Virtual Repository for Automated Possession Data Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals face challenges in managing and sharing information about their possessions, such as clothing and other items, due to the inconvenience and uncertainty of selling, donating, or gifting them, and existing systems require manual data entry, which is cumbersome and not widely accepted.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for managing a virtual repository that automatically populates and shares data on user possessions from disparate sources, using triggers to request information and interface with merchant systems, emails, and browser data, filtering and collating data for user approval, and allowing easy navigation and management of items for sale, rental, or donation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data entry is required for managing possessions, then data accuracy can be ensured, but user convenience and system adoption are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically collects possession data from multiple sources including merchant systems, email accounts, and browser history without requiring user intervention. The automated data collection mechanisms gather transaction records, purchase confirmations, and browsing data to populate the virtual repository independently, eliminating manual entry while maintaining data accuracy through automated verification processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces automated intermediaries such as email parsers, browser extensions, and merchant system integrations that act as mediators between data sources and the virtual repository. These intermediaries automatically extract, validate, and transfer possession data, serving as bridges that maintain data accuracy while removing the need for direct user input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automated data collection from multiple sources is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides automated data collection into separate modular components: merchant system integrations, email parsing modules, browser history analyzers, and social media connectors. Each module independently collects data from its specific source and feeds it to the central virtual repository, reducing overall system complexity through modular design while maintaining comprehensive automated collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual repository system is designed with universal data collection capabilities that can interface with multiple different data sources through standardized protocols. The system employs universal data models and flexible integration architectures that allow it to adapt to various merchants, email providers, and browsers without requiring separate complex systems for each source

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

3Productivity

If comprehensive possession information is collected and shared, then selling and gifting opportunities increase, but privacy concerns and data security risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselling opportunitiesVSAvoidprivacy risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements differentiated privacy settings that allow users to control data visibility on a per-item or per-category basis. Users can specify which possessions are publicly visible, which are visible only to connections, and which remain private, enabling selective sharing that maximizes selling opportunities while minimizing privacy exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The platform incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can review collected data before it becomes visible, adjust privacy settings based on observed patterns, and receive notifications about data access requests. This feedback loop allows users to maintain control over their information while still benefiting from comprehensive data collection for selling and gifting purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11526472B2Multi-trigger personalized virtual repository
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 CRAFT MACK
  • US11526472B2 patent drawing
  • US11526472B2 patent drawing
  • US11526472B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A virtual repository system with robust item management automatically derives item data from accessed current and past transactions. The system interfaces with merchant systems to receive current and archived transaction data, scans emails for current and past transaction data, monitors browser data for online transaction data, and accepts manual input. Data obtained from all sources is collated and stored in a cache for user validation, whereupon it is added to a virtual repository. Triggers prompt the delivery of responsive results including information from shared virtual repositories.