IDML Module for Structured Product Data Ingestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in effectively displaying and formatting unstructured product information on websites, leading to poor customer experience, increased costs, and lost opportunities due to the burden of data intake and parsing, as well as the exclusion of non-supported formats.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a memory device, IDML module, and display module that stores product data in structured records based on predefined types, allowing for efficient retrieval and display of relevant product information in response to consumer requests, using a standardized format like Item Description Markup Language (IDML) to facilitate fast and efficient data ingestion and display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If product information is stored in unstructured format, then data intake is simple, but the information is hard for consumers to make sense of and display quality is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata intake simplicityVSAvoidinformation display quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments product information into structured data fields (e.g., title, description, specifications, pricing) within a standardized markup language framework. This segmentation allows unstructured source data to be organized into discrete, meaningful components that are easy to process while maintaining high display quality and consumer comprehension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a standardized markup language (IDML) as an intermediary layer between unstructured product data sources and the display system. This intermediary structure enables automatic parsing and organization of data without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between simple data intake and high-quality information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If product information is parsed and formatted before display, then information quality improves, but the process slows down and increases costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display qualityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining standardized data structures, schemas, and markup templates that product information must conform to. This preliminary structuring enables automatic, rapid parsing and formatting without manual intervention, improving both information quality and processing speed while reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data structure from unstructured to standardized structured format using markup language. This parameter change enables automated processing pipelines that can rapidly parse, validate, and display information without manual formatting, resolving the time and cost contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If non-supported data formats are rejected, then data quality is maintained, but product availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation qualityVSAvoidproduct availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal standardized markup language framework that can accommodate multiple data formats and sources. This universal structure allows the system to ingest diverse product information from various sources while maintaining consistent quality standards, thereby increasing product availability without sacrificing information quality.

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

4Measurement precision

If manual parsing and formatting is performed, then information accuracy improves, but work hours and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoiddata processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing automated parsing and formatting systems that use predefined schemas and markup language rules to process product information without manual intervention. The system automatically validates, structures, and formats data according to established standards, maintaining high accuracy while dramatically improving productivity and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10614498B2System, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for efficient storage, processing and exchange of product information
Publication Date: 2020.04.07 WALMART APOLLO LLC
  • US10614498B2 patent drawing
  • US10614498B2 patent drawing
  • US10614498B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method, and computer-readable storage media, having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, for organizing and describing product information is provided. The system includes a memory device, an IDML module, and a display module. The memory device is configured to store product data in a plurality of product records. Each product record is associated with an associated one of a plurality of products and has an associated product type. The product records provide may be used to the efficient storage, processing and exchange of product information. The IDML module is configured to receive a product request and receive, from the memory device, results data associated with the product request. The results data includes a plurality of product records. The display module receives the results data and responsively displays the results data associated with the product request.