAV delivery application generates a request (for the user) requesting that the user selects another UAV delivery location to avoid the overlap. The UAV delivery application may display overlapped area via the eyewear based video device and request that the user selects another UAV delivery location to avoid the overlap. If in step218, it is determined that the selected UAV delivery location does not overlap with the UAV delivery location of another user then in step224, the UAV delivery application determines if the selected UAV delivery location comprises a duplicate location with respect to a UAV delivery location of another user.

If in step224, the UAV delivery application determines that the selected UAV delivery location comprises a duplicate location with respect to a UAV delivery location of another user then in step230, the UAV delivery application notifies the current user that the UAV delivery location comprises the duplicate location and determines if the current user will generate a request to obtain concurrence from another user for usage of the existing UAV delivery location. If the current user will not generate a request to obtain concurrence then step214is repeated. If the current user will generate a request to obtain concurrence then step242, the UAV delivery application notifies another (existing) user of the UAV delivery location that the current user is requesting usage of the UAV delivery location and requests an approval for usage of the UAV delivery location. If the request is not approved then step214is repeated. If the request is approved then step232is executed as described, infra.

If in step224, the UAV delivery application determines that the selected UAV delivery location does not comprise a duplicate location with respect to a UAV delivery location of another user then in step232, the UAV delivery application verifies the existence of the UAV delivery location for a same apartment and current user in a customer specific UAV delivery location data store. In step234, it is determined if a UAV delivery location for the same apartment and user in the customer-specific UAV delivery location data store is located. If in step234, it is determined that a UAV delivery location for the same apartment and user in the customer-specific UAV delivery location data store has been located, then in step248, the UAV delivery application communicates the existence of a UAV delivery location for a same apartment and requests a confirmation from a current user to overwrite the existing UAV delivery location. If the request is confirmed (in step250) then238is executed as described, infra. If the request is not confirmed (in step250) then the process is terminated in step240. If in step234, it is determined that a UAV delivery location for the same apartment and user in the customer-specific UAV delivery location data store has not been located, then in step238, the UAV delivery application writes the UAV delivery location for the apartment number entered by the current user by generating a new entry in the customer specific drone delivery location data store and generates a confirmation for the current user and the process is terminated in step240.

FIG. 3illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by system100ofFIG. 1for delivering packages to a specified location via usage of a UAV in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each of the steps in the algorithm ofFIG. 3may be enabled and executed in any order by a computer processor(s) executing computer code. In step300, a UAV control system (e.g., UAV control system142ofFIG. 1) receives package details and delivery address from a logistics system (e.g., logistics system151ofFIG. 1). In step302, the UAV control system verifies if the delivery address comprises an apartment. If (in step304) the delivery address is determined to not comprise an apartment then step318is executed as described, infra. If (in step304) the delivery address is determined to comprise an apartment then in step306, the UAV control system queries a customer specific drone delivery location data store. The query uses a customer name and delivery address to determine the existence of a UAV delivery location defined by the customer. If (in step308), it is determined that a UAV delivery location defined by the customer does not exist then in step310, the UAV control system logs an absence of an entry in a customer specific delivery location data store (for the associated apartment), the delivery is rejected, and an error message is generated and transmitted to a the logistics system. If (in step308), it is determined that a UAV delivery location defined by the customer does exist then in step314, the UAV control system reads delivery coordinates (from the customer specific delivery location data store) and assigns the coordinates to a UAV. In step318, the UAV control system initiates a package pickup and UAV navigation process. The package pickup and UAV navigation process includes generating instructions for package pickup from a distribution center and navigation of the UAV to the apartment. The process is terminated in step320.

FIG. 4illustrates a computer system90(e.g., UAV control system142and/or embedded computer114) used by or comprised by the system ofFIG. 1for enabling a process for determining a location for package delivery, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The computer system90illustrated inFIG. 4(e.g., UAV control system142and/or embedded computer114) includes a processor91, an input device92coupled to the processor91, an output device93coupled to the processor91, and memory devices94and95each coupled to the processor91. The input device92may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc. The output device93may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices94and95may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device95includes a computer code97. The computer code97includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms ofFIGS. 2 and 3) for enabling a process for determining a location for package delivery. The processor91executes the computer code97. The memory device94includes input data96. The input data96includes input required by the computer code97. The output device93displays output from the computer code97. Either or both memory devices94and95(or one or more additional memory devices Such as read only memory device96) may include the algorithms ofFIGS. 2 and 3and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code includes the computer code97. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system90may include the computer usable medium (or the program storage device).

In some embodiments, rather than being stored and accessed from a hard drive, optical disc or other writeable, rewriteable, or removable hardware memory device95, stored computer program code84(e.g., including the algorithms ofFIGS. 2-3) may be stored on a static, nonremovable, read-only storage medium such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM) device85, or may be accessed by processor91directly from such a static, nonremovable, read-only medium85. Similarly, in some embodiments, stored computer program code97may be stored as computer-readable firmware85, or may be accessed by processor91directly from such firmware85, rather than from a more dynamic or removable hardware data-storage device95, such as a hard drive or optical disc.

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service supplier who offers to for determine a location for package delivery. Thus, the present invention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, including integrating computer-readable code into the computer system90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system90is capable of performing a method for enabling a process for determining a location for package delivery. In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service supplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to enable a process for determining a location for package delivery. In this case, the service supplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service supplier can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service supplier can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.