TWI901402B - Electronic apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, and delivery management method of the electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for managing the delivery of electronic devices. The method may include the following steps: confirming the delivery category of each of a plurality of items included in a user's order information; confirming different estimated arrival times for the plurality of items, the plurality of items corresponding to a preset delivery category among the plurality of items' delivery categories; providing a screen for correcting a relatively earlier estimated arrival time based on a relatively later estimated arrival time among the different estimated arrival times; and managing the different estimated arrival times for the plurality of items based on information set by the user on the screen.

Description

Electronic device, non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, and distribution management method of the electronic device

The present invention relates to a delivery management method for electronic devices, which allows a delivery person to deliver multiple items to the same delivery address in a single visit, thereby improving delivery convenience.

Users can use applications installed on their terminals to search for and purchase items. Each service provider manages its own application, and users can use the application provided by each service provider to purchase items online.

During this process, the app can also provide delivery information for the purchased items. However, the estimated delivery time for each item can vary. In this case, delivery drivers may need to visit the same delivery address multiple times to deliver items, resulting in inefficient delivery.

If users configure the system to deliver items with different estimated delivery times together, delivery drivers can complete the delivery in just one visit instead of multiple visits, thereby improving delivery efficiency.

Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can efficiently deliver multiple items by correcting their different estimated delivery arrival times and delivering them together.

[Identify the problem you want to solve]

The disclosed embodiments are intended to provide an electronic device and a method for managing its distribution. The technical issues to be implemented by this embodiment are not limited to the aforementioned technical issues; other technical issues can be inferred based on the following embodiments. [Technical Solution]

According to the first embodiment, the delivery management method of an electronic device may include the following steps: confirming the delivery category of each of a plurality of items included in the user's order information; confirming the different expected arrival times of a plurality of items, wherein the plurality of items correspond to a default delivery category among the delivery categories of the plurality of items; providing a screen for correcting a relatively earlier expected arrival time based on a relatively later expected arrival time among the different expected arrival times; and managing the different expected arrival times of the plurality of items based on the information set by the user in the screen.

According to an embodiment, the step of confirming the different estimated arrival times of the plurality of items may include the following steps: confirming a first estimated delivery arrival time of a first item and a second estimated delivery arrival time of a second item among the plurality of items.

According to an embodiment, the step of managing the above-mentioned different expected arrival times of the above-mentioned multiple items may include the step of managing in the following manner: based on the information set by the above-mentioned user in the above-mentioned screen, the second expected delivery arrival time is synchronized with the first expected delivery arrival time, which is the later one among the above-mentioned first expected delivery arrival time, so that the above-mentioned first item and the above-mentioned second item can be delivered at the same time.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device delivery management method may be characterized in that the identification information corresponding to the second item includes information on a status change of the item being delivered together with the first item by synchronizing the second estimated delivery arrival time.

According to an embodiment, the distribution management method of the above-mentioned electronic device is characterized in that: the multiple items included in the above-mentioned order information correspond to any one of the first distribution category, the second distribution category, the third distribution category and the fourth distribution category, and the above-mentioned default distribution category corresponds to at least one of the above-mentioned first distribution category and the above-mentioned second distribution category.

According to an embodiment, the above-mentioned electronic device delivery management method may be characterized in that the expected arrival time of items corresponding to the third delivery category or the fourth delivery category other than the above-mentioned default delivery category is not synchronized with the above-mentioned first expected delivery arrival time.

According to an embodiment, the step of providing the above-mentioned screen may include the step of providing the following screen: in addition to the items corresponding to the delivery categories other than the default delivery categories among the above-mentioned multiple delivery categories, correcting the expected arrival time of the items corresponding to the above-mentioned default delivery categories.

According to an embodiment, the above-mentioned distribution management method of electronic devices may be characterized in that the multiple items included in the above-mentioned order information are multiple items settled together.

According to an embodiment, the step of confirming different estimated delivery times for the plurality of items may include the following step: confirming a third estimated delivery time for a third item in addition to the first item and the second item.

According to an embodiment, the step of managing the above-mentioned different expected arrival times of the above-mentioned multiple items may include the following steps: based on the information set by the above-mentioned user in the above-mentioned screen, confirming the benchmark time used to synchronize the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time among the above-mentioned first expected delivery arrival time and the above-mentioned second expected delivery arrival time.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include the following step: providing the user with a weighted value generated by correcting the estimated arrival time.

According to an embodiment, the distribution management method of the above-mentioned electronic device may be characterized in that: the weighted value applied when synchronizing the above-mentioned second expected delivery arrival time and the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time based on the above-mentioned first expected delivery arrival time is greater than the weighted value applied when synchronizing the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time based on the above-mentioned second expected delivery arrival time.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include displaying a pop-up window as follows: providing relevant information to the user based on the management of the different estimated arrival times; and displaying information of at least one item whose estimated arrival time is synchronized and at least one item whose estimated arrival time is not synchronized on a page displayed after the pop-up window.

According to the second embodiment, the electronic device may include: a communication unit; a memory; and a control unit (controller), which confirms the delivery category of each of the multiple items included in the user's order information, confirms the different expected arrival times of the multiple items, and the multiple items correspond to the default delivery categories among the delivery categories of the above multiple items. It provides a screen for correcting the relatively earlier expected arrival time based on the relatively later expected arrival time among the above different expected arrival times, and manages the above different expected arrival times based on the information set by the above user on the above screen.

According to the third embodiment, the computer-readable recording medium includes a non-transitory recording medium having a program recorded thereon, and the program is used to execute the above-mentioned method on a computer.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

According to the present invention, the estimated delivery arrival times of multiple items included in a user's order information and corresponding to preset delivery categories are synchronized, thereby improving delivery efficiency. Specifically, items with relatively earlier estimated delivery times are delivered together with items with relatively later estimated delivery times, thereby enabling delivery of multiple items in a single visit. When synchronizing the estimated delivery arrival times, a weighted value can be provided to the user. In this case, when synchronizing the estimated delivery arrival times of three or more items, a higher weighted value can be provided to the user compared to when synchronizing the estimated delivery arrival times of two items.

The effects of the invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above. A person with common sense in the technical field can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the description of the invention patent application.

The terms used in the embodiments are selected from commonly used terms, as much as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, they may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, and so on. Furthermore, in certain cases, there may be terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the invention, rather than simply based on the names of the terms.

Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the statement that a section "includes" a certain component implies that it may further include other components, and does not exclude other components. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in this specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or action, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

The expression "at least one of a, b and c" stated throughout the specification may include "a alone", "b alone", "c alone", "a and b", "a and c", "b and c" or "all three of a, b and c".

The "terminal" mentioned below can be implemented by a computer or a portable terminal, which can be connected to a server or other terminals via a network. Here, computers include, for example, notebook computers, desktop computers, and laptop computers equipped with web browsers. Portable terminals, which serve as wireless communication devices that ensure portability and mobility, include, for example, IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and other communication terminals, as well as all types of handheld wireless communication devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG1 shows a system according to an embodiment.

1 , the system may include an electronic device 10, a first user terminal 20, a second user terminal 30, and a network 40. The electronic device 10 may provide information related to the sale and delivery of items via an application, and multiple user terminals including the first user terminal 20 and the second user terminal 30 may purchase items based on the information provided by the application.

User terminal 1 20 and user terminal 2 30 are merely examples, and the scope of the invention patent application of this specification is not limited thereto. The system shown in FIG1 merely illustrates the components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art of this embodiment will understand that in addition to the components shown in FIG1 , other commonly used components may be included.

Electronic device 10 and user terminal 1 20 and user terminal 2 30 can communicate with each other within network 40. Network 40 includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), value-added networks (VANs), mobile radio communication networks, satellite communication networks, and combinations thereof. This network is a comprehensive data communication network that enables the various network components shown in FIG. 1 to communicate smoothly with each other. It can include wired internet, wireless internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. Wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), infrared communication (IrDA), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc.

Electronic device 10 can provide all information related to items to sell items to users and can be included in a server that provides information related to items. In this case, electronic device 10 can efficiently provide relevant information to user terminals 20 and 30 to guide users in making purchases. User terminal 1 20 and user terminal 2 30 can correspond to terminals used by users to purchase items. Electronic device 10 can provide applications for providing information related to items to terminals 20 and 30. User terminal 1 20 and user terminal 2 30 are terminals used by users, and users can purchase items using the information provided by electronic device 10 via terminals 20 and 30.

The app not only provides users with information about the items, but also provides information about delivery and payment. When a user orders multiple items, the estimated delivery time for each item may vary. This can cause problems for delivery drivers, who may need to make multiple visits to the same address.

Regarding the delivery system, when electronic devices receive orders, multiple items ordered from the center to the locations are delivered to the locations' respective delivery addresses. Within the locations, delivery personnel deliver the ordered items to each address. Each location is responsible for its own delivery area, and the center can manage multiple locations. For example, Center 1 can manage Locations 1 through 10. Location 1 is responsible for delivering items ordered in Location 1, Location 2 is responsible for delivering items ordered in Location 2, and Location 10 is responsible for delivering items ordered in Location 10.

When delivering items 1-10 included in the order information from Location 1 to Delivery Address 1, delivery can be performed based on the estimated delivery arrival times set for the delivery category. For example, at Location 1, items 1-3 can be delivered at 7:00 AM on June 3, 2022, items 4-7 can be delivered at noon on June 3, 2022, and items 8-10 can be delivered on June 4, 2022. If items 1-7 can be delivered at the same time on June 3, 2022, delivery efficiency can be improved. Alternatively, if items 1-10 can be delivered at the same time on June 4, 2022, delivery efficiency can be further improved.

Therefore, the electronic device can provide a screen that adjusts the different ETAs for multiple items assigned to the same delivery address. The different ETAs can be synchronized based on user-configured information. If different ETAs are managed based on user selections and delivered in a single visit, the delivery driver can make deliveries to the same delivery address in a single visit, thereby improving delivery convenience. In this case, the electronic device 10 can offer discounts to users who adjust different ETAs.

At this time, the electronic device can transmit an instruction to deliver the items with the corrected expected arrival time to Camp 1 together. After receiving multiple items from the center, Camp 1 can manage them in the following manner: deliver the multiple items together to the delivery address before the corrected expected arrival time.

The following describes the specific process of how the electronic device 10 manages the estimated arrival times of different items to provide delivery convenience.

FIG2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between items and categories according to an embodiment.

2 , a user may order at least one of item 1 210 , item 2 230 , item 3 250 , and item 4 270 .

At this time, each item can be mapped to a pre-set delivery category. For example, item 1 210 can be mapped to the pre-set first delivery category 220, item 2 230 can be mapped to the second delivery category 240, item 3 250 can be mapped to the third delivery category 260, and item 4 270 can be mapped to the fourth delivery category 280.

Here, the first delivery category 220, the second delivery category 240, the third delivery category 260, and the fourth delivery category 280 may be categories for distinguishing types of items delivered through applications provided by electronic devices.

Specifically, for example, first delivery category 220 may be a category for delivery expected to arrive in the early morning of the day after the item is purchased. Here, early morning may correspond to, for example, the pre-set time of 03:00-07:00 am. Second delivery category 240 may be a category for delivery expected to arrive at a time other than early morning after the item is purchased. For example, second delivery category 240 may be a category for delivery expected to arrive in the afternoon of the day after the item is purchased, rather than early morning.

Furthermore, the third delivery category 260 may be a category for delivering pre-set items that require special boxes and special delivery vehicles for safe delivery. For example, in the case of cheese, there is a risk of spoilage during delivery. To prevent this, special boxes and special delivery vehicles may be used to store cheese during delivery. Another example is the case of frozen foods, which may spoil during delivery. To prevent this, special boxes and special delivery vehicles may be used to store frozen foods during delivery. In this case, to ensure safe delivery, the special boxes and special delivery vehicles may be pre-set boxes and delivery vehicles that are different from ordinary boxes and ordinary delivery vehicles.

Furthermore, unlike the first delivery category 220, the second delivery category 240, and the third delivery category 260, the fourth delivery category 280 may be a category for delivering items to users who purchase items sold overseas. For example, if a user purchases an item 270 sold overseas through an app, the electronic device may set the fourth delivery category 280 to be the type for delivering the item 270.

Even if the ETAs for the first and second delivery categories 220 and 240 differ among multiple delivery categories, they can be synchronized and delivered together by user selection. In contrast, the third delivery category 260 requires a separate delivery vehicle from the first and second delivery categories 220 and 240. Furthermore, the fourth delivery category 280, due to its overseas delivery nature, has difficulty managing its ETAs and therefore cannot be delivered together with the first and second delivery categories 220 and 240.

Figures 3a to 3c are diagrams illustrating a shopping cart page during the ordering process of an embodiment. Figures 3a to 3c may include the following information: when there are multiple items in the shopping cart page, the information is displayed by an upward or downward scroll bar.

The shopping cart page 310 may display a list of items that a user wishes to purchase through the app. For example, if a user selects items 1 through 6 through the app, the shopping cart page may only display information for items 1 through 6. The user may purchase all items 1 through 6 displayed on the shopping cart page, or exclude certain items from the list.

The electronic device can confirm the delivery categories of items stored on the shopping cart page and display them separately by category. For example, the electronic device can confirm the delivery category of item 1 321 and item 2 323 as the first delivery category 320 and display them separately from other delivery categories. Furthermore, the electronic device can confirm the delivery category of item 331 as the second delivery category 330 and display them separately from other delivery categories. Furthermore, the electronic device can confirm the delivery category of item 4 341 and item 5 343 as the third delivery category 340 and display them separately from other delivery categories. Furthermore, the electronic device can confirm the delivery category of item 6 351 as the fourth delivery category 350 and display them separately from other delivery categories.

At this point, the electronic device can display information about each item on the shopping cart page. This information can include price, quantity, estimated delivery time, discounts, and other essential information needed during the purchase process. For example, information 322 for item 1 might include price, quantity, estimated delivery time, discounts, points accumulated upon purchase, and the delivery category for item 1 321. Furthermore, information 324 for item 2 might include price, quantity, estimated delivery time, points accumulated upon purchase, and the delivery category for item 2 323. Furthermore, item 3 information 332 may include item 331's price information, quantity information, estimated delivery arrival information, points accumulated upon purchase, and delivery category. Furthermore, item 4 information 342 and item 5 information 344 may include item 4 341 and item 5 343's price information, quantity information, estimated delivery arrival information, discount information, points accumulated upon purchase, and delivery category. Furthermore, item 6 information 352 may include item 6 price information, quantity information, estimated delivery arrival information, and delivery category.

The electronic device may confirm the item selected by the user from the multiple items included in the shopping cart page and provide discount offer information 360. For example, a 5,000 won discount coupon may be applied if a preset amount condition is met. Therefore, the electronic device may display information in the discount offer information 360 indicating whether the coupon is applicable based on whether the total amount of the items selected by the user meets the preset amount condition.

The electronic device may provide other preferential information 370 that is different from the discount preferential information 360. For example, when a user uses a payment method provided in the electronic device to make a payment, the provided preferential information 370 may be displayed.

FIG4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a settlement page displayed on a screen of a user terminal according to an embodiment.

When the user selects the purchase icon in FIG3c, a portion of the checkout page 410 shown in FIG4 may be displayed on the screen of the user's terminal.

The checkout page 410 may include information about the delivery address 420 and the recipient's contact information. Furthermore, the checkout page 410 may include information about delivery requests 430. Delivery requests 430 include delivery-related requests to the delivery person. For example, they may include a request that the recipient personally receive the delivery item, or that the delivery item be left at the recipient's doorstep only if the recipient is not at the delivery address.

The checkout page 410 may include a personalized customs clearance number 440. If the items selected by the user include items corresponding to the fourth shipping category for overseas delivery, the checkout page 410 may include an area for entering the personalized customs clearance number 440. The personalized customs clearance number 440 may correspond to the unique identification number of each user required when goods imported from overseas pass through the customs hall.

The payment page 410 may include information about the payment method 450. The payment method may include a card pre-registered in the electronic device or other payment methods. For example, if the user pre-registers card A in the electronic device, the payment page 410 may display card A's information as the payment method.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a portion of a checkout page displayed on a screen of a user terminal according to one embodiment, which is different from Figure 4. The checkout page may include Figure 4, Figure 5a, and Figure 5b, and the checkout page may display Figure 4, Figure 5a, and Figure 5b by scrolling up or down.

5a and 5b, the user can receive the items paid for on the checkout page in three batches. Specifically, the checkout page can display three different estimated delivery arrival information 510, 520, and 530 for different items.

For example, the checkout page may display the estimated delivery information 510 for item 4 511 and item 5 512 corresponding to the third delivery category separately from the other estimated delivery information 520 and 530. Furthermore, the checkout page may display the estimated delivery information 530 for item 6 531 corresponding to the fourth delivery category separately from the other estimated delivery information 510 and 520.

5a and 5b, the checkout page can synchronize and display the estimated delivery arrival information of multiple items based on the information set by the user.

Specifically, if multiple items in the same category have different estimated delivery times, the estimated delivery times can be synchronized and displayed based on the user's settings. Alternatively, if multiple items in different categories have different estimated delivery times, the estimated delivery times can be synchronized and displayed based on the user's settings.

For example, the checkout page can synchronize and display the estimated delivery arrival information 520 for items 1 521 and 2 522, which correspond to the first delivery category, and item 3 523, which corresponds to the second delivery category. That is, items 1 521 and 2 522 may correspond to "Guaranteed delivery by 7:00 AM tomorrow (Thursday), October 14th." However, based on user-configured information, the electronic device can change the estimated delivery arrival information 520 to "Guaranteed delivery tomorrow (Thursday), October 14th." This means that item 3 523, which is "Guaranteed delivery tomorrow (Thursday)," has a later estimated delivery arrival time. Therefore, the estimated delivery arrival information for items 1 521 and 2 522 can be adjusted based on item 3 523.

Therefore, before the estimated delivery arrival information is corrected, the delivery driver needs to visit the same delivery address twice (for example, delivering item 1 521 and item 2 522 before 7:00, and then delivering item 3 523 at another time period, etc.). However, after the estimated delivery arrival information is corrected, the delivery driver can deliver item 1 521, item 2 522, and item 3 523 with a single visit.

In this case, item 4 511 and item 512 correspond to category 3, while item 1 521 and item 2 522 correspond to category 1. Therefore, they require different types of delivery vehicles. Therefore, even if their estimated arrival information is the same, they cannot be delivered together by a single delivery driver. In other words, item 4 511 and item 512 require a special delivery vehicle, while item 1 521 and item 2 522 require a standard delivery vehicle. Therefore, they are delivered by two different delivery drivers, not just one, and therefore cannot be delivered together.

In addition, the checkout page can further display information related to the item being checked out, such as the estimated checkout amount, discount price, delivery fee, and other costs.

Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams illustrating a portion of a checkout page displayed on a screen of a user terminal according to another embodiment, which is different from Figure 4. The checkout page may include Figure 4, Figure 6a, and Figure 6b, and the checkout page may display Figure 4, Figure 6a, and Figure 6b by scrolling up or down.

Figures 5a and 5b relate to an embodiment in which items 1 to 6 are delivered to a user in three deliveries, while Figures 6a and 6b relate to an embodiment in which items 1 to 6 are delivered in four deliveries. For details in Figures 6a and 6b that overlap with those in Figures 5a and 5b, refer to the above description.

Specifically, the checkout page can display four different estimated delivery arrival information 610, 620, 630, and 640 for different items.

For example, the checkout page may display the estimated delivery information 610 for item 4 611 and item 5 612 corresponding to the third delivery category separately from the other estimated delivery information 620, 630, and 640. Furthermore, the checkout page may display the estimated delivery information 640 for item 6 641 corresponding to the fourth delivery category separately from the other estimated delivery information 610, 620, and 630.

Furthermore, unlike Figures 5a and 5b , Figures 6a and 6b may show a state where the user has not synchronized the estimated delivery arrival information 620 with the estimated delivery arrival information 630. Therefore, according to Figures 6a and 6b , item 1 621 and item 2 622 corresponding to category 1 can be delivered as planned, according to the "Guaranteed Delivery Before 7:00 AM Tomorrow (Thursday), October 14th." Item 3 631 corresponding to category 2 can be delivered as planned, according to the "Guaranteed Delivery Before 7:00 AM Tomorrow (Sunday), October 14th." In other words, items in category 1 and category 2 cannot be delivered together and must be delivered separately. This means that delivery personnel must visit the same delivery address multiple times, resulting in relatively low efficiency. Therefore, the electronic device may provide the user with a discount only when the estimated delivery arrival information is corrected based on the user's setting information.

FIG7 is a diagram illustrating a pop-up window according to an embodiment.

When the settlement icon is selected on the settlement page of Figures 5a and 5b, a pop-up window as shown in Figure 7 may be displayed on the user's terminal.

The pop-up screen in Figure 7 may display text notifying 710 of a change in the estimated delivery arrival time. In Figures 5a and 5b, the estimated delivery arrival time for items in the first delivery category can be adjusted based on items in the second delivery category that are delivered relatively late. In this case, the estimated delivery arrival time for items in the second delivery category can serve as the baseline time. In other words, the estimated delivery arrival information for items in the first delivery category can be adjusted based on the baseline time.

In area 720, the estimated delivery arrival information and the base time before the correction of the items corresponding to the first delivery category can be displayed together. Therefore, the user can confirm the changes to the estimated delivery arrival information again.

When the confirmation icon is selected in area 730, the electronic device can proceed with the payment. Alternatively, when the icon for selecting a delivery time again is selected in area 740, the electronic device can be restored to the screens of Figures 5a and 5b, where the user can change the estimated delivery arrival time again.

FIG8 is a diagram illustrating a page displayed on a user terminal when a purchase is completed according to an embodiment. When the confirmation icon is selected in FIG7 , a purchase completion page as shown in FIG8 may be displayed.

Figure 8 shows the purchase completion page 810 displayed on the user's terminal after checkout in Figures 5a and 5b, with the estimated delivery information modified in addition to Figures 6a and 6b. The items being checked out can be delivered to the user via three deliveries, rather than four. Areas 820, 830, and 840 can display the estimated delivery information associated with the three deliveries. In this case, area 830 can display information for items with synchronized estimated delivery times, while areas 820 and 840 can display information for items with unsynchronized estimated delivery times. In addition, various information related to the purchased items can be included on the page upon purchase completion.

FIG9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for managing the distribution of electronic devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. The above description is also applicable to this method.

Referring to Figure 9, in step S910, the electronic device may confirm the delivery category of each of the multiple items included in the user's order information. A delivery category may be pre-set for each of the multiple items, and the electronic device may confirm the pre-set delivery category. In this case, the delivery category may correspond to one of the first delivery category, the second delivery category, the third delivery category, and the fourth delivery category. In other words, the multiple items included in the order information may correspond to one of the first delivery category, the second delivery category, the third delivery category, and the fourth delivery category.

In step S920 , the electronic device may confirm different estimated arrival times of the plurality of items corresponding to a default delivery category among the delivery categories of the plurality of items.

You can set an estimated arrival time for each delivery category. For example, in the case of delivery category 4, which corresponds to items shipped overseas, it's difficult to accurately determine the time required for overseas delivery, so there may be a difference between the estimated arrival time and the actual arrival time to account for this. For another example, in the case of delivery category 3, which corresponds to items at risk of spoilage, to prevent the risk of spoilage, you can set a fixed estimated arrival time, assuming delivery is completed by the next morning.

However, due to the unique nature of overseas delivery, it's not possible to accurately specify an estimated arrival time for the 4th delivery category. Furthermore, in the case of the 3rd delivery category, to prevent the risk of spoilage, the type of vehicle required for delivery differs from that of the other delivery categories, requiring specialized vehicles. Therefore, delivery cannot be performed simultaneously with the 1st and 2nd delivery categories. In other words, the estimated arrival time for items assigned to the 3rd and 4th delivery categories (other than the default delivery category) cannot be synchronized with the estimated arrival time for items assigned to the default delivery category.

Therefore, only items that match the default shipping category among multiple shipping categories can be shipped together. The default shipping category can include the first shipping category and the second shipping category.

The electronic device can confirm a first estimated delivery arrival time for a first item and a second estimated delivery arrival time for a second item among a plurality of items that correspond to a preset delivery category. For example, the first item and the second item can correspond to the first delivery category, or the first item and the second item can correspond to the second delivery category, or the first item can correspond to the first delivery category and the second item can correspond to the second delivery category.

In step S930, the electronic device may provide a screen that uses the later of the different estimated arrival times as a basis to adjust the earlier expected arrival time. In step S940, the electronic device may manage the different expected arrival times of the multiple items based on the information set by the user on the screen.

At this time, the screen may correspond to the following screen: The estimated arrival time of items corresponding to the default delivery category, in addition to items corresponding to delivery categories other than the default delivery category among multiple delivery categories. For example, the electronic device may provide the following screen: The estimated arrival time of item 1 corresponding to the first delivery category and item 2 corresponding to the second delivery category, in addition to item 3 corresponding to the third delivery category and item 4 corresponding to the fourth delivery category among delivery categories 1 through 4 included in the order information, is adjusted.

At this point, the electronic device may display the following screen: Using the first estimated delivery arrival time corresponding to item one, which arrived relatively late, as a reference, the second estimated delivery arrival time corresponding to item two, which arrived relatively early, is adjusted. Specifically, the electronic device may display the following screen: The second estimated delivery arrival time is synchronized with the first estimated delivery arrival time. Consequently, the estimated delivery arrival time corresponding to item two is adjusted from the second estimated delivery arrival time to the first estimated delivery arrival time, allowing item one and item two to be delivered together.

Here, the electronic device may generate identification information to identify the second item delivered together with the first item by correcting the second estimated delivery arrival time, and mark the second item. The identification information corresponding to the second item may include information about the change in status resulting from the correction of the estimated delivery arrival time.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of items delivered together may include three or more items. That is, the electronic device can manage the estimated delivery arrival time in the following manner: a first item, a second item, and a third item are delivered together, i.e., three or more items.

Specifically, the electronic device can confirm the estimated delivery arrival time of the third and fourth items in addition to the first and second items. That is, the electronic device can confirm the third estimated delivery arrival time of the third item and the fourth estimated delivery arrival time of the fourth item.

The electronic device may determine a reference time for synchronizing the third estimated delivery time based on user-configured information. In this case, the reference time may be one of the first estimated delivery time and the second estimated delivery time, which is later than the third estimated delivery time. In this case, the estimated delivery time may be later than the third estimated delivery time, the second estimated delivery time, or the first estimated delivery time.

If the base time is set to the second estimated delivery arrival time, the third item can be delivered together with the second item, while the first item can be delivered separately. In this case, three visits are required to deliver the first three items. However, by delivering the first three items in two visits, efficiency can be improved.

Alternatively, if the base time is set to the first estimated delivery arrival time, the third item can be delivered together with the first item. In this case, the first to third items can be delivered in two visits instead of three, thereby improving efficiency.

Alternatively, if the base time is set to the first estimated delivery arrival time, the first, second, and third items can be delivered together. In this case, the first to third items can be delivered in one visit instead of three, thereby improving efficiency.

The electronic device may provide the user with a weighted value as a benefit resulting from correcting the estimated delivery time. In this case, if the base time is set to the first estimated delivery time, and the first estimated delivery time is synchronized with the second estimated delivery time and the third estimated delivery time, the first through third items may be delivered together. In this case, the electronic device may provide the user with a weighted value of 1. Alternatively, if the base time is set to the second estimated delivery time, and the second estimated delivery time is synchronized with the third estimated delivery time, the second and third items may be delivered together. In this case, the electronic device may provide the user with a weighted value of 2.

In this case, weighted value 1 can be greater than weighted value 2. In other words, the more synchronized estimated delivery arrival times there are, the higher the delivery efficiency will be, and thus the weighted value provided to the user will also increase.

When users utilize services through the app, they can apply weighted values to receive discounts. These discounts may include additional discounts or faster delivery. For example, in addition to the standard discount for item X, an additional discount may be applied when the weighted values are accumulated to meet the baseline conditions, allowing the user to purchase item X at a lower price. For another example, if a user does not join a special membership service, item Y is eligible for standard delivery. However, if the user joins the special membership service, even the same item Y can be delivered faster. Even if a user does not join a special membership service, if the weighted values are accumulated to meet the baseline conditions, the user may temporarily receive faster delivery.

Furthermore, the electronic device may display notifications generated by managing different ETAs via a pop-up window as shown in FIG. 7 , and thereafter, may separately display information of at least one item with synchronized ETAs and at least one item with unsynchronized ETAs as shown in FIG. 8 .

According to an embodiment, the process of synchronizing the estimated arrival times described above can be applied to multiple items included in the same order information and settled together. For example, this process can be applied to managing the different estimated arrival times for multiple items included in order information 1. In this case, the multiple items included in order information 1 can be settled simultaneously.

According to other embodiments, the process of synchronizing estimated arrival times can be applied to multiple items included in different order information. For example, order information 1 settled on June 3, 2022, may include items A, B, and C, while order information 2 settled on June 4, 2022, may include items D and E.

At this time, the estimated arrival times of items A and B corresponding to the default delivery category of the items included in order information 1 are synchronized based on the information set by the user, so that the items that will be delivered together on June 5, 2022 can be estimated.

Item D, which corresponds to the default shipping category in Order Information 2, has an estimated delivery arrival time of 7:00 AM on June 5, 2022. Item E, which does not correspond to the default shipping category, has an estimated delivery arrival time of June 6, 2022. Therefore, since Items D and E cannot be shipped together due to their different correspondence with the default shipping category, two deliveries are scheduled to be made to accommodate the items corresponding to Order Information 2.

At this point, the electronic device may provide a page that confirms the user's order information 1 and adjusts the estimated arrival times of the items included in order information 2 so that they can be shipped together with order information 1. Specifically, the electronic device may provide a screen that allows the user to confirm, in order information 2, items that can be shipped together with the estimated arrival times synchronized with order information 1, and adjust the estimated arrival times of the confirmed items.

For example, the electronic device may provide the following screen: Item D, which corresponds to the default delivery category in Order Information 2, can be confirmed. Item D can be delivered together with the synchronized estimated delivery arrival time of 2022.06.05 for Items A and B included in Order Information 1. The estimated delivery arrival time of Item D included in Order Information 2 is synchronized with Items A and B. Therefore, based on the user's settings, Items A and B included in Order Information 1 and Item D included in Order Information 2 can be delivered together.

When setting up a situation where the orders are to be delivered together by adjusting the estimated delivery arrival time between different order information, the electronic device may provide the user with a weighted value.

FIG10 is a diagram showing a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 10 , according to one embodiment, electronic device 1000 may include a communication unit 1010, a memory 1020, and a controller 1030. The electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 10 only represents the components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that in addition to the components shown in Figure 10 , other common components may be included. Electronic device 1000 may include components related to the aforementioned electronic devices, and any redundant descriptions will be omitted.

Communication unit 1010 can transmit and receive relevant information with the network via a user terminal. Control unit 1030 can control the overall operation of electronic device 1000 and process data and signals. Control unit 1030 may include at least one hardware unit. Furthermore, control unit 1030 may operate by executing one or more software modules generated by executing program code stored in memory 1020. Control unit 1030 can execute program code stored in memory 1020 to control the overall operation of electronic device 1000 and process data and signals. Furthermore, in an embodiment, control unit 1030 may include at least one processor.

The control unit 1030 can confirm the delivery category of each of the multiple items included in the user's order information, confirm the different expected arrival times of the multiple items corresponding to the default delivery category in the delivery category of the above multiple items, provide a screen for correcting the relatively earlier expected arrival time based on the relatively later expected arrival time among the above different expected arrival times, and manage the above different expected arrival times of the above multiple items based on the information set by the user in the above screen.

The electronic device or terminal of the above-described embodiment may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, a permanent storage device such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with external devices, and a purchaser interface device such as a touch panel, keys, or buttons. The method implemented by the software module or algorithm may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable code or program commands executable on the processor. Here, computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical readable media (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile discs (DVD)). Computer-readable recording media are distributed across computer systems connected to a network, enabling the storage and execution of computer-readable code in a distributed manner. The media can be read by the computer, stored in memory, and executed by the processor.

The present embodiment may be represented by a functional block structure and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented by a different number of hardware and/or software structures that perform specific functions. For example, the embodiment may be implemented using an integrated circuit structure that can perform various functions, such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., controlled by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. The components may be implemented by software programming or software components. Similarly, the present embodiment includes algorithms implemented by a combination of data structures, procedures, routines, or other programming structures, and thus may be implemented by programming or scripting languages such as C, C++, Java, and assemblers. Functionally, this can be achieved through algorithms executed on one or more processors. Furthermore, this embodiment can utilize prior art technologies for electronic environment configuration, signal processing, and/or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "mechanism," and "composition" are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical configurations. These terms can be associated with processors and the like and include a series of software processes (routines).

The above embodiment is merely an example, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the invention application described below.

10: Electronic Device 20: User Terminal 1 30: User Terminal 2 40: Network 210: Item 1 220: Shipping Category 1 230: Item 2 240: Shipping Category 2 250: Item 3 260: Shipping Category 3 270: Item 4 280: Shipping Category 4 310: Shopping Cart Page 320: Shipping Category 1 321: Item 1 322: Information 323: Item 2 324: Information 330: Shipping Category 2 331: Item 3 332: Information 340: Shipping Category 3 341: Item 4 342: Information 343: Item 5 344: Information 350: Shipping Category 4 351: Item 6 352: Information 360: Discount Information 370: Other Promotions 410: Checkout Page 420: Shipping Address 430: Shipping Requirements 440: Customs Clearance Code 450: Payment Method 510: Estimated Delivery Information 511: Item 4 512: Item 5 520: Estimated Delivery Information 521: Item 1 522: Item 2 523: Item 3 530: Estimated Delivery Information 531: Item 6 610: Estimated Delivery Information 611: Item 4 612: Item 5 620: Estimated Delivery Arrival Information 621: Item 1 622: Item 2 630: Estimated Delivery Arrival Information 631: Item 3 640: Estimated Delivery Arrival Information 641: Item 6 710: Notification 720: Area 730: Area 740: Area 810: Purchase Completed 820: Area 830: Area 840: Area 1000: Electronic Device 1010: Communication Unit 1020: Memory 1030: Control Unit S910: Step S920: Step S930: Step S940: Steps

Figure 1 illustrates a system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between items and categories according to one embodiment. Figures 3a through 3c illustrate the shopping cart screen during the ordering process according to one embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates a portion of a checkout screen displayed on a user terminal screen according to one embodiment. Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a portion of a checkout screen displayed on a user terminal screen according to one embodiment that differs from Figure 4. Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a portion of a checkout screen displayed on a user terminal screen according to another embodiment that differs from Figure 4. Figure 7 illustrates a pop-up window according to one embodiment. Figure 8 illustrates a page displayed on a user's terminal upon completion of a purchase according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for managing the delivery of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

S910: Step S920: Step S930: Step S940: Step

Claims (12)

A delivery management method for an electronic device including a processor, the delivery management method comprising: confirming, by the processor, the delivery categories of a plurality of items included in a first order information of a user; confirming, by the processor, different expected arrival times of a plurality of items, the plurality of items corresponding to a preset delivery category among the delivery categories of the plurality of items included in the first order information; correcting, by the processor, a relatively earlier expected arrival time based on a benchmark time, the benchmark time being a relatively later expected arrival time among the different expected arrival times input by the user; confirming, by the processor, whether the delivery category of at least one item included in a second order information different from the first order information corresponds to the preset delivery category; and When the delivery category corresponds to the default delivery category, the processor corrects the estimated delivery arrival time of the at least one item included in the second order information based on the benchmark time of the first order information. In the delivery management method of claim 1, among the first delivery category, the second delivery category, the third delivery category, and the fourth delivery category, the default delivery category corresponds to the first delivery category and the second delivery category. The delivery management method of claim 1, wherein confirming the different estimated arrival times includes: when the plurality of items include at least a first item, a second item, and a third item, confirming a first estimated delivery arrival time of the first item, a second estimated delivery arrival time of the second item, and a third estimated delivery arrival time of the third item. A delivery management method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the relatively earlier expected arrival time is corrected based on the benchmark time, wherein the benchmark time is based on the relatively later expected arrival time among the different expected arrival times input by the user, including correction based on a benchmark time set as the relatively later expected arrival time among the first expected delivery arrival time, the second expected delivery arrival time, and the third expected delivery arrival time. A delivery management method as claimed in claim 4, wherein among the first estimated delivery arrival time, the second estimated delivery arrival time, and the third estimated delivery arrival time, the first estimated delivery arrival time is the latest time and the third estimated delivery arrival time is the earliest time. A distribution management method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the relatively earlier expected arrival time is corrected based on the benchmark time, wherein the benchmark time is based on the relatively later expected arrival time among the different expected arrival times input by the user, and includes: providing a weighted value to the user based on the synchronization of the expected arrival time. A delivery management method as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the above-mentioned benchmark time for synchronizing the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time is determined to be the above-mentioned first expected delivery arrival time, a weighted value determined based on the correction of the delivery visit number according to the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time and the above-mentioned second expected delivery arrival time is compared with a weighted value determined based on the correction of the delivery visit number according to the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time when the above-mentioned benchmark time for synchronizing the above-mentioned third expected delivery arrival time is determined to be the above-mentioned second expected delivery arrival time and the above-mentioned delivery visit number is determined differently. A distribution management method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the weighted value is accumulated and provided to the user, and when the accumulated weighted value meets a benchmark condition, the user is provided with a special discount based on the accumulated weighted value when placing an additional order. A distribution management method as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the distribution category corresponds to the default distribution category, correcting the estimated distribution arrival time of the at least one item included in the second order information based on the benchmark time of the first order information includes: when the distribution category of the at least one item included in the second order information is the first distribution category or the second distribution category, synchronizing the estimated distribution arrival time of the at least one item included in the second order information with the benchmark time of the first order information. The delivery management method of claim 9 further includes: providing a weighted value to the user when the estimated delivery arrival time of the at least one item included in the second order information is synchronized with the benchmark time of the first order information. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program for executing the distribution management method of claim 1 on a computer. An electronic device comprising: a communication unit; a memory; and A control unit that confirms the delivery category of each of a plurality of items included in a first order information of a user, confirms different estimated arrival times of the plurality of items, the plurality of items corresponding to a default delivery category among the delivery categories of the plurality of items included in the first order information, corrects the relatively earlier estimated arrival time based on a benchmark time, the benchmark time being a relatively later estimated arrival time among the different expected arrival times input by the user, confirms whether the delivery category of at least one item included in a second order information different from the first order information corresponds to the default delivery category, and when the delivery category corresponds to the default delivery category, corrects the estimated delivery arrival time of the at least one item included in the second order information based on the benchmark time of the first order information.