Interactive Generic Configurator Using Layered Graphic Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product configurators are expensive, purpose-built, and lack standardization, making them inaccessible to smaller organizations and users, as they require custom development and have unique graphic user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An interactive generic configurator generator system that allows designers to create customizable product configurators using standard computer processors, enabling the creation of graphic layer files and main description files, which can be used to generate a consistent and user-friendly configurator interface, accessible via web browsers, reducing development costs and skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If purpose-built configurators are used, then customization capability is improved, but development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configurator platform that can be applied across multiple products and organizations. The system uses standardized graphic layer files and description files that can be reused across different configurator instances, eliminating the need for custom development for each product. This multi-functional approach allows the same core software to serve various customization needs while maintaining consistent operation modes and interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The configurator is divided into separate, reusable components: graphic layer files containing visual elements, description files containing configuration data, and a core processing engine. This segmentation allows organizations to create or modify specific components without redesigning the entire system, reducing development costs while maintaining customization capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If purpose-built configurators are used, then product-specific functionality is improved, but standardization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes universal standards for graphic layer files and description files that work across all configurator implementations. These standardized formats enable consistent data exchange and processing while allowing product-specific customization through the content of the files rather than the structure of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configuration where product-specific functionality is achieved by changing the contents of description files and graphic layers rather than modifying the underlying system architecture. This allows standardization to be maintained at the structural level while accommodating product variations through configurable parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom configurators are developed, then unique features are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The configurator implements a universal user interface framework that provides consistent operation modes across all products. Users interact with standardized interface elements and workflows regardless of the specific product being configured, improving ease of operation while still accessing product-specific features through the same interface paradigm.
Data Source
AI summary
Item configurators for websites and other applications, using a plurality of graphic layer files and graphic layer thumbnail files comprising various layers of the item desired for configuration. Generally at least some of this plurality of graphic layer files will contain some transparent pixels. The method also involves creating at least one main description file, which may be in XML format, or a CSV row and column table format, suitable for editing by spreadsheet, which describes the relationships between this plurality of graphic layer files. An interactive generic configurator program (IGCP) that is capable of reading and parsing this main description file, and displaying icons on the GUI that are representative of various user configurator selections will then be used to implement the configurator, often within a web browser over the internet. Additionally, methods of allowing unskilled users to remotely edit such configurator files using standard web browsers are disclosed.