Custom Product Data Containers for Real-Time Local Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data encapsulation methods fail to efficiently manage complex data structures for customizable products, particularly in object-oriented environments, leading to inefficiencies in real-time configuration and visualization of customizable attributes.

Innovation Solution

A novel container file format, the ZIG container, encapsulates serialized proprietary digital objects with both data and functions, enabling dynamic interaction with external data sources for real-time configuration and efficient storage and transmission of customizable product representations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current data encapsulation methods are used, then basic data storage is possible, but efficient management of complex data structures for customizable products cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of managing complex data structuresVSAvoidcomplexity of data encapsulation method
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex product data into a hierarchical tree structure with root objects and child objects, where each node represents a specific data element or relationship. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex customizable product data by breaking it down into manageable, organized units that can be efficiently processed and transmitted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested data structures where child objects are contained within parent objects, forming a hierarchical organization. This nesting approach enables efficient encapsulation of complex data by placing related data elements within each other, reducing the overall complexity of data management while maintaining access to all data levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If serialized proprietary digital objects are used, then real-time configuration is enabled, but data transmission and storage efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time configuration capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission and storage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data and functions into a unified serialized object structure that can be efficiently transmitted and stored. By combining these elements into a single hierarchical format, the system achieves both real-time configuration capability and efficient data transmission/storage, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes in the serialization format to optimize data transmission. By adjusting the serialization parameters and using efficient data types, the system maintains real-time configuration capabilities while improving transmission and storage efficiency through optimized data representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex customization parameters are captured, then product differentiation is achieved, but data handling and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct customization capabilityVSAvoiddata handling interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex customization parameters into a hierarchical tree structure with root objects representing product categories and child objects representing specific customization attributes. This segmentation simplifies data handling by organizing complex parameters into manageable levels, making it easier to process and manage customization data while maintaining product differentiation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a standardized data handling interface that acts as an intermediary between external inputs and internal data constructs. This interface layer simplifies the complexity of handling diverse customization parameters by providing a uniform approach to data processing, reducing the complexity of data handling while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing data encapsulation methods are used, then basic object management is possible, but adaptability to intricate hierarchies and product options is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to intricate hierarchiesVSAvoiddata structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data into a hierarchical tree structure with root objects and child objects, enabling the system to adapt to intricate hierarchies by organizing data into manageable levels. This segmentation approach maintains adaptability to complex product options while reducing the perceived complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal data container format that can handle multiple types of product data and hierarchies through a single standardized structure. This multi-functional container approach enhances adaptability to intricate hierarchies and product options while simplifying the underlying data structure through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250378477A1Containers for storing and transmitting representations of customizable products
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 ZAZZLE INC
  • US20250378477A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378477A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378477A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for real-time animation and customization of products on a client-side device are disclosed. The technique involves receiving external inputs as identifier+value pairs, updating key-value pairs of a product description within a functional data container, and triggering resources to generate image frames representing customization stages. These frames are displayed as an animation to visualize product customization. The functional data container and product options are stored as identifier+value pairs in the device's memory, allowing local editing and updating without a web service connection. The final instructions are pushed to initiate manufacturing, with system optimization to mitigate connectivity issues and enhance performance. The apparatus includes a processor, memory, display, and communication interface to support these functions, ensuring data security and user experience stability. The system supports various data formats and employs data compression, with optional synchronization with cloud services and machine learning algorithms to optimize customization.