Method and system for supporting order delivery service

Abstract

This invention relates to a method and system for supporting order delivery services. The method for supporting order delivery services can be executed by at least one processor. The method for supporting order delivery services may include the following steps: receiving user input for setting a merchant's business status; generating delivery time information related to the order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status; and outputting a page containing the generated delivery time information as at least part of a user interface, the page being related to the page output on a customer's terminal using the order delivery service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and system for supporting order delivery services. Prior Technology

[0002] With the development of e-commerce, various online platforms have emerged. Among them, food delivery platforms have experienced rapid growth in recent years, becoming an important service for establishing a more convenient connection between consumers and restaurants. On these food delivery platforms, restaurant owners can use various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals to receive and process customer orders.

[0003] However, the platform may lack the functionality to alert customers when restaurant owners are temporarily unable or unwilling to process orders. Therefore, even when owners are genuinely unable to handle orders or experience delays, orders may still be received from customers unaware of the situation. This could lead to customer dissatisfaction, increased workload for restaurant owners, and decreased platform credibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] [The problem the invention aims to solve] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for supporting order delivery services to solve the problems described above.

[0005] [Technical means to solve the problem] The present invention can be implemented in a variety of ways, including methods, apparatus (systems) and / or computer-readable non-transitory recording media containing instructions for execution in a computer.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for supporting order delivery services may be executed by at least one processor. The method for supporting order delivery services may include the steps of: receiving user input for setting a merchant's business status; generating delivery time information related to the order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status; and outputting a page containing the generated delivery time information as at least part of a user interface, the page being related to the page output on a customer's terminal using the order delivery service.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of generating delivery time information may include the following steps: in response to receiving user input that sets the business status to a first state, identifying a baseline delivery time estimated for the order delivery service; and generating delivery time information based on the identified baseline delivery time.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of generating delivery time information may include the following steps: an identification step, in response to receiving user input that sets the business status to a second state, identifying a baseline delivery time estimated for the order delivery service and a preparation delay time further estimated for the baseline delivery time; and a generation step, generating delivery time information based on the identified baseline delivery time and preparation delay time.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the identification step may include receiving user input for setting a preparation delay time.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a preparation delay time can be set at a preset specific time.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a change step is also included, wherein, under certain conditions, the business state set as the second state is changed to a first state that is different from the second state.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the change step may include the following steps: after a preset specific time has elapsed since the point in time when the business status was set to the second state, the business status set to the second state is changed to the first state.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the change step may include the following steps: identifying the status change time set by the user; and changing the business status set to the second state to the first state after a time corresponding to the identified status change time has elapsed since the time point from the time point when the business status was set to the second state.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the change step may include the following steps: if the number of orders received by the merchant per hour from the time point when the business status is set to the second status is below a preset threshold, the business status set to the second status is changed to the first status.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the change step includes the following steps: identifying whether automatic change of business status is allowed; and in response to determining that automatic change of business status is allowed, determining whether specific conditions for changing the business status set to the second status to the first status are met.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of generating delivery time information may include the following steps: in response to receiving user input that sets the business status to a third state, identifying the order stop time that interrupts the order delivery service; and based on the identified order stop time, generating delivery time information that includes information related to the time point when the order delivery service starts.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the identification step may include the following steps: receiving user input for setting an order stop time.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the following steps may also be included: when a time corresponding to the order stop time has elapsed since the point in time when the business status was set to the third state, the business status set to the third state is changed to a first state that is different from the third state.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the step of receiving user input for registering information related to the business hours of a merchant.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the business status is initially set based on information related to business hours.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium may be provided, which contains instructions for performing methods in a computer to support order delivery services.

[0022] The information processing system of some embodiments of the present invention may include: a memory; and at least one processor connected to the memory, executing at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory. The at least one program may include instructions to perform the following steps: receiving user input for setting a merchant's business status; generating delivery time information related to the order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status; and outputting a page containing the generated delivery time information as at least part of a user interface, the page being related to a page output on a customer's terminal using the order delivery service.

[0023] [Comparison with the effectiveness of previous technologies] According to various embodiments of the present invention, users (e.g., shop assistants, shop owners, etc.) can conveniently set the business status of a business through a user interface, and confirm the information provided to customers based on the set business status, which can help with decisions on setting / changing the business status of a business.

[0024] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a page including delivery time information is output to at least a portion of the user interface, and this page may be related to the page output on the customer's terminal. Therefore, the user can preview an example of the page output on the customer's terminal.

[0025] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor can adjust the delivery time information presented to the customer based on a preparation delay time dynamically calculated according to the user's judgment or the current business status of the merchant. Therefore, the reliability of order delivery services can be improved by providing customers with highly accurate delivery time information.

[0026] According to various embodiments of the present invention, in cases where order processing is delayed but cannot be processed, the user can set the merchant's business status to "busy" instead of "suspended". Therefore, the processor can inform customers in advance of the order processing delay while continuing to receive orders, thereby minimizing customer complaints arising from order processing delays.

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the processor can also automatically change the business status of the merchant presented to the customer based on the merchant's situation without user input, thereby supporting effective merchant operation and order processing.

[0028] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art (ordinary technicians) through the scope of the invention application. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0029] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar structural elements, but are not limited thereto.

[0030] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a system supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a structure of an embodiment of the present invention in which an information processing system can be connected to multiple user terminals in order to provide order delivery services.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a user terminal and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface output on a customer terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0042] The following is a detailed description of the specific contents used to implement the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the following description, specific descriptions of well-known functions or structures will be omitted when there is a possibility that they may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the present invention.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding structural elements are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in describing the following embodiments, repeated descriptions related to the same or corresponding structural elements will be omitted. However, even if the description of structural elements is omitted, this does not mean that such structural elements are not included in any embodiment.

[0044] The advantages, features, and implementation methods of the disclosed embodiments become clear with reference to the embodiments described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented through different methods. Moreover, these embodiments are provided to ensure the completeness of the present invention, and the present invention is provided only to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the present invention.

[0045] This specification will briefly describe the terminology used and specifically illustrate the disclosed embodiments. While widely used terms have been selected as much as possible in this specification to consider the functionality of the invention, the terminology used herein may vary depending on the intent or convention of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms arbitrarily chosen by the applicant may also exist; in such cases, their meanings are detailed in the corresponding description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this specification should be defined based on its meaning and the full text of this specification, and not limited to the name of the term.

[0046] In this specification, unless explicitly specified in the context as singular, singular expressions include plural expressions. Furthermore, unless explicitly specified in the context as plural, plural expressions include singular expressions. Throughout this specification, when a structural element is indicated to include any structural element, it means, unless specifically stated otherwise, that other structural elements may also be included, and not excluded.

[0047] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "module" or "section" as used refer to a software structural element or a hardware structural element that performs a certain function. However, a "module" or "section" is not limited to software or hardware. A "module" or "section" may reside in an accessible storage medium, or may be reproduced on one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a "module" or "section" may include at least one of the following: software structural elements, object-oriented software structural elements, class structural elements, and task structural elements; processes; functions; attributes; programs; subroutines; program code segments; drivers; firmware; microcode; circuits; data; libraries; data structures; lists; arrays; or variables. The functionality provided internally by structural elements and "modules" or "sections" may be formed by combining fewer structural elements and "modules" or "sections" or further separated into additional structural elements and "modules" or "sections".

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented by a processor and a memory. The term "processor" is broadly interpreted to include general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), controllers, microcontrollers, state machines, etc. In many contexts, "processor" may also refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. For example, "processor" may also refer to a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processing chip, or any other combination of the aforementioned structures. Furthermore, "memory" is broadly interpreted to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" may also refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or tagged data storage devices, and registers. When the processor reads information from or writes information to memory, the memory and processor are in electronic communication. The memory integrated into the processor is in a state of electronic communication with the processor.

[0049] In this specification, "system" may include at least one of a server device and a cloud device, but is not limited thereto. For example, the system may also consist of more than one server device. As another example, the system may consist of more than one cloud device. As yet another example, the system may operate by consisting of both a server device and a cloud device.

[0050] In this specification, "display" means any display device associated with a computing device, for example, any display device controlled by a computer device or capable of displaying any information / data provided from the computing device.

[0051] In this specification, "each of the plurality of A" or "each of the plurality of A" means all the structural elements included in the plurality of A, or it may also mean some of the structural elements included in the plurality of A.

[0052] In this invention, "merchant" can refer to an entity operating a restaurant, coffee shop, or similar establishment that sells food and / or goods in an order delivery service (e.g., food delivery service, goods delivery service, etc.). For example, a merchant can register on a system that provides order delivery services for goods. A merchant can register goods in the system, receive customer orders for goods, and provide goods delivery services to customers.

[0053] In this invention, "user" may refer to a user of a system and / or application that supports order delivery services, or a user account of an application. A user account may represent an account or related information generated and used by a user within an application.

[0054] In this invention, "user interface" can refer to a screen output by an electronic device or information processing system that supports order delivery services. The user interface may include visual and / or functional elements (e.g., buttons, icons, menus, pages, notification messages, etc.) that define how a user interacts with the electronic device or information processing system that supports order delivery services.

[0055] In this invention, "page" can refer to a logical unit that defines the content or function of an output that is at least a part of a screen, displayed through an electronic device or information processing system that supports order delivery services. For example, a "page" can be displayed as at least a part of a user interface on a screen.

[0056] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sizes and positions of the display screens, images, buttons, etc., shown and described in the drawings are merely examples and are not limited to the content shown. For example, some buttons may be added or omitted, or they may be configured with different sizes and positions than those shown. Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in the drawings and their descriptions are merely examples and may be implemented in different ways in some embodiments. For example, one or more steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be changed, one or more steps may be executed simultaneously, or one or more steps may be executed repeatedly.

[0057] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a system supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, terminal 12 can refer to a device that drives the system (hereinafter, information processing system) and / or application that supports order delivery services. For example, terminal 12 can be a point-of-sale (POS) information management system terminal that processes settlement and management related to the sale of goods and / or services, but is not limited thereto. Terminal 12 may include a display that outputs an interface 100 for supporting order delivery services and receives user input, a processor, memory, etc., for processing calculations based on user input.

[0058] User 10 (e.g., a shop assistant, shop owner, etc.) can use terminal 12 to manage the merchant's order delivery service. For example, user 10 can set the merchant's operating status through terminal 12. The information processing system or terminal 12 can generate information related to the order delivery service based on the set operating status and output the generated information through the terminal 12's display. Furthermore, the information processing system or terminal 12 can transmit the generated information to the customer's terminal.

[0059] Additionally, user 10 can use terminal 12 to process orders received by the merchant. For example, terminal 12 can generate order information based on data remotely received from the customer's terminal. In this case, terminal 12 may also be equipped with a communication unit. Terminal 12 can send / receive data with an application installed on the customer's terminal by driving a specific application, and can generate order information based on data transmitted from the customer's terminal. As another example, user 10 can also generate order information by meeting the customer face-to-face at the merchant and inputting the customer's order into terminal 12, or by inputting orders received from customers who did not come to the merchant but were placed via telephone, SMS, or online ordering.

[0060] Referring to the user interface 100 output through terminal 12, multiple icons 112 for setting the business status (e.g., normal, busy, paused, etc.) can be displayed in the first area 110 of the user interface 100. User 10 can set the business status of the merchant through one of the multiple icons 112.

[0061] A page 122 containing information related to order delivery services can be displayed in the second area 120 of the user interface 100. This information may include delivery time information generated based on the set business status. For example, the delivery time information may include information related to the estimated time required for order delivery services for orders received by the merchant, based on the merchant's business status. As another example, the delivery time information may include information related to the time points at which order delivery services are interrupted or started based on the merchant's business status.

[0062] In one embodiment, page 122 may be associated with a page output to a customer's terminal using the order delivery service. For example, it may be a preview page that pre-confirms an example of page 122 to be output to the customer's terminal before or during transmission. User 10 can confirm the information and / or page structure output via the customer's terminal through page 122.

[0063] With this structure, user 10 can easily set the business status of a merchant through user interface 100, and can receive decision-making assistance in setting the business status by confirming the information provided to customers based on the set business status.

[0064] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an information processing system 230 can be connected to multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 to provide an order delivery service. The information processing system 230 may include multiple systems capable of processing order information. In one embodiment, the information processing system 230 may include one or more server devices and / or databases capable of storing, providing, and executing computer-executable programs (e.g., downloadable applications) and data related to the order delivery service, or one or more distributed computing devices and / or distributed databases based on cloud computing services. For example, the information processing system 230 may include multiple separate systems (e.g., servers) for the order delivery service.

[0065] The order delivery service provided by the information processing system 230 can be provided to users through applications installed on multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4. The multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 may include the electronic devices shown in FIG1.

[0066] Multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 can communicate with the information processing system 230 via network 220. Network 220 enables communication between multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 and the information processing system 230. For example, network 220 can be implemented using wired networks such as Ethernet, power line communication networks, telephone line communication devices, and RS-serial communication, as well as wireless networks such as WLAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, or combinations thereof, depending on the configuration environment. The communication method is not limited, and may include not only the communication method using a communication network (for example, a mobile communication network, a wired network, a wireless network, a broadcast network, a satellite network, etc.) that the network 220 may include, but may also include short-range wireless communication between user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4.

[0067] In Figure 2, although mobile phone terminal 210_1, tablet terminal 210_2, personal computer (PC) terminal 210_3, and point-of-sale information management system terminal 210_4 are shown as examples of user terminals, they are not limited to these. User terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 can be any computing device capable of wired and / or wireless communication and of setting and running applications. For example, user terminals may include smartphones, mobile phones, navigators, computers, laptops, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), tablet PCs, game consoles, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, point-of-sale information management system terminals, etc. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows four user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 communicating with the information processing system 230 via network 220, but it is not limited to this; different numbers of user terminals may also communicate with the information processing system 230 via network 220.

[0068] In one embodiment, user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4 can respectively receive information or data from other user terminals or send information or data to other user terminals through network 220.

[0069] Figure 2 shows the information processing system 230 as an independent device separated from the user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4, but it is not limited to this. The information processing system 230 can also be integrated with the user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3, and 210_4.

[0070] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a user terminal 210 and an information processing system 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 210 can refer to any computing device capable of running applications, web browsers, etc., and enabling wired / wireless communication. For example, it may include mobile phone terminal 210_1, tablet terminal 210_2, personal computer terminal 210_3, point-of-sale information management system terminal 210_4, etc., as shown in Figure 2. As shown, the user terminal 210 may include a memory 312, a processor 314, a communication module 316, and an input / output interface 318. Similarly, the information processing system 230 may include a memory 332, a processor 334, a communication module 336, and an input / output interface 338. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 can utilize their respective communication modules 316 and 336 to perform information communication and / or data communication through the network 220. Furthermore, the input / output device 320 can input information and / or data to the user terminal 210 or output information and / or data generated by the user terminal 210 through the input / output interface 318.

[0071] Memory 312 and 332 may include any non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. According to one embodiment, memory 312 and 332 may include non-volatile mass storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM), disk drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and flash memory. As another example, non-volatile mass storage devices such as read-only memory, solid-state drives, flash memory, and disk drives, as additional permanent storage devices different from memory, may be included within user terminal 210 or information processing system 230. Furthermore, memory 312 and 332 may store an operating system and at least one program code.

[0072] Such software structural elements can be loaded from an additional computer-readable recording medium other than the memories 312 and 332. This additional computer-readable recording medium may include a recording medium that can be directly connected to the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230, for example, it may include computer-readable recording media such as floppy disk drives, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, DVD / CD-ROM drives, and / or memory cards. As another example, software structural elements may also be loaded into memories 312 and 332 via communication modules 316 and 336, rather than a computer-readable recording medium. For example, at least one program may be loaded into memories 312 and 332 based on a file-installed computer program provided by a developer or a file distribution system that distributes application installation files via network 220.

[0073] Processors 314 and 334 can process computer program instructions by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Instructions can be provided to processors 314 and 334 via memories 312 and 332 or communication modules 316 and 336. For example, processors 314 and 334 can execute instructions received based on program code stored in recording devices such as memories 312 and 332.

[0074] Communication modules 316 and 336 provide a structure or function that enables user terminal 210 and information processing system 230 to communicate with each other via network 220, and provide a structure or function that enables user terminal 210 and / or information processing system 230 to communicate with other user terminals or other systems (e.g., additional cloud systems, etc.). As an example, under the control of communication module 316, requests or data generated by processor 314 of user terminal 210 based on program code stored in recording devices such as memory 312 can be transmitted to information processing system 230 via network 220. Conversely, user terminal 210 can receive control information or instructions provided by processor 334 of information processing system 230 via communication module 316 through communication module 336 and network 220.

[0075] Input / output interface 318 refers to a device used to connect input / output device 320. As an example, input devices may include cameras, keyboards, microphones, mice, etc., equipped with audio and / or image sensors, and output devices may include displays, speakers, haptic feedback devices, etc. As another example, input / output interface 318 can be an interface device for a device that integrates input and output functions, such as a touchscreen. For example, as the processor 314 of user terminal 210 executes computer program instructions loaded in memory 312, service screens based on information and / or data provided by information processing system 230 or other user terminals can be displayed on the monitor through input / output interface 318. In Figure 3, although input / output device 320 is not included in user terminal 210, it is not limited to this and can also be integrated with user terminal 210 as a single device. Furthermore, the input / output interface 338 of the information processing system 230 can be connected to the information processing system 230, or it can be an interface device for input / output devices (not shown) that the information processing system 230 may include. In Figure 3, although the input / output interfaces 318 and 338 are separate from the processors 314 and 334 as individual structural elements, this is not a limitation, and the input / output interfaces 318 and 338 may also be included within the processors 314 and 334.

[0076] Compared to the structural elements in Figure 3, the user terminal 210 and information processing system 230 may include more structural elements. However, it is not necessary to explicitly show most of the structural elements in the prior art. In one embodiment, the user terminal 210 may include at least a portion of the input / output devices 320. Furthermore, the user terminal 210 may also include other structural elements such as a transceiver, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, a camera, various sensors, and a database. For example, if the user terminal 210 is a smartphone, it may include structural elements typically included in smartphones, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a microphone module, a camera module, various physical buttons, buttons using a touchpad, output / output ports, and a vibrator for vibration.

[0077] During the operation of applications such as those used to include order delivery services, the processor 314 can input or receive selected text, images, videos, voice, and / or work via input devices such as a touch screen, keyboard, camera with an audio sensor and / or image sensor, and microphone connected to the input / output interface 318. The processor can store the received text, images, videos, voice, and / or work in the memory 312 or provide it to the information processing system 230 via the communication module 316 and the network 220.

[0078] The processor 314 of user terminal 210 can manage, process, and / or store information and / or data received from input / output device 320, other user terminals, information processing system 230, and / or multiple external systems. The information and / or data processed by processor 314 can be provided to information processing system 230 via communication module 316 and network 220. The processor 314 of user terminal 210 can transmit and output information and / or data to input / output device 320 via input / output interface 318. For example, processor 314 can display the received information and / or data on the screen of user terminal 210.

[0079] The processor 334 of the information processing system 230 can manage, process, and / or store information and / or data received from multiple user terminals 210 and / or multiple external systems. The information and / or data processed by the processor 334 can be provided to the user terminals 210 through the communication module 336 and the network 220.

[0080] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 400 supporting an order delivery service according to an embodiment. The user interface 400 shows an example of a user interface output by an electronic device (e.g., 12 in Figure 1) supporting the order delivery service. The method supporting the order delivery service can be executed by at least one processor (e.g., 314, 334 in Figure 2, hereinafter referred to as a processor) of an information processing system or user terminal. For example, the processor can generate the user interface 400 supporting the order delivery service.

[0081] Users can set the business status of a merchant through the user interface 400. As shown in the figure, multiple icons (e.g., Normal, Busy, Paused) for setting the business status can be displayed in the first area 410 of the user interface 400. Users can set the business status by selecting one of the multiple icons. The processor can receive user input in a preset manner for selecting one of the multiple icons (e.g., scroll input, touch input, preset shortcut key input, etc.), and can set the business status of the merchant based on the received user input.

[0082] As a specific example, the business status that users can set for a merchant can include "normal status," "busy status," and "suspended status." "Normal status" refers to a state where orders received by the merchant can be processed without delay within the baseline delivery time. The baseline delivery time refers to the average time consumed for order delivery service when the merchant's order volume is at a normal level. The baseline delivery time can be calculated based on the time required to prepare the goods provided by the merchant (e.g., cooking for food), the time required to allocate delivery riders, and the time required to deliver the goods. "Busy status" means a state where processing orders received by the merchant is difficult within the baseline delivery time due to the additional preparation time required. "Suspended status" means a state where order acceptance needs to be interrupted because the merchant is unable to process orders. However, the business status that users can set for a merchant is not limited to these; other business statuses may exist based on the merchant's business conditions or operating methods. For ease of explanation, Figures 4 to 9 illustrate the method of using a processor to support order delivery services based on the three business statuses described above.

[0083] User interface 400 is an example of setting a merchant's business status to "normal status". In one embodiment, a user can set a merchant's business status to "normal status" by selecting the "normal status" icon 412 displayed through user interface 400.

[0084] In other embodiments, a merchant's business status can be set based on information related to pre-registered business hours. For example, a user can pre-register business hour information (e.g., 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM) for a specified period (e.g., one day, one week, one month) with the processor. Therefore, the merchant's business status can be initially set based on the registered business hour information. The business hour information registered by the user can be displayed in a first area 410 of the user interface 400, and the user can register / change business hour information by selecting a portion of the first area 410.

[0085] The processor can generate delivery time information related to the order delivery service offered by the merchant based on the set business status. When the merchant's business status is "normal," the delivery time information may include information related to the estimated baseline delivery time for orders received by the merchant. In response to receiving user input setting the business status to "normal," the processor can identify the estimated baseline delivery time for the order delivery service. For example, the processor can directly calculate the baseline delivery time, or it can receive information related to the baseline delivery time calculated by a separate device or system. Furthermore, the processor can generate delivery time information based on the identified baseline delivery time.

[0086] The processor can display a page 422 containing the generated delivery time information in the second area 420 of the user interface. Text 424 indicating the delivery time information (e.g., 25 minutes) can be displayed on page 422. Additionally, page 422 can display the merchant name, a thumbnail image related to the merchant or the products offered by the merchant, the merchant's rating, cumulative order volume, and information on coupons offered by the merchant.

[0087] In one embodiment, page 422 may be related to the page output to the terminal of a customer who wishes to use the order delivery service of the corresponding merchant. Page 422 may be the same as the page output to the customer's terminal. Alternatively, page 422 may be similar to the page output to the customer's terminal. For example, the delivery time information displayed on page 422 may differ partially from the delivery time information displayed on the page output to the customer's terminal due to the different delivery distances or delivery times calculated from the locations of multiple customers who placed the order.

[0088] Additionally, a button 426 for confirming changes to page 422 can be displayed in the second area 420 of the user interface 400. For example, page 422 may be a preview page output to the customer's terminal before or during the transmission of page 422 to the customer's terminal for preliminary confirmation of page 422. Therefore, the user can change / set the page displayed to the customer to the corresponding page 422 by selecting button 426 after preliminary confirmation of page 422.

[0089] In one embodiment, information related to the business status set by the user can be displayed in the third area 430 of the user interface 400. For example, the information related to the business status set by the user can be visualized in the first sub-area 432 of the third area 430 through text and / or icons. In addition, information related to the business hours of the merchant can be displayed in the first sub-area 432, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The third area 430 can be provided in the form of a top bar that is fixedly displayed in the upper area of ​​the user interface 400. Therefore, even if the information displayed in other areas of the user interface 400 (e.g., the first area 410, the second area 420, etc.) is changed, the user can easily check the information related to the currently set business status of the merchant through the third area 430. However, the position and / or size of the third area 430 is only an example and is not limited to it, and can be changed according to the style design of the user interface 400.

[0091] In one embodiment, a button 434 that allows navigation to a page for setting the business status may be displayed in a third area 430 of the user interface 400. For example, the processor may display the page for setting the business status (e.g., the page displayed in the first area 410) on the user interface 400 by receiving user input that selects the button 434. Alternatively or additionally, the user may receive the page for setting the business status by selecting a button 442 that allows navigation to the page for setting the business status from a menu bar output to a fourth area 440 of the user interface 400.

[0092] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 500 supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user interface 500 in Figure 5 is an example of a scenario where the merchant's business status is set to "busy". In Figure 5, descriptions of structures that are repeated in Figure 4 will be omitted.

[0093] In one embodiment, a user can select an icon 512 displaying "Busy Status" to set the merchant's business status to "Busy Status" via user interface 500. "Busy Status" may mean a state where processing orders received by the merchant requires additional preparation time and is therefore difficult to complete within the baseline delivery time.

[0094] When a merchant's business status is set to "busy," information related to the preparation delay time can also be displayed on the user interface 500. For example, an object 514 for setting the preparation delay time can be displayed in the first area 510 of the user interface 500. The object 514 can be provided in the form of a button, drop box, slider handle, etc., for setting the preparation delay time. Alternatively, the preparation delay time can be automatically set by a processor (e.g., at least one processor in an information processing system or user terminal), and information related to the set preparation delay time can be displayed in the first area 510 of the user interface 500. An example of setting the preparation delay time will be described in detail with reference to FIG6 later.

[0095] The processor can generate delivery time information related to order delivery services provided by merchants based on the set business status. When the merchant's business status is set to "busy," the delivery time information can be generated based on a baseline delivery time and a preparation delay time. For example, the delivery time information can be determined as the sum of the baseline delivery time and the preparation delay time. In other words, the estimated delivery time can be displayed by extending the set preparation delay time, but it is not limited to this.

[0096] The processor can display a page 522 in the second area 520 of the user interface, which includes the generated delivery time information. Text 524 indicating the delivery time information (e.g., 35 minutes) can be displayed on page 522. Furthermore, a visual indicator (e.g., a clock icon) showing that the merchant is currently "busy" can also be displayed on page 522. Additionally, as the user sets the merchant's operating status to "busy" in the second area 520, a reminder message 526 informing the customer that the delivery time displayed on their terminal may be extended can be displayed in the form of a pop-up window.

[0097] In one embodiment, the processor can change the business status of a merchant set to "busy" to "normal". As an example, the processor can receive user input selecting "normal" via user interface 500 to change the business status of a merchant set to "busy" to "normal". As another example, the processor can also change the business status of a merchant set to "busy" to "normal" if preset specific conditions are met, even without receiving user input. An example of changing the business status of a merchant based on preset specific conditions without user input will be described in detail later with reference to FIG7.

[0098] In one embodiment, an object 516 for setting specific conditions related to changes in a merchant's business status may be displayed in a first area 510 of the user interface 500. The object 516 may be provided in the form of a button, drop-down box, slider handle, etc., for setting specific conditions. Alternatively, the object 516 may be displayed as text representing information related to preset specific conditions.

[0099] In one embodiment, information related to the business status set by the user can be displayed in the third area 530 of the user interface 500. For example, the information related to the business status set by the user can be visualized in the first sub-area 532 of the third area 530 through text and / or icons. In addition, information related to the status change time for changing the business status of a merchant set to "busy" to "normal" can be displayed in the first sub-area 532, but it is not limited to this.

[0100] Under this structure, users can set a merchant's operating status to "busy" instead of "paused" even when order processing is delayed, rather than being unable to process orders. Therefore, the processor can proactively inform customers of the order processing delay while maintaining order acceptance, thereby minimizing customer complaints caused by order processing delays.

[0101] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 600 supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a preparation delay time.

[0102] In one embodiment, a user can set the merchant's business status to "busy" and set a preparation delay time. For example, the user can set the preparation delay time through object 514 displayed on user interface 600. Object 514 for setting the preparation delay time can be provided in the form of a button, drop-down box, slider handle, etc. A processor (e.g., at least one processor of an information processing system or user terminal) can receive user input for setting the preparation delay time through object 514 in a preset manner (e.g., scroll input, touch input, preset shortcut key input, etc.). Furthermore, the processor can generate delivery time information based on a baseline delivery time estimated for the order delivery service and the received preparation delay time.

[0103] In other embodiments, the preparation delay time is automatically set by setting the merchant's business status to "busy". For example, the preparation delay time can be set based on a specific time unit preset by the user. As another example, the processor can dynamically calculate the preparation delay time based on the merchant's real-time order delivery service processing speed, the processing time consumed by previous orders, etc. That is, in response to receiving user input setting the merchant's business status to "busy", the processor can identify a specific time preset by the user or a specific time dynamically calculated by the processor as the preparation delay time. Furthermore, the processor can generate delivery time information based on the estimated baseline delivery time for the order delivery service and the identified preparation delay time.

[0104] With this architecture, the processor can dynamically calculate the preparation delay time based on either a user-defined delay or the merchant's current operating status, and adjust the delivery time information presented to the customer. Therefore, providing customers with highly accurate delivery time information can improve the reliability of order delivery services.

[0105] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 700 supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing business status.

[0106] A processor (e.g., at least one processor in an information processing system or user terminal) can change the business status of a merchant that is set to "busy" to "normal" under certain preset conditions.

[0107] In one embodiment, a user can set a merchant's business status to "busy" and set a status change time (e.g., 30 minutes) to cancel the "busy" status. For example, the user can set the status change time through object 516 displayed on user interface 700. Object 516 for setting the status change time can be provided in the form of a button, drop-down box, slider handle, etc. A processor (e.g., at least one processor of an information processing system or user terminal) can receive user input (e.g., scroll input, touch input, preset shortcut key input, etc.) for setting the preparation delay time through object 516. Therefore, when the time corresponding to the identified status change time has elapsed since the business status was set to "busy", the processor can change the business status of the merchant set to "busy" to "normal".

[0108] In other embodiments, as the merchant's business status is set to "busy," a status change time can be automatically set. For example, the status change time can be set by the user based on a preset specific time unit. In this case, after a preset specific time has elapsed since the time the business status was set to "busy," the processor can change the business status of the merchant from "busy" to "normal." As another example, the processor can dynamically calculate the status change time. For instance, the processor can dynamically calculate the status change time based on the number of orders received by the merchant, the merchant's real-time order delivery service processing speed, and the time consumed in processing previous orders. Therefore, after a time corresponding to the automatically set status change time has elapsed since the time the business status was set to "busy," the processor can change the business status of the merchant from "busy" to "normal."

[0109] In other embodiments, the processor may change the business status based on the number of orders received by the merchant. For example, if the number of orders received by the merchant per hour from the point when the business status is set to "busy" is below a preset threshold, the processor may change the business status of the merchant set to "busy" to "normal". Additionally or alternatively, the processor may change the business status based on the time interval between multiple orders received by the merchant, the order volume, etc.

[0110] In one embodiment, the user can pre-set whether to allow automatic changes to the business status via the processor. For example, the processor can identify whether automatic changes to the business status are allowed. Furthermore, in response to determining that the user allows automatic changes to the business status, the processor can determine whether specific conditions for automatically changing the business status of a merchant set to "busy" to "normal" are met.

[0111] Figure 7 illustrates only an example of a merchant's business status automatically changing from "busy" to "normal," but it is not limited to this. For example, under certain preset conditions, the processor can change the merchant's business status from "normal" to "busy" or from "busy" to "suspended." That is, the processor can automatically change the merchant's business status based on different preset threshold conditions.

[0112] With this structure, even without user input, the processor can automatically change the business status presented to customers based on the business's situation, thereby supporting the effective operation of the business and order processing.

[0113] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 800 supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user interface 800 in Figure 8 is an example of a scenario where the merchant's business status is set to "suspended". In Figure 8, descriptions of structures that are repeated in Figures 4 through 7 will be omitted.

[0114] In one embodiment, a user can select an icon 812 displaying "paused status" through the user interface 800 to set the merchant's business status to "paused status". "Paused status" can mean that the merchant needs to suspend order receiving because it is unable to process orders.

[0115] When a merchant's business status is set to "paused," information related to the order stop time can also be displayed on the user interface 800. As an example, an object 814 for setting the order stop time can be displayed in the first area 810 of the user interface 800. The object 814 can be provided in the form of a button, drop-down box, slider handle, etc., for setting the order stop time. As another example, the order stop time can be automatically set by a processor (e.g., at least one processor in an information processing system or user terminal), and information related to the set order stop time can be displayed in the first area 810 of the user interface 800. An example of setting the order stop time will be described in detail with reference to FIG9 later.

[0116] The processor can generate delivery time information related to the order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status. For example, if the merchant's business status is set to "suspended," the set order stop time can be identified. Furthermore, based on the identified order stop time, delivery time information that includes information related to the time when the order delivery service starts can be generated.

[0117] In one embodiment, a page 822 containing delivery time information can be output in the second area 820 of the user interface 800. For example, text 824 containing information related to the start time of order delivery service (e.g., "Open for business at 12:34 PM today") can be displayed on page 822. Additionally, if the user sets the merchant's business status to "suspended," a reminder message 826 indicating that the customer cannot place an order can be output in the second area 820 in the form of a pop-up window or similar means.

[0118] In one embodiment, the processor can change the business status of a merchant set to "paused" to "normal". For example, if a time corresponding to a set order stop time has elapsed since the business status was set to "paused", the processor can change the business status from "paused" to "normal". As another example, the processor can change the business status from "paused" to "normal" based on information related to pre-registered business hours.

[0119] In one embodiment, information related to the user-defined business status can be displayed in the third area 830 of the user interface 800. For example, the information related to the user-defined business status can be visualized in a first sub-area 832 of the third area 830 using text and / or icons. Additionally, information related to order stop time and / or the start time of order delivery service can be displayed in the first sub-area 832, but this is not a limitation.

[0120] In one embodiment, if a merchant's business status is set to "suspended," the page related to that merchant can be hidden in the merchant list displayed on the customer's terminal. A detailed explanation of this will follow later with reference to Figure 10.

[0121] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 900 supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting an order stop time.

[0122] In one embodiment, a user can set the merchant's business status to "suspended" and set an order stop time. For example, the user can set the order stop time through object 814 displayed on user interface 900. Object 814 for setting the order stop time can be provided in the form of a button, drop-down box, slider handle, etc. A processor (e.g., at least one processor of an information processing system or user terminal) can receive user input for setting the order stop time through object 814 in a preset manner (e.g., scroll input, touch input, preset shortcut key input, etc.). Furthermore, the processor can generate delivery time information based on the set order stop time, including information related to the start time of the interrupted order delivery service.

[0123] In other embodiments, the order stop time may be automatically set as the merchant's business status is set to "paused". For example, the order stop time may be set by the user based on a preset specific time unit. That is, in response to receiving user input setting the merchant's business status to "paused", the processor may identify the user-preset specific time as the order stop time. Furthermore, the processor may generate delivery time information based on the identified order stop time, including information related to the start time of the interrupted order delivery service.

[0124] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 1000 output on a terminal 22 of a customer 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] In one embodiment, customer 20 can confirm a list of merchants including information related to merchants providing order delivery services through a user interface 1000 output by terminal 22. Pages 1010 and 1020, containing information related to multiple merchants, can be output from the merchant list. Pages 1010 and 1020 may include delivery time information 1012 and 1022 related to the order delivery services of the respective merchants. Therefore, customer 20 can confirm the estimated delivery time information 1012 and 1022 for each merchant to receive the order delivery service, thus gaining decision-making assistance in determining which merchant to place an order with.

[0126] In one embodiment, the user interface 1000 may display an icon 1030 for searching information related to merchants. Customer 20 can select the icon 1030 to search for the name of the merchant receiving order delivery services, the category of goods for which order delivery services are to be received, etc.

[0127] In one embodiment, as customer 20 searches for the category of goods for which they wish to receive order delivery services, pages 1010 and 1020 related to merchants matching the corresponding category can be output to user interface 1000 in list form. In this case, pages 1010 and 1020 output to user interface 1000 can be pages related to merchants whose business status is set to "normal" or "busy." That is, pages related to merchants whose business status is set to "suspended" may not be output to user interface 1000. Therefore, the processor can prevent providing unnecessary information to customer 20 by excluding pages related to merchants who cannot receive orders from the list output to user interface 1000. Furthermore, if customer 20 searches for the name of a merchant for which they wish to receive order delivery services, even if the corresponding merchant's business status is set to "suspended," pages related to that merchant can still be output to user interface 1000, thereby effectively providing customer 20 with the information they need.

[0128] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface 1100 supporting an order delivery service according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user interface 1100 shows an example of a user interface output by an electronic device supporting an order delivery service (e.g., 12 in Figure 1). For example, the user interface 1100 is an example of a user interface output when the button 1132 to enter the home page is selected from the menu bar 1130.

[0129] As shown in the figure, a page 1112 that allows users to check the daily status of a merchant can be displayed in at least a portion of the first area 1110 of the user interface 1100. For example, page 1112 can display information related to the merchant's daily sales volume, order volume, average order amount, amount of rejected / cancelled orders, and number of rejected / cancelled orders. Furthermore, reminder messages 1114 related to announcements can be provided in the form of pop-ups or similar means in at least a portion of the first area 1110. Additionally, information on promotions, advertisements, and coupon issuance applicable to the merchant can be displayed in the first area 1110.

[0130] In one embodiment, icons 1142 representing information related to the business status of a merchant can be displayed in a second area 1140 of the user interface 1100. The second area 1140 is provided in the form of a bar (e.g., a top bar) that is fixedly displayed in a specific area of ​​the user interface 1100, so that the user can easily confirm the business status of the merchant.

[0131] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1200 for supporting order delivery services according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 1200 for supporting order delivery services can be executed by at least one processor (e.g., 314, 334 in Figure 3) of an information processing system or user terminal. The method 1200 for supporting order delivery services can begin when the processor receives user input for setting the business status of a merchant (step S1210). Then, the processor can generate delivery time information related to the order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status (step S1220).

[0132] In one embodiment, in response to receiving the user input that sets the business status to a first state, the processor can identify a baseline delivery time estimated for the order delivery service. Furthermore, delivery time information can be generated based on the identified baseline delivery time.

[0133] In other embodiments, in response to receiving user input setting the business status to a second state, the processor can identify a baseline delivery time for the order delivery service and an additionally estimated preparation delay time for the baseline delivery time. Furthermore, delivery time information can be generated based on the identified baseline delivery time and preparation delay time. In this case, the processor can receive user input for setting the preparation delay time. Alternatively, the preparation delay time can be set to a preset specific time.

[0134] Furthermore, in other embodiments, in response to receiving user input setting the business status to a third state, the processor can identify the order stop time for interrupting the order delivery service. Moreover, delivery time information that includes information related to the time when the order delivery service began can be generated based on the identified order stop time. In this case, the processor can receive user input for setting the order stop time. If time corresponding to the order stop time has elapsed since the time when the business status was set to the third state, the processor can change the business status set to the third state to a first state, which is different from the third state.

[0135] In one embodiment, under certain conditions, the processor can change the business status set to a second state to a first state, which is different from the second state. For example, if a preset specific time has elapsed since the time the business status was set to the second state, the processor can change the business status set to the second state to the first state. As another example, the processor can identify the state change time set by the user, and can change the business status set to the second state to the first state if a time corresponding to the identified state change time has elapsed since the time the business status was set to the second state. As yet another example, if the number of orders received by the merchant per hour since the time the business status was set to the second state is below a preset threshold, the processor can change the business status set to the second state to the first state.

[0136] In one embodiment, in order to change a business status set to a second state to a first state, the processor may identify whether automatic change of business status is allowed. In response to determining that automatic change of business status is allowed, the processor may determine whether specific conditions for changing the business status set to the second state to the first state are met.

[0137] In one embodiment, the processor may receive user input for registering information related to a merchant's business hours. The merchant's business status may be initially set based on the received information related to the merchant's business hours.

[0138] Next, a page containing the generated delivery time information can be output as at least part of the user interface (step S1230). This page may be related to the page output to the terminal of a customer utilizing the order delivery service.

[0139] To enable a computer to execute the method, it can be provided by a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The medium can also be temporary storage for continuously storing, executing, or downloading a computer-executable program. Furthermore, the medium can be a variety of recording or storage units composed of one or more hardware components, and is not limited to media that directly access any computer system; it can also be distributed across a network. As examples, media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; and structures that store program instructions such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Furthermore, as yet another example, the medium can be a recording or storage medium managed by an application store that sells applications or a website or server that provides and sells various other software.

[0140] The methods, operations, or techniques of this invention can be implemented by various units. For example, the techniques can also be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In relation to the disclosure of this invention, those skilled in the art should understand that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described can also be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, various exemplary structural elements, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been simply described above from a functional perspective. However, whether such functionality is implemented by hardware or software depends on the design requirements of the specific application and the overall system. Those skilled in the art can also implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application; therefore, such implementations should not be construed as departing from the scope of this invention.

[0141] In hardware examples, the processing unit for performing the technology may also be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions of the present invention, computers, or combinations thereof.

[0142] Therefore, the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this invention can also be implemented or executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete logic gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions of this invention. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, the processor can be any existing processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented by a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor, a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processing chip, or any other combination of structures.

[0143] In firmware and / or software instances, the technology may also be implemented by instructions stored on computer-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD), magnetic or optical data storage devices. The instructions may be executed by more than one processor, or may cause the processor to perform the functions described in this invention according to a specific implementation.

[0144] When implemented in software, the technology can be used to store or transmit one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can also be any available medium accessible to a computer. As a non-limiting example, such computer-readable media may include random access memory, read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other computer-accessible medium used for transferring or storing prescribed program code in the form of instructions or data structures. Furthermore, any access may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium.

[0145] For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, stranded wire, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, wireless, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, stranded wire, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, wireless, and microwave are included within the definition of media. In this application, the terms "disk" and "disc" include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically reproduce magnetic data, while discs utilize lasers to reproduce optical data. The above combinations are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0146] Software modules can reside within random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, cache, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any known form of storage medium. As an example, the storage medium is connected to a processor so that the processor reads information from or records information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can also reside within an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can also reside within a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can also exist as separate structural elements within the user terminal.

[0147] In the embodiments described above, although the currently disclosed main implementation method can be applied through one or more independent computer systems, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be implemented in any computing environment such as a network or a distributed computing environment. Furthermore, the main implementation method of the present invention can also be implemented by multiple processing chips or devices, and storage can be similarly affected by multiple devices. Such devices may also include personal computers, network servers, and portable devices.

[0148] While this specification describes aspects related to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended patent applications.

[0149] 10: User 12: Terminal 100: User Interface 110: First District 112: Multiple icons 120: Second Zone 122: Page

Claims

1. A method for supporting order delivery services, executed by at least one processor, wherein, The process includes the following steps: receiving user input to set the business status of a merchant; and generating delivery time information related to the order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status. The system outputs a preview page containing the generated delivery time information as at least part of the user interface, the preview page having a page structure similar to that output to a terminal of a customer using the order delivery service. The step of generating the delivery time information includes the following steps: an identification step, in response to receiving user input that sets the business status from a first state to a second state, identifying a baseline delivery time estimated for the order delivery service and an additional estimated preparation delay time for the baseline delivery time; and a generation step, generating the delivery time information based on the identified baseline delivery time and preparation delay time.

2. As in request item 1, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The step of generating the delivery time information further includes the following steps: in response to receiving the user input that sets the business status to the first status, identifying the estimated baseline delivery time for the order delivery service; and generating the delivery time information based on the identified baseline delivery time.

3. As in request item 1, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The identification step includes receiving user input for setting the preparation delay time.

4. As in request item 1, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The preparation delay time is set to a preset specific time.

5. As in request item 1, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, It also includes a change step, under certain conditions, to change the business status set to the second state to a first state that is different from the second state.

6. As in request item 5, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The change steps include the following steps: after a preset specific time has elapsed since the time point when the business status was set to the second status, the business status set to the second status is changed back to the first status.

7. As in request item 5, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The change steps include the following steps: identifying the status change time set by the user; and changing the business status set to the second status to the first status after a time corresponding to the identified status change time has elapsed since the time point when the business status was set to the second status.

8. As in request item 5, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The change steps include the following steps: if the number of orders received by the merchant per hour from the time point when the business status is set to the second status is below a preset threshold, the business status set to the second status is changed back to the first status.

9. As in request item 5, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The change step includes the following steps: identifying whether automatic change of the business status is allowed; and in response to determining that automatic change of the business status is allowed, determining whether the specific conditions for changing the business status set to the second status to the first status are met.

10. As in request item 1, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The step of generating the delivery time information further includes the following steps: in response to receiving user input that sets the business status to a third state, identifying the order stop time that interrupts the order delivery service; and based on the identified order stop time, generating the delivery time information that includes information related to the time point when the order delivery service starts.

11. As in request item 10, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The identification step includes the following steps: receiving user input for setting the order stop time.

12. As in request item 10, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, It also includes the following steps: if, after a time corresponding to the order stop time has elapsed from the time point when the business status was set to the third state, the business status set to the third state is changed to a first state that is different from the third state.

13. As in request item 1, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, It also includes the following steps: receiving user input for registering information related to the business hours of the merchant.

14. As in request item 13, the method for supporting order delivery services, wherein, The business status is initially set based on information related to the business hours.

15. A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, wherein, The record contains instructions for performing any of the methods requested in 1 to 14 on a computer.

16. An information processing system, wherein, include: Memory; And at least one processor, connected to the memory, executing at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory, the at least one program including instructions to perform the following steps: receiving user input for setting a merchant's business status; generating delivery time information related to an order delivery service provided by the merchant based on the set business status; and outputting a preview page containing the generated delivery time information as at least part of a user interface, the preview page having a page structure similar to a page output by a terminal of a customer using the order delivery service, wherein the at least one program further performs the step of generating the delivery time information by the following steps: an identification step, in response to receiving the user input setting the business status from a first state to a second state, identifying a baseline delivery time estimated for the order delivery service and an additional estimated preparation delay time for the baseline delivery time; The process includes a generation step, which generates the delivery time information based on the identified baseline delivery time and preparation delay time.

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