AI E-Commerce Scheduling and Delivery Cost Transparency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small-scale local merchants, such as florists and bakers, face challenges in creating and maintaining e-commerce websites due to the complexity of existing systems, which often require skilled programmers and do not adequately address the need for local delivery of perishable products, including unpredictable delivery costs and the inability to easily cooperate with other merchants.

Innovation Solution

A highly automated, flexible e-commerce system optimized for local merchants, featuring calendar-based scheduling, sophisticated delivery cost estimation, easy product addition via smartphone apps, merchant networking, and AI-enhanced functionality to streamline website customization and delivery optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If prefabricated e-commerce framework software systems are used, then merchants can set up online e-commerce systems, but the systems require considerable customization and skilled programmers to optimize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting up e-commerce systemVSAvoidcomplexity of system customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables merchants to perform e-commerce setup and management tasks themselves through intuitive interfaces, eliminating the need for skilled programmers. Merchants can independently customize store layouts, manage products, and configure delivery options without technical expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The e-commerce platform is divided into modular components that merchants can independently configure and customize. Each module (product management, delivery settings, store design) can be adjusted separately, simplifying the overall customization process while maintaining system coherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized delivery services are contracted, then merchants can access central websites and deliver to distant locations, but the range of floral arrangements is limited and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to deliver to distant locationsVSAvoidoverhead of standardized services

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform creates a universal network connecting multiple independent merchants, enabling any merchant to fulfill delivery requests to any location through the network. This multi-functional system allows merchants to both serve local customers and access distant delivery capabilities without contracting standardized services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery network is dynamic and flexible, allowing merchants to adapt to different delivery requirements in real-time. Merchants can adjust their service areas, pricing, and availability based on demand, rather than being constrained by fixed standardized service contracts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If prior art delivery charge methods are used, then delivery services are provided, but true costs are hidden from customers and unrealistic expectations are imposed on delivery florists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery service provisionVSAvoidtransparency of delivery costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements transparent cost feedback by displaying actual delivery costs to customers before purchase and providing real-time cost information to merchants. This feedback loop eliminates hidden costs and allows all parties to make informed decisions about delivery arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Delivery costs are calculated and disclosed in advance before the customer completes the purchase. This preliminary action allows customers to understand the true cost of delivery upfront and merchants to set realistic expectations, preventing disputes later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12602665B1AI-enhanced production and delivery system for schedule controlled networkable merchant e-commerce sites

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 NATARAJAN SUNDARAM

AI summary

An AI-enhanced computerized e-commerce system, optimized for smaller merchants such as florists who often provide seasonal perishable gifts that require local delivery, and who often desire to form cooperative networks with local merchants offering related gift services, as well as other related merchants such as other florists in more distant locations. The web server-based system, further assisted by generative AI systems and methods, allows merchants to easily set up non-static (time variable) websites that automatically provide schedule driven promotions. New products can be quickly uploaded from smartphones, and sophisticated time and location aware algorithms can compute accurate delivery costs and make such costs transparent to customers. The system may also include backend software configured to assist in product production, inventory control, product cost optimization, product delivery optimization, management, and tracking. The generative AI techniques allow for improved customization and response to unexpected contingencies.