Shipping Data Compression via Segmented ZIP Code Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping data systems face challenges in efficiently processing and storing large datasets of origin/destination ZIP code pairs due to their size and resource-intensive nature, leading to high processing times and bandwidth usage, especially when updates are made.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to compress shipping location code data by identifying break points in attribute changes, generating translation arrays, and creating destination and origin code arrays, which allows for efficient storage and processing of shipping data, reducing the file size significantly from 2 GB to 500 KB, and enabling faster data updates and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full origin/destination ZIP code pair data is stored for service availability, then complete shipping information is available, but memory usage and processing resources become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete origin/destination ZIP code pair data into multiple subsets, each stored in separate data files. Instead of loading all possible ZIP code combinations into memory, the system divides the comprehensive shipping data into manageable segments that can be processed individually, reducing peak memory usage while maintaining access to complete service availability information across all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file-based dimensional organization system where data is structured across multiple files with hierarchical naming conventions. By organizing data in dimensions of origin ZIP code ranges and destination ZIP code ranges across separate files, the system enables efficient access to complete shipping information without requiring all data to reside in a single large memory structure.
2Reliability
If complete shipping data is processed, then accurate shipping options are provided, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of shipping data into structured subsets with standardized formats before actual shipping queries. Data files are pre-organized by origin and destination ZIP code ranges, with service availability information prepared in advance. This preliminary structuring enables faster query processing when actual shipping requests are made, as the system doesn't need to process raw unstructured data during transaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing workload by dividing comprehensive shipping data into multiple manageable subsets stored in separate files. Each subset can be processed independently and more efficiently, allowing the system to handle large volumes of shipping data without overwhelming processing resources. The segmented approach enables parallel processing and reduces the time required to search and retrieve relevant shipping options.
3Reliability
If large shipping data files are distributed to clients, then complete information is provided, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides comprehensive shipping data into multiple smaller data files organized in subsets, which can be distributed more efficiently across network infrastructure. Instead of transmitting one large data file, the system distributes multiple smaller files that can be cached, compressed, and delivered more effectively, reducing peak bandwidth requirements while ensuring clients receive complete shipping information across all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-file organizational structure with hierarchical naming conventions that enable efficient data distribution. By organizing data across multiple files with structured naming patterns (grouped by origin and destination ZIP code ranges), the system facilitates selective distribution and caching strategies that reduce overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining data completeness for shipping queries.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for compressing shipping data are provided. Origin/destination location code pairs are arranged, compressed, and de-duplicated to provide data files that can be processed and updated efficiently regardless of the number of location codes used or updated.