Abstract:
A system and method for producing custom-designed objects. Design information is input to the system by a designer; an inquiry is input by a customer. Product information is presented to the customer relating to the inquiry; the product represents an embodiment of the design. The design may be iteratively modified in accordance with additional information input by the designer and/or product preferences input by the customer. After the customer places a product order, the product is delivered to the customer; the product may include components assemblable by the customer so that the customer obtains a customized product.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates to designing and ordering consumer goods, and more particularly to a system where both designer and consumer influence the design for greater customer satisfaction. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    Online retail offerings and ordering of consumer goods from online catalogs are now well known. Online “stores” generally resemble their traditional counterparts by offering a consumer a limited number of items in a limited range of configurations (e.g. clothing in certain sizes and in a restricted number of colors and/or functions). Customers thus have a limited range of choices in the design, appearance and function of the goods. Customers sometimes prefer that the item they order have, to some degree, a different design from what is offered. In addition, customers are sometimes disappointed to find that their chosen item or color is not available. Furthermore, even when an order is placed at electronic speed, a customer generally must wait for delivery by traditional means (postal service, parcel service, etc.). 
         [0003]    It therefore is desirable to implement a system whereby a customer may modify the design of a desired item or create a new item based on available components, and specify its appearance (e.g. color). Furthermore, it is desirable for the system to cause the item to be produced (either complete or assemblable by the customer) in real time at the customer&#39;s location, and involve the customer in the creative process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0004]    The present disclosure provides a system for designing, creating and distributing customer-specified (and in some instances customer-assembled) products. A customer using a system according to the present disclosure (referred to herein as “BAMIN”) may purchase an item and have it produced and delivered at the customer&#39;s location immediately, or for assembly via conventional delivery. 
         [0005]    According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a method includes receiving design information input by a designer, and receiving an inquiry input by a customer. Product information is presented to the customer relating to the inquiry, where the product represents an embodiment of the design. The design is then iteratively modified in accordance with additional information input by the designer and/or product preferences input by the customer. After a product order is received from the customer, the product is sent to the customer; alternatively, the product may be produced by a device accessible by the customer. The product also may be delivered in a plurality of components for assembly by the customer. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the product includes a plurality of components assemblable by the customer, and those components are assemblable into a plurality of configurations. The customer may thus assemble a customized product. 
         [0007]    The design information and customer inquiry may be received at a server connected to a network; the design information and additional information may be stored on a storage device connected to the server or the network. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium has stored therein instructions for performing a method as outlined above. 
         [0009]    According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a server configured to receive design information input by a designer; receive an inquiry input by a customer; and to present product information to the customer relating to the inquiry, the product representing an embodiment of the design. The system is also configured to iteratively modify the design in accordance with additional information input by the designer and/or product preferences input by the customer, and to receive a product order from the customer. Distribution of the product may be by a conventional delivery service, or by a device (e.g. a printer for printing on paper or fabric) at the customer&#39;s location configured to produce the product in accordance with instructions from the server. The product may be delivered either complete or in components for assembly by the customer. 
         [0010]    More generally, the system may be embodied in software-as-a-service, and the method may be realized as an on-demand application service in an Internet computing (“cloud computing”) environment. 
         [0011]    The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the disclosure that follows. Additional features of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a customer and a designer each communicating with the BAMIN system to design an item meeting the customer&#39;s preferences. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of an online embodiment of a BAMIN system, where the designer contributes a design, and the customer may modify the design and order a product. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a method for designing, modifying, creating and distributing goods in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration in exploded view of a modular zipper bag whose components may be specified and/or modified by a customer, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic illustrations in perspective view of the modular zipper bag of  FIG. 4 , with a round end. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  schematically illustrate in perspective view different customer-specified configurations of the modular zipper bag of  FIG. 4 , with square and oblong ends respectively. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a customer interacting with a stand-alone BAMIN system, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    A system and method according to the disclosure is applicable to a variety of items (for example, carrying bags, clothing, and decorative items) offered to a customer via a website, and which may be offered in a variety of colors, materials, sizes and functions. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates the interaction of a customer  10  and a designer  11 , respectively, with the BAMIN system  1 . Designer  11  creates a design  12 - 1 , and makes it available on system  1 . A customer interacting with the system may order goods based on design  12 - 1 , or may modify the design in accordance with his preferences. The modified design  12 - 2  is re-transmitted to system  1 , so that it may be viewed by the designer. The designer may make further modifications to increase customer satisfaction, and make that new design  12 - 3  available on the system. This process therefore is iterative and moreover may be collaborative; the customer is involved in customizing the goods to a degree not found in conventional online product ordering. It is not necessary for the customer and designer to communicate directly or to interact in real time. 
         [0021]    A variety of goods may be designed and produced, including fashion, design, art and decorative products. In cases where the product is designed for immediate delivery, the media in which the goods are produced (e.g. paper, fabric) will depend on the online materials and the resources at the customer&#39;s location. 
         [0022]    In accordance with the BAMIN system, the customer becomes a co-creator of the product. Although this is generally outside the designer&#39;s usual business model, it is nevertheless attractive to the designer because it generates revenue for the designer immediately and engages the designer&#39;s audience in the creative process, while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  schematically illustrates an embodiment of a BAMIN system where the BAMIN system functions as an online platform for offering and modifying designs of goods. Customer  10  and designer  11  each communicate with a server  25  over a network  100  (e.g. the Internet), using their respective personal computing devices  20 ,  21  respectively. Although devices  20 ,  21  are shown as desktop PCs, it will be appreciated that a variety of computing devices may be used (e.g. mobile digital devices, PDAs, etc.). The BAMIN software  26 , according to this embodiment, executes on server  25  and supports a web site (presenting to customer and designer over their devices  20 ,  21 ) where designs may be offered by the designer, modified by either the customer or designer, and ordered by the customer. 
         [0024]    A new design may be input directly by the designer via his computing device  21 , or uploaded to the BAMIN system from a storage device  22 . A storage unit  27  stores designs  28 - 1  as they are originally offered, and the modifications  28 - 2  made by each customer. Since each customer may make his/her own distinct modifications, each new design from designer  11  may generate a large number of new designs derived from the original. Storage unit  27  may be directly connected to server  25  as shown or be accessed remotely by server  25  via the network  100 . The BAMIN software involves both design operations (for example, displays and graphics changing in response to customer and/or designer input) and business operations (for example, order processing). In an embodiment, after a customer&#39;s order is processed, the customer downloads the modified design which is executed on a peripheral device  23  at the customer&#39;s location. A product  29  (either finished or assemblable) may thus be immediately delivered to the customer. For example, the design may be a fabric design modified by the customer, and device  23  may be a color printer capable of printing fabrics; the desired product  29  is accordingly printed at the customer&#39;s location. In another example, the design may comprise the outlines of a plurality of two-dimensional shapes printed on paper at the customer&#39;s location, which the customer then cuts out and assembles into a three-dimensional decorative item. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing a method  30  embodying the BAMIN system. Designer  11  contributes one or more product designs to be offered by the BAMIN system, e.g. on the BAMIN website (step  31 ). The customer  10  accesses the site (step  32 ), and proceeds to browse through the product designs offered. The customer selects a product design (step  33 ) that meets his preferences to some extent. If the customer is satisfied with the design (step  34 ), he proceeds to order the product (step  37 ). 
         [0026]    If, in step  34 , the customer is not satisfied with the product, the customer is invited to modify the product design (step  35 ), for example with respect to size, color, decorative or functional details, etc. New input  36  from the designer may further modify and improve the design. This new input may be in addition to, or in response to, modifications contributed by the customer. Accordingly, new design ideas are generated (a plurality of designs derived from the original offering), while a product is created meeting the customer&#39;s individual needs. 
         [0027]    The customer places an order for a product with the modified design (step  37 ); the modified design is stored (step  38 ) in a storage device. 
         [0028]    The designed product, or assemblable parts of the product, is then made and delivered to the customer (step  39 ). In particular embodiments, the design is executed—that is, the product is made and/or assembled—at the customer&#39;s location (e.g. home or workplace) in an appropriate medium using equipment readily accessible to the customer (e.g. a fabric or paper printer). The product (or components thereof ready for assembly) is thus immediately delivered to the customer, further enhancing the customer&#39;s satisfaction with the design/ordering/purchasing experience. In other embodiments, the BAMIN system causes the product or components to be delivered via a conventional system such as the mail or parcel delivery service. A plurality of components may be delivered to the customer, so that the customer may assemble a customized product from those components. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment, the equipment at the customer&#39;s location outputs a two-dimensional product; for example, a color printer produces a design on paper or fabric. To give a particular example, a fabric printer may produce an assemblable garment, with the customer being instructed to cut out various pieces and put them together. In another embodiment, the equipment may be a printer/fabricator of three-dimensional objects, for example a computer-controlled injection molding device, producing plastic objects in a variety of colors. 
       Example 
     Modular Zipper Bag 
       [0030]    An embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to a design for a modular zipper bag  40 , components of which are shown in exploded view in  FIG. 4 . The bag includes a main body  41 , two ends  49 , and detachable handle pieces  42  with handles  43 . Handles  43  may be a variety of lengths, thereby enhancing the functionality of the bag; for example, a short handle as shown in  FIG. 4  or a longer handle. A removable shoulder strap (not shown) may also be provided, which may be attached to handle piece  42 . 
         [0031]    The main body  41  includes three panels  44 ,  45   a ,  45   b  of a flexible material and joined along seams having zippers  46   a ,  46   b  sewn thereto. As shown in  FIG. 4 , portions  45   a  and  45   b  also have zippered edges  46   c ,  46   d  respectively at the outer ends (short edges) of main body  41 . Main body  41  has long zippered edges  48   a ,  48   b . Handle pieces  42  have zippered edges  47   a ,  47   b.    
         [0032]    The bag is formed by folding main body  41  into a tube, approximating edge  46   c  to  46   d  and zippering those edges together. Edges  48   a  and  48   b  are then each joined to an outer zippered edge  49   a ,  49   b  or  49   c  of the desired end piece  49 . The resulting tube-shaped, closed bag may thus have a round end (as shown in  FIG. 5A ), a generally square end (as shown in  FIG. 6A ), or a generally oblong end (as shown in  FIG. 6B ). The handle pieces  42  are attached to the bag by zippering together the long edges thereof to edges  46   a  and  46   b  of panel  44 . In the perspective view of  FIG. 5B , one of the handle pieces  42  is visible with handle  43 . Edge  47   b  of the handle piece is joined to the main body by zippering to edge  46   b.    
         [0033]    It will be appreciated that other end piece shapes may be used in constructing the bag. Additional components (e.g. a pocket which may be attached to the bag) may also be provided. 
         [0034]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , a customer accessing the BAMIN site (step  32 ) may select the design for bag  40  and then input his/her specifications for the bag (step  33 ) in any of a wide variety of configurations. The various pieces of the bag (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) may be offered on the BAMIN website in several different colors; the bag may also be offered in several different lengths (different lengths of outer edges  46   c ,  46   d ) and cross-sectional areas (different lengths of edges  48   a ,  48   b , which correspond to the circumference of the end pieces). It will be appreciated that a large number of combinations are possible to meet the customer&#39;s needs. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the customer may specify (steps  34 ,  35 ) a size or end piece shape not in current inventory, but which may be manufactured to suit the customer (step  39 ). A new design feature contributed by the customer (e.g. a triangular end piece in addition to the round, square and oblong end pieces of  FIG. 4 ) may be stored as a modified design (step  38 ). After the components of the bag are manufactured or drawn from inventory in accordance with the customer&#39;s order, they are shipped to the customer by a conventional method. The bag  40  is an example of an assemblable product, since the components of the bag are assembled by the customer as desired. 
         [0035]    The BAMIN system and method as described above are implemented in a client-server environment, with the designer and customer each communicating with the server via the Internet using their personal computing devices. It will be appreciated that the BAMIN system and method may be provided in a variety of other ways; for example, as an on-demand service in a “cloud computing” environment. The foregoing description is intended to apply to computing devices, software platforms, and web services arrangements available both now and in the future. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of an alternative implementation of a BAMIN system, according to another embodiment. BAMIN system  140  is implemented at a kiosk  141 ; customer  10  interacts with the system via an input device, such as a touchscreen  142 . A processor  145  is linked to the input device, to a storage device  143 , and to an output device (e.g. a printer)  144 . Processor  145  retrieves designs offered to the customer from storage  143 ; the customer may modify a design, purchase a product based on the design, and obtain the manufactured product  149  via the output device. The kiosk  141  may be a stand-alone unit as shown, or may be linked to a remote server and/or storage via a network. 
         [0037]    While the disclosure has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is evident in view of the foregoing description that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and the following claims.