ZIG Object Hierarchy for Custom Product Data Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file formats for product representation lack flexibility and efficiency in handling intricate details of customizable products, failing to support serialization of complex object hierarchies and dynamic binding of attributes, leading to reduced accuracy and increased complexity in digital product customization and visualization.
Innovation Solution
A novel ZIG container file format that encapsulates serialized proprietary digital objects, enabling dynamic interactions with data sources for real-time configuration and supporting serialization of data and functions, including digital images and geometry, to facilitate efficient storage and transmission of customizable product representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing file formats are used for product representation, then compatibility with standard systems is maintained, but flexibility in handling complex customizable product data is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments product data into a hierarchical object structure with root objects, child objects, and nested attributes. This segmentation allows complex customizable product data to be organized into manageable sections (product information, customization options, manufacturing parameters) while maintaining clear relationships between different data elements, thereby improving flexibility without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested data structures where child objects are contained within parent objects, and attributes are nested within their respective objects. This nesting approach enables the file format to handle complex hierarchical relationships in product data (such as nested customization options within product specifications) while maintaining a consistent and predictable data organization pattern that simplifies processing.
2Measurement precision
If complex object hierarchies are serialized, then accurate representation of customizable products is achieved, but transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the serialization of complex object hierarchies with efficient transmission formats by integrating the hierarchical structure directly into the file format. The root object, child objects, and attributes are serialized in a unified structure that maintains accuracy while optimizing for transmission, eliminating the need for separate serialization steps and reducing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the serialization format to balance accuracy and efficiency. By allowing flexible data types and adaptive encoding within the hierarchical structure, the system can maintain precise product representations while optimizing transmission efficiency through compact encoding of repeated patterns and selective inclusion of only necessary attributes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic binding of attributes is supported, then real-time configuration capability is improved, but data handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic binding of attributes within the hierarchical object structure, allowing attributes to be dynamically assigned and modified during data processing. This enables real-time configuration capability where customization options can be dynamically bound to product attributes, and the system can adapt to different product types and configurations without requiring complex manual data handling interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the data structure to serve itself by incorporating metadata and type information within the hierarchical objects that automatically guide processing. The root objects and child objects include built-in information about their attributes and relationships, allowing the system to automatically handle data binding and configuration without requiring complex external data handling interfaces or manual intervention.
4Reliability
If proprietary digital objects are serialized, then functionality and accuracy are maintained, but compatibility with diverse data sources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal container format that can accommodate diverse data sources while maintaining proprietary object functionality. The hierarchical structure with root objects, child objects, and attributes serves as a universal framework that can represent various product types and data formats, enabling the system to handle diverse data sources (different product categories, customization options, manufacturing systems) while preserving the functionality and accuracy of proprietary objects through standardized serialization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, for generating and using functional data containers (ZIGs) for designing, visualizing, and manufacturing a customizable product, comprises receiving, by a computer system, a ZIG file containing serialized proprietary objects associated with the customizable product; deserializing, by the computer system, the serialized proprietary objects to instantiate a hierarchy of ZIG objects, each ZIG object comprising a data section with key/value pairs and resources for product customization; negotiating, by the computer system, between external key/value inputs and the hierarchy of ZIG objects to define custom attributes for the product; binding, by the computer system, the key/value pairs to geometry objects within the ZIG hierarchy to specify unique visualization and manufacturing details for the product; translating, by the computer system, the key/value pairs into a set of manufacturing instructions in a data format compatible with executable programs of a manufacturing system.