Custom Product Container Format for Real-Time Configuration Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data encapsulation methods for customizable products are inefficient and lack flexibility, failing to support serialization of complex object hierarchies and dynamic interactions with external data sources, leading to reduced adaptability and scalability in product customization systems.
Innovation Solution
A novel container file format, the ZIG container, encapsulates serialized proprietary digital objects that perform data management, graphic rendering, and manufacturing functions, enabling dynamic interactions with databases for real-time configuration and supporting high-resolution image storage and 3D geometry data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current data encapsulation methods are used for customizable products, then the system can store basic product data, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot support serialization of complex object hierarchies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex product data into hierarchical object structures with parent-child relationships, where each object represents a specific product attribute or component. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex hierarchies through manageable, modular object units that can be serialized and deserialized independently, resolving the contradiction between handling complexity and maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data container structure that can accommodate multiple types of product data (customization parameters, pricing, inventory, manufacturing instructions) within a single hierarchical framework. This multi-functional container design enables the system to handle diverse data types uniformly, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If the system supports dynamic interactions with external data sources, then real-time configuration is enabled, but data handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data container structure that mediates between external data sources and the internal product representation system. This container acts as a buffer and translator, converting external data formats into the standardized hierarchical object structure, thereby enabling real-time configuration while isolating the complexity of data handling within the intermediary layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data validation, transformation, and structuring when data is first encapsulated into the container hierarchy. By preparing and standardizing data in advance through serialization protocols, the system reduces the complexity of real-time data handling operations, as the preliminary structuring work has already been completed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system encapsulates and transmits customization parameters, then product customization is enabled, but data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential customization parameters required for product configuration from the complete product data set. By identifying and extracting only the critical parameters needed for customization (rather than transmitting entire product definitions), the system enables full customization capability while significantly reducing the volume of data that needs to be transmitted and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms customization parameters into standardized data formats and representations that optimize transmission efficiency. By converting diverse parameter types (dimensions, colors, materials) into uniform structured formats with standardized data types and encoding schemes, the system maintains full customization expressiveness while reducing transmission overhead through efficient parameter encoding.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for managing physical and digital products' customization using container format are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a container file with serialized objects, deserializing these objects to form a hierarchical object structure, and interacting with a database to obtain real-time configuration data. Custom attributes of the products are defined by binding attribute/value pairs to the hierarchical structure. A visualization of the customized product is generated based on these pairs, and manufacturing instructions are determined considering the attribute/value pairs and manufacturing constraints. The apparatus comprises a memory and a processor to execute instructions for deserializing the container file, retrieving configuration data, organizing objects into a hierarchical tree, negotiating product customizations, and outputting manufacturing data. This system enables efficient and accurate production of customized products by managing data, rendering graphics, and incorporating manufacturing constraints.