KR20240004220A - Communication server apparatus, method and communication system for fulfilling orders from users - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication server device for fulfillment of an order from a user, in response to receiving order data for an order of at least one item offered at a pickup location for delivery to a destination location, based on the pickup location and the destination location. Assign a virtual hub, generate pickup data representing an item, a pickup location, and at least one pickup task associated with the virtual hub, and delivery data representing a delivery task associated with the item, the virtual hub, and the destination location, and generate a virtual hub from the pickup location. Sending pickup data and hub data to the communication device of a first agent assigned for delivery to the hub, and sending delivery data and hub data to the communication device of a second agent assigned for delivery from the virtual hub to the destination location. do.

Description

Communication server devices, methods and communication systems for fulfilling orders from users

The present invention relates generally to the field of communications. One aspect of the invention relates to a communication server device for fulfilling orders from users. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method for fulfilling an order from a user and a communication system for fulfilling an order from a user.

One aspect of the invention includes, but is not limited to, a specific application for fulfilling or completing orders placed by a user. The overall action of fulfilling an order may be decoupled into separate processes, where one process involves picking up the item(s) included in the order by a first agent and delivering the item(s) to the virtual hub. Other processes may involve delivering the item(s) included in the order from the virtual hub to the user or a destination location associated with the user.

Due to Covid-19, e-commerce demand has shifted significantly from not-so-urgent goods to urgent necessities. More and more consumers are changing their purchasing habits by purchasing goods and daily necessities through e-commerce. Traditional e-commerce supply chains typically take several days to complete their cycle, which is not enough to meet new demand. Consumer expectations have changed to require delivery within a short period of time that traditional e-commerce supply chains cannot cope with. Consumer expectations have shifted to delivery within one to two hours, and this type of delivery can be classified as “instant delivery.”

When orders from customers require pickup from multiple locations, the problem of “instant delivery” is amplified. This means that each instant delivery order typically has dozens of items, multiple categories of goods (e.g. household goods, raw foods, prepared foods, pharmaceuticals, etc.), and the suppliers of these are supermarkets, restaurants, etc. , wholesalers, pharmacies, etc., so it is common. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when adopting a traditional delivery order batching method, by assigning one or more orders to one driver, the driver will travel to multiple pickup locations to pick up all the orders. After collecting the items, they must be shipped to multiple consumers. Referring to Figure 6, the first driver travels to multiple pickup locations (e.g., stores) 690a, 690b, 690c, 690d, picks up items to fulfill one or more orders, and then Items must be shipped to different consumers/customers 692a, 692b. Similarly, the second driver travels to various pickup locations 690a, 690b, 690c, picks up items, and then transports the items from these locations 690a, 690b, 690c to corresponding consumers 692c, 692d. must be delivered to As can be seen, a typical driver flow can easily fail an instant delivery Service Level Assurance (SLA), which can be an hour or two. If the number of orders per batch decreases, profitability and efficiency will be affected.

For known order batching (or pooling) methods, most of them use various variants such as CVRPPD (with pick-up delivery priority constraints), CVRPTW (with time window constraints), etc. to solve the Capacitated Vehicle routing problem. Grouped by Routing Problem (CVRP). However, none of the known methods can effectively solve the SLA problem faced by “instant delivery”. Multiple pickups and deliveries can improve batching efficiency, but at the cost of sacrificing the consumer experience, forcing consumers to wait longer.

Multi-echelon designs are also known, and this technology is a common offline solution that focuses on inventory management, but recognizes that each shipment requires pickup from multiple locations with tight delivery time windows. It is not being considered.

Aspects of the invention are as recited in the independent claims. Some optional features are defined in dependent claims.

Implementation of the techniques disclosed herein can provide significant technical advantages. The techniques disclosed herein provide a decoupling approach that includes the use of a virtual hub to fulfill orders, where tasks of the same type can be assigned to the same agent group. For example, pickup tasks may be assigned to a first agent or pickup agents to deliver items for orders from pickup locations to a virtual hub, while delivery tasks may transport items from the virtual hub to destination locations. It may be assigned to secondary agents or delivery agents for delivery. In this way, orders placed by users can be decoupled into separate processes, one for the pickup task and another for the delivery task. By dividing orders into separate smaller processes that are delivered to each agent group, this allows for more efficient use of resources and processing load in processing orders. Additionally, each agent group is sent a smaller amount of respective data (i.e., data associated with pickup tasks or delivery tasks) and data associated with each group of agents (e.g., data associated with pickup agents). It allows for more efficient use of resources and data network traffic (data related to pickup tasks being transmitted).

Decoupling approaches according to the techniques disclosed herein may provide time efficiencies and may allow for efficiency in resource utilization, for example in terms of transportation resources. The virtual hub provides a location from which items corresponding to one or more orders can be delivered, wherein a first agent delivers items from one or more pickup locations to the virtual hub (as part of a pickup task), thereby One or more second agents will continue to deliver, with one second agent delivering items (delivered to the virtual hub by one or more first agents) from the virtual hub to one or more destination locations (as part of delivery tasks). Delivery is possible. This requires the same agent to perform both pickup tasks and delivery tasks, which include traveling to multiple pickup locations to pick up items, traveling to multiple pickup locations to deliver items, and often order fulfillment. It helps to save time and resources when compared to known techniques without proper planning of sequence and travel routes and times.

In the techniques disclosed herein, first agents can focus their time on pickup tasks and delivering items to their assigned virtual hub, without having to perform subsequent delivery tasks, while second agents can focus on delivering items to their assigned virtual hub. Without performing pickup tasks, you can utilize your time on delivery tasks and focus on delivering items from their assigned virtual hub to their destination locations. In contrast, in known techniques where the same agent is responsible for pickup tasks and delivery tasks, the agent must juggle between the pickup tasks and delivery tasks, for example performing a delivery task between two pickup tasks. You can, and it all adds up in terms of time. This situation is likely to lead to increased time usage, as the same agent must first complete the pick-up and delivery tasks for one order before moving on to the pick-up task for individual orders. can be completed together within the same time frame (thus saving time), for example, pickup locations for pickup tasks can be very close to each other, or pickup tasks for individual orders can be completed together using the techniques disclosed herein. It may also be related to the same pickup location that can be achieved.

Also known techniques are multiple locations for multiple orders, including potentially requiring the same agent to travel to the same pickup location multiple times for different orders or to the same area or region multiple times for different orders. It is clear from the above that going back and forth between fields is necessary. This leads to an increase in time usage and resource usage, as, for example, one first agent may perform pick-up tasks for different orders in one trip, especially if the same pick-up locations are involved, or Where pickup locations may be very close to each other, or may be en route to a virtual hub for delivery by the first agent, relief may be achieved by the techniques disclosed herein.

In at least some implementations, the techniques disclosed herein may provide batching of pickup tasks into a pickup job and/or batching of delivery tasks into a delivery job. Batching of pickup tasks and/or delivery tasks may be performed taking into account timing issues of completion of the pickup tasks. The pickup task can be assigned to either the first agent or the pickup agent. The delivery task may be assigned to a second agent or a delivery agent. Batching of these pickup tasks and/or delivery tasks may allow efficient use of bandwidth, data network traffic, and processing load. For example, by appropriately grouping a group of pick-up tasks together, these bundled pick-up tasks (or pick-up jobs) can be processed as a whole and data related to them can be transmitted at once to the first agent's communication device. Without bundling, pickup tasks may be processed individually, perhaps independently of each other, without taking into account that there may be common elements between the pickup tasks that allow them to be processed together, and each associated The data needs to be transmitted separately to the first agent's communication device.

In an example implementation, the functionality of the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented in software running on a handheld communication device, such as a mobile phone. Software implementing the functions of the technologies disclosed in this specification may be included in an “app,” which is a computer program or computer program product that a user downloads from an online store.

For example, when running on a user's mobile phone, the phone's hardware features use the phone's transceiver components to implement the functionality described below, such as establishing a secure communication channel for the user's order fulfillment. It can be used to:

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only:
1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example communication system including a communication server device.
Figure 2A shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a communication server device for fulfillment of orders from users.
Figure 2b shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a data record.
FIG. 2C shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the architectural components of the communication server device of FIG. 2A.
Figure 2D shows a flow chart illustrating a method for fulfilling an order from a user.
3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a method for batch pickup and batch delivery of various embodiments.
Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the order batching approach of various embodiments.
Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for implementing decoupled order batching in accordance with various embodiments.
Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a prior art order batching approach.

Various embodiments may relate to delivery, for example decoupled order batching for instant delivery. “Instant delivery” can mean delivery within a short delivery window after a consumer places an order or purchase, for example through an e-commerce platform. In recent years, consumer expectations have changed to receive delivery of items for corresponding orders within 1 to 2 hours, as a non-limiting example of delivery that may be classified as “instant delivery.”

These technologies can fix the assignment of hubs to pickup and delivery locations and solve operational routing problems. Additionally, the technologies can assign virtual hubs to orders in real time as part of an online decision, allowing them to be individually and efficiently batched through technology that decouples pickup from delivery.

These technologies enable decoupled order batching methods, for example through real-time virtual hub allocation, using a system that includes user communication devices and computing devices to achieve high profitability and efficiency without sacrificing consumer satisfaction. You can.

These technologies can be provided to assign each order placed by a user or customer in real time to a specific virtual hub. One or more first agents (e.g., shoppers) pick up items or products corresponding to one or more orders from one or more pickup locations (e.g., stores/merchants) and place one or more orders Fulfillment and delivery of products to corresponding virtual hub(s).

Then, one or more second agents (e.g., drivers), different from the first agent, can collect the products from the virtual hub and deliver the products to one or more consumers/customers who have placed corresponding order(s). there is.

Referring to Figure 1, a communication system 100 is shown that can be applied to various embodiments. Communication system 100 may be for fulfilling orders from users.

Communication system 100 includes a communication server device 102, a first (user or client) communication device 104 and a second (user or client) communication device 106. These devices 102, 104, 106 are connected to a communication network 108 (e.g., the Internet) via respective communication links 110, 112, 114 implementing, for example, the Internet communication protocol. Communication devices 104, 106 may communicate via other communication networks, such as public switched telephone networks (PSTN networks), including mobile cellular communication networks, but these are omitted from Figure 1 for clarity. It should be understood that there may be one or more other communication devices similar to devices 104 and 106.

Communication server device 102 may be a single server, as schematically shown in Figure 1, or may have the functionality performed by communication server device 102 distributed over multiple server components. In the example of Figure 1, communication server device 102 includes one or more microprocessors (mR) 116, memory 118 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) for loading of executable instructions 120. ), and the executable instructions 120 define the functions that the server device 102 performs under the control of the processor 116. . Communication server device 102 may also include input/output (I/O) modules (which may be or include transmitter modules and/or receiver modules) that enable server device 102 to communicate over communication network 108. It may include (122). User interface (UI) 124 is provided for user control and may include one or more computing peripherals, such as display monitors, computer keyboards, etc. Communication server device 102 may also include a database (DB) 126, the purpose of which will become readily apparent from the following discussion.

Communication server device 102 may be for fulfilling orders from users.

Communication device 104 includes, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors (mR) 128, memory 130 (e.g., volatile memory such as RAM) for loading of executable instructions 132. Executable instructions 132, which may include a number of individual components, define the functions that communication device 104 performs under control of processor 128. Communication device 104 may also include input/output (I/O) modules (which may be or include transmitter modules and/or receiver modules) that enable communication device 104 to communicate over communication network 108 ( 134). A user interface (UI) 136 is provided for user control. If communication device 104 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet device, user interface 136 may have a touch panel display commonly used in many smartphones and other handheld devices. Alternatively, if communication device 104 is a desktop or laptop computer, the user interface may have one or more computing peripherals, such as a display monitor, computer keyboard, etc. The communication device 104 may also perform, or at least perform, measurements, for example, by receiving timing signals from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite via a GNSS network using communication channels, as known in the art. It may include navigation (satnav) components 137 that enable approximation of the geographic location of the user communication device 104.

Communication device 106 may be, for example, a smartphone or tablet device with the same or similar hardware architecture as communication device 104. The communication device 106 has a user interface 136a in the form of a touchscreen display and navigation (satnav) components 138 .

Communication device 106 may communicate with cellular network base stations via a cellular communication network using communication channels. Communication device 106 may approximate its geographic location by receiving timing signals from cellular network base stations over cellular communication networks, as is known. Of course, communications device 104 may also approximate its geographic location by receiving timing signals from cellular network base stations and communications device 106 may approximate its geographic location by receiving timing signals from GNSS satellites. However, these configurations are omitted from Figure 1 for simplicity.

For example, communication device 104 may be associated with a user or consumer and to transmit order data that includes at least one data field representing an order placed by the user for delivery to a destination location associated with the user. can be used An order may include at least one item available at one or more pickup locations.

For example, the communication device 106 may be associated with a pickup agent assigned to an order from a user, data representing pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order, and hub data representing a virtual hub associated with the order. may be used to receive, or may be associated with a delivery agent, data representing delivery data representing delivery tasks for an order, and hub data representing a virtual hub associated with the order.

It should be understood that one or more additional communication devices may be included in communication system 100, for example, associated with other users, other pickup agents, or other delivery agents.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a communication server device 202 for fulfilling an order from a user, and FIG. 2B illustrates a data record 240 that may be generated by the communication server device 202. A schematic block diagram is shown.

Communication server device 202 includes a processor 216 and memory 218, where communication server device 202, under control of processor 216, is configured by a user for delivery to a destination location associated with the user. In response to receiving order data having at least one data field indicating an order being placed, wherein the order includes at least one item provided at at least one pickup location, by executing instructions in memory 218; Assigning a virtual hub to an order by associating hub data representing the virtual hub to the order, wherein the virtual hub is assigned based on at least one pickup location and a destination location, in one or more data records 240; Pickup data 242 representing at least one pickup task for an order, wherein each pickup task of the at least one pickup task is associated with at least one item, a respective pickup location of the at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available. , and associated with a virtual hub - and delivery data 244 representing delivery tasks for an order, where the delivery tasks are associated with at least one item, a virtual hub, and a destination location - and at least one assigned to the order. pickup data 242 and hub data for delivery of at least one item from each pickup location by the at least one first agent to the virtual hub for reception by the at least one communication device of the first agent of Delivery data 244 and hub data for delivery of at least one item from a virtual hub to a destination location by a second agent for transmission and reception by at least one communication device of a second agent assigned to the order It is configured to transmit. Processor 216 and memory 218 may be coupled to each other (indicated by line 217), for example, physically coupled and/or electrically coupled.

That is, a communication server device 202 may be provided for fulfilling an order from a user (or fulfilling at least one order from at least one user). A user (or consumer or customer) may place an order (e.g., an online platform, electronic (through commerce platforms, websites, etc.). At least one data field representing an order placed by the user for delivery to a destination location (or final location) associated with (or corresponding to) the user (e.g., the user's residence or workplace, the user's current location, etc.) In response to receipt of (user) order data having, the communication server device 202 may configure the virtual hub (e.g., in real time and/or dynamically) to place this order by associating this order with hub data representing the virtual hub. may be assigned to an order, where a virtual hub may be assigned to an order based on at least one pickup location and a destination location (e.g., considering the location of the virtual hub relative to the at least one pickup location and the destination location).

In various embodiments, hub data may include data indicating the location of a virtual hub. Location may be defined as data derived from, for example, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), for example, a global positioning system (GPS). This location can be defined by latitude and longitude values.

As a non-limiting example, an order may include multiple items available at one or more pickup locations. This may mean, for example, that all items are available at one pickup location, or one or more items may be available at a first pickup location and one or more of the remaining items may be available at a second pickup. It should be understood that in order to ensure that multiple items ordered by a user are delivered to the virtual hub, more pickup locations may be included, if desired, such as a third pickup location, a fourth pickup location, etc.

Communication server device 202 may generate, from one or more data records 240, pickup data 242 representing one or more pickup tasks for an order, where each pickup task represents at least one item (or at least one (each item of an item), and each pickup location of at least one pickup location where at least one item is available or can be provided, and (for delivering at least one item from each pickup location to the virtual hub) ) can be associated with a virtual hub. Pickup data 242 may include, for example, at least one of at least one item, a respective or corresponding pickup location where at least one item is available or can be obtained, or an expected time for completion of at least one pickup task. It may contain data indicating abnormalities. A pickup task involves a first agent obtaining or picking up an item from or at a pickup location and delivering the item(s) from the pickup location to an assigned virtual hub.

Communication server device 202 may further generate, from the one or more data records 240, shipping data 244 representing a shipping task for an order, wherein the shipping task is to transport (at least one item from the virtual hub to a destination) may be associated with at least one item (for delivery to a location), a virtual hub, and a destination location. Delivery data 244 may include, for example, data representing one or more of at least one item, a destination location, or an expected time to complete a delivery task. The delivery task involves a second agent delivering item(s) from an assigned virtual hub to a destination location associated with the ordering user.

Communication server device 202 is configured to provide a network of at least one first agent (or pickup agent or shopper) assigned to an order for delivery of at least one item from each pickup location to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent. Pickup data 242 and hub data can be transmitted to at least one communication device. In response to receiving the pickup data 242 and the hub data, at least one first agent assigned to the order travels to each pickup location, picks up or purchases at least one item at each pickup location, and then: One item can be shipped or transported to a virtual hub. The at least one first agent satisfies at least one condition, e.g., familiarity of the at least one first agent with the at least one pickup location or the area at the at least one pickup location, availability of the at least one first agent , may be assigned to an order based on the current location of at least one first agent, etc. This may help minimize the time to pick up or collect an item at at least one pickup location, or minimize the overall time required for the pickup task.

Communication server device 202 is at least one communication device of a second agent (or delivery agent or driver) assigned to an order for delivery of at least one item by the second agent from the virtual hub to the destination location. , delivery data 244 and hub data can be transmitted. In response to receiving the delivery data 244 and the hub data, the at least one second agent moves to the virtual hub, is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent to or from the virtual hub, and then at least one of items may be delivered to a destination location or at least one item being transported may be collected. The second agent may include, for example, the second agent's familiarity with the destination location(s) or area of the destination location(s), the availability of the second agent, the current location of the second agent, etc. Can be assigned to orders based on conditions. This can help minimize delivery time to a destination location or overall time required for a delivery task.

In the context of various embodiments, there may be a plurality of defined or predetermined virtual hubs, and a particular virtual hub may have a plurality of defined or predetermined virtual hubs to be assigned to an order, for example, based at least in part on the at least one pickup location and the destination location. Can be selected from defined virtual hubs.

In the context of various embodiments, a virtual hub may be a zero-inventory site or location, meaning that the virtual hub may have zero inventory compared to a physical warehouse or repository with stored inventory or items. . Nevertheless, in some embodiments, one or more virtual hubs may have potential storage capacity, for example a virtual hub in the form of a van or shopping mall, where one or more items may be stored by a second agent(s) (or delivery agent). Temporary batches to the virtual hub after being delivered to the virtual hub by the first agent(s) (or pickup agent(s)) before arriving at the virtual hub for continued delivery to the user(s) It may be processed or stored. These virtual hubs have large inventories or items stored for long periods of time in warehouses or depots, where items are only temporary for items corresponding to one or more orders that have already been placed, as opposed to physical warehouses or repositories where the items are stored awaiting orders. It should be recognized that storage facilities can be provided. That is, the items in the virtual hub are items that have been ordered (i.e., part of orders), picked up and delivered to the virtual hub by the first agent(s), and instant delivered to the user(s) by the second agent(s). While items are temporarily stored in a virtual hub before being stored, items in a warehouse or storage are stored for a long period of time and are waiting for orders that users have not yet placed for these stored items.

In the context of various embodiments, a virtual hub allows for the cross transfer, or passing, of one or more items from one or more first agents to one or more second agents for subsequent delivery to one or more users. Item(s) may be communicated or passed on by the first agent(s) directly to the second agent(s) in the virtual hub.

A virtual hub can be used, for example, as a place or location for temporary storage of items or for cross-delivery of item(s) for first and second agents, and may place one or more order(s) at one or more specific time(s). ), while there may be times when the virtual hub is not in use or assigned to an order, and the virtual hub itself may not be perceived as physically present at the defined location when not assigned to an order. is temporary or temporary.

A defined or predetermined virtual hub, which can be assigned to an order, can be placed or located anywhere in any form, depending on local rules and regulations, for example vehicles (e.g. vans, cars, etc.), structures or a building (e.g. a bus stop, train station, cafe, shopping mall, etc.), a point-of-interest (POI), or an open space location (e.g. a road intersection, the pavement of a particular road, a particular building) or a storefront location, etc.).

The virtual hub is portable in the sense that, for orders placed by the same user, different virtual hubs may be assigned to different orders depending on the pickup location(s) and destination location(s) corresponding to the orders. Additionally, when the virtual hub is in the form of movable objects, for example, vehicles, the movable objects can be moved to defined locations and serve as virtual hubs at those locations.

In the context of various embodiments, one or more data records 240 may include one or more pickup data fields and one or more delivery data fields. Communication server device 202 may generate pickup data 242 for one or more pickup data fields. Communication server device 202 may generate shipping data 244 for one or more shipping data fields.

In the context of various embodiments, one or more data records 240 may be associated with or accessed by communication server device 202. One or more data records 240 may be modified or updated by communication server device 202. One or more data records 240 may be stored in communication server device 202, for example, memory 218.

The communication server device 202 may configure at least one (assigned) connection from one or more data records 240 (e.g., for one or more temporal data fields of one or more data records 240) to a virtual hub. to further generate timing data representing a time window for coordination between delivery of the at least one item by the first agent and (evacuation) delivery of the at least one item by the (assigned) second agent from the virtual hub. You can. This time window may allow efficient cross-delivery of item(s) from the first agent(s) to the second agent(s), for example, and may allow cross-delivery in a timely manner. This time window can help minimize waiting time for both the first agent(s) and the second agent(s). In this way, the latency (if any) of the first agent(s) that may have arrived at the virtual hub earlier for the arrival of the second agent(s) at the virtual hub for cross-delivery of the item(s), and The waiting time (if any) for the second agent(s) that may have arrived at the virtual hub earlier for the first agent(s) to arrive at the virtual hub for cross-delivery of item(s) can be minimized. . Timing data may be transmitted to respective communication devices of the at least one first agent and the second agent.

To generate timing data, communication server device 202 determines from one or more data records 240 the time until at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by at least one first agent (assigned). First time data representing can be generated. The first time data may be included in or be part of timing data. The time until at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent may be determined based on the longest expected pickup completion time, which is a specific pickup task among the at least one pickup task for the order. may be determined for, which requires the longest or maximum time expected or anticipated for completion of a particular pick-up task (i.e., longest expected completion time). That is, the first time data may indicate the time when all pickup tasks for the order are completed and the item(s) for the order are delivered to the virtual hub. The time until at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent is, in absolute time terms, e.g. at least one item must reach the virtual hub by 3:00 PM, or In terms of relative time or duration, it may be defined that at least one item must reach the virtual hub within 1 hour, for example. The first temporal data may be transmitted to at least one communication device of the at least one first agent.

To generate the first time data, the communication server device 202 may generate, for each of the at least one pick-up task, expected data indicating an expected completion time for the pick-up task, based at least on the expected data of the pick-up task. (i.e., based on the expected completion times), determine the longest expected completion time, i.e., generate first time data based on the longest expected completion time, and select the pickup with the longest expected completion time. The task may be determined from the pickup tasks for the order, and the longest expected completion time may be used as the basis for determining or defining the time until at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by at least one first agent. You can.

To generate timing data, the communication server device 202 may generate, in one or more data records 240, a first number representing the time until at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the (assigned) second agent. Two hours of data can be generated. The second temporal data may be included in or part of the timing data. The time until at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent and the time until at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent may overlap with each other. The time until the at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent may be equal to or later than the time until the at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent. . The time until at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent may be determined based on the longest expected completion time (or longest expected pickup completion time) as described above. That is, the second time data is until all pickup tasks for the order have been completed and the item(s) for the order have been shipped to the virtual hub and delivery of the item(s) from the virtual hub can be initiated by the second agent. can represent the time of The time until at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent may be in terms of absolute time, for example, at least one item must be delivered from 3:00 PM, or in terms of relative time or period. , for example, delivery must begin within 5 minutes. The second temporal data may be transmitted to at least one communication device of the second agent.

In various embodiments, an order may include multiple items provided at multiple pickup locations, and a virtual hub may be assigned based on the multiple pickup locations and destination location. Communication server device 202 may generate a plurality of pickup data representing a plurality of pickup tasks for an order in one or more data records 240 to generate pickup data 242 and delivery data 244; , where each pickup data of the plurality of pickup data corresponds to each pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, where, for each pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, the pickup task is one or more of the plurality of items. Items, one or more items may be associated with a respective pickup location of a plurality of available pickup locations, and a virtual hub, and delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, where the delivery task may be associated with a plurality of items, the virtual hub. and is associated with the destination location. Communication server device 202 may further generate batch pick-up data based on a plurality of pick-up data in one or more data records 240, where the batch pick-up data represents a plurality of pick-up tasks. Communication server device 202 is configured to batch package delivery of a plurality of items by at least one first agent from a plurality of pickup locations to a virtual hub for reception by at least one communication device of the at least one first agent. Processing pickup data and hub data can be further transmitted. Communication server device 202 may further transmit hub data and delivery data for delivery of the plurality of items by the second agent from the virtual hub to the destination location for reception by the at least one communication device of the second agent. there is. These embodiments allow a user to place an order for a plurality of items that can be picked up by (at least) one first agent from a plurality of pickup locations to be delivered to a virtual hub, and from the virtual hub, the user and It may include delivery of a plurality of items by a second agent to an associated destination location.

Multiple pick-up tasks, collectively referred to as batch pick-up tasks, or simply pick-jobs, are comprised of one pick-up task in one trip or journey from at least one pick-up location to an assigned virtual hub (which may be associated with one or more orders). It may include a group of pickup tasks that are batched together to deliver items by a first agent. Multiple pick-up tasks may be batched together considering the longest expected completion time. The at least one first agent may include, for example, the first agent's familiarity with the pickup location(s) or the area of the pickup location(s), the first agent's availability, the first agent's current location, etc. Can be assigned based on at least one condition.

In various embodiments, there may be multiple first agents assigned to an order. In generating the batch pickup data, the communication server device 202 may generate a plurality of batch pickup data based on the plurality of pickup data, wherein each individual batch pickup data of the plurality of batch pickup data. represents one or more individual pickup tasks among a plurality of pickup tasks. The communication server device 202 may, in transmitting batch pickup data and hub data, for reception by at least one communication device of each of the first agents of the plurality of first agents, one of a plurality of pickup locations. From the above pickup locations, each individual batch pickup data and hub data may be transmitted to the virtual hub for delivery of one or more items of the plurality of items by each first agent. These embodiments allow a user to place an order for a plurality of items that can be picked up from a plurality of pickup locations to be delivered to a virtual hub by a plurality of first agents, and from the virtual hub to a destination associated with the user. It may include delivering the plurality of items by the second agent to the location.

In various embodiments, in response to receiving a plurality of order data associated with a plurality of orders placed by a plurality of users, where each order data of the plurality of order data is a plurality of orders made by a respective user of the plurality of users. associated with each order of the plurality of orders, and comprising at least one data field representing each order placed by each user for delivery to a respective destination location associated with each user, each order Containing at least one item offered at at least one pickup location, the communication server device 202 may assign a virtual hub to a plurality of orders by associating the hub data with the plurality of orders. The virtual hub may be assigned based on at least one pickup location and each destination location to generate pickup data and delivery data, each order of the plurality of orders in one or more data records 240. Generate pickup data representing at least one pickup task for an order, wherein each pickup task of the at least one pickup task is for at least one item, each of at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available. associated with delivery data representing a pickup location, a virtual hub, and a delivery task for an order, wherein the delivery task is associated with at least one item, a virtual hub, and a respective destination location, and one or more records 240 generating batch delivery data based on a plurality of delivery data of the plurality of orders, wherein the batch delivery data represents a plurality of delivery tasks of the plurality of orders, and transmitting the delivery data and the hub data comprises: For reception by at least one communication device of at least one second agent (or second agents) assigned to orders (a plurality of items) from the virtual hub to respective destination locations by the at least one second agent Send batch processing delivery data and hub data for delivery. These embodiments allow multiple users to place multiple orders for multiple items, to be picked up by (at least) a first agent from at least one pickup location to a virtual hub, and from the virtual hub to multiple users. A plurality of items may be delivered by (at least) one second agent to a plurality of destination locations associated therewith.

A plurality of delivery tasks, collectively referred to as batch delivery tasks or simply delivery operations, may include a group of delivery tasks that are batched together for delivery of items by a second agent in a trip or journey. Multiple delivery tasks may be batched together considering the longest expected completion time. The at least one second agent may include, for example, the second agent's familiarity with the destination location(s) or area of the destination location(s), the second agent's availability, the second agent's current location, etc. Can be assigned based on at least one condition.

In various embodiments, there may be multiple second agents. In generating batch delivery data, the communication server device 202 may generate a plurality of batch delivery data based on a plurality of delivery data, where each individual batch delivery data of the plurality of batch delivery data. represents one or more delivery tasks of the plurality of delivery tasks, and transmits batch delivery data and hub data for reception by at least one communication device of each of the second agents of the plurality of second agents. Transmit each individual batch delivery data and hub data for delivery by each second agent to one or more of the destination locations. These embodiments include multiple users placing multiple orders for multiple items that can be picked up by (at least) one first agent from at least one pickup location to be delivered to the virtual hub, and the virtual hub and delivering the plurality of items by the plurality of second agents to a plurality of destination locations each associated with a plurality of users.

In the context of various embodiments, communication devices may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, handheld/portable communication devices, desktop or laptop computers, terminal computers, etc.

FIG. 2C shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the architectural components of communication server device 202. That is, the communication server device 202 includes an allocation module 250 that assigns virtual hubs to orders from users, a data generation module 252 that generates pickup data 242 and delivery data 244 (see FIG. 2B). , and may further include a transmission module 254 that transmits pickup data 242, delivery data 244, and hub data.

In the context of various embodiments, communication server device 202a may be a single server, or may have the functionality performed by communication server device 202a distributed across multiple server components.

Figure 2D shows a flow chart 260 illustrating a method for fulfilling an order from a user. In response to receiving order data having at least one data field indicating an order placed by the user for delivery to a destination location associated with the user, the order includes at least one item provided at the at least one pickup location. and, at 261, a virtual hub is assigned to the order by associating hub data representing the virtual hub with the order, the virtual hub is assigned based on the at least one pickup location and the destination location, and at 262, at least one Pickup data representing one pickup task is generated in one or more data records, wherein each pickup task of the at least one pickup task is associated with at least one item, each pickup at at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available. a location, and a virtual hub, at 263, delivery data representing a delivery task for an order is generated in one or more data records, where the delivery task is associated with at least one item, a virtual hub, and a destination location, 264 wherein pickup data for delivery of at least one item by at least one first agent from each pickup location to the virtual hub for reception by at least one communication device of at least one first agent assigned to the order. and hub data is transmitted, at 265, for receipt by at least one communication device of the second agent assigned to the order, delivery data for delivery of at least one item by the second agent from the virtual hub to the destination location. and hub data is transmitted.

The method comprises: in one or more data records, a time for coordination between delivery of at least one item by at least one first agent to a virtual hub and delivery of at least one item by a second agent from the virtual hub; The step of generating timing data representing the window may be further included.

Generating timing data may include generating, from one or more data records, first timing data indicating the time until at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by at least one first agent. Generating the first time data includes, for each of the at least one pickup task, generating expected data representing an expected completion time for the pickup task, the longest expected completion time based on the expected completion time of the at least one pickup task. determining, and generating first time data based on the longest expected completion time.

Generating timing data may include generating, in one or more data records, second timing data indicating the time until at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent.

In various embodiments, an order may include multiple items provided at multiple pickup locations, and a virtual hub may be assigned based on the multiple pickup locations and destination location. A plurality of pickup data representing a plurality of pickup tasks for an order may be generated from one or more data records, where each pickup data of the plurality of pickup data corresponds to a respective pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, where: For each pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, the pickup task is associated with one or more items of the plurality of items, a respective pickup location of the plurality of pickup locations where the one or more items are available, and a virtual hub. Delivery data representing a delivery task for an order may be generated from one or more data records, where the delivery task is associated with a plurality of items, a virtual hub, and a destination location. The method may further include generating batch pick-up data from one or more data records based on the plurality of pick-up data, where the batch pick-up data represents the plurality of pick-up tasks. batch pickup data and hub data for delivery of the plurality of items by the at least one first agent from the plurality of pickup locations to the virtual hub for reception by the at least one communication device of the at least one first agent; can be sent. Delivery data and hub data for delivery of a plurality of items by the second agent from the virtual hub to the destination location may be transmitted for reception by the second agent's at least one communication device.

In various embodiments, there may be multiple first agents. A plurality of batch pickup data may be generated based on the plurality of pickup data, where each individual batch pickup data of the plurality of batch pickup data represents one or more individual pickup tasks of the plurality of pickup tasks, and transporting one or more of the plurality of items by each of the first agents from one or more of the plurality of pickup locations to the virtual hub for reception by the at least one communication device of each of the first agents; Each individual batch pickup data and hub data for delivery of items may be transmitted.

In various embodiments, in response to receiving a plurality of order data associated with a plurality of orders placed by a plurality of users, wherein each order data of the plurality of order data is associated with each order of the plurality of orders placed, and comprising at least one data field representing each order placed by each user, for delivery to a respective destination location associated with each user, each order includes at least one item offered at at least one pickup location, the virtual hub can be assigned to a plurality of orders by associating hub data with the plurality of orders, and the virtual hub can be assigned to each order of the plurality of orders. Pickup data representing at least one pickup task for an order may be generated from one or more data records, wherein each of the at least one pickup task is assigned based on the at least one pickup location and the respective destination locations. A pick-up task is associated with at least one item, a respective pick-up location of at least one pick-up location for which the at least one item is available, and a virtual hub, and the delivery data representing the delivery task for the order is generated from one or more records. may be, where a delivery task is associated with at least one item, a virtual hub, and a respective destination location. The method may further include generating batch delivery data from one or more data records based on the plurality of delivery data of the plurality of orders, where the batch delivery data represents the plurality of delivery tasks of the plurality of orders. batch delivery data for delivery by the at least one second agent from the virtual hub to the respective destination locations, for reception by at least one communication device of the at least one second agent assigned to the plurality of orders; and Hub data can be transmitted.

In various embodiments, there may be multiple second agents. A plurality of batch delivery data may be generated based on a plurality of delivery data, where each individual batch delivery data of the plurality of batch delivery data represents one or more delivery tasks among the plurality of delivery tasks, and a plurality of batch delivery data may be generated based on the plurality of delivery data. each individual batch shipment data and hub data for delivery by each of the second agents to one or more of the plurality of destination locations, for reception by the at least one communication device of each of the second agents; can be transmitted.

It should be understood that descriptions in the context of communication server device 202a may be correspondingly applicable with respect to methods as described in the context of flow diagram 260 and vice versa.

The method described in connection with flow diagram 260 may be performed at a communication server device (e.g., 202; FIGS. 2A and 2C) to fulfill an order from a user under control of a processor of the communication server device.

In the context of various embodiments, an “app” or “application” may be installed or resident on a communication device and may be a processor for executing on the device to implement or perform the techniques disclosed herein to fulfill orders from users. -Can contain executable instructions.

A computer program product may also be provided having instructions for implementing a method for fulfilling an order from a user as described herein.

A computer program may also be provided having instructions for implementing a method for fulfilling an order from a user as described herein.

A non-transitory storage medium may further be provided that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for fulfilling an order from a user as described herein.

Various embodiments include a communication server device, at least one first communication device, at least one second communication device, at least one third communication device, and a communication server device and at least one first, second, and third communication device. A communication system for fulfilling an order from a user may be further provided, having communication network equipment operable to establish communication with each other therethrough. At least one first communication device includes a first processor and a first memory, at least one second communication device includes a second processor and a second memory, and at least one third communication device includes a third processor and Includes a third memory. The at least one first communication device is configured to execute, under control of a first processor, first instructions stored in a first memory and transmitting for reception by a communication server device for processing, wherein order data is stored in a first memory associated with the user. It has at least one data field representing an order placed by a user for delivery to a destination location, wherein the order includes at least one item provided at at least one pickup location. The communication server device includes a fourth processor and a fourth memory, and, under control of the fourth processor, executes fourth instructions stored in the fourth memory to generate hub data representing a virtual hub in response to receiving data representing ordering data. configured to assign a virtual hub to an order by associating a virtual hub with an order, wherein the virtual hub is assigned based on at least one pickup location and a destination location, and wherein, in the one or more records, pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order. Creates a delivery task for at least one item, a respective pickup location, and a virtual hub for at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available, and a delivery task for the order. associated with delivery data representing, wherein a delivery task is associated with at least one item, a virtual hub, and a destination location, each for receipt by at least one second communication device of at least one first agent assigned to the order; Transmitting pickup data and hub data for delivery of at least one item by at least one first agent to the virtual hub from the pickup location of and receiving by at least one third communication device of the second agent assigned to the order To transmit hub data and delivery data for delivery of at least one item by the second agent from the virtual hub to the destination location. At least one second communication device is configured to, under control of the second processor, execute second instructions stored in the second memory to receive data representing pickup data and hub data. At least one third communication device is configured to, under control of a third processor, execute third instructions stored in a third memory to receive data representing delivery data and hub data.

Various embodiments or techniques will now be described in more detail.

Various embodiments may allow for a system or environment that includes multiple shoppers 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d and multiple drivers 374a, 374b, 374c, 374d, as shown in FIG. Here, each shopper (370a, 370b, 370c, 370d) can deliver items to multiple drivers (374a, 374b, 374c, 374d), and each driver (374a, 374b, 374c, 374d) can deliver items to multiple shoppers (374a, 374b, 374c, 374d). Items can be collected from 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d). As a non-limiting example, “Shopper 1” (370a) may pick up items to fulfill one or more order(s), which then order (s) “Driver 1” (374a), “Driver 2” (374b) ) and “Driver 3” 374c. “Driver 2” 374b may deliver orders fulfilled by “Shopper 1” 370a and “Shopper 3” 370c. Meanwhile, “Driver 4” (374d) can deliver orders fulfilled by “Shopper 2” (370b), “Shopper 3” (370c), and “Shopper 4” (370d).

The techniques disclosed herein can decouple the fulfillment process (including pickup and delivery) into two separate processes: pickup only (by “shoppers,” “pickup agents,” “fulfillment agents,” etc.) and delivery only ( by “drivers”, “delivery agents”, etc.).

The techniques disclosed herein may provide a method to dynamically assign one or more virtual hubs for shoppers and drivers to cross-deliver delivery items. Effectively, using a virtual hub, each shopper can deliver items to multiple drivers and each driver can collect items from multiple shoppers, similar to the environment described in the context of Figure 3. Virtual hubs may be determined in real time by the systems of various embodiments based on pickup store(s) and delivery location(s).

In various embodiments, virtual hubs may be a concept of zero inventory (or zero stock) based on just-in-time cross-delivery between shoppers and drivers. For example, a car/van or any location can be a virtual hub in this case. Using virtual hubs, there can be no inventory on hand (i.e., no inventory on hand). Nevertheless, it should be understood that in some embodiments, item(s) corresponding to order(s) may be temporarily batched to an assigned or associated virtual hub. Virtual hubs can be dynamically assigned in real time based on pickup store(s) and delivery location. As such, depending on the pickup location(s) and destination location, certain virtual hubs may be configured to determine, for example, the relative distances to the pickup location(s) and destination location, and how long it will take for the order to be fulfilled and the product(s) to be delivered to the user. Based on minimization of overall time, an appropriate selection may be made among multiple available virtual hubs for the corresponding order.

In contrast, physical hubs implemented with known approaches require long-term storage facilities to maintain inventory and, in particular, large quantities of inventory to fulfill future orders, for example in the form of warehouses. Additionally, given space and cost constraints, there is typically one physical hub available for holding inventory, and therefore there is no option to allocate another physical hub. Additionally, since there is only one physical hub, there are no considerations other than the location of the physical hub itself, and therefore a single physical hub is used in the known approach for all situations, regardless of the pickup location and destination location.

In various embodiments, the virtual hub itself may be mobile and may not require a fixed location. In the techniques disclosed herein, there may be predetermined locations of virtual hubs prior to assigning orders to these virtual hubs. Accordingly, cross-delivery of products can occur at any points-of-interest (POIs) throughout a region or city (subject to rules and regulations).

Because the techniques disclosed herein can provide immediate delivery with generally short time windows, virtual hub allocation can be based on minimizing the total routing time of the entire delivery system.

4 presents a schematic diagram illustrating the order batching approach of various embodiments including virtual hub 484. On the batch pickup side, the first shopper (“Shopper 1”) travels to multiple pickup locations (e.g., stores) 480a, 480b and picks up items to fulfill one or more orders and their Items or order(s) may be delivered to virtual hub 484 while a second shopper (“Shopper 2”) travels to multiple pickup locations (e.g., stores) 480c, 480d. Thus, one may fulfill one or more orders by picking up items and delivering those items or order(s) to virtual hub 484. On the batch delivery side, a first driver (“Driver 1”) collects items delivered to virtual hub 484 from the virtual hub and delivers the items to one or more consumers 482a, 482b, while similarly , a second driver (“Driver 2”) may collect the items delivered to the virtual hub 484 and deliver the items to one or more consumers 482c and 482d.

Pickup tasks (for shoppers) and delivery tasks (for drivers) can be batched separately. This decoupled order batch may have one or more of the following features:

(i) Allows shoppers to execute time-consuming pickup tasks in parallel, especially for orders that include items from multiple stores, merchants, or retailers. This can help reduce overall service time and improve SLAs and consumer satisfaction.

(ii) Improve batch processing efficiency. Traditional batch processing requires a compromise between pickup and delivery locations. Most batches can only guarantee pickup locations that are close to each other, or delivery locations that are close to each other, or something in between, but not both. By batching pickup and delivery tasks separately, both can be easily accomplished.

(iii) Reduce pickup action time by allocating stores to (most) familiar stores to shoppers.

The features of the decoupled order batching method mentioned above can be illustrated in the following non-limiting examples of FIG. 4 with hub 484 and FIG. 5 with separate batch pickup and batch delivery.

5, the techniques described herein may be implemented with corresponding client or user devices (e.g., mobile devices, communication devices, etc., e.g., smartphones) to implement decoupled order batching. Applications (“Apps”) that are installed or reside on may be provided to run (or operate or be executed) on devices. These include a “consumer” app 350 for consumers or users (e.g., which may be installed and running on a corresponding consumer communication device) and a “driver” app 352 for drivers (e.g., which may be installed and running on a corresponding consumer communication device) may be installed and executed on a driver communication device). A “Shopper” app 354 for shoppers (e.g., may be installed and running on a corresponding shopper communication device) may also be provided.

Technologies for implementing decoupled order batching described herein include “Decoupled Order Batching Service” 360, “Pickup Batching Engine” 362, and “ It may further include a “Delivery Batching Engine” (364).

“Shopper” app 354 may be implemented to do one or more of the following:

Accept batch pickup jobs from the “Decoupled Order Batching Service” (360);

· Update the item status from “To pickup” to “Picked up” after collecting the item from the corresponding store.

· Updates the item status from “Picked up” to “Available for delivery” after the item is delivered to the corresponding virtual hub.

· Updates the item status from “Available for delivery” to “Sent to driver” after the driver collects the item from the virtual hub.

· Once all uncancelled items have reached the “Sent to driver” status, the “Shopper” app 354 automatically switches to “Available for the next job” status for the shopper. It can be.

Additionally or alternatively, order status updates may be implemented in lieu of item status such that an overall order status containing one or more items may be updated instead of updating the status of individual items.

“Consumer” app 350 may be implemented to do one or more of the following:

· Create orders;

· Display order status updates from 'To pickup' to 'Picked up' after all items have been collected from stores;

· Display order status updates from “Picked up” to “Delivered to consumer” after the order is delivered to the consumer.

“Driver” app 352 may be implemented to perform one or more of the following:

· Accept batch delivery operations from the “Decoupled Order Batching Service” (360);

· Display order status from “To pickup” to “Picked up” after the order is collected from the virtual hub;

· After the order is delivered to the consumer, update the order status from “Picked up” to “Delivered to consumer.”

Item status and order status associated with a shopper may be updated based on the shoppers' GPS ping and one or more manual pressing of buttons defined in the shopper app 354. The order status associated with the driver may be updated based on one or more of the driver's GPS ping and a manual press of a button defined in the driver app 352. Order status updates in the Consumer App 350 may be based on or connected to updates in the Shopper App 354 and Driver App 352.

“Decoupled Order Batching Service” 360 may be implemented to perform one or more of the following:

1. For each new order (e.g., a consumer places an order via the “Consumer” app 350):

· Assign orders to virtual hubs based on or according to pickup stores and delivery locations;

· Each order is divided into multiple pickup tasks (e.g., each pickup task is from one pickup store to an assigned virtual hub) and one delivery task (e.g., delivery from or corresponding to an assigned virtual hub) classified by location);

Predict the completion time of all pickup tasks. Calculate or determine the longest expected pickup completion time among all pickup tasks of the same order, which becomes the predicted or expected completion time of all pickup tasks. For each individual pick-up task, the estimated completion time is the estimated time to assign the task to the shopper, the estimated travel time from the shopper's location to the store(s), the estimated collection time at the store(s), and the estimated time of assignment from the store(s). The estimated travel time to the virtual hub can be included. Differences in shoppers' start times are taken into account in the expected time for assigning tasks to shoppers, which can be predicted based on the shoppers' supply demand balance. Differences in the speed of shoppers' transportation modes may be taken into account in the estimated travel time, but if shoppers use four-wheel vehicles to travel (for example, if shoppers drive four-wheel vehicles for the trip), these differences may be minimal and ;

· Add all pickup tasks to the “Pickup Task Pool” and specify the longest expected pickup completion time as a soft time window constraint (upper bound to reach the virtual hub). This can be used as a basis for making batching decisions in the “Pickup Batching Engine” 362, wherein shoppers for each pickup task must not reach the assigned virtual hub later than the upper bound;

· Provide the “Pickup task pool” or the tasks included therein to the “Pickup Batching Engine” (362);

· Add delivery tasks to the “Delivery task pool” and specify the longest expected pickup completion time as the hard time window constraint (lower bound on leaving the virtual hub). The lower limit for leaving a virtual hub can be used as a data input in the “Delivery Batching Engine” 364 when items or products of work are assigned or ready to be shipped from the respective virtual hub. .

· Provide the “Delivery task pool” or the tasks included therein to the “Delivery Batching Engine” (364).

2. For each batch pickup job received from the “Pickup Batching Engine” 362:

· Assign to shoppers based on at least one of the following: shopper availability, current location, familiarity with stores, etc.

3. For each batch delivery job received from the “Delivery Batching Engine” 364:

· Assign to drivers based on at least one of the following: driver availability, current location, familiarity with delivery locations, etc.

“Pickup Batching Engine” 362 may be implemented to perform one or more of the following:

· Cluster all pickup tasks received from the “Decoupled Order Batching Service” 360 based on or according to each virtual hub;

· For each virtual hub, it provides batch pickup tasks as batch pickup jobs, and the virtual hub is a single repository for batch pickup jobs;

· Provide batch pickup operations to the “Decoupled Order Batching Service” (360).

It should be understood that a "pickup task" goes from a single pickup store to an assigned virtual hub, while a "pickup job" is a group of "pickup tasks" that are batched together for pickup by a single shopper in one trip (must be (not for a single order, may be for 2 or more orders). The upper limit for reaching the virtual hub can be used as a criterion/constraint to make batch decisions. The route sequence can be optimized by a vehicle route optimization algorithm to minimize route time.

“Delivery Batching Engine” 364 may be implemented to perform one or more of the following:

· Cluster all delivery jobs received from the “Decoupled Order Batching Service” 360 based on or according to each virtual hub;

· For each virtual hub, batch delivery tasks are provided as batch delivery jobs, and the virtual hub is the single starting point for batch delivery jobs;

· Provides batch delivery operations to the “Decoupled Order Batching Service” (360).

It should be understood that a "delivery task" is from one virtual hub to a consumer, while a "delivery job" is a group of "delivery tasks" that are batched together to be delivered by one driver in one trip. do. Instant delivery SLA (delivery time promised to customers) can be used as a criterion/constraint to make batch decisions. The route sequence can be optimized by a vehicle route optimization algorithm to minimize route time.

It will be understood that the invention has been described by way of example only. Various modifications may be made to the techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The disclosed technologies include technologies that can be provided in a standalone manner or in combination with each other. Accordingly, features described for one technology may be presented in combination with another technology.

Claims (21)

A communication server device for fulfilling an order from a user, comprising a processor and a memory, the communication server device executing instructions in the memory under control of the processor,
In response to receiving order data comprising at least one data field indicating an order placed by the user for delivery to a destination location associated with the user, wherein the order includes at least one item provided at at least one pickup location Includes -,
Associating hub data representing a virtual hub with the order, thereby assigning the virtual hub to the order, wherein the virtual hub is assigned based on the at least one pickup location and the destination location;
In one or more data records,
Pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order, each of the at least one pickup task being a pickup task for the at least one item, a respective pickup location at the at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available. Location, and associated with said virtual hub -; and
Delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, the delivery task being associated with the at least one item, the virtual hub, and the destination location.
create;
Delivery of the at least one item from the respective pickup location to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent for reception by the at least one communication device of the at least one first agent assigned to the order transmit the pickup data and the hub data for; and
the delivery data and the hub for delivery of the at least one item from the virtual hub to the destination location by the second agent for reception by at least one communication device of a second agent assigned to the order to send data
A communication server device configured. According to claim 1,
In the one or more data records, between delivery of the at least one item by the at least one first agent to the virtual hub and delivery of the at least one item from the virtual hub by the second agent. The communication server device is further configured to generate timing data representing a time window for adjustment of . According to claim 2,
To generate the timing data, the communication server device may include, in the one or more data records, a first item indicating the time until the at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent. A communications server device configured to generate time data. According to claim 3,
To generate the first time data, the communication server device:
For each of the at least one pickup task, generate expected data indicating an expected completion time for the pickup task;
Based on the expected data of the at least one pick-up task, determine a longest expected completion time; and
and generate the first time data based on the longest expected completion time. According to any one of claims 2 to 4,
To generate the timing data, the communication server device includes, in the one or more data records, second timing data representing the time until the at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent. A communication server device configured to create. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the order includes a plurality of items provided at a plurality of pickup locations, the virtual hub is assigned based on the plurality of pickup locations and the destination location, the communication server device comprising:
To generate the pickup data and the delivery data, from the one or more data records:
A plurality of pickup data representing a plurality of pickup tasks for the order, each pickup data of the plurality of pickup data corresponding to a respective pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, wherein the pickup task is associated with one or more items of the plurality of items, a respective pickup location of the plurality of pickup locations where the one or more items are available, and the virtual hub; and
Delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, the delivery task being associated with the plurality of items, the virtual hub and the destination location.
create;
generate, from the one or more data records, batch pick-up data based on the plurality of pick-up data, the batch pick-up data representing the plurality of pick-up tasks;
In transmitting the pickup data and the hub data, for reception by the at least one communication device of the at least one first agent, the virtual transmit the batch pickup data and the hub data for delivery of the plurality of items to a hub; and
In transmitting the delivery data and the hub data, delivery of the plurality of items by the second agent from the virtual hub to the destination location for reception by the at least one communication device of the second agent A communication server device, configured to transmit the delivery data and the hub data for. According to claim 6,
The at least one first agent includes a plurality of first agents, and the communication server device includes:
In generating the batch pickup data, a plurality of batch pickup data are generated based on the plurality of pickup data, and each individual batch pickup data of the plurality of batch pickup data is selected from among the plurality of pickup tasks. Indicates one or more individual pick-up tasks -; and
In transmitting the batch pickup data and the hub data, for reception by the at least one communication device of each first agent of the plurality of first agents, and transmit the respective individual batch pickup data and the hub data for delivery of one or more items of the plurality of items from one or more of the pickup locations to the virtual hub. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In response to receiving a plurality of order data associated with a plurality of orders made by a plurality of users, each order data of the plurality of order data being associated with a plurality of orders made by a respective user of the plurality of users. associated with each order, and comprising at least one data field representing each order placed by each user for delivery to a respective destination location associated with each user, wherein each order is comprising at least one item provided at at least one pickup location, the communication server device comprising:
In assigning the virtual hub, assigning the virtual hub to the plurality of orders by associating the hub data with the plurality of orders, wherein the virtual hub is connected to the at least one pickup location and each of the destination locations. Assigned based on -,
In generating the pickup data and the delivery data, in the one or more data records, for each order of the plurality of orders,
Pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order, each of the at least one pickup task being a pickup task for the at least one item, a respective pickup location at the at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available. Location, and associated with said virtual hub -; and
Delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, the delivery task being associated with the at least one item, the virtual hub, and the respective destination location.
create;
in the one or more data records, generate batch delivery data based on the plurality of delivery data of the plurality of orders, the batch delivery data representing the plurality of delivery tasks of the plurality of orders; and
In transmitting the delivery data and the hub data, for reception by at least one communication device of the at least one second agent assigned to the plurality of orders, the virtual hub by the at least one second agent to transmit the batch shipment data and the hub data for delivery to the respective destination locations.
A communication server device configured. According to claim 8,
The at least one second agent includes a plurality of second agents, and the communication server device includes:
In generating the batch delivery data, a plurality of batch delivery data are generated based on the plurality of delivery data, and each individual batch delivery data of the plurality of batch delivery data is selected from among the plurality of delivery tasks. Represents one or more delivery tasks -; and
In transmitting the batch delivery data and the hub data, for reception by the at least one communication device of each second agent of the plurality of second agents, to transmit each individual batch shipment data and the hub data for delivery to one or more of the destination locations;
A communication server device configured. 1. A method for fulfilling an order from a user, in response to receiving order data comprising at least one data field representing an order placed by the user for delivery to a destination location associated with the user, wherein the order is: Contains at least one item offered at at least one pickup location -,
assigning a virtual hub to the order by associating hub data representing a virtual hub with the order, wherein the virtual hub is assigned based on the at least one pickup location and the destination location;
In one or more data records,
Pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order, each of the at least one pickup task being a pickup task for the at least one item, a respective pickup location at the at least one pickup location for which the at least one item is available. Location, and associated with said virtual hub -; and
Delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, the delivery task being associated with the at least one item, the virtual hub, and the destination location;
generating a;
Delivery of the at least one item from the respective pickup location to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent for reception by the at least one communication device of the at least one first agent assigned to the order transmitting the pickup data and the hub data for; and
the delivery data and the hub for delivery of the at least one item from the virtual hub to the destination location by the second agent for reception by at least one communication device of a second agent assigned to the order transmitting data;
Method, including. According to claim 10,
In the one or more data records, between delivery of the at least one item by the at least one first agent to the virtual hub and delivery of the at least one item from the virtual hub by the second agent. The method further comprising generating timing data representing a time window for adjustment of . According to claim 11,
Generating the timing data may include: generating, in the one or more data records, first time data indicating a time until the at least one item is delivered to the virtual hub by the at least one first agent; A method comprising the step of generating. According to claim 12,
The step of generating the first time data includes,
For each of the at least one pickup task, generating expected data representing an expected completion time for the pickup task;
based on the expected data of the at least one pick-up task, determining a longest expected completion time; and
Generating the first time data based on the longest expected completion time. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
Generating the timing data includes generating, in the one or more data records, second timing data representing the time until the at least one item is delivered from the virtual hub by the second agent. Including, method. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
the order includes a plurality of items provided at a plurality of pickup locations, and the virtual hub is assigned based on the plurality of pickup locations and the destination location,
Generating the pickup data includes generating, in the one or more data records, a plurality of pickup data representing a plurality of pickup tasks for the order, each pickup data of the plurality of pickup data being Corresponding to each pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, for each pickup task of the plurality of pickup tasks, the pickup task includes one or more items of the plurality of items, the plurality of items for which the one or more items are available. associated with each of the pickup locations, and the virtual hub, wherein generating delivery data comprises generating, in the one or more data records, delivery data representative of a delivery task for the order; , the delivery task is associated with the plurality of items, the virtual hub, and the destination location,
The method further includes generating, in the one or more data records, batch pick-up data based on the plurality of pick-up data, the batch pick-up data representing the plurality of pick-up tasks,
Transmitting the pickup data and the hub data comprises: transmitting the pickup data and the hub data from the plurality of pickup locations by the at least one first agent for reception by the at least one communication device of the at least one first agent. transmitting the batch pickup data and the hub data for delivery of the plurality of items to a virtual hub, and
Transmitting the delivery data and the hub data comprises transporting the plurality of items from the virtual hub by the second agent to the destination location for reception by the at least one communication device of the second agent. A method comprising transmitting the delivery data and the hub data for delivery. According to claim 15,
The at least one first agent includes a plurality of first agents, and generating the batch pickup data includes generating a plurality of batch pickup data based on the plurality of pickup data, Each individual batch pickup data of the plurality of batch pickup data represents one or more respective pickup tasks among the plurality of pickup tasks, and transmitting the batch pickup data and the hub data comprises: the plurality of pickup locations from one or more of the plurality of pickup locations by each first agent to the virtual hub for reception by the at least one communication device of each of the first agents; Transmitting each individual batch pickup data and the hub data for delivery of one or more of the items. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16,
In response to receiving a plurality of order data associated with a plurality of orders made by a plurality of users, each order data of the plurality of order data being associated with a plurality of orders made by a respective user of the plurality of users. associated with each order, and comprising at least one data field representing each order placed by each user for delivery to a respective destination location associated with each user, wherein each order is Contains at least one item offered at at least one pickup location -,
Assigning the virtual hub includes assigning the virtual hub to the plurality of orders by associating the hub data with the plurality of orders, wherein the virtual hub is connected to the at least one pickup location and the plurality of orders. is assigned based on each destination location,
Generating the pickup data includes generating, in the one or more data records, for each order of the plurality of orders, pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order, Each pickup task of one pickup task is associated with the at least one item, a respective pickup location of the at least one pickup location where the at least one item is available, and the virtual hub,
Generating the delivery data includes generating, in the one or more data records, for each order of the plurality of orders, delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, wherein the delivery task is associated with at least one item, the virtual hub, and the respective destination location,
The method further includes generating, in the one or more data records, batch delivery data based on the plurality of delivery data of the plurality of orders, wherein the batch delivery data includes the plurality of delivery data of the plurality of orders. represents the delivery tasks of, and
Transmitting the delivery data and the hub data comprises, for reception by at least one communication device of the at least one second agent assigned to the plurality of orders, the virtual communication device by the at least one second agent. Transmitting the batch shipment data and the hub data for delivery from a hub to the respective destination locations. According to claim 17,
The at least one second agent includes a plurality of second agents, and generating the batch delivery data includes generating a plurality of batch delivery data based on the plurality of delivery data, Each individual batch delivery data of the plurality of batch delivery data represents one or more delivery tasks among the plurality of delivery tasks, and transmitting the batch delivery data and the hub data comprises: the plurality of second agents; the hub and each individual batch of shipment data for delivery to one or more of the plurality of destination locations by each second agent, for receipt by the at least one communication device of each second agent A method comprising transmitting data. A computer program or computer program product comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18. A non-transitory storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18. A communication system for fulfillment of an order from a user, comprising: a communication server device, at least one first communication device, at least one second communication device, at least one third communication device, and the communication server device and the at least one comprising communication network equipment operable to cause first, second, and third communication devices to establish communication with each other;
The at least one first communication device includes a first processor and a first memory, the at least one second communication device includes a second processor and a second memory, and the at least one third communication device includes a first processor and a first memory. comprising three processes and a third memory, wherein the at least one first communication device, under control of the first processor, executes first instructions stored in the first memory, thereby and transmit, for reception, order data comprising at least one data field representing an order placed by the user for delivery to a destination location associated with the user, wherein the order is provided at at least one pickup location. Contains one item;
The communication server device includes a fourth processor and a fourth memory, and the communication server device executes, under control of the fourth processor, fourth commands stored in the fourth memory to generate data representing the order data. In response to what has been received,
assign a virtual hub to the order by associating hub data representing a virtual hub with the order, wherein the virtual hub is assigned based on the at least one pickup location and the destination location;
In one or more data records,
Pickup data representing at least one pickup task for the order, each pickup task of the at least one pickup task specifying the at least one item, a respective location of the at least one pickup location where the at least one item is available , and associated with said virtual hub -; and
Delivery data representing a delivery task for the order, the delivery task being associated with the at least one item, the virtual hub, and the destination location.
create; and
of the at least one item from each pickup location by the at least one first agent to the virtual hub for receipt by the at least one second communication device of the at least one first agent for the order. transmit the pickup data and the hub data for delivery; and
the delivery data for delivery of the at least one item from the virtual hub to the destination location by the second agent for reception by the at least one third communication device of a second agent assigned to the order and configured to transmit the hub data,
the at least one second communication device is configured to receive data representing the pickup data and the hub data by executing second instructions stored in the second memory, under control of the second processor; The at least one third communication device is configured to receive data representing the delivery data and the hub data by executing third instructions stored in the third memory, under control of the third processor.

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