System for customized manufacture of wearable or medical products

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for customized manufacture of a wearable and/or medical product, said system comprising a scan unit for storing and transferring a digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users, a manufacturing unit of one or more providers configured to manufacture said wearable and/or medical product in accordance with geometric characteristics of said digital representation and a customized product selection platform comprising a user database, a product database and a matching and/or configurator engine. In some embodiments the invention relates to corresponding systems and methods for customized selection and production of personalized items from multiple providers using centralized user profiles based on 3D digital representations of a user's body or parts thereof.

Claims

1. A system for customized manufacture of a wearable and/or medical product, comprising: a scanner configured to store and transfer a digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users, a manufacturing unit of one or more providers, wherein said manufacturing unit is configured to manufacture said wearable and/or medical product in accordance with geometric characteristics of said digital representation, and a customized product selection platform comprising: a) one or more computing devices, b) a user database comprising the digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users, c) a product database comprising a digital representation of one or more products, stored as a product profile, for customization by one or more providers, d) a matching and/or configurator engine including computer-executable software configured for identification, selection, and customization of said product from said product database for customized manufacture according to the digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users, and e) data connections enabling transfer of data between (i) said scanner and said user database, (ii) said user database and said matching and/or configurator engine, (iii) said product database and said matching and/or configurator engine, and (iv) said matching and/or configurator engine and said manufacturing unit, wherein the matching and/or configurator engine is configured to compare the geometric characteristics of the digital representation of a body or part thereof and the digital representation of one or more products stored in the product database, wherein the matching and/or configurator engine is further configured to transmit the identification, selection, and customization of said product to the manufacturing unit thereby causing said manufacturing unit to manufacture the wearable and/or medical product.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the geometric characteristics are selected from a group consisting of body height, 3D geometries of the full body, foot geometries, head dimensions, eye separation distance, torso size, torso shape, hand geometry, or anatomy.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the geometric characteristics comprise individual specific physical properties of the user's body including at least one of foot pressure, gait, height, girth, body shape or weight.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the geometric characteristics are selected from a group consisting of foot shape, form, and/or motion, pronation or supination.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the geometric characteristics comprise additional data on the user's body weight, body sway, limb length discrepancy, gait cycle events, pronation and supination events and body mass migration.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the product database comprises an electronic representation of one or more of said products for customization.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the electronic representation comprises a product profile comprising information on customizability of the product which are selected from a group comprising size, shape, density, softness, form, texture, colour or weight of the product or parts thereof.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the scanner comprises a computing device upon which a digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users is stored and transmitted to said user database.

9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the scanner comprises or is connected to a scanning device configured for generating a 2D or 3D digital representation of the body or part thereof of a user.

10. A system according to claim 1, wherein the digital representation of the body or part thereof of a user comprises one or more computer data files comprising information that represents the outer surface of the body or part thereof of a user obtained from 3D scanning.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein the user database comprises for each user a user profile, said profile comprising information on one or more physical and/or geometric characteristics of the user, selected from foot size, foot shape, user height, weight, physical activity and/or medical conditions.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the user profile comprises information on previous product selection and/or interest, purchasing history, past and/or present location, a user identification number, delivery address, preferred colours, brands and/or shoe prices, language.

13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the customized product selection platform comprises one or more computer-executable software modules configured to: conduct ordering, payment and/or delivery procedures between said users and providers.

14. A system according to claim 1, additionally configured to: provide product suggestions according to popularity of purchases and/or product interest by other users (trending), wherein said suggestions are selected and/or ranked according to information in the user profile including at least one of age, past and/or present location, preferred colours, brands or shoe prices.

15. A system according to claim 1, additionally configured for providing product suggestions according to similarity in products to those according to previous product selection and/or interest of the user, wherein said suggestions are selected and/or ranked according to information in the user profile, including at least one of age, past and/or present location, preferred colours, brands or shoe prices.

16. A system according to claim 1, additionally configured to transmit data and/or at least one message between multiple users and/or transmit data and/or at least one message to social media platforms.

17. A system according to claim 1 comprising at least two or more providers, wherein each provider comprises one or more manufacturing units.

18. A system according to claim 1, wherein the customized product selection platform comprises one or more computer-executable software modules configured to record information on user location, user interest, user orders and/or customization selections, identify trends in said information including correlations between products for customized manufacture and data from the user profile, and make suggestions to a user and/or to a provider of customizable products according to said correlations.

19. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable and/or medical product comprises a shoe or part thereof and the digital representation of a body or part thereof comprise digital representation of a foot or part thereof.

20. A system according to claim 19 for customized manufacture of a shoe or part thereof, wherein the manufacturing unit comprises a shoe manufacturing unit that includes an injection, molding and/or pouring device for the manufacture of a shoe, shoe sole and/or shoe in-sole.

21. A system according to claim 20 for customized shoe manufacture, wherein the injection, molding and/or pouring device comprises a mixing head configured to mix multiple synthetic duroplastic and/or thermoplastic synthetic components including base materials and additives and distribute said components into a cavity including a shoe sole or in-sole.

22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the shoe sole or in-sole comprises multiple areas comprising different components and/or mixtures of components with particular physical properties in accordance with the geometric characteristics of said digital representation of the foot of a user.

23. A system according to claim 20, wherein a form or a molding form is configured to provide a particular shape of the injected material.

24. A computer-implemented method for selection of a wearable and/or medical product for customized manufacture, comprising: providing a digital representation of the body or part thereof of one or more users in a scanner including a computing device, said device being configured for storing and transmitting said representation, transmitting said digital representation of a body or part thereof to a user database of a customized product selection platform, wherein said platform comprises: a) one or more computing devices, b) a user database comprising the digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users, c) a product database comprising a digital representation of one or more products, stored as a product profile, for customization by one or more providers, d) a matching and/or configurator engine including computer-executable software configured for identification and selection, and customization, of a product from said product database for customized manufacture according to the digital representation of a body or part thereof of one or more users, the matching and/or configurator engine configured for a comparison of the geometric characteristics of the digital representation of a body or part thereof and the digital representation of one or more products stored in the product database, and e) data connections enabling transfer of data between (i) said scanner and said user database, (ii) said user database and said matching and/or configurator engine, (iii) said product database and said matching and/or configurator engine, and (iv) said matching and/or configurator engine and said manufacturing unit, and transmitting a product selection from said platform to a manufacturing unit of one or more providers and causing said manufacturing unit to manufacture a wearable and/or medical product in accordance with the geometric characteristics of the digital representation of a body or part thereof of a user.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said product is a shoe or part thereof and the digital representation of a body or part thereof is a digital representation of a foot or part thereof.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein further comprising manufacturing said shoe or part thereof in accordance with the geometric characteristics of said digital representation of the foot or part thereof of the user.

27. The method for customized manufacture of a shoe or part thereof according to claim 25, wherein manufacturing said shoe or part thereof is performed by a shoe manufacturing unit that comprises an injection, molding and/or pouring device for the manufacture of a shoe, shoe sole and/or shoe in-sole, wherein the injection, pouring and/or molding device comprises a mixing head configured to mix multiple synthetic duroplastic and/or thermoplastic synthetic components including base materials and additives and distribute said components into a cavity including a shoe sole or in-sole, whereby said shoe sole or in-sole comprises multiple areas comprising different components and/or mixtures of components with particular physical and/or geometric properties in accordance with the geometric characteristics of said digital representation of the foot of a user.

Description

FIGURES

(1) The invention is demonstrated by way of the example by the examples and figures disclosed herein. The figures provided represent particular embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The figures are to be considered as providing a further description of possible and potentially preferred embodiments that enhance the technical support of one or more non-limiting embodiments.

(2) FIG. 1: Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, demonstrating one or more users 60 (n represents any number of), who pass body information to a scanning device 61. Data obtained from said scanning device 61 is transmitted to a scan unit 51, and from the scan unit 51 said data is transmitted to a user database 56. The body data is preferably maintained for each user 60 in a user profile 56 within said user database 56. The data from the user database 56 is transmitted to a matching and/or configurator engine 59, which also receives data from a product database 57, comprising product profiles 67, in which a particular product is represented digitally 58. The matching and/or configurator engine 59, performing its function as described herein, transmits data to a manufacturing unit 53 of a provider 54. The provider 54 also transmits data on products 50 to the product database 57 for utilization by the matching and/or configurator engine 59. The manufacturing unit 53 executes manufacture of the customized product 50 in accordance with geometric characteristics of the digital representation of the body or part thereof 62 of the user 60, wherein said product 50 is sent to the user 60.

(3) FIG. 2: Preferred sequential representation of the process encompassed by the system and method of the present invention. FIG. 2 describes creation of a user profile 5 and subsequent storage of the user data in user database 56 (DBMS). Body data, preferably a digital representation of a body or part thereof 52 of a user 60, is generated and/or stored via a scan unit 51, scanning device 61 and/or the scan software module 1. In the context of the present invention, it is preferred that the body data and/or the digital representation comprise geometric characteristics of a body or part thereof 52 of a user 60. The body data is stored in the user profile 5. After entering the customized product selection platform 55 a user selects a product category via sales tools 2 and a match is obtained between the data from the user profile 5 and the product database 57 comprising one or more digital representations of one or more products 58. A product 50 is selected for manufacture and presented to the user via the Matching and/or configurator engine 59, preferably comprising the Sales Match 3 software module. Particular products 50 may be presented to the user based on the analytics 14 and/or prediction modules 15. The selected product 50 may be individualized and/or customized via the matching and/or configurator engine 59 preferably comprising the Configurator 4 software module. The user 60 selects a product and makes an order using the order 9 software module. Ordering verification is conducted and purchase completed. The order data is transferred to the provider 54 comprising a manufacturing unit 53, manufacture is conducted and the product 50 is delivered. Data and/or product transmission and/or data connections between various modules are shown as arrows.

(4) FIG. 3: Preferred representation of the system structure of the modules, such as may be found in the matching and/or configuration engine 59. Shown as core modules are Scan 1, Sales Tools 2, Sales Match 3, Configurator 4, User Profile 5, Ordering 9, Product Profile 10, and Production Profile 12. Shown as further optional core modules are Trending 6, Style 7, Community 8, Messaging 11, Rewards 13, Analytics 14 and Predictions 15. Shown as peripheral modules are User Care 16, Provider Care 17, Sales Reporting 18, Logging 19, Billing 20, File Import/Export 21 and Administration 22. Data and/or product transmission and/or data connections between various modules are shown as arrows. Additional data connections are shown in Table 2.

(5) FIG. 4: Schematic representation of the subdivision of the production profile and data comprised therein.

(6) FIG. 5: Longitudinal section of a molding device for the manufacture of a shoe sole and injection unit.

(7) FIG. 6: The side cross-section of a casting mold with vertically arranged above casting unit.

(8) FIG. 7: Casting mold in plan view.

(9) FIG. 8: Soles with sectors of different properties.

(10) FIG. 9: Schematic representation of an additive cart.

(11) FIG. 10: Valve assembly.

(12) FIG. 11: Diagram of additives.

(13) The following reference signs are used in the figures:

(14) TABLE-US-00001 Scan (1) Sales Tools (2) Sales Match (3) Configurator (4) User Profile (5) Trending (6) Style (7) Community (8) Ordering (9) Product Profile (10) Messaging (11) Production Profile (12) Rewards (13) Analytics (14) Predictions (15) User Care (16) Provider Care (17) Sales Reporting (18) Logging (19) Billing (20) File Import/Export (21) Administration (22) Wearable and/or medical product (50) Scan unit (51) Digital representation of a body or part thereof (52) Manufacturing unit (53) Providers (54) Customized product selection platform (55) User database (56) Product database (57) Digital representation of one or more products (58) Matching and/or configurator engine (59) User (60) Scanning device (61) Shoe or part thereof (62) Digital representation of a foot or part thereof (63) Shoe manufacturing unit (64) Digital representation of one or more shoes (65) Injection and/or molding device (66) Sole (71) mixing head (72) housing (73) tapered screw/screw chamber (74) mixing screw (75) nozzle mouthpiece (76) sprue runner (77) molding tool (78) two side molding elements (79) base stamp (80) cavity (81) shoe upper (82) block (83) supply channels (84) track or route (86) reference (87) frame (88) electric control (89) metering pump (90), temperature-controlled pressure vessel (91) temperature control unit (92) hose (93)

EXAMPLE

(15) The invention is demonstrated by way of the examples disclosed herein. The examples provide technical support for and a more detailed description of potentially preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

(16) System Overview:

(17) Described herein is a brand- and provider-independent web-based platform where individual user profiles can be created. Within these user profiles, different kinds of digitalized body data from a verified user can be stored, which will then be used for a specific selection of products, such as textiles, shoes, pants, shirts, gloves hats and so forth. The saved body data will be used to offer a much more precise selection of personal items for the consumer.

(18) Based on the specific user behavior during the customer journey, a Big Data Analytics can be applied to offer a much more precise product to the consumer. This principle assumes an accurate evaluation of the available data. To be as close to the user profile as possible, it is advantageous if sufficient profile data has been collected from the user. The recording of the consumer data is compliant to existing national and international Privacy Policies. Secure data handling is assured.

(19) The necessary personally identifiable data can be entered into the platform from all connected devices, such as from home, in stores, mobile devices, and so forth. This data is then stored in a secured Database Management System (DBMS). The physical/technical accessibility of the DBMS is available worldwide. A corresponding redundancy of the system to ensure the proper functioning can be established. When the respective personal User profiles are stored in the DBMS, selected Partner companies (providers) must be connected to this database in order to offer their customizable products and accept orders from the users.

(20) If a certain product branch has been selected, such as medical or wearable, or shoes, textiles, headgear, gloves, jewelry, glasses, hearing aids/ear plugs, all products from the partner companies are offered to the consumer via a product database and configurator. After the consumer has made a more precise and concrete product selection, an individual product offer can be submitted to the consumer.

(21) This product offer can then be idealized and adjusted according the user profile, by the means of a better fitting of the product or a closer accordance of the style from the individual consumer. The improved fitting of the product is in particular achieved by using geometric characteristics of a body or parts thereof of a user or their digital representation. Corresponding user preferences are taken into account as well as the physical and/or geometric requirements. Out of that selection, the best optimized product for the consumer is identified. The selection can contain one or more products out of the product category.

(22) One of the most advantageous functions within the system of the present invention is the possibility to individualize the product according to the specific needs of the consumer, for example geometric characteristics of his body or parts thereof. To allow this, the partner company (provider) classifies specific products in the product database according to certain characteristics, such as min/max customizable dimensions or performance data, which is potentially individualized by the consumer.

(23) A preferred series of steps encompassed by the system or method of the invention is as follows: User creates a user profile (later profile extension possible) Storage of the Profile in the DBMS User enters a computer interface of the system via any given operating or computing device, via e. g. PC, Tablet, Smartphone or Terminal Selection of the product category, e.g. shoes Input/Selection of the shoe type, e.g sports shoe The system of the invention then selects one or more potentially best fitting products, by using the available user body data from of the user profile and comparing it with characteristics, such as min/max customizable sizes, shapes, colors, forms, textures, materials, and so forth, of the product stored in the product database, whereby additional trending, analytics and/or prediction data may be assessed and considered during selection. The system provides the one or more products as a selected product from the contracted partner (provider) including customization options with respect to the product characteristics. The consumer is able to select the offered products or can individualize the offered products by the means of style or performance in a configuration engine. Settlement of payment arrangements. Order will be send to the contract partner company (provider) for manufacture. After production of the product the product will be sent to the consumer

(24) In addition, the system comprises the possibility to use mobile tracking in order to offer the consumer, if wanted, personalized products in geographical proximity to the actual position of the consumer. If the consumer wants to use the mobile tracking functionality, there is an automated routing of the consumer to the next shopping point where the selling opportunity is located.

(25) The system as described herein is equipped with the possibility for push notification functionality at Smartphones or tablets, to inform the consumer about the newest offers or products.

(26) The portal architecture of the present system is designed in a way such that a dynamic enlargement of the number of the consumers is possible. The system is in preferred embodiments characterised by improved usability, accessibility, scalability, expandability, adjustability and security compared to presently known systems.

(27) System Structure:

(28) The system structural backbone is a preferred defining feature of the system and includes the entire suite of system modules with their specific characteristics. The modules, present in the system as specific software modules configured for carrying out their appropriate functions, are divided into core and peripheral modules. The core modules are in some embodiments required for the operation of the platform. Optional core modules may be present in preferred embodiments. The peripheral modules provide the system with the care functions or administrative functions (billing, logging, In/Export, Reporting, Administration, and so forth). The series of modules are first validated on the platform and may be extended by additional modules.

(29) FIG. 1 provides a general overview of the system and FIG. 2 provides a preferred embodiment of the sequential representation of the process encompassed by the system and method of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a preferred representation of the system structure of the modules.

(30) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Module overview Core Modules Optional (core) Modules Peripheral Modules User Profile 5 Trending 6 User Care 16 Scan 1 Style 7 Provider Care 17 Product Profile 10 Community 8 Sales Reporting 18 Production Profile 12 Messaging 11 Logging 19 Sales Match 3 Rewards 13 Billing 20 Sales Tools 2 Analytics 14 File Import/Export 21 Configurator 4 Predictions 15 Administration 22 Ordering 9 Business Care 23

(31) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Overview of the modules and the preferred information connections and relationships between the various modules as shown in the figures and in preferred embodiments. 1 Scan 1.1 3D Geometry acquisition, recognition and/or transmission 1.2 Augmented/Virtual Reality 1.3 DBMS Transfer to 5.3 from 1.1 1.4 Object recognition from the product profile 1.5 Potential connection to all other core or optional core modules 2 Sales Tools 2.1 Create Consumer/user Profiles, data to 5 2.2 Shop area incl. sale support functions (module connected to 6, 7, 8) 2.3 Integrated in 1, 4, 9 2.4 Shopping cart, Wish list, Notepad 2.5 Review and Rating 3 Sales Match 3.1 Adjustment from 5 to 10 3.2 Product proposal based on 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 3.3 Adjustment from 1.4 and 10 3.4 Adjustment with Communities 4 Configurator 4.1 Selection and visualization from the product profile 10 4.2 Visualization at the body (AR) 4.3 Release/Presentation of all modification parameters (10.4, 10.5) 4.4 Alternative suggestions based on 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 5 User Profile 5.1 Meta data 5.2 Payment data 5.3 Body data (Scan/Direct) 5.4 Ethnical data 5.5 min/max Values 5.6 myStyle, saved preferences 5.7 Integration Social Media Accounts 5.8 myConfig/Designs, saved preferences 5.9 Reward points, connection to 13 5.10 Connections to 14, 15 6 Trends 6.1 External input Product rating 6.2 From entire system, connections to 7, 8, 11, 14, 15 6.3 From 1.4 6.4 Display at Product rating 7 Style 7.1 External input via Style Matrix 7.2 From entire system, connections to 14, 15, 6, 7, 8 7.3 Style Matrix, based on a reference table 8 Community 8.1 Social Media (e.g. Facebook, twitter, google) 8.2 Blogs 8.3 Brands Services 8.4 connections to 6, 7, 11, 14, 15 9 Order 9.1 Settlement with Payment Service Provider 9.2 Payment option depending on the configuration (4) 9.3 Handover to OEM, Logistics and Retailer 9.4 Inventories 9.5 Order history (Consumer; All and Retail) 9.6 Delivery address and delivery time 9.7 Overview and Order confirmation 9.8 Returns processing 9.9 Credit vouchers, points and rebates, connection to 13 10 Product Profile 10.1 Meta data (Material, Colors, Article, Performance) 10.2 Geometrical data 10.3 Price (min/max) 10.4 Configurable parameter 10.5 List of compatibility (Material) 10.6 Rating 10.7 Star Style/Trends 10.8 Style Matrix 10.9 Type of product 10.10 Connections to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 14, 15 10.11 Connection to production parameters/capabilities (FIG. 4), production profile 12 11 Messaging 11.1 Order information and confirmation 11.2 Shipping info 11.3 Newsletter and Offers from 2, 6, 7 12 Production Profile 12.1 Inventories 12.2 Production instructions 12.3 Automated manufacture control 13 Reward 13.1 Point system 13.2 Reward from sales, Style, Blogs, reviews and Scan 13.3 Link to other Loyalty programs 14 Analytics 14.1 Recording information on e.g. user location, interest, orders and/or customization 14.2 Identifying correlations between 14.1 and data from the user profile 14.3 Suggestions to user and/or provider of products according to said correlations 15 Predictions 15.1 Correlate information on local events, such as sports/ musical events, from weather services, market, style and/or medical trends with user behavior 15.2 Transmit correlations to providers and/or users as product suggestions/predictions

(32) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Overview of the modules and the preferred functions Core function for the prototype system Module Save Scanner data in newly defined data model in Profiles Consumer Scan Storing Consumer recorded foot geometry data Using simple measurement (manual data entry) Registration of an account/consumer profile Sales Tools Targeted product search filtering criteria (color, size, . . . ) Automated recommendation of products based on external trends Further purchase recommendations based on external consultants Shopping Cart Separate carts for Multi-Retail system - max. 2 providers (eshop & Real shop) Ordering procedure Review the user data Configurator with Augmented Reality Provide offer to the user Consulting directly in the store Augmented Reality to support/Visualization of the product on the Consumer Compare the user profiles with the Product profiles during product selection Sales Match (for example, based on geometry/geometric characteristics/Performance) Sales Match can also be used to obtain further proposals on the basis of trends, style and previous orders in the product mask Graphically supported tool to modify the product on the basis of certain Configurator configurable rules (material, color, options on the product selected) Alternative Configuration suggestions based on consumer profiles Styles; Novelties Personal data User Profile Account/Payment data Social Media data Reward data Body data Product data Ethnical data Personalized Style/Design data The relevant Sales Configurator match and data is collected in the consumer profiles Targeted Marketing, adapted to the consumer behavior Trends Consideration of product Rating Offer of products of similar/comparable Styles Style Input of style combinations and alternatives Transmission of order to production machine Order Record order histories based on the user and providers Invitation to indicate the method of payment Overview And order confirmation Product Profile Module provides the basis for a comparison to the consumer Product profiles to produce and implement options for the user Profile Comprehensive description of the characteristics of the products (performance, geometry, materials, products, customizability) Provides communication to the user from the functional core processes in the Messaging form of authentication, notifications or service transactions Is the gateway to all communication channels Archiving all outgoing messages based on a user profile Ensures notification of order infos and confirmation What capabilities does a producer have for any given product Production Which Products/Product Designs can be delivered or produced profile Provides a connection between providers and the various system modules, Business care enabling the providers to administer the contents of the corresponding modules, which are assigned to the respective products or providers Access to all workflows and user accounts and Profiles Administration Administration of access and editing rights to the modules via Customer Care and Business Care Adaptation of workflows, Business Care content, User Accounts and profiles Regulate outgoing or parallel contact with the user via module Messaging View all user traffic Full access to platform (view and change), to all modules, workflows and accounts for error analysis, bug-fixing, patches, software updates Processing of all invoice-relevant data Billing Create invoices for Consumer Create Invoices for Business Partners/providers (Retailers, scanner suppliers, logistics partners etc.) Triggering of sending invoices via the modules Messaging Processing of incoming payments and automated trigger of payment reminders Documentation of all claims and payments in accordance with the Accounting Directives Verification and traceability of all invoices Revision of invoices Transfer and exchange of all relevant information about the product profiles File and scanner profiles Import/Export All file exchanges are to be recorded in the form of a file transfer database and visualize separation in Business Care according to the defined client All data in the Consumer Profiles User Care Self-created Styles All past sales and invoices Notepad and prepared shopping carts Current sales Blogs (user stories) and recessions Communities and communication with communities through messaging modules and Social Media channels Contacting the customer (via modules Messaging) Release of consumer profile data, Styles, Wishlist or sales made to other Users

(33) The modules of the system are described in more detail below:

(34) User Profile (5):

(35) The Module User profile (alternatively referred to as a consumer profile) collects all important personal Consumer/User relevant data. Up to date data security standards are considered when the data is transferred and stored into the DBMS. The installed data bases are preferably available from and/or distributed to all continents, to ensure an appropriate bandwidth and performance level. The user can create, extend or modify their profile at any place and time. These modifications from the respective profile can be realized by the user via the website or with a corresponding application. In this case, the consumer may access via a private terminal or via a public accessible portal (for example in a Store).

(36) The profile data preferably comprises: Personal data Account/Payment data Social Media data Reward data Body data Product data Ethnical data Personalized Style/Design data

(37) The data of the user has to be transmitted into the system user database. The transmission can be realized either manually (by using the keyboard) or it can be transmitted automatically via different technologies, for example directly from a body scanner.

(38) The consumer enters the system website or app and will be guided in a logical sequence through the registration process. The mandatory data are the personal data, body data and the account data. The optional data are Social Media data, ethnical data, product data, reward data and the Style/Design data.

(39) The offered products are regulated by the partner companies (providers) who are connected to the system. After product selection from the user, this product can be purchased as a standard product or can be modified by the consumer by the means of design or performance according to the configurator. The scope of the modified elements of each product are determined by the partner company (provider) based on manufacturing capabilities, since only the partner company can verify the key characteristics and manufacturing capabilities for each product. If there is an individual modification of the product (design, performance), a new product configuration has been created. This new configuration will be transmitted to the connected partner company (provider), who then manufactures the product according to the specific modifications.

(40) Product Profile (10)

(41) The module Product Profile represents the products from the connected partner companies (providers). Each partner company is responsible for definition of the product and which configuration possibilities will be shown in the system portal. The partner company needs to locate the min/max values for the modifications, e.g. Sizes, materials, colors, performance values, etc. The body data, generated by the user, are used to identify the optimal products based on these basic characteristics in the product profile.

(42) The basic data to be included in the profiles are divided into Product Design Data and in Product Metadata, otherwise termed a manufacturing profile. All important information to manufacture the product in its original version are located within the Metadata. Possible modification of the product is deposited within the Design data. It is possible to select a standard product and purchase it without doing any modification. Modification is preferred.

(43) For example, the manufacturer (provider) may enable adjustment of the performance of the shoe by e.g. the modifying the sole properties. This adjustment could be realized by using a corresponding detection of the running profile and their evaluation.

(44) Production Profile (12)

(45) A module Production Profile comprises the necessary information from the connected partner companies (providers) designating that a partner company can have one or more production facilities in different locations. Each product can be assigned to one or more production facilities. The assignment of the product manufacturer is carried out by the partner company (Brand and/or manufacturer) and is available in the system portal. The brand of each product has to ensure that the production facility has the necessary capacity to manufacture the incoming orders. The Profile Production is preferably divided into two separate categories: General data and Skills. Category General data consists of all relevant data which is necessary to determine the production facility that is capable of manufacturing the ordered product. Category Skills contains all relevant information about the level of performance from each individual production facility. The level of performance means that products can be manufactured in this facility and what possible modifications are feasible.

(46) If an order has been placed in the system portal, this order may be associated with a production facility, which is qualified for the manufacturing of the product. Before ordering the product the product, manufacturer has to feedback to the system portal regarding the necessary information such as the product price and delivery time. This information is preferably independent of the product status, by the means of a standard product or an individualized product. The production facility has to ensure that all necessary materials to manufacture the product are in-house and available at all times. The warehouse planning as well as the production planning are in the responsibility of the production facility.

(47) If the case occurs that one product can be manufactured at different independent production facilities, the brand of the product needs to make the decision which production facility receives the order. Decision aids for the brand can be price, delivery times, quantity of orders etc. It will be the Brands decision to create a ranking system for their production facilities or how the orders will be placed.

(48) FIG. 4 provides a schematic representation of the subdivision of the production profile and data comprised therein.

(49) Ordering (9)

(50) The overall function of the Module Ordering is the administration of all financial transactions coming from the consumer or partner company. When the consumer has made the final selection of the product and is aware of all necessary payment information like product price and delivery time, the order can be accepted. This acceptance is then forwarded with all product information's to the production facility. During that process, the order gets a unique Order-Identification number, which is associated to the product(s) and to the consumer. When one order exists with more than one product, the total value of goods needs to summed up and has to be transferred into one price. It is possible that different products out of one order can be manufactured in different production facilities. Each ordered product obtains a unique Production-Identification number in order to identify the order with the production facility.

(51) Finally, the total order receives a unique invoice number, which has to be transferred to the consumer for payment actions. After the purchase has been completed, the Order Module creates an Order-Overview including with an Order-confirmation.

(52) The Ordering module is organizing the settlement of payment with a service provider and arranges the payment transfers to the partner companies (providers), according to the negotiated conditions. If all payment transactions has been approved (Consumer is solvent), the goods can be sent to the consumer, whenever the production of the product is completed. The Ordering module is transferring the Address and delivery data to a selected logistics provider, which then can take the goods from the manufacturer. If it occurs that one or more products must be returned, the ordering module handles the processing of returns.

(53) Scan Module (1)

(54) The Module Scan enables the acquisition and/or administration of the technical determination of the Body data from the user and the Product data for the offered products from the partner companies. The Body/Product Data will be available as 2D generated data and/or as a 3D model. In the context of the present invention, the Body/Product Data may, amongst other things, be referred to as geometric characteristics of a user's body or parts thereof. The technical determination of these data could be carried out manually (2D) or technically (2D, 3D) by using corresponding measuring technologies. Many different technologies are already available to detect the body data easily and very convenient for the consumer.

(55) To realize the integration of the scanning technology, a technical interface to connect the hardware with the software of all partner companies needs to be defined. This interface translates the generated 2/3 D data into standard file designations, so that the content of this data is understandable for the system portal.

(56) The further process provides the integration of the data from the scan module into the Product Profile. In a simple case this would be, for example, a determination of the size or contours of a foot, whereupon the Sales Tools can propose to the consumer the ideal matching product in light of the product profiles from the product database. In preferred embodiments an extended function integrates the running or other dynamic foot or body information from the user into the user profile. If the running or walking data is matched with the product profile the manufacture of a total customized sole for the consumer is possible. The modifications can be carried out automatically, related to the prior determined characteristics and data regarding each product from the Brand (provider). The transmitted Body/Product data will be stored in the user profile.

(57) Configurator Module (4)

(58) The Configurator module allows the consumer an individual adaption from the selected product to the specific needs to the consumer. The adaptions to the product are subject to certain rules which must be determined by the provider for any given product determined on manufacturing and customization capacity. These rules have to be provided to the portal before product released.

(59) An adaption or customization can be simply a modification from the color of the product or product elements. It also could contain a modification from the performance values of the product based on size, shape, material, weight, density, and so forth. These performance adaptions need to be qualified by the provider and set as min/max values related to the product. To support the changes, an appealing presentation of potential customizations is envisaged. Furthermore, the user may obtain additional product information, which can contain similar products comparable to the selected product.

(60) Information from the modules Style and Trends in the module Configurator are included, providing a broader range of information to the consumer. If a product configured by the consumer in accordance with the ideas (Style, color) and the needs (performance) similar products based on the consumer profile will be visualized and offered in addition to this product. If the user selects during the process of configuration further new characteristics of the product which are at the moment unknown, these new characteristics can be recorded in the user profile and/or product profile and may be used as subsequent purchase options. The module Configurator can additionally be supported by technologies such as augmented reality or virtual reality options in order to enhance the shopping experience.

(61) Sales Tools Module (2)

(62) The Module SalesTools is preferably a superordinate unit, which acts at the Frontend of the system portal to the user. Sales Tools organizes the logical flow when a consumer enters the system portal to purchase a product. The Sales Tools module makes it possible to create a profile and configure it appropriately via the user profile. SalesTools integrates the Modules Scan, Configurator, Order, Style, Trends, Community, Smart Data, Messaging, Predictions and Reward. The sales tools module may also function in the background organizing interaction and communication between these modules with each other.

(63) The consumer finds in the SalesTools Shop area either free and/or targeted product search options. The product search is supported by the features specified in the user profile, like personal information (sizes, styles, specifications, brands, and so forth). The pre-selection according to the specified profile is presented to the user in addition to the standard product.

(64) SalesTools operates together with the Module SmartData during the product search, which simplifies the preselection of products for the consumer. By doing that, an automated purchase recommendation to the consumer is created, based on previous purchasing events of the user or of other users. Further options within SalesTools is the shopping cart, wish list or notepad with a non-purchase Memory function.

(65) Messaging Module (11)

(66) The Module Messaging takes care of all communication tasks. Messaging communicates to the user as well as to the other installed Modules. It is possible to use different communication channels. The choice of the communication channel has to be decided according to the occasion. Sensitive data, like Account information's, reminders or Ordering are transferred via a secured communication channel, e.g. via Email or post letter. The messaging module ensures notifications of ordering information, an order confirmation, the delivery of the product information and possible payment reminders. All sent information to the user are stored as an isolated client. The filing of the stored data needs to be understandable by using the Consumer ID which is assigned to the specific consumer.

(67) Reward Module (13)

(68) The Reward module acts as a function of a point system, which is oriented to the purchases from the consumer. The more purchases are made, the higher is the Reward Account. Only for real made purchases points are awarded.

(69) SalesMatch Module (3)

(70) The SalesMatch module enables matching between the user profile and the product profiles during the purchase process. SalesMatch continuously compares the content from the user profiles and/or Configurator with the existing data from and product profiles.

(71) Possible matching values relate to sizes, performance values, body geometries, colours, styles, and so forth. The matching form the above values leads the consumer to a much more precise and better fitting product with less chance of any dislike, discomfort or other reasons for rejection. Thus, it will no longer be necessary for the consumer to choose any of these values by themselves out of a drop box or other selection possibility, because SalesMatch takes care of these actions automatically. SalesMatch is also offering similar products, which are similar to the matching process. Sales Match can also be used to indicate other product proposals on the basis of Trends or Styles and highlight these products to the consumer.

(72) Another function inside the Module SalesMatch is the photogrammetric object recognition (POR). By using this POR functionality a camera from a Smartphone or Tablet PC identifies objects where the camera is held on it and compares the Photo object with the geometric data from products existing in product DBMS. If a product has been found and is matching with the user profile values of the consumer, it can be purchased.

(73) Analytics Module (14)

(74) The module Analytics enables analysis of incoming data from consumers and/or from the market and interprets these data into different segments. Preferred segments are for example consumer behavior, market development, style and trend development for the diverse wearable and/or medical items. In preferred embodiments the analytics module obtains data primarily from all Core Modules (See FIG. 3), as well as from some optional modules such as Community, Messages, Style, Trends, Design and Reward.

(75) By analyzing the traffic (consumer behavior with respect to purchases and/or product interest) on the platform and especially the individual user traffic, it is possible to present specific customized advertisements to the consumer. Besides that the use (Search, Select) of the website or the platform has to be identified. In preferred embodiments Analytics is a Self-Learning software module.

(76) In case of major social events, such as sports or promotion events in the geographical proximity of any given user, increasing traffic can be localized and assigned to the specific event. The Analytics module therefore enable the general performance of the website/platform to be analyzed to ensure the best possible performance for the user. All collected data may preferably be summarized into reports in order to find out where the potential for improvement of the platform is. Connected partner companies (providers) can in some embodiments use the collected data to analyze purchase of goods.

(77) Predictions Module (15)

(78) The module Predictions obtains its data from the module Analytics, and from Smart data or Big data, preferably from different online channels and also from actual online discussions via Social Networks (e. g. via community, messaging, trends modules). The predictions module's function is to carry out data mining and derive from this collected data new strategies for product proposals or suggestions for products or product optimization/customizations.

(79) The preparation of the data mining provides new strategies (product proposals or suggestions for products or product optimization/customizations) which can be forwarded to the connected partner companies (providers) for e. g. adjusting product manufacturing capabilities or adjusting product profiles. A possible scenario could be: Users, who buy brown leather shoes will buy after three weeks trousers, fitting to the shoes.

(80) The Prediction software module will enable prediction of such consumer behaviour and is capable of forwarding the predicted user behaviours to relevant connected partner companies (providers) who can schedule their production services (e. g. via product and production profiles) accordingly. Also, by way of example, the user can receive advertisements in advance in order to order a custom-fit trouser during the shoe acquisition. The Prediction module functions based on collected data of the individual behavior of the user and/or from external sources such as mentioned herein and suggests possible other wearable and/or medical products during use of the system described herein to users and/or provicers.

(81) Example Relating to Manufacture of a Shoe Sole

(82) Information from any given order is transferred to a manufacturing device. Said information comprises preferably the digital representation of a foot or part thereof of a user, in particular geometric characteristics of the digital representation of a foot or part thereof of a user.

(83) The manufacturing device is preferably shoe manufacturing device, for example here an injection or molding device.

(84) FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a device for creating a sole, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 71. This device consists of a injection unit in the form of a mixing head 2, which is provided substantially of a housing 73, in which a tapered screw 74, and a mixing screw 75 is disposed rotatably and translationally movable in the tapered screw 74. According to the taper of the screw chamber 74 also this screw 75 is conical, which extends the conical screw to a nozzle mouthpiece 76. The nozzle mouthpiece 76 is applied to a sprue runner 77 of a molding tool 78, consisting of two side molding elements 79 and a base stamp 80. In the present example the cavity 81 formed by the side molding elements 79 and the base stamp 10 is limited at the top by a block 83 upholstered with a shoe upper 82.

(85) At the end of the screw chamber 74, which is at the opposite side of the nozzle mouthpiece 76, supply channels 84 open into the feeding system for a thermoplastic base material and of additives to be blended to the base material. The base material and the additives are introduced via a valve arrangement (FIG. 10) into the screw chamber 74, wherein the valve assembly is radially disposed around the screw chamber 74. A1 and B1 denote the valves, which are responsible for supplying the thermoplastic material, while references C1 to C6 denote the valves, which are responsible for supplying the respective additives.

(86) As further apparent from FIG. 5, in this case the sole produced by injection molding is virtually divided into the segments 1 to 3. Such multi-section injection leads to tailored shoe sole production according to the characteristics of the user's foot. In light of 2D or 3D scan data, the characteristics of the sole can be determined, for example that differently characterised injection material is used in the forefoot, arch and heel regions of the sole, thereby providing different properties of the sole in these or other regions. For example, the position of the arch can be identified by scan data, which can be transmitted to the manufacturing device, thereby determining the size and shape of the arch region of the shoe sole, which is manufactured using computer-controlled automated multi-zone injection means, preferably as described herein. As a further example, the 2D or 3D scan data can provide information on pressure distribution of the foot, and as such this information can be processed by the computer controlled injection molding device to employ materials in particular regions of the sole of according characteristics, for example using harder or software sole material as is required in particular zones, according to the user's foot.

(87) By changing the flow rate in the mixing head 72 the individual segments are supplied with the formulation of base material and appropriate additives selected for each segment.

(88) FIG. 6 shows the alternative casting method. Here, the mixing head 72, which is preferably identical to the mixing head 72 of FIG. 5, is arranged vertically above the open mold cavity 81. This cavity is virtually divided into three sectors, too. The material formulation selected for each sector is throughput independently poured along a track or route 86 into the cavity 81, starting at the left. The casting occurs in one shot, wherein each sector is given the appropriate formulation.

(89) FIG. 8b shows a shoe sole produced by the apparatus of FIG. 1 in plan view and FIG. 8a shows the same shoe sole in section view. The virtual division of the sectors is realized by the injecting process.

(90) In FIG. 8c a shoe sole is displayed, which has been manufactured according to the manufacturing process with the apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively. This indicates that even spots are possible.

(91) FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a so-called additive rack or device, which is identified by reference 87. It consists of a frame 88, on which all the hardware and the electric control 89 for metering and feeding of the respective required additive is arranged.

(92) The hardware consists of a metering pump 90, a temperature-controlled pressure vessel 91, the temperature control unit 92 and a hose 93, which is connected with one of the valves, which are illustrated in FIG. 10. Not displayed is the communication line to the corresponding injection molding machine or a wire to the power supply.

(93) This additive cart (rack or device) forms an autonomous unit, which can be prepared for the corresponding application in advance and can be quickly connected to the injection molding machine in case of need.

(94) The screw 5 is also provided with a drive for its translational movement. In addition to the conveying property, this drive together with the rotary drive is also responsible for the cleaning of the mixing head. After several filling processes, the speed of the screw can be greatly increased (up to 18,000 rev/min). In doing so, the screw moves towards the nozzle mouthpiece, the screw flights are driven against the inner wall of the screw chamber and thus material residues are scraped and the material located in the screw is ejected.

(95) Finally, FIG. 11 shows possible combinations of a base material and various additives are displayed.