Electronic device for providing packaging information and the method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to an electronic device and method for providing packaging information. One embodiment of the electronic device may include: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing commands executed by the processors; when executing commands by the processors, the processors receive information indicating the start of packaging of goods with a designated first delivery time, the first delivery time being associated with a first outbound deadline; in response to the information indicating the start of packaging, the processors confirm the packaging start time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second delivery time earlier than the first delivery time, the second outbound deadline being different from the first outbound deadline; and based on the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline, the packaging method is determined.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for providing packaging information. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Previously, users selected a scheduled delivery time (same-day delivery or early morning delivery, etc.) when placing a delivery order and this selection remained unchanged. Therefore, if packaging staff had spare capacity during the packaging process, items with a significant remaining delivery time might be packaged in advance. Previously, these pre-packaged items were kept at the distribution center for delivery according to the original scheduled delivery time. In particular, when delivering items requiring freshness, refrigerant was also packaged. Pre-packaging and keeping items with a significant remaining delivery time could unnecessarily increase refrigerant usage and thus raise costs.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can solve the problems of inefficiency in terms of time and cost in the packaging process. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] [Problem to be solved by the invention] The technical problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present invention is to provide packaging information for the delivered goods.

[0005] Another technical problem that one embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to save on the cost of refrigerant when packaging and distributing fresh food with refrigerant.

[0006] Another technical problem that one embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to improve the efficiency of packaging operations.

[0007] The technical problem of this invention is not limited to the technical problems mentioned above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned based on the following description. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

[0008] An electronic device for providing packaging information according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: one or more processors; and one or more memory stores commands executed by the one or more processors; when the commands are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors obtain information indicating that packaging of a shipment with a specified first delivery time has been started, the first delivery time being associated with a first outbound deadline; in response to the information indicating that packaging has started, the packaging start time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second delivery time earlier than the first delivery time are confirmed, the second outbound deadline being different from the first outbound deadline; and the packaging method of the packaging is determined based on the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the processor may change the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods to the second scheduled delivery time.

[0010] In one embodiment, the above packaging method may include at least one of the amount of refrigerant to be included in the packaging and the type of packaging box used in the packaging.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the processor can determine the amount of refrigerant and at least one of the packaging box types based on the time from the packaging start time to the second delivery schedule time.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the processor can confirm the ambient temperature from the packaging start time to the second delivery time, and also determine the amount of refrigerant and at least one of the packaging box types based on the ambient temperature.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aforementioned ambient temperature may be determined based on the region corresponding to the delivery route of the aforementioned delivered goods.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processors described above may determine the amount of refrigerant in proportion to the time from the packaging start time to the second delivery scheduled time when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the processor may determine the packaging box type based on the time from the packaging start time to the second delivery schedule time and the heat insulation effect of the packaging box type.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processors mentioned above may determine the packaging method based on the packaging time required for the delivery items, in addition to the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline.

[0017] In one embodiment, the one or more processors can determine the time required for packaging corresponding to the delivery based on the number of items included in the delivery.

[0018] In one embodiment, if the time after the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the processor may change the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods to the second scheduled delivery time.

[0019] In one embodiment, the processor may set the priority of packaging the goods with the second scheduled delivery time to be higher than the priority of packaging the goods with the first scheduled delivery time. In response to the completion of packaging of all goods with the second scheduled delivery time, information indicating to start packaging the goods with the first scheduled delivery time is obtained.

[0020] In one embodiment, when there are multiple deliveries among the deliveries waiting to be packaged and the first scheduled delivery time has been specified, the processor can determine the priority of the multiple deliveries by taking into account the movement of the packaging operation.

[0021] In one embodiment, when there are multiple delivery items with the first scheduled delivery time among the delivery items waiting to be packaged, the processor can determine the priority of the multiple delivery items based on the delivery order order.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first delivery reservation time may be the delivery reservation time corresponding to normal delivery, and the second delivery reservation time may be the delivery reservation time corresponding to early morning delivery.

[0023] A method implemented by an electronic device providing packaging information according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the following actions: obtaining information indicating the start of packaging of a specific delivery item corresponding to a first scheduled delivery time; obtaining information indicating the start of packaging of a delivery item for which a first scheduled delivery time has been specified, wherein the first scheduled delivery time is associated with a first outbound deadline; in response to the information indicating the start of packaging, confirming the packaging start time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second scheduled delivery time earlier than the first scheduled delivery time, wherein the second outbound deadline is different from the first outbound deadline; and determining the packaging method of the packaging based on the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline.

[0024] In one embodiment, the following action may be included: when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods shall be changed to the second scheduled delivery time.

[0025] In one embodiment, the above packaging method may include at least one of the amount of refrigerant to be included in the above packaging and the type of packaging box used in the above packaging.

[0026] In one embodiment, the action of determining the packaging method of the packaging based on the above-mentioned packaging start time and the above-mentioned second outbound deadline may include the following actions: in addition to the above-mentioned packaging start time and the above-mentioned second outbound deadline, the packaging method is also determined based on the time required for packaging corresponding to the above-mentioned delivery item.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method may further include the following actions: setting the priority of packaging the goods with the designated second delivery time to be higher than the priority of packaging the goods with the designated first delivery time; obtaining information indicating the start of packaging for a specific goods corresponding to the designated first delivery time includes the following actions: in response to the completion of packaging of all goods with the designated second delivery time, obtaining information indicating the start of packaging for goods with the designated first delivery time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, packaging information for the delivered goods can be provided.

[0029] According to the present invention, the cost of refrigerant can be saved when packaging and distributing fresh food with refrigerant.

[0030] According to the present invention, the efficiency of packaging operations can be improved.

[0031] The effects based on the technical concept of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the description in the specification.

Implementation Method

[0033] The various embodiments described in this invention are illustrative of the technical concept of the invention and are not intended to limit them to specific implementation methods. The technical concept of the invention includes various modifications, equivalents, alternatives, and embodiments obtained by selectively combining all or part of the embodiments described in this invention. Furthermore, the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited to the various embodiments presented below or their specific descriptions.

[0034] The terms used in this invention, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the meanings commonly understood by those with common knowledge in the field to which this invention pertains, unless otherwise defined.

[0035] The expressions such as "comprising," "may include," "possibly possess," "may possess," "have," and "may have" used in this invention mean that there are object features (e.g., functions, actions, or constituent elements), and do not exclude the existence of other additional features. That is, the expressions described above should be understood as open-ended terms that have the possibility of including other embodiments.

[0036] Regarding the singular expressions used in this invention, unless otherwise stated in the context, they may include the meaning of plural expressions, and this also applies to the singular expressions described in the claims.

[0037] Regarding the use of terms such as "first," "second," "first," and "second" in this invention, unless otherwise specified in the context, they are used to distinguish one object from others when referring to multiple objects of the same kind, and are not used to limit the order or importance of the objects. For example, the page of this invention may display terms such as "first delivery scheduled time" and "second delivery scheduled time," "first shipment deadline" and "second shipment deadline," "first packaging box type" and "second packaging box type," etc., to distinguish them from each other.

[0038] The expressions “A, B and C”, “A, B or C”, “A, B and / or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and / or C”, etc., used in this invention may refer to each of the listed items or all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “at least one of A or B” may refer to (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0039] The term “based on” used in this invention is used to describe one or more factors that affect the determination, judgment or action described in the statement or article containing the term. The term does not exclude other factors that affect the determination, judgment or action.

[0040] The expression that a certain constituent element (e.g., the first constituent element) is "connected" or "linked" to another constituent element (e.g., the second constituent element) in this invention may refer not only to the fact that the aforementioned constituent element is directly connected to or linked to the aforementioned other constituent element, but may also refer to the fact that it is connected to or linked to the aforementioned other constituent element through a new other constituent element (e.g., the third constituent element).

[0041] The expression "configured to" used in this invention may have meanings such as "configured in a ~ manner," "possessing ~ capabilities," "modified in a ~ manner," "manufactured in a ~ manner," and "capable of ~ operations," depending on the context. This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specially designed in hardware." For example, a processor configured to perform a specific action may refer to a general-purpose processor that can perform a specific action by executing software, or a special-purpose computer that performs that specific action by programming.

[0042] The term "platform" used in this invention can refer to a tangible or intangible space that serves as the basis for user access by integrating and managing services with the same or similar purposes. Although its specific meaning may differ, it can generally be used interchangeably with "software", "application", "program", "tool" or "solution".

[0043] Hereinafter, various embodiments described in the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings and descriptions, the same or substantially equivalent constituent elements are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following descriptions of various embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same or corresponding constituent elements may be omitted, but this does not mean that the constituent element is not included in the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment in which an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The electronic device 110 and the terminal 120 can communicate with each other via an Internet connection.

[0045] Electronic device 110 may be a device for providing packaging information. For example, electronic device 110 may be a device for managing the delivery or outbound shipment of goods from an online store platform. That is, if a delivery order is accepted through an online store platform, the goods can be packaged and prepared for outbound shipment at a distribution center such as an FC (Fulfillment Center). Electronic device 110 may be a device for processing various information to manage the packaging and outbound shipment of goods at the distribution center. For example, electronic device 110 may transmit various information to the terminal of the corresponding operation manager during the packaging and outbound shipment of goods. As another example, electronic device 110 may transmit various information to the terminal of the operator during the packaging and outbound shipment of goods. The information transmitted by electronic device 110 may include information on the packaging sequence of multiple goods and information on the packaging method, etc. In particular, when the goods are fresh food that needs to be maintained, the information on the packaging method may include information on the refrigerant packaged together. Information about the refrigerant packaged together may include the type or quantity of the refrigerant.

[0046] Terminal 120 can be a user terminal used by managers or operators in packaging or outbound operations. For example, terminal 120 can output packaging or outbound operation information via a display or the like. Users can perform or manage operations based on the information received during the operation. Terminal 120 can be implemented as a terminal that can send and receive various information with electronic device 110 via a network. For example, terminal 120 can be one of a computer, laptop, portable communication terminal (smartphone, etc.), portable multimedia device, wearable device, or HMD (Head Mounted Display). However, the type of terminal 120 is not limited to these. Terminal 120 can be any device including an input / output interface that allows users to input or output information to users, and can communicate with electronic device 110 or other devices via a network. Terminal 120 can provide users with information received from electronic device 110, and can receive input from users and transmit it to electronic device 110. Input obtained from the user can include various forms of input such as mouse clicks, touch input via touchpad or touchscreen, voice recognition, and other electronic inputs. For example, terminal 120 can receive various pages from electronic device 110 displaying information about confirmed packaging or outbound operations, and output the received pages.

[0047] The network can serve to connect electronic device 110 to terminal 120 or other external devices. For example, the network can provide a connection path so that terminal 120 can connect to electronic device 110 and send and receive packet data with electronic device 110. The network can be implemented as any type of wired or wireless network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Mobile Radio Communication Network, or Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet).

[0048] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a communication circuit 210, one or more processors 220 and / or one or more memory units 230 as constituent elements. In one embodiment, at least one of the constituent elements of the electronic device 200 may be omitted, or other constituent elements may be added to the electronic device 200. In one embodiment, some constituent elements may be additionally or alternatively integrated, or implemented as a single or multiple individuals. In the present invention, one or more processors 220 may be referred to as processor 220. Unless otherwise explicitly stated herein, the term processor 220 may refer to a collection of one or more processors. In the present invention, one or more memory units 230 may be referred to as memory units 230. Unless otherwise explicitly stated herein, the term memory units 230 may refer to a collection of one or more memory units. In one embodiment, at least some of the internal / external components of the electronic device 200 are interconnected via buses, GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface), thereby enabling the transmission and reception of information (data, signals, etc.).

[0049] The communication circuit (210) can communicate with the user's terminal and external devices. The communication circuit 210 can enable wireless or wired communication between the electronic device 200 and the terminal. For example, the communication circuit 210 can perform wireless communication based on methods such as eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband), URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low-Latency Communications), MMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advance), NR (New Radio), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), GPS (Global Positioning System), or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). For example, the communication circuit 210 can perform wired communication based on USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), RS-232 (Recommended Standard-232), or POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 can also be integrated with other devices. In this case, the communication circuit 210 can function as a connection circuit or interface between the electronic device 200 and the corresponding other devices.

[0050] The processor 220 can drive software (e.g., commands, programs, etc.) to control at least one component of the electronic device 200 connected to the processor 220. Furthermore, the processor 220 can perform various operations related to the present invention, such as calculations, processing, data generation, or manipulation. The processor 220 can also load data from or store data in the memory 230. Moreover, the processor 220 can send and receive various information with the user's terminal and external devices via the communication circuit 210. In one embodiment, the processor 220 can control the communication circuit 210 to send various information, such as page information, to the user's terminal.

[0051] The processor 220 can obtain information indicating that packaging of goods with a designated first delivery time has begun. Here, the first delivery time may be associated with a first outbound cutoff time. In one embodiment, the first delivery time may be a delivery time corresponding to a regular delivery. In particular, the first delivery time may be 8 p.m. corresponding to same-day delivery. Also, for goods scheduled for delivery on or after the next day, the first delivery time may be a specific time on the scheduled delivery date. Specifically, the processor 220 can obtain information indicating that packaging of waiting goods has begun according to a selected packaging order. For example, the processor 220 may directly determine the packaging order of waiting goods and generate information indicating that packaging of waiting goods has begun sequentially according to the packaging order. As another example, the processor 220 may receive and obtain information indicating that packaging of waiting goods has begun, generated by other external devices.

[0052] In one embodiment, when the processor 220 directly determines the packaging order of the waiting deliveries, the processor 220 may set the priority of packaging deliveries with a designated second delivery time to be higher than the priority of packaging deliveries with a designated first delivery time. That is, the processor 220 may determine the packaging order by packaging deliveries that need to be delivered earlier first. In this case, the processor 220 may obtain information indicating to start packaging deliveries with a designated first delivery time in response to the completion of packaging of all deliveries with a designated second delivery time. That is, when the packaging of deliveries with a designated second delivery time among the waiting deliveries is completed before the second outbound deadline, the processor 220 may obtain information indicating to start packaging deliveries with a designated first delivery time in the remaining time before the second outbound deadline.

[0053] In one embodiment, when there are multiple deliveries with a designated first delivery time among the deliveries awaiting packaging, the processor 220 can determine the priority of the multiple deliveries by considering the movement of the packaging operation. For example, the processor 220 can manage the movement of the personnel performing the packaging operation. That is, the processor 220 can confirm the movement of the personnel corresponding to each delivery awaiting packaging, which has been determined according to a predetermined algorithm. For example, the processor 220 can receive the movement of the personnel corresponding to the deliveries awaiting packaging from an external device via the communication circuit 210, or directly determine the movement of the personnel corresponding to the deliveries awaiting packaging, or load the movement of the personnel corresponding to the deliveries awaiting packaging stored in the memory 230, thereby confirming the movement of the personnel used to perform the packaging operation. In one embodiment, the processor 220 can sort the deliveries with a designated first delivery time among the deliveries awaiting packaging in ascending order of the corresponding packaging operation movement. Furthermore, the processor 220 can prioritize deliveries with shorter processing routes for packaging. That is, the processor 220 can start by receiving information instructing to begin packaging the deliveries with shorter processing routes that are currently awaiting packaging and have a designated first delivery time.

[0054] In one embodiment, when there are multiple items among the items awaiting packaging that have a designated first delivery time, the processor 220 can determine the priority of the multiple items based on the delivery order order sequence. For example, the processor 220 can confirm the delivery order sequence corresponding to each of the items awaiting packaging that have a designated first delivery time. Specifically, the processor 220 can confirm the delivery order time of the items awaiting packaging that have a designated first delivery time, and confirm the delivery order sequence based on the delivery order time. For example, the processor 220 can receive the delivery order time or delivery order sequence of the items awaiting packaging that have a designated first delivery time from an external device via the communication circuit 210, or load the delivery order time or delivery order sequence of the items awaiting packaging that have a designated first delivery time stored in the memory 230, thereby confirming the delivery order sequence. Furthermore, the processor 220 can set a higher priority for the items with a higher corresponding delivery order sequence (i.e., those with earlier delivery order times). That is, the processor 220 can obtain information instructing to begin packaging the corresponding delivery item from the delivery order priority among the delivery items with a designated first delivery time that are waiting to be packaged. Furthermore, the processor 220 can also determine the packaging priority among the delivery items with a designated first delivery time that are waiting to be packaged based on both the packaging operation flow and the delivery order sequence.

[0055] The processor 220 can, in response to information indicating the start of packaging, confirm the packaging start time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second delivery schedule earlier than the first delivery schedule time. Here, the second outbound deadline may be different from the first outbound deadline. In one embodiment, the second delivery schedule time may be a delivery schedule time corresponding to early morning delivery. For example, the second delivery schedule time may be 7:00 AM corresponding to early morning delivery. For example, the processor 220 may confirm the packaging start time as the time when the information indicating the start of packaging is obtained, or the time reached by adding a specific buffer time to that time. For example, the processor 220 may receive the second outbound deadline associated with the second delivery schedule time from an external device via communication circuit 210, or load the second outbound deadline associated with the second delivery schedule time stored in memory 230, and confirm the second outbound deadline associated with the second delivery schedule time. Alternatively, the processor 220 may directly determine the second outbound deadline associated with the second delivery schedule time. For example, the second outbound deadline can refer to the time required for the goods to be shipped from the distribution center in order to complete the delivery of the goods before the second scheduled delivery time, determined based on the second scheduled delivery time, or further determined based on the scheduled delivery route of the goods. Specifically, the second outbound deadline can be determined by subtracting the estimated delivery time based on the scheduled delivery route from the second scheduled delivery time. The second outbound deadline can further be determined by taking into account a specific buffer time. That is, it is not impossible to complete the delivery of the goods by the second scheduled delivery time if the goods are not shipped before the second outbound deadline.

[0056] The processor 220 can determine the packaging method based on the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline. Here, the packaging method may include at least one of the following: the amount of refrigerant to be included in the packaging and the type of packaging box used. Specifically, the type or amount of refrigerant required will vary depending on the lead time required to complete the delivery, the ambient temperature, the type of delivered item, etc. For example, the longer the lead time, the more refrigerant is required; when the delivery is carried out at a time when the ambient temperature is low (e.g., early morning), less refrigerant is required. Furthermore, the insulation effect (performance) or the amount of refrigerant that can be contained will vary depending on the type of packaging box. Also, depending on the type of packaging box, the reusability of the box, the packaging material, the complexity of the packaging will vary, and ultimately the cost corresponding to the type of packaging box will vary. For example, the first type of packaging box: the cost required for packaging is relatively low, but the insulation effect is poor or the amount of refrigerant that can be contained is small. Conversely, the second packaging type requires relatively higher packaging costs, but offers better insulation or can hold a larger amount of refrigerant. Therefore, the processor 220 can determine the appropriate amount of refrigerant and the suitable packaging type based on the situation, thereby efficiently managing packaging costs. Specifically, the processor 220 can determine, based on the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline, whether deliveries with a previously designated first delivery time can also be delivered according to a second delivery time earlier than the first. Subsequently, if it is determined that deliveries with a designated first delivery time can be delivered according to the second delivery time, the processor 220 can determine the packaging method for the corresponding deliveries and provide the terminal with information related to the determined packaging method so that the corresponding deliveries can be packaged and outbound immediately. This maintains or reduces packaging costs, fully utilizes remaining time or labor, and improves the efficiency of packaging operations. The processor 220's action of determining the packaging method will be specifically explained using Figures 4 and 5 described below.

[0057] The processor 220 can provide the terminal with information related to the amount of refrigerant included in the determined packaging method and the type of packaging box used in the packaging. For example, the processor 220 can send information related to the amount of refrigerant included in the determined packaging method and the type of packaging box used in the packaging to the terminal via the communication circuit 210. For example, it can also send a page to the terminal displaying information related to the amount of refrigerant included in the determined packaging and the type of packaging box used in the packaging.

[0058] Memory 230 can store various information (data). The information stored in memory 230 is information obtained, processed, or used by at least one component of electronic device 200, and may include software (e.g., commands, programs, etc.). Memory 230 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. In this invention, commands or programs are software stored in memory 230, and may include an operating system for controlling the resources of electronic device 200, applications, and / or middleware that provides various functions to applications so that applications can utilize the resources of electronic device 200. In one embodiment, memory 230 may store commands that, when executed by processor 220, cause processor 220 to perform operations. Memory 230 may store at least a portion of information received from a terminal via communication circuit 210 and / or information sent to a terminal via communication circuit 210. The processor 220 can store at least a portion of the information received from the terminal via the communication circuit 210 and / or the information sent to the terminal via the communication circuit 210 in the memory 230. Specifically, the memory 230 can store information about shipments awaiting packaging, shipment information for each shipment (shipment order time, specified scheduled delivery time, outbound deadline, scheduled delivery route, etc.), packaging order of the shipments, various parameters required for calculation, and values ​​already determined in the processor 220, and can update such information.

[0059] Hereinafter, the actions described in Figures 3 to 6 as being performed by an electronic device can be understood as being performed by the processor 220 of the electronic device 200 described in Figure 2.

[0060] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the timeline of delivery and packaging managed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, a scheduled delivery time corresponding to each delivery item can be specified when ordering. Specifically, for example, the scheduled delivery time for a delivery item requiring delivery in the early morning can be set to 7:00 AM, and the scheduled delivery time for a delivery item requiring same-day delivery can be set to 8:00 PM. For such scheduled delivery times, the expected shipping date (EXSD) for the delivery item to be shipped from the distribution center can be selected. That is, when a specific delivery item requires delivery in the early morning, the expected shipping date corresponding to the scheduled delivery time of 7:00 AM can be set to 1:30 AM, and when a specific delivery item requires same-day delivery, the expected shipping date corresponding to the scheduled delivery time of 8:00 PM can be set to 10:30 AM. For example, the expected shipping date is not uniformly selected according to the scheduled delivery time, but is selected separately considering the delivery address, scheduled delivery route, etc. of the delivery item. According to an embodiment, the electronic device can confirm the various methods corresponding to the scheduled delivery time and the outbound deadline 301 for each delivery item.

[0061] In one embodiment, the electronic device may, in response to receiving information indicating that packaging of a specific delivery item has been scheduled for a first delivery time (e.g., 8 PM for same-day delivery), confirm the outbound cutoff time 301 corresponding to the second delivery time of the specific delivery item (e.g., 7 AM for early morning delivery). Furthermore, the electronic device may confirm whether the packaging start time of the specific delivery item is included in the interval 302 from 0 AM to the outbound cutoff time 301 of the specific delivery item, or whether the packaging start time of the specific delivery item is included in the interval 303 from the outbound cutoff time 301 of the specific delivery item to 4 AM. Here, 0 AM may be an exemplary time for coherently determining the amount of refrigerant included in the selected package. That is, items that are packaged starting after 4 a.m. and scheduled for delivery at 8 p.m. can be packaged together with the amount of refrigerant corresponding to the 16 hours from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

[0062] When the packaging start time of a specific delivery item is included in the interval 302 from 00:00 AM to the delivery deadline 301, the electronic device can determine that the specific delivery item will be shipped out according to the scheduled delivery time corresponding to the early morning delivery. For example, when the packaging start time of a specific delivery item is included in the interval 302 from 00:00 AM to the delivery deadline 301, the electronic device can determine that the specific delivery item is packaged together with a quantity of refrigerant corresponding to the 7 hours from 00:00 AM to 7:00 AM. As another example, when the packaging start time of a specific delivery item is included in the interval 302 from 00:00 AM to the delivery deadline 301, the electronic device can determine that the specific delivery item is packaged together with a quantity of refrigerant corresponding to the time from the packaging start time to 7:00 AM. For example, when the packaging start time of a particular delivery includes an interval 302 from 0:00 AM to the outbound deadline 301 of the particular delivery, the electronic device may determine that it can hold a relatively small amount of refrigerant and uses a first packaging box type with relatively low packaging costs to package the particular delivery.

[0063] When the packaging start time of a specific delivery item is included in the interval 303 from the specific delivery item's outbound deadline 301 to 4:00 AM, the electronic device can determine that the specific delivery item will be shipped out according to the scheduled delivery time corresponding to the delivery of the day. For example, when the packaging start time of a specific delivery item is included in the interval 303 from the specific delivery item's outbound deadline 301 to 4:00 AM, the electronic device can determine that the specific delivery item is packaged together with a quantity of refrigerant corresponding to the 20 hours from 0:00 AM to 8:00 PM. As another example, when the packaging start time of a specific delivery item is included in the interval 303 from the specific delivery item's outbound deadline 301 to 4:00 AM, the electronic device can determine that the specific delivery item is packaged together with a quantity of refrigerant corresponding to the time from the packaging start time to 8:00 PM. For example, if the electronic device determines that the packaging start time of a particular delivery includes the interval 303 from the delivery cut-off time 301 to 4:00 AM, it can accommodate a relatively large amount of refrigerant and uses a second packaging box type with relatively high packaging costs to package the particular delivery.

[0064] In other words, the electronic device can advance the scheduled delivery time to the scheduled delivery time corresponding to the early morning delivery time for a specific delivery item packaged at time 302. As a result, the delivery is carried out at a lower ambient temperature and the time until delivery is completed is also reduced. Therefore, the amount of refrigerant packaged with the specific delivery item is relatively reduced, and a cost-effective packaging box type is also used, thereby reducing the overall packaging cost.

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the timeline of delivery and packaging managed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the electronic device can change the scheduled delivery time of the delivered item to a second scheduled delivery time when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline 401. Here, the packaging start time can be defined as the time point at which information indicating the start of packaging of the delivered item is obtained, or the time point reached by adding a specific buffer time from the corresponding time point in order to predict the actual start time of packaging in advance. Specifically, the electronic device can re-determine the scheduled delivery time of the delivered item at the time point of packaging start for the delivered item for which a first scheduled delivery time has been specified. If the packaging start time of the delivered item becomes earlier than the second outbound deadline 401, and the delivered item can be delivered at a second scheduled delivery time earlier than the first scheduled delivery time, the electronic device can change the scheduled delivery time of the delivered item to the second scheduled delivery time, thereby advancing the delivery completion time of the delivered item.

[0066] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the electronic device can determine at least one of the refrigerant quantity and packaging box type based on the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time. Specifically, when the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods is advanced, the time to complete the delivery is reduced, and therefore the required refrigerant quantity will decrease. Furthermore, as the required refrigerant quantity and insulation level decrease, the required packaging box type can also be changed.

[0067] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the electronic device can confirm the ambient temperature from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time, and based on the ambient temperature, determine at least one of the refrigerant quantity and packaging box type. For example, when the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time is in the early morning, the electronic device can confirm that the ambient temperature is low. For example, the electronic device can confirm the ambient temperature from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time by means of an external device or external platform that provides temperature information. In one embodiment, the ambient temperature can be determined based on the region corresponding to the delivery path of the delivered goods. For example, the electronic device can confirm the delivery path of the delivered goods by means of information received from another device or directly managed. Furthermore, the electronic device can confirm the ambient temperature of the region corresponding to the confirmed delivery path. Therefore, at least one of the refrigerant quantity and packaging box type can be determined based on a more accurate temperature corresponding to the delivery.

[0068] Specifically, the electronic device can determine the amount of refrigerant as follows: the lower the ambient temperature, the less refrigerant is determined; the higher the ambient temperature, the more refrigerant is determined. In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine the amount of refrigerant proportionally to the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline. Furthermore, for example, the electronic device can determine the type of packaging box based on whether the determined amount of refrigerant can be accommodated.

[0069] In one embodiment, when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the electronic device can determine the packaging box type based on the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time and the heat insulation effect of the packaging box type. For example, the electronic device can determine the packaging box type in the following manner: the lower the ambient temperature, the worse the heat insulation effect of the determined packaging box type; the higher the ambient temperature, the better the heat insulation effect of the determined packaging box type.

[0070] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the timeline of delivery and packaging managed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine the packaging method based on the packaging time required for the corresponding delivery item, in addition to the packaging start time 502 and the second outbound deadline 501. To make a more accurate determination than the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the electronic device can determine the packaging method based on whether the time 504 after the packaging start time 502 and the packaging time required 503 is earlier than the second outbound deadline 501.

[0071] Previously, in one embodiment, the electronic device could determine the packaging time 503 corresponding to the delivery item. In one embodiment, the electronic device could determine the packaging time 503 corresponding to the delivery item based on the number of items included in the delivery item. For example, the delivery item could be a collection of multiple items. The more items included in the delivery item, the longer the packaging time, so the electronic device could determine the packaging time 503 proportionally to the number of items included in the delivery item. As another example, the electronic device could determine the packaging time 503 varying with the number of items based on past statistics of packaging time varying with the number of items. Furthermore, the electronic device could consider other factors when determining the packaging time 503. For example, the electronic device could further determine the packaging time 503 based on the length of the movement path of the personnel used to perform the packaging operation. As another example, the electronic device could further determine the packaging time 503 based on the packaging complexity of the type of refrigerant that can be used in the packaging operation. As another example, the electronic device can further determine the packaging time 503 based on the complexity of the packaging of the specific types of items included in the delivery. In another embodiment, the electronic device can receive information from an external device indicating the packaging time 503 corresponding to the delivery, and use the received packaging time 503 to determine the packaging method of the delivery.

[0072] In one embodiment, the electronic device may change the scheduled delivery time of the goods to a second scheduled delivery time when the time 504 after the packaging start time 502 has elapsed past the packaging required time 503 is earlier than the second outbound deadline 501. In this case, the electronic device may operate in the same manner as when the scheduled delivery time of the goods is changed to the second scheduled delivery time, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG4. For example, when the time 504 after the packaging required time 503 is earlier than the second outbound deadline 501, the electronic device may determine at least one of the refrigerant quantity and packaging box type based on the ambient temperature. Furthermore, when the time 504 after the packaging required time 503 is earlier than the second outbound deadline 501, the electronic device may determine the refrigerant quantity proportionally to the time from the packaging start time 502 to the second scheduled delivery time. Furthermore, when the time 504 after the packaging start time 502 (the time required for packaging 503) is earlier than the second outbound deadline 501, the electronic device can determine the packaging box type based on whether it can accommodate the determined amount of refrigerant. Also, when the time 504 after the packaging start time 502 (the time required for packaging 503) is earlier than the second outbound deadline 501, the electronic device can determine the packaging box type based on the time from the packaging start time 502 to the second scheduled delivery time and the insulation effect of the packaging box type.

[0073] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 6, delivery information can be determined when ordering a specific delivery item (S601), and the delivery information can be determined again when packaging the specific delivery item begins (S602).

[0074] For example, the electronic device can determine delivery information when ordering a specific delivery item and determine the delivery information again when packaging the specific delivery item begins. Here, the delivery information may include information about the delivery schedule, such as the scheduled delivery time and / or the outbound deadline. Specifically, when accepting an order for a specific delivery item, the electronic device can call an internal or external API (Application Programming Interface) used to determine the delivery information to determine the delivery information of the specific delivery item. Furthermore, when packaging a specific delivery item begins, the electronic device can compare the packaging start time with the outbound deadline for early morning delivery of the specific delivery item, and based on the comparison result, call the internal or external API used to determine the delivery information again to determine the delivery information of the delivery item again. That is, when packaging a specific delivery item begins, if the packaging start time is earlier than the outbound deadline for early morning delivery of the specific delivery item, the electronic device can change the delivery schedule of the specific delivery item to the early morning delivery schedule, and can also change the packaging method of the specific delivery item according to the changed delivery schedule. This allows for efficient management of the packaging and outbound shipments.

[0075] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 7, method 700 may include the following actions: obtaining information indicating the start of packaging of goods with a designated first delivery time (S710); in response to the information indicating the start of packaging, confirming the packaging start time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second delivery deadline earlier than the first delivery deadline (S720); and determining the packaging method based on the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline (S730). Here, the first delivery deadline may be a delivery deadline corresponding to normal delivery, and the second delivery deadline may be a delivery deadline corresponding to early morning delivery.

[0076] In one embodiment, method 700 may further include the following action: when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, changing the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods to the second scheduled delivery time. Here, the packaging method may include at least one of the amount of refrigerant to be included in the packaging and the type of packaging box used for the packaging. In one embodiment, action S730 may include the following action: when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, determining at least one of the amount of refrigerant and the type of packaging box based on the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time.

[0077] In one embodiment, method 700 may further include the following action: when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, confirming the ambient temperature from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time, action S730 may include the following action: further determining at least one of the refrigerant quantity and packaging box type based on the ambient temperature. Here, the ambient temperature may be determined based on the region corresponding to the delivery route of the delivered goods.

[0078] In one embodiment, action S730 may include the following action: when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, determining the amount of refrigerant in proportion to the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time. In one embodiment, action S730 may include the following action: when the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, determining the packaging box type based on the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time and the insulation effect of the packaging box type.

[0079] In one embodiment, action S730 may include the following action: in addition to the packaging start time and the second outbound deadline, determining the packaging method based on the packaging time required for the corresponding delivery item. Here, the packaging time may be determined based on the number of items included in the delivery item. In one embodiment, method 700 may further include the following action: when the time after the packaging start time elapses beyond the packaging time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, changing the scheduled delivery time of the delivery item to the second scheduled delivery time.

[0080] In one embodiment, method 700 may further include the following action: setting the priority of packaging the goods with a designated second delivery time to be higher than the priority of packaging the goods with a designated first delivery time. Action S710 may include the following action: in response to the completion of packaging all goods with a designated second delivery time, obtaining information indicating to start packaging the goods with a designated first delivery time. In one embodiment, method 700 may further include the following action: when there are multiple goods with a designated first delivery time among the goods waiting to be packaged, determining the priority of the multiple goods considering the movement of the packaging operation. In one embodiment, method 700 may further include the following action: when there are multiple goods with a designated first delivery time among the goods waiting to be packaged, determining the priority of the multiple goods based on the delivery order sequence.

[0081] In the flowcharts of this invention, the steps of the method or algorithm are described sequentially. However, in addition to being performed sequentially, the steps may also be performed in any combination possible order. The description of the sequence diagrams or flowcharts of this invention does not preclude changes or modifications to the method or algorithm, and does not imply that any step is necessary or preferred. In one embodiment, at least some steps may be performed in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically. In another embodiment, at least some steps may be omitted, or other steps may be added.

[0082] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in software form on a machine-readable storage medium. The software can be software used to implement the various embodiments described in the present invention. Programmers in the art to which this invention pertains can deduce the software based on the various embodiments described in the present invention. For example, the software can be a program that includes machine-readable commands (e.g., instructions, codes, segments). The device is an apparatus capable of operating according to commands invoked from the storage medium, such as a computer. In one embodiment, the device can be a computing device according to various embodiments described in the present invention. In one embodiment, the processor of the device executes the invoked command, thereby enabling the components of the device to perform functions corresponding to the command. Storage medium can refer to all kinds of recording mediums that can be read by the device and store data. Storage media may include, for example, ROM (Read-only memory), RAM (Random-access memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage devices, etc. In one embodiment, the storage media can be implemented in a form distributed across computer systems connected to a network. In this case, software can be distributed across computer systems for execution. In another embodiment, the storage media may be a non-transitory storage medium. A non-transitory storage medium refers to a tangible medium that actually exists regardless of whether the data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily, and does not include transiently transmitted signals.

[0083] The technical concept of the present invention has been described above according to various embodiments, but the technical concept of the present invention includes various substitutions, variations, and modifications that can be understood by those with common sense in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that such substitutions, variations, and modifications may be included within the scope of the appended patent applications. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the environment in which an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a timeline diagram showing the delivery and packaging managed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a timeline diagram showing the delivery and packaging managed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a timeline diagram showing the delivery and packaging managed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device that provides packaging information, and includes: One or more processors; and one or more memories storing commands to be executed by the one or more processors; when executing the commands by the one or more processors, the one or more processors perform the following: obtain information indicating that packaging has been started for a shipment with a designated first delivery time, the first delivery time being associated with a first outbound deadline; in response to the information indicating that packaging has been started, confirm the packaging start time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second delivery time earlier than the first delivery time, the second outbound deadline being different from the first outbound deadline; determine whether the time after the packaging start time has elapsed the packaging required time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, and if the time after the packaging start time has elapsed the packaging required time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, determine the packaging method based on the time from the packaging start time to the second delivery time.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the packaging method includes at least one of the amount of refrigerant to be included in the packaging and the type of packaging box used in the packaging.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein one or more of the processors are configured to: when the time after the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, determine the ambient temperature from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time, and based on the ambient temperature, determine the amount of refrigerant and at least one of the packaging box types.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the aforementioned ambient temperature is determined based on the region corresponding to the delivery route of the aforementioned delivered goods.

5. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein one or more processors are configured to: determine the amount of refrigerant in proportion to the time from the start time of packaging to the second scheduled delivery time, provided that the time after the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein one or more of the processors are configured to: determine the packaging box type based on the time from the packaging start time to the second scheduled delivery time and the heat insulation effect of the packaging box type when the time after the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein one or more processors are configured to: determine the time required for the packaging corresponding to the delivery item based on the number of items included in the delivery item.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the processors are configured to: set the priority of packaging the goods with the second scheduled delivery time to be higher than the priority of packaging the goods with the first scheduled delivery time; and, in response to the completion of packaging of all goods with the second scheduled delivery time, receive information instructing to begin packaging the goods with the first scheduled delivery time.

9. The electronic device as described in claim 8, wherein one or more of the processors described above are configured to determine the priority of the plurality of deliveries when there are multiple deliveries with the first scheduled delivery time specified among the deliveries awaiting packaging, taking into account the flow of the packaging operation.

10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein one or more of the processors are configured to: determine the priority of the plurality of deliveries based on the order of delivery orders when there are multiple deliveries awaiting packaging that have been assigned the first scheduled delivery time.

11. The electronic device as requested in item 1, wherein the first delivery schedule time is the delivery schedule time corresponding to the usual delivery time, and the second delivery schedule time is the delivery schedule time corresponding to the early morning delivery time.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the processors are configured to: change the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods from the first scheduled delivery time to the second scheduled delivery time when the time after the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline.

13. A method for providing packaging information, performed by an electronic device, and comprising the following actions: obtaining information indicating that packaging has commenced and corresponding to a first scheduled delivery time; obtaining information indicating that packaging has commenced and a first scheduled delivery time has been specified, wherein the first scheduled delivery time is associated with a first outbound deadline; in response to the information indicating that packaging has commenced, confirming a packaging commencement time and a second outbound deadline associated with a second scheduled delivery time earlier than the first scheduled delivery time, wherein the second outbound deadline is different from the first outbound deadline; determining whether the time after the packaging commencement time has elapsed for packaging is earlier than the second outbound deadline; and if the time after the packaging commencement time has elapsed for packaging is earlier than the second outbound deadline, determining the packaging method of the packaging based on the time from the packaging commencement time to the second scheduled delivery time.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the packaging method includes at least one of the amount of refrigerant to be included in the packaging and the type of packaging box used for the packaging.

15. The method of claim 13 further includes the following actions: setting the priority of packaging the goods for which the second scheduled delivery time has been specified to be higher than the priority of packaging the goods for which the first scheduled delivery time has been specified; the action of obtaining information indicating to start packaging the specific goods corresponding to the first scheduled delivery time includes the following actions: in response to the completion of packaging of all goods for which the second scheduled delivery time has been specified, obtaining information indicating to start packaging the goods for which the first scheduled delivery time has been specified.

16. The method of claim 13 further includes the following action: when the time after the packaging start time is earlier than the second outbound deadline, the scheduled delivery time of the delivered goods is changed from the first scheduled delivery time to the second scheduled delivery time.

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