U.S. patent application number 12/534757 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for computer system for rule-based clothing matching and filtering considering fit rules and fashion rules.
This patent application is currently assigned to myShape, Incorporated. Invention is credited to James P. Lambert, Louise Wannier.
Application Number | 20100023421 12/534757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39831753 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100023421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wannier; Louise ; et
al. |
January 28, 2010 |
COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR RULE-BASED CLOTHING MATCHING AND FILTERING
CONSIDERING FIT RULES AND FASHION RULES
Abstract
A computer implemented method presents garments to a consumer
using a computer by reading a database of garments, wherein the
database of garments includes parameters for at least some of the
garments represented by records in the database of garments, the
parameters including at least a garment type, reading data
representing a plurality of garment types, the data including, for
each type of the plurality of garment types, a set of tolerance
ranges for that garment type, obtaining consumer measurements from
the consumer or a source derived from the consumer, obtaining
garment measurements for garments in the database of garments,
comparing customer measurements to garment measurements, scoring
garments from the database of garments based on garment
measurements, customer measurements and the set of tolerance ranges
for each garment based on its garment type, and presenting the
consumer with a computer generated filtered listed of garments from
the database of garments ordered, at least approximately, according
to garment scores.
Inventors: |
Wannier; Louise; (Pasadena,
CA) ; Lambert; James P.; (Toluca Lake, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
myShape, Incorporated
Glendale
CA
|
Family ID: |
39831753 |
Appl. No.: |
12/534757 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11697688 |
Apr 6, 2007 |
7617016 |
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12534757 |
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|
11412321 |
Apr 26, 2006 |
7398133 |
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11697688 |
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60779300 |
Mar 6, 2006 |
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60676678 |
Apr 27, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20130101;
A41H 3/007 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method of presenting garments to a
consumer using a computer, the method comprising: reading a
database of garments, wherein the database of garments includes
parameters for at least some of the garments represented by records
in the database of garments, the parameters including at least a
garment type; reading data representing a plurality of garment
types, the data including, for each type of the plurality of
garment types, a set of tolerance ranges for that garment type;
obtaining consumer measurements from the consumer or a source
derived from the consumer; obtaining garment measurements for
garments in the database of garments; comparing customer
measurements to garment measurements; scoring garments from the
database of garments based on garment measurements, customer
measurements and the set of tolerance ranges for each garment based
on its garment type; and presenting the consumer with a
computer-generated filtered listed of garments from the database of
garments ordered, at least approximately, according to garment
scores.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein scoring takes into account
customer preferences determined based on customer inputs.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein garment type is determined by
input from a fashion expert.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of tolerance ranges is
determined by input from a fashion expert.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of tolerance ranges is
the same for all garment types.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering a list of
displayed garments to exclude at least some garments with scores
below a predetermined threshold score.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predetermined threshold score
is determined based on customer preference input.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a garment record might represent
an outfit comprising a plurality of clothing and/or accessory
components.
9. A computer-implemented method of presenting a filtered list of
garments to an individual consumer using a computer, the method
comprising: reading a database of garments, wherein the database of
garments includes parameters for at least some of the garments
represented by records in the database of garments, the parameters
including at least a garment type; reading data representing a
plurality of garment types, the data including, for each type of
the plurality of garment types, a set of tolerance ranges for that
garment type; obtaining consumer measurements from the consumer or
a source derived from the consumer; obtaining garment measurements
for garments in the database of garments; filtering garments for
the individual consumer based on a determination of what fits and a
determination of what flatters, wherein what fits is determined by
matching customer measurements, garment measurements and tolerances
for that garment's garment type of those garments and what flatters
is determined by applying pre-defined fashion rules wherein at
least one fashion rule embodies fashion expertise and takes into
account stored attributes assigned to the garment; and presenting
the consumer with a computer-generated filtered listed of garments
from the database of garments.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: accepting consumer
input of ordering information; and electronically initiating a
purchase transaction wherein the consumer purchases ordered
garments.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein determination of what flatters
also takes into account user-provided measurements and body
shapes.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein determination of what flatters
also takes into account user-provided customer preferences.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the pre-defined fashion rules
represent computer-readable expressions representing relationships
between one or more of user-provided measurements, body shapes,
user-provided customer preferences, garment types, garment styles,
available garment options and/or available garment sizes.
14. A computer-implemented method of presenting a filtered list of
garments to an individual consumer using a computer, the method
comprising: obtain measurements from the consumer; associating the
consumer with a body category based on the measurements; reading a
database of garments wherein the database includes a body
categorization for at least some of the garments; and presenting
the consumer with a filtered list of garments from the database
filter to exclude at least some of garments categorized in a body
category that is inconsistent with the body category of the
consumer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure may be related to the following
commonly assigned applications/patents.
[0002] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/697,688, filed Apr. 6, 2007 which is a
continuation-in-part and claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/412,321, filed on Apr. 26, 2006, which in
turn claimed the benefit of (1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 60/676,678, filed Apr. 27, 2005, entitled "A Method for
Specifying the Fit of Garments and Matching the Fit of Individual
Garments to Individual Consumers Based on a Recommendation Engine",
and (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/779,300, filed
Mar. 6, 2006, entitled "Method of Specifying the Fit of Garments
and Matching the Fit of Individual Garments to Individual Consumers
Based on a Recommendation Engine (combining measurements,
preferences and body shape process)". The respective disclosures of
these applications/patents are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to computer systems for
providing consumer access to databases of clothing items and in
particular to computer systems that programmatically match clothing
items with individual consumers' data, possibly including
searching, sorting, ranking and filtering database items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] As more and more consumers rely on electronic online access
to information about products for purchase, more and more merchants
will need to consider providing electronic access to information
about goods and services available to those consumers. In a typical
electronic commerce situation, a merchant compiles a database of
their products and/or services, possibly including information
about each product (size, color, type, description, price, etc.).
Then the merchant provides consumers with an external electronic
interface to that database, such as through a Web server, giving
access to those consumers with Internet connectivity on their
computers, computing devices, or telecommunication devices.
Consumers can then review the merchant's available offerings,
select items of interest, and even order them by interacting with
the merchant's interface (e.g., selecting items and quantities,
arranging for payment, arranging for delivery, etc.).
[0005] Online shopping is more remote and less physical than
in-person shopping, as computers and computer displays are limited
in what they can provide to the potential consumer. For example,
the consumer will not be able to feel, smell, hold or manipulate
the actual product being ordered. These shortcomings are not an
issue where the consumer knows the product and it is unchanging.
For example, when the consumer is ordering a specific book by title
known to the consumer or a familiar bag of pet food, all the
consumer really needs is minimal information, and possibly a photo
of the item, to ensure that they are ordering the specific item
they had in mind. However, with some other classes of goods, online
ordering has been somewhat limiting.
[0006] For example, when ordering items of clothing, online
shopping has significant limitations. For one, because consumers
rarely buy the exact same article of clothing over and over, they
often do not have specific clothing items in mind while shopping,
such as a particular brand, size, color, etc. of pants. More
typically, a consumer is purchasing some item of clothing he or she
does not already have an exact copy of; so there may be a question
of how that item might fit and look when worn by that consumer.
[0007] With some clothing items, fit can be inferred from a
description. For example, the fit for a belt that is 38 inches long
and one inch wide might be inferred from that description alone.
However, for other items, such as a dress, fit might not be so
straightforward and in some cases, the best approach is for the
consumer to physically have the item and try it on, which is
impossible with online shopping. Another difficulty is the wide
variety of clothing items that can include garments, accessories,
shoes, belts, etc. The complexity of online shopping is further
compounded for the consumer trying to assemble an outfit, that is,
a set of two or more clothing items intended to be used or worn
together.
[0008] A number of approaches have been tried to bridge the gap
between online shopping for clothing items and having the item in
hand to try on.
[0009] One approach is to take measurements from the consumer,
assume other measurements, and then custom make the desired
clothing item according to tailoring assumptions and/or standard
models. Because of the wide variety of human body shapes and
garment types this may work well for some people but not
others.
[0010] Another approach is to have clothing items represented by
geometric models: scan an image of the consumer (or the consumer
herself), and then use computer graphics techniques to generate a
combined image of the consumer and a geometric model of a garment
in an attempt to show a simulation of how that consumer might look,
if she were actually wearing that garment. Such an approach takes
time and might require the consumer to "virtually" try on a great
many clothing items--one after another.
[0011] Online apparel shopping results in greater percentages of
returns compared with purchases made at a physical store. Most of
the return rate for women's clothing sold in the U.S. is due to
size and fit problems.
[0012] One cause of fit problems is a lack of standards. The U.S.
Department of Commerce withdrew the commercial standard for the
sizing of women's apparel in 1983, and since then clothing
manufacturers and retailers have repeatedly redefined the previous
standards or invented their own proprietary sizing schemes. The
garment size for an individual often differs from one brand of
apparel to another and from one style to another. This is commonly
seen with women's clothing. A dress labeled "size 10" of a
particular style from one manufacturer fits differently than a size
10 from another manufacturer or perhaps even a different style from
the same manufacturer. One may fit well, the other not at all. Even
within a single size from a single manufacturer, there can be fit
problems caused by the wide variation in consumers' body shapes.
Consumers typically must try on multiple garments before finding
and buying one that fits.
[0013] There are more than 5,000 designers and each of them might
use a particular body fit model that represents a different body
proportion and change these models from season to season and style
to style. Thus, what fits changes based on designer, style of
garment, season, and can also change with different fabrics and
weaves and washes.
[0014] The lack of sizing standards combined with unreliable
labeling cause apparel fit problems, which in turn cause a very
high rate of apparel returns, lost sales, brand dissatisfaction,
time wasted in fitting rooms, and intense consumer frustration. The
problems are only compounded when consumers attempt to make
clothing purchases online instead of trying on actual clothing
items in a bricks-and-mortar store.
[0015] Another attempt to deal with these problems involves
analyzing a wide range of a market population and then designing a
range of body shapes and designs for a particular garment based on
that population. For example, manufacturers might be directed to
produce several shapes of a particular pant to offer different fit
choices in pants given what the population for the market for such
pants is estimated at. The problem is that this approach still
relies on the trial and error of locating that pant and determining
individually whether it is a good match.
[0016] Improved methods and apparatus are needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In embodiments of computer-implemented methods for matching
fit and fashion of individual garments to individual consumers
according to the present invention, a server system accessible to
users using client systems can match consumers with garments and
provide an improved, online, clothes shopping system, where a
consumer is presented with a personalized online clothing store,
wherein the consumer using a consumer client system can browse a
list of garments matching the consumer's dimensions, body shape,
preferences and fashion needs, wherein the garments are also
filtered so that those shown also match fit and fashion rules so
that selected garments have a higher probability of both fitting
and flattering.
[0018] A computer implemented method may present garments to a
consumer using a computer by reading a database of garments,
wherein the database of garments includes parameters for at least
some of the garments represented by records in the database of
garments, the parameters including at least a garment type, reading
data representing a plurality of garment types, the data including,
for each type of the plurality of garment types, a set of tolerance
ranges for that garment type, obtaining consumer measurements from
the consumer or a source derived from the consumer, obtaining
garment measurements for garments in the database of garments,
comparing customer measurements to garment measurements, scoring
garments from the database of garments based on garment
measurements, customer measurements and the set of tolerance ranges
for each garment based on its garment type, and presenting the
consumer with a computer generated filtered listed of garments from
the database of garments ordered, at least approximately, according
to garment scores.
[0019] The scores can take into account customer preferences
determined based on customer inputs. Garment type and the set of
tolerance ranges might be determined by input from a fashion
expert. The filtering might be done using thresholds on scores.
[0020] The clothes shopping system can be a computerized
implementation of a consumer-garment matching method. In specific
embodiments, the consumer-garment matching method comprises up to
four processes: definition, categorization, match assessment, and
personalized shopping.
[0021] A definition process comprises defining: a) human body
shapes, b) human body heights, c) garment types, d) fit rules, and
e) fashion rules. In one specific embodiment, seven body shapes are
defined, six body heights are defined, sixteen garment types are
defined, and a plurality of fit rules and fashion rules are
defined. Each definition may include a plurality of data points,
formulae, tolerances and/or tolerance ranges. The resultant
definitions can be stored in computer database tables or similar
data structures.
[0022] A categorization process allows for the collection of
individual consumer records and individual garment records into
computer databases. A consumer record describes an individual
consumer, including his or her body measurements and personal
profile, e.g., clothing preferences (such as fabric color),
preferred tolerances (such as snugness of fit), and the like. The
process can categorize the consumer by body shape and height, and
assign to the consumer's record a corresponding shape code and a
corresponding height code, wherein the codes represent a specific
one of such shapes or body height bins. A garment record describes
an individual garment, including its measurements and profile,
e.g., its color, fabric, tolerances, etc. Garments can be
categorized by body shape, which is assigned to a garment record in
the form of the corresponding shape code or codes. Additionally,
garments can also be categorized by garment type, and a garment
type code stored in the garment's garment record.
[0023] A match assessment process compares a consumer's record to
one or more garment records and produces a scored, sorted and
filtered list of matching garments. In one specific embodiment,
when conducting a consumer-to-garment comparison, the match
assessment process applies a series of three filters: the
measurement filter, the profile filter and the shape code filter.
The measurement filter uses fit rules with tolerances to compare a
consumer's measurements to a garment's measurements in order to
determine if the garment would physically fit the consumer at
various critical measurement points, taking into account the
desired fit from the design's perspective and the consumer's
desired fit.
[0024] The measurement filter also computes a score (a "priority
code"), indicating how well the garment fits the consumer. The
profile filter uses fashion rules with tolerances to compare a
consumer's profile and preferences with a garment's profile in
order to determine if the garment suits and flatters the consumer
and reflects the consumer's preferences for style and fit. The
profile filter also computes the priority code score indicating how
suitable the garment is for the consumer. The shape code filter
compares the consumer's shape code with the garment's shape code(s)
to determine if the garment's shape matches the consumer's body
shape.
[0025] Finally, a personalized shopping process presents a filtered
and ranked list of matching garments for recommendation to the
consumer in an individually customized online shopping environment.
Through this, the consumer's personalized store, the consumer may
purchase recommended garments that have a high probability of
fitting and flattering and suit the consumer's clothing
preferences.
[0026] The following detailed description together with the
accompanying drawings will provide a better understanding of the
nature and advantages of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a clothes shopping system, in
accordance with described embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a consumer-garment
matching method, in accordance with described embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a definition
process, in accordance with described embodiments.
[0030] FIGS. 4A-D illustrate height and length measurement
techniques, in accordance with described embodiments.
[0031] FIGS. 5a and 5b are simplified block diagrams of a
categorization process, in accordance with described embodiments;
FIG. 5a shows a consumer recording process and FIG. 5b shows a
garment recording process.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a match assessment
process, in accordance with described embodiments.
[0033] FIGS. 7-13 are flowcharts illustrating a match assessment
process for a fitted dress, in accordance with described
embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 14 is an illustration of example output from a match
assessment process, in accordance with described embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a garment display interface,
in accordance with described embodiments.
[0036] These and other embodiments of the invention are described
in further detail below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] An improved online clothes shopping system is described
herein, where a consumer is presented with a personalized online
store that lists clothing items for sale that are most likely to
fit and flatter that particular consumer and match that consumer's
preferences for style and fit. The presented list of items is
generated by a computerized garment-consumer matching method that
matches the fit and fashion of individual clothing items to
individual consumers.
[0038] Clothing items are commonly thought to include garments
(dresses, coats, pants, shirts, tops, bottoms, socks, shoes,
bathing suits, capes, etc.), but might also include worn or carried
items such as necklaces, watches, purses, hats, accessories, etc.
In any of the following examples, sized and fitted garments are the
items being shopped for, but it should be understood that unless
otherwise indicated, the present invention may be used for shopping
for other clothing items as well. As used herein, an outfit is a
collection of two or more clothing items intended to be worn or
used together.
[0039] In describing embodiments of the invention, female consumers
and women's apparel will serve as examples. However, the invention
is not intended to be limited to women's apparel as the invention
may be used for various types of apparel including men's and
children's apparel. Throughout this description the embodiments and
examples shown should be considered as exemplary rather than
limitations of the present invention.
[0040] In a matching process, garments and consumers are compared.
For garments, the garment measurements, garment style/proportion
and garment attributes (color, weave, fabric content, price, etc.)
might be taken into account, while for the consumer, consumer
measurements, consumer body proportion (such as shape code), and
consumer fit and style and fashion preferences (how snug/loose,
color, classic/contemporary/romantic, etc.), might be taken into
account.
[0041] Fashion rules can be defined for various garment style(s)
that suit a particular body proportion, both for garments and for
outfits, including accessorizing. Fashion rules (programmatically
defining fashion expertise) can be "overlaid" on the matches to
recommend the best combinations that will fit and flatter. In this
manner, a consumer might be presented with a large number of
garments to choose from, but each would be more likely to be a
"good choice", while leave out those garments that are less likely
to fit or flatter. There could be a wide variety of garments and
styles, etc., but organized as a personal store for that
consumer.
Clothes Shopping System
[0042] FIG. 1 is a high-level diagram depicting a clothes shopping
system 100, which is a computer implementation of a
consumer-garment matching method in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. The clothes shopping system is a
client-server system, i.e., an assemblage of hardware and software
for data processing and distribution by way of networks, as those
with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate. The system hardware
may include, or be, a single or multiple computers, or a
combination of multiple computing devices, including but not
limited to: PCs, PDAs, cell phones, servers, firewalls, and
routers.
[0043] As used herein, the term software involves any instructions
that may be executed on a computer processor of any kind. The
system software may be implemented in any computer language, and
may be executed as compiled object code, assembly, or machine code,
or a combination of these and others. The software may include one
or more modules, files, programs, and combinations thereof. The
software may be in the form of one or more applications and suites
and may include low-level drivers, object code, and other lower
level software.
[0044] The software may be stored on and executed from any local or
remote machine-readable media, for example without limitation,
magnetic media (e.g., hard disks, tape, floppy disks, card media),
optical media (e.g., CD, DVD), flash memory products (e.g., memory
stick, compact flash and others), Radio Frequency Identification
tags (RFID), SmartCards.TM., and volatile and non-volatile silicon
memory products (e.g., random access memory (RAM), programmable
read-only memory (PROM), electronically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), and others), and also on paper (e.g.,
printed UPC barcodes).
[0045] Data transfer to the system and throughout its components
may be achieved in a conventional fashion employing a standard
suite of TCP/IP protocols, including but not limited to Hypertext
Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). The
eXtensible Markup Language (XML), an interchange format for the
exchange of data across the Internet and between databases of
different vendors and different operating systems, may be employed
to facilitate data exchange and inter-process communication.
Additional and fewer components, units, modules or other
arrangement of software, hardware and data structures may be used
to achieve the invention described herein. An example network is
the Internet, but the invention is not so limited.
[0046] In one embodiment, a clothes shopping system 100 is
comprised of three interconnecting areas: a consumer module 110, a
manufacturer module 120, and an administrative backend 130,, all
operating in a networked environment that may include local and/or
wide area networks (LAN/WAN) 150, and the Internet 140.
[0047] The administrative backend 130 uses administrator
workstations 132, web servers 134, file and application servers
136, and database servers 138. The backend houses the
consumer-garment matching software, the consumer and garment record
databases 139a-139b, definition & rules database 139c, and the
online store website with all of its necessary ecommerce
components, such as Webpage generators, order processing, tracking,
shipping, billing, email and security. Administrator workstations
allow for the management of the entire system and all of its parts,
including the inputting and editing of data.
[0048] The manufacturer module 120 uses software/hardware that
allows a manufacturer to input data into the garment records that
represent the garments the manufacturer makes. For example, for
each garment of a particular size or SKU, a manufacturer enters the
garment's dimensional measurements and profile data into the
manufacturer module. This data may be entered manually via a
workstation 122 or automatically by interfacing with the
manufacturer's own internal systems, such as CAD systems 124 and
PLM (product lifetime management) systems, and/or pattern making
systems. This inputted garment data might then be subjected to the
garment categorization process 220, as described herein.
Additionally, the module may provide the manufacturer with computed
output from the system, such as the shape codes of their various
garments. The manufacturer may now employ the system's output in
his manufacturing process; for example, to print shape code(s) on a
garment's label or sales tag, or to electronically embed part or
all of a garment's record in its RFID tag.
[0049] The consumer module 110 is typically accessed by consumers
via personal computers at home, school or office 112. The consumer
module 110 may also be accessed through cellular phones 116, PDAs
114 and other networked devices, such as kiosks 118 in retail
stores at malls, shopping centers, etc. It is through the consumer
module 110 that a consumer can input her measurements, preferences
and profile data into her consumer record. This inputted consumer
data might then be subjected to the consumer categorization process
220, as described herein. And importantly, the consumer module
enables the consumer to shop and buy at her personalized online
clothes store.
[0050] Data such as consumer and garment records, that normally are
input via the consumer and manufacturer modules, might also be
input and edited via the administrative backend 130.
The Consumer-Garment Matching Method
[0051] FIG. 2 is a simplified block-diagram depicting a
consumer-garment matching method 200 and the data inputs, outputs
and interdependence of its constituent processes: a definition
process 210, a categorization process 220, a match assessment
process 230, and a personalized shopping process 240, described
herein.
Definition Process
[0052] FIG. 3 depicts a definition process 210. The definition
process defines a) human body shapes into a set of shapes
(represented by shape codes 1 through 7 in this embodiment), b)
human body heights into a set of heights (represented by height
codes 1 through 6 in this embodiment), c) garment types (sixteen in
this embodiment), d) fit rules, and e) fashion rules.
[0053] Prior to defining either human body shapes or human body
heights, it is first necessary to determine a list of critical
measurements of the human body. Table 1 lists twenty-one such
measurements as used in one embodiment of the present invention.
Other embodiments may use more, fewer or different body
measurements. A similar or identical set of measurements may also
be used by the categorization process 220 when collecting body
measurement data from any individual consumer via the consumer
module 110. Note: The measurement reference numbers appearing in
Table 1 will be subsequently used throughout this document to
concisely write formulae. The lowercase "c" (for consumer) denotes
these measurements are provided by the consumer, such as might
result from personal manual measurements.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Body Measurements Measurement Measurement
Name Reference # 7Shoulder Circumference 1Cc Bust Circumference 2Cc
Waist Circumference 3Cc High Hip Circumference 4Cc Hip
Circumference 5Cc Shoulder to Shoulder Front 6Fc Bust Front 7Fc
Waist Front 8Fc High Hip Front 9Fc Hip Front 10Fc Top of Head
Height 11Hc Shoulders Height 12Hc Bust Height 13Hc Waist Height
14Hc High Hips Height 15Hc Hips Height 16Hc Knee Height 17Hc Total
Rise 18Dc Armhole Circumference 19Dc Inseam 20Dc Arm 21Dc
[0054] FIGS. 4A-4D depict the positions and techniques for
acquiring body measurements to obtain data shown in Table 1, as an
example.
[0055] The displays of FIGS. 4A-4D might include instructions to
the reader, as instruction blocks 215(a), 215(b), 215(c) and
215(d). Examples of instruction blocks are:
[0056] 215(a) in FIG. 4A: [0057] Measure the CIRCUMFERENCE of your
body at various points. [0058] Shoulders: Measure around shoulders,
just below the shoulder joint, going outside your arms at the
widest point. [0059] Bust: Measure bust at fullest point and
straight across back. [0060] Waist: Measure around torso at your
waistline. [0061] High Hips: Measure over top of hip bones, 2''-4''
below waist. [0062] Hips: Measure at the fullest part, usually
7''-9'' from waist. [0063] One Thigh: Measure at the fullest part
of one thigh on one leg (your choice). [0064] Upper Arm: Measure
the circumference of the thickest part of your upper arm (that
bicep muscle!).
[0065] 215(b) in FIG. 4B: [0066] Measure the FRONT OF YOU from the
middle of one side to the middle of the other only. It helps if you
are wearing lightweight, form fitting clothes with side seams to
help locate the side of your body. [0067] Front of Shoulders:
Measure from mid point of upper arm just below the shoulder joint
to the same point of the opposite side, crossing the front of your
body. [0068] Front of bust: Measure from as close to middle of one
side of your body to the middle of the other crossing over the
fullest part of your bust. [0069] Front of Waist: Measure from
middle of one side to the middle of the other at your waist. [0070]
Front of High Hips: Measure over top of hip bones, 2''-4'' below
waist. [0071] Front of Hips: Measure from the middle of one side to
the middle of the other at the fullest part of your hips, usually
7''-9'' from waist.
[0072] 215(c) in FIG. 4C: [0073] Measure the HEIGHT of the
following by taping or attaching a measuring tape to the bottom of
a wall or doorway (floor--measurement zero) to measure the heights.
A book, ruler or straight edge can help. This will give a vertical
silhouette. [0074] Top of head: Measure from the floor to the top
of your head. [0075] Should height: Measure from the floor to the
top of your shoulder joint. [0076] Bust height: Measure from the
floor to the fullest point of your bust. [0077] Waist Height:
Measure from the floor to your waistline. [0078] High hip height:
Measure from the floor to your high hip (your hip bone, usually
2''-4'' below your waist). [0079] Hip height: Measure from the
floor to the fullest point of your hips. [0080] Knee height:
Measure from the floor to the mid-point of your knee.
[0081] 215(d) in FIG. 4D: [0082] Almost done, just a few more!
[0083] Across upper back: Measure across your upper back from end
of shoulder joint to end of shoulder joint. Or, for a shortcut, use
a favorite jacket, measuring from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
[0084] Arm hole circumference: Measure top of should under arm and
back around to the top of the arm. [0085] Arm length: Measure from
the middle of the shoulder joint to the wrist joint, with slightly
bent elbow. [0086] Rise (of pants): Start at middle for your waist
in back, pass tape measure between your legs and up to the middle
of your waist in front. Do not pull tight on this measurement, and
don't make it too loose. Keep comfort in mind and make sure you are
measuring your body accurately. A shortcut is to measure your
favorite pair of pants. [0087] Inseam (leg length): Measure from
the crotch to the floor on the inside of your leg. Or, for a
shortcut, measure the inseam of your favorite pair of pants.
[0088] Referring again to FIG. 3, depicting the definition process,
human body shapes are defined by a body shape defining process 212.
The body shape defining process is a series of calculations
establishing arithmetic and/or geometric relationships between the
different body measurements to generate an outline of a body. The
shape defining process considers front and side outlines in two and
three dimensions for each measurement and evaluates the relative
proportions of certain points on the torso including, but not
limited to: the proportion of the shoulders to the hips, the
shoulders to the bust, the bust to the waist, the waist to the hip,
the proportion of the body mass that is in the front bisection of
the body, etc.
[0089] For example, one of the calculations of the shape defining
process might determine the value of the shoulder circumference
minus the hip circumference. Referring to the measurement reference
numbers in Table 1, this calculation can be represented as the
formula 1Cc-5Cc. Another calculation is bust circumference minus
front bust divided by bust circumference, i.e., (2Cc-7Fc)/2Cc.
Table 2 lists the formulae and result names for the thirteen such
calculations used by the shape defining process in one embodiment.
Note: the two preceding example calculations can be found listed in
Table 2 as Values 1 and 6 respectively.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Shape Defining Process Calculations
Measurement Formula = Result Name 1Cc - 5Cc = Value1 2Cc - 3Cc =
Value2 2Cc - 5Cc = Value3 5Cc - 3Cc = Value4 (1Cc - 7Fc)/1Cc =
Value5 (2Cc - 7Fc)/2Cc = Value6 (3Cc - 8Fc)/3Cc = Value7 (4Cc -
10Fc)/4Cc = Value8 (5Cc - 10Fc)/5Cc = Value9 12Hc - 16Hc = Value10
13Hc - 14Hc = Value11 16Hc - 14Hc = Value12 16Hc - 17Hc =
Value13
[0090] In another embodiment, a shape code may be determined using
the three-dimensional (3-D) lines of the body's measurements and
relative proportions of height and girth of shoulders, bust, waist,
high hips and hips and knee. Such 3-D measurements may be used to
determine a curve for the shape of the body in 3-D. A comparison of
the two 3-D measurements may be used to determine a body shape code
geometrically.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, human body measurement data taken from
representative samples of the human population and sub-populations
(e.g., U.S. women aged 40-65) form the inputs of the shape defining
process 212. The sample body measurement data is statistically
analyzed to discern clustered subsets within the population, each
sharing common data values. Each body shape is defined by a core
set of measurement values together with an acceptable range of
deviation from the mean for each value. In one embodiment, there
are seven such subsets named and coded as "Shape 1" through "Shape
7". In other embodiments, there might be more or fewer shape
codes.
[0092] Similarly, the same sample body measurement data form the
inputs of a body height defining process 214. The height defining
process is a series of calculations establishing arithmetic and/or
geometric relationships between the total body height (11Hc in
Table 1) and hip circumference (5Cc). The sample data is
statistically analyzed to discern clustered subsets within the
population, each sharing common data values within an acceptable
range of deviation from the mean for each value. In one embodiment
there are six such subsets named and coded as "Height 1" through
"Height 6". It should be noted that other embodiments might have
more or fewer than six height codes.
[0093] The definitions of the seven body shape codes and six body
height codes are stored in the definitions & rules database
139c as maintained by database server 138. Thus, having been
defined, these seven body shape codes may then be assigned by the
categorization process 220 to individual consumers whose
measurements fall within the range of values corresponding to any
particular shape code. Similarly, the six body height codes may be
assigned by the categorization process to individual consumers
whose measurements fall within the range of values corresponding to
any particular height code. Similarly, shape codes may also be
assigned to individual garments and outfits.
[0094] Prior to defining garment types or the fit and fashion
rules, as defined herein, it is first necessary to determine a list
of critical garment measurements. Table 3 lists twenty-seven such
measurements as used in one embodiment of the present invention.
Other embodiments may use more, fewer or different garment
measurements. A similar or identical set of measurements may be
used by the categorization process 220 when collecting garment
measurement data for any individual garment via the manufacturer
module 120. Note: The measurement reference numbers appearing in
Table 3 will be subsequently used throughout this document to
concisely write formulae. The lowercase "g" denotes these are
garment measurements.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Garment Measurements Measurement Measurement
Name Reference Shoulder Circumference 1Cg Bust Circumference 2Cg
Waist Circumference 3Cg High Hip Circumference 4Cg Hip
Circumference 5Cg Shoulder to Shoulder Front 6Fg Bust Front 7Fg
Waist Front 8Fg High Hip Front 9Fg Hip Front 10Fg Shoulder to Bust
Height 11Hg Shoulder to Waist Height 12Hg Shoulder to High Hip
Height 13Hg Shoulder to Hip Height 14Hg Shoulder to Hem Height 15Hg
Waist to Hem Height 16Hg Center Front to Hem Height 17Hg Center
Back to Hem Height 18Hg Outseam 19Hg Total Rise 20Dg Armhole
Circumference 21Dg Inseam 22Dg Sleeve Length 23Dg Neck to Shoulder
24Dg Front Rise 25Dg Thigh Circumference 26Dg Bottom of Leg
Circumference 27Dg
[0095] Referring to FIG. 3, the input employed to define garment
types, fit rules and fashion rules is human fashion expertise.
There are clothing designers and fashion experts skilled in the art
and business of apparel making whose experience is called upon to
define various garment types. Table 4 lists an example of sixteen
such garment types as used in one embodiment.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Garment Types Garment Type Garment Type Name
Reference Fitted Dress D1 Straight Dress D2 Knit Dress D3 Fitted
Jacket J1 Straight Jacket J2 Knit Jacket J3 Fitted Top T1 Straight
Top T2 Knit Top T3 Fitted Skirt S1 Straight Skirt S2 Fitted Pants
P1 Straight Pants P2 Overalls P3 Fitted Coat C1 Straight Coat
C2
[0096] As defined herein, during a match assessment 230 the
measurements of a particular garment are compared to the
measurements of a particular consumer. But a garment's type will
necessarily affect which measurements are considered. For example,
while a jacket may have a shoulder circumference (1Cg), a pair of
pants would not. Similarly, measurement tolerances will also vary
by garment type. Since they are cut differently, a Straight Dress
(D2) may have a different bust tolerance than a Fitted Dress (D1).
Because measurements and tolerances vary by garment type, each
garment type has a corresponding Garment Type Definition Table,
setting forth a generalized fit rule for that garment type.
[0097] Table 5 is the Garment Type Definition Table for a Fitted
Jacket as used in one embodiment. In this embodiment, there are
three tolerances for most measurements, namely "snug", "regular"
and "loose". Of course, other sets of tolerances could be used
instead.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Garment Type Definition Table for Fitted
Jacket (J1) Tolerance Tolerance Tolerance Measurement Name Number
Name Percent Range Shoulder Circumference 1 snug 0.949 0.974 (1Cg)
2 regular 0.923 0.949 3 loose 0.897 0.923 Bust Circumference (2Cg)
1 snug 0.944 0.986 2 regular 0.903 0.944 3 loose 0.889 0.903 Waist
Circumference (3Cg) 1 snug 0.948 0.983 2 regular 0.914 0.948 3
loose 0.862 0.914 High Hip Circumference 1 snug 0.959 0.986 (4Cg) 2
regular 0.932 0.959 3 loose 0.892 0.932 Hip Circumference (5Cg) 1
snug 0.963 0.988 2 regular 0.939 0.963 3 loose 0.902 0.939 Armhole
Circumference 1 snug 0.956 0.971 (21Dg) 2 regular 0.912 0.956 3
loose 0.824 0.912 Shoulder Front (6Fg) 1 snug 0.949 0.974 2 regular
0.923 0.949 3 loose 0.897 0.923 Bust Front (7Fg) 1 snug 0.944 0.986
2 regular 0.903 0.944 3 loose 0.889 0.903 Waist Front (8Fg) 1 snug
0.948 0.983 2 regular 0.914 0.948 3 loose 0.862 0.914 High Hip
Front (9Fg) 1 snug 0.959 0.986 2 regular 0.932 0.959 3 loose 0.892
0.932 Hip Front (10Fg) 1 snug 0.963 0.988 2 regular 0.939 0.963 3
loose 0.902 0.939 Shoulder to Waist Height 1 snug 0.954 1 (12Hg) 2
regular 0.9 0.954 3 loose 0.846 0.9 Shoulder to Hem Height 1 bust
1.326 2.326 (15Hg) 2 waist 0.948 1.2 3 high hip 0.979 1.17 4 hip
1.012 1.327 5 thigh 1.228 1.377 6 mini 0.727 0.9 7 above knee 0.9
0.953 8 at knee 0.953 1.04 9 below knee 1.04 1.137 10 mid-calf
1.137 1.277 11 ankle length 1.347 1.42 12 floor length 1.42 1.463
Sleeve Length (23Dg) 0 no n/a n/a preference 1 strap n/a n/a 2
sleeveless n/a n/a 3 short 0.201 0.531 4 three 0.64 0.919 quarters
5 long 0.953 1.039 Neck to Shoulder Length 1 snug 0.949 0.974
(24Dg) 2 regular 0.923 0.949 3 loose 0.897 0.923
[0098] A garment type definition table specifies the measurements,
tolerances and order of calculation to be used by the measurement
filter 232 during a match assessment 230, as defined herein.
Tolerances may be specified as discrete values, discrete
percentages, a range of values or percentages, and/or an array of
values or percentages. Tolerance specifications can have absolute
or "fuzzy" values or ranges, and may use comparative operands, such
as equal to, greater than, etc. Tolerance specifications might also
vary by shape code.
[0099] At times, an individual garment may have idiosyncratic
properties that are unique to that garment. For example, a
particular Fitted Dress may be made of very stretchy fabric giving
its shoulder, bust and waist tolerances greater ranges than the
standard tolerances specified by the Fitted Dress Definition Table
(not pictured). In such cases the generalized fit rule and
tolerances of a garment type definition table can be overridden by
idiosyncratic rules and tolerances that are specified in an
individual garment's garment record, as defined herein.
[0100] Garment type definitions together with their fit rules and
tolerances are stored in a definitions & rules database 139c as
maintained by database server 138.
[0101] Whether a garment flatters its wearer is a matter of
opinion. Judgments of fashion, style and taste are highly variable
by place, time and culture. Nevertheless, there are arbiters of
taste and fashion experts who formulate general rules and
guidelines helpful in determining whether a garment flatters a
wearer. For example, one rule might state that garments with thick
horizontal stripes are unsuitable on short round bodies. Referring
again to FIG. 3, fashion expertise forms the input for defining a
plurality of such fashion rules as used by the consumer-garment
matching method defined herein. The fashion rules, defined in a
collection of Fashion Suitability Tables, comprise of multivariate
comparisons of data including, but not limited to, shape and height
codes, garment type, fabric color and pattern, hair and skin color,
neckline, sleeve and pocket styles, etc. For example, one fashion
rule posits that for each body height there are certain skirt
styles that are more flattering. Table 6a is a Height Code/Skirt
Code Table listing skirt styles suitable for each height code, as
used in one embodiment. Table 6b lists the skirt style names
corresponding to the skirt code numbers referenced in Table 6a.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6a Height Code/Skirt Code Suitability Table
Height Code Skirt Style Codes 1 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14,
15, 17 2 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
3 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17 4 1, 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 14, 16, 17 5 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17 6 1, 2, 3, 6,
7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6b Skirt Style Code/Skirt Style Name Table
Skirt Style Code Skirt Style Name 1 A-Line 2 Straight 3 Pleated 4
Gathered 5 Full 6 Flared 7 Gored 8 Bias 9 Wrap 10 Dirndl 11 Circle
12 Trumpet 13 Tiered 14 Yoked 15 Tulip 16 Asymmetrical 17 Other
[0102] Another fashion rule states that for each body shape there
are certain neckline styles which are more flattering. Table 7a is
a Shape Code/Neckline Style Table listing neckline styles suitable
for each shape code as used in one embodiment. In Table 7a, the
Shape Codes are represented by the letters M-Y-S-H-A-P-E. Some
neckline styles are not recommended (those preceded with "not"),
while the remainder are recommended. Table 7b lists the neckline
style names corresponding to the neckline code numbers referenced
in Table 7a, in one example.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7a Shape Code/Neckline Style Suitability Table
Shape Code Neckline Style Code 1 (M) Not(2, 9) 2 (Y) Not(4, 6, 9) 3
(S) All 4 (H) Not(6, 9, 10) 5 (A) Not(10) 6 (P) Not(0, 4, 6, 9) 7
(E) Not(0, 5, 10)
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 7b Neckline Style Code/Neckline Style Name
Table Neckline Style Code Neckline Style Name 0 None/Strapless 1
Convertible Collar (Including Mandarin) 2 Cowl 3 Scoop 4 Bateau 5
Crew/Jewel 6 Turtle/Mock 7 Gathered 8 V-Neck 9 Square 10 Halter 11
Straps 12 Off-Shoulder 13 Shawl 14 Henley 15 Placket 16 Sweetheart
17 Asymmetrical/Yoke 18 Bow/Tie 19 Other
[0103] Like fit rules, certain fashion rules might employ
tolerances that may be specified as discrete values, discrete
percentages, a range of values or percentages, and/or an array of
values or percentages. Tolerance specifications can have absolute
or "fuzzy" values or ranges, and may use comparative operands, such
as equal to, greater than, etc. Tolerance specifications might also
vary by shape-code.
[0104] The Fashion rules, tolerances and fashion suitability tables
are stored by the definition process 210 in a definitions &
rules database 139c as maintained by database server 138.
Categorization Process
[0105] A categorization process 220 provides a means to: collect
data describing individual consumers and individual garments,
categorize those consumers and garments by shape and/or height, and
store the resulting consumer and garment records in computer
databases. A consumer record 229a is data describing an individual
consumer, including her body measurements and personal profile
data, e.g., her clothing preferences (such as fabric color)
together with her preferred tolerances (such as snugness of fit
across the bust). A means is provided to categorize the consumer by
body shape and height, and to store the corresponding shape code
and height code in her record. A consumer may also be assigned a
unique identification number.
[0106] A garment record 229b is data describing an individual
garment, including its measurements and profile, e.g., its color,
fabric, tolerances, etc. A means is provided to categorize the
garment by body shape, and assign the corresponding shape code or
codes to its record. Additionally, the garment is categorized by
garment type, and the corresponding garment type code is assigned
to the garment's record. A garment may also be assigned a unique
identification number.
[0107] The consumer records 229a are stored by the categorization
process 220 in a consumer database 139a, while garment records 229b
are stored in a garment database 139b. The consumer and garment
databases are maintained by database server 138.
[0108] As embodied herein and depicted in FIGS. 5a-5b, a
categorization process 220 has two sub-processes: consumer
recording 221 (FIG. 5a) and garment recording 222 (FIG. 5b).
Consumer Recording
[0109] The consumer module 110, described herein, supplies the
consumer measurement and profile data that form the inputs of the
consumer recording process. (In practice, that data may also be
input or edited via the administrative backend 130.) An individual
consumer's body measurements, such as those listed in Table 1 and
depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, are input into a consumer shape
categorization process 223. The consumer shape categorization
process may be implemented using a series of calculations that
establish arithmetic and/or geometric relationships between the
different body measurements. These calculations closely follow the
transforms of the shape defining process 212 used in the definition
process 210 described above, but also included in the calculation
is a best-fit analysis to determine which body shape the individual
consumer most closely matches. The resulting shape code is assigned
to the consumer and stored in her record 229a. A shape might also
be generated by a combination of measurements and other profile
questions, such as profile questions answered by the consumer
(e.g., "is your stomach fuller than your bottom") or by a
combination of profile questions without measurements.
[0110] Consider a consumer, Jane. Using her home PC 112, Jane
accesses the consumer module 140 of the clothes shopping system 100
and avails herself of the opportunity to shop and learn her shape
code. Following on-screen instructions she uses a tape measure to
collect her body measurements and enters them into an online form.
She also enters her other profile information. This data is sent to
backend 130 for consumer recording. Jane's returned shape code may
be displayed to her. She may also receive an email containing her
shape code in a printable, machine-readable format, such as a
barcode. The resultant shape code may be physically sent to Jane in
a variety of forms, such as a printed receipt, or embedded along
with all, or part, of her consumer record on a magnetic card, or a
SmartCard.TM., etc. It may also be forwarded to her cellular phone,
e.g., as a data file or an executable program. A consumer's body
measurements may also be collected automatically; for example, by a
full-body scanner at a retail establishment.
[0111] In a similar fashion, a consumer height categorization
process 224 calculates a consumer's height code. The height
categorization process calculates the relationship between the
consumer's total height and her hip circumference (measurement
references 11Hc and 5Cc, respectively, in Table 1). Table 8 lists
the calculations, as used in one embodiment, to assign a height
code to a consumer. The assigned height code can be stored in the
consumer's record 229a.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 8 Consumer Height Categorization Process
Calculations Example Height Measurement Formulae Height Name Code
11Hc < 63'' and 5Cc < 48'' Petite 1 63'' <= 11HC <=
68'' and 5Cc < 48'' Regular 2 11HC > 68'' and 5Cc < 48''
Tall 3 11HC < 63'' and 48'' <= 5Cc < 50'' Petite Plus 4
63'' <= 11HC <= 68'' and 50'' <= 5Cc <= 52'' Regular
Plus 5 11HC > 68'' and 5Cc > 52'' Tall Plus 6
[0112] An individual consumer's profile data, as collected via the
consumer module 110, are also input and stored in the consumer's
record 229a. A consumer's profile is data describing an individual
consumer, her clothing preferences and her preferred tolerances.
Table 9 lists 32 profile data points as used in one embodiment.
Note: values given are examples and may in practice be represented
by code numbers, arrays, ranges, etc. For example, Bust Tolerance
(1002D) may be a numeric value (1=snug, 2=regular, 3=loose
fitting); homeowner (1029D) may be a Boolean value (0 or 1); while
"Brands I buy" (1008D) may be an array of alphanumeric values
derived from a lookup table of popular brands (e.g., EF234,
C656).
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 9 Consumer Profile Data Example Profile Name
Profile Reference Value Shoulder Tolerance 1001Dc regular Bust
Tolerance 1002Dc regular Waist Tolerance 1003Dc snug Hip Tolerance
1004Dc loose My Color Palette 1005Dc Autumn Styles Desired 1006Dc
romantic, dramatic, casual Fabrics Desired 1007Dc cotton, wool,
linen Brands/Designers I buy 1008Dc Brand1, Brand2 Brands/Designers
I like 1009Dc Brand3, Brand2 Clothes I find it difficult to find
1010Dc pants Normally I wear style 1011Dc petite Normally I buy
size 1012Dc 6 I usually spend amount per outfit 1013Dc $350 I wear
my pants 1014Dc 1'' below waist I usually shop at 1015Dc retail I
buy on sale 1016Dc occasionally % of purchases online 1017Dc 15% I
have returned 1018Dc often I usually spend per shop 1019Dc $100 I
get my news from 1020Dc online, TV I get my fashion news from
1021Dc TV, magazines My favorite websites 1022Dc myshape.com
Associations I belong to 1023Dc Zonta My hobbies 1024Dc knitting I
volunteer 1025Dc yes I meditate 1026Dc no I enjoy sports 1027Dc
tennis, swimming Music I prefer 1028Dc soft rock Homeowner 1029Dc
Yes Car I drive 1030Dc Toyota Prius My children 1031Dc girl 8, boy
6 My household income 1032Dc >$65,000
Garment Recording
[0113] The manufacturer module 120, described herein, supplies the
garment measurements and profile data that form the inputs of the
garment recording process 232. (In practice, that data may also be
input or edited via the administrative backend 130.) The
measurements of any particular garment may include values for all,
or a subset, of those garment measurements listed earlier in Table
3. For different garment types there are different critical
measurements. For example, a dress will have different measurement
points than a jacket or pants. These measurements may be taken from
the pattern guide, or be imported from the CAD representation in
the manufacturer's cutting system, or manually from the garment
itself.
[0114] Referring again to FIGS. 5a-5b, a garment's measurements are
inputs to a garment shape categorization process 225. In one
embodiment, the garment shape categorization process may comprise a
series of calculations that establish arithmetic and/or geometric
relationships (expressed as curves) between the various garment
measurements. The garment's curves, derived from the measurements,
are compared to the curves represented by each of the seven body
shapes to determine whether the garment is suitable for one or more
body shapes. The curves are compared in front, side and back
profiles. The curves may also be compared three-dimensionally
(i.e., 3-D) with the volume of the front half of a body shape being
compared with the volume of the front half of the garment. A
best-fit analysis determines which body shape or shapes the garment
most closely matches, as it is possible for a garment to be
appropriate for more than one body shape. The resulting shape codes
are assigned to the garment and stored in its garment record
229b.
[0115] An individual garment's profile data, as collected via the
manufacturer module 120, are also input and stored in the garment's
record 229b. A garment's profile is data describing an individual
garment. Table 10 lists an example of 23 such data points as used
in one embodiment. Note: values given are examples and may in
practice be represented by code numbers, arrays, ranges, etc.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 10 Garment Profile Data Example Profile
Profile Name Reference Value FIT (1 = snug 1B, 1W, 1H; 101Cg 2B, 2W
2 = fitted 2B, 2W, 2H; 3 = loose 3B, 3W, 3H) Garment Type 102Dg
Fitted Dress Garment Type Code 103Dg D1 Garment Descriptor 104Dg
Fitted Description 105Dg Natasha's, bust darts Brand 106Dg Smart
Fashions Recommended Retail Price 107Dg $375 Pocket 108Dg 4 front
pockets Collars and Yokes 109Dg round Neckline 110Dg crew/jewel
Fastening 111Dg side zipper Sleeve style 112Dg long sleeves Leg
Style 113Dg ~ Skirt Style 114Dg a-line Color 115Dg chocolate brown
Origin 116Dg Australia Use 117Dg career Style 118Dg classic Fabric
119Dg 72% polyester 22% viscose, 6% elastane Care Instructions
120Dg hand wash do not tumble dry or dry clean Manufacturer's Size
121Dg 1 Priority Code 123Dg
[0116] The consumer records 229a can be stored in a consumer
database 139a, while garment records 229b can be stored in a
garment database 139b. The consumer and garment databases can be
maintained by database server 138.
Match Assessment Process
[0117] FIG. 6 depicts a match assessment process 230. The match
assessment process may be carried out at the administrative backend
130 utilizing application 136, Web 134, database 138, and other
servers. In one embodiment, the match assessment process may be
used to compare an individual consumer's record 229a with one, or
more, garment records 229b. When more than one garment is
considered, the match assessment process is conducted iteratively,
i.e., by comparing the consumer's record to each garment's record
in turn, until all garment records have been compared. This results
in a scored, sorted and filtered list of those garments which match
that consumer. The match assessment process might also be described
formulaically as locating a person in an N-dimensional person space
(P) based on their shape, measurements, etc., locate a garment in
an N-dimensional garment space (G), repeat this for all the
garments, to generate a mapping of person to garments, f:
P->G.
[0118] The inputs of the match assessment process are a consumer
record 229a obtained from the consumer database 139a as maintained
by database server 138, and one, or more, garment records 229b
obtained from the garment database 139b, also maintained by
database server 138.
[0119] The match assessment process 230 is comprised of three
filters: a measurement filter 232, a profile filter 234, and a
shape code filter 236. The output of the filters is a ranked and
sorted listing of matching garments. In one embodiment, the sorting
is composed of seven "Holding Bins" 238--one for each shape code,
and a Bin D 239--"Don't Display" i.e., discarded garments that do
not fit the consumer. During each assessment a garment is
temporarily assigned a priority code (Profile Reference #123Dg).
The priority code determines a garment's rank within its holding
bin 238. This is most useful for the personal shopping process 240,
as described herein, where the priority code determines the order
in which matching garments are displayed to the consumer.
[0120] As an example of the rules and steps needed to conduct a
match assessment, consider a consumer, Jane, and a fitted dress
from designer "Smart Fashions" (a made-up name for the purposes of
this example). Table 11 lists the data that comprises Jane's
consumer record, containing her Consumer ID, body measurements,
height code, shape code, and profile data.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 11 Jane's Data Data Point Reference # Data
Point Name Example Value Consumer ID 1303 Measurements 1Cc Shoulder
Circumference 36.5 2Cc Bust Circumference 32 3Cc Waist
Circumference 29 4Cc High Hip Circumference 32 5Cc Hip
Circumference 35 6Fc Front/Back Shoulder to Shoulder 19 7Fc
Front/back Bust 17 8Fc Front/back Waist 15.5 9Fc Front/back High
Hip 4'' below waist 17 10Fc Front/back Hip 9'' below waist or 19
widest point 11Hc Height: Top of Head 64 12Hc Height: Shoulders 53
13Hc Height: Bust 45.5 14Hc Height: Waist 39 15Hc Height: High Hips
37 16Hc Height: Hips 34 17Hc Height: Knee 17 18Dc Total Rise 28
19Dc Armhole Circumference 18 20Dc Inseam 30 21Dc Arm 20 Shape
100Sc Shape Code 5 Height 101Hc Height Code 2 Profile 1001Dc
Shoulder Tolerance 1 1002Dc Bust Tolerance 2 1003Dc Waist Tolerance
1 1004Dc Hip Tolerance 4 1005Dc Color Palette red, yellow, brown
1006Dc Styles Desired (Romantic, Dramatic, classic, elegant etc.)
1007Dc Fabrics Desired (codes) cotton, wool, polyester, viscose,
elastane 1008Dc Brands/Designers I buy (codes) 1009Dc
Brands/Designers I like (codes) 1010Dc I find it difficult to find
(pants, outfits, dresses, skirts, tops) 1011Dc Normally I wear
(petite, regular, tall) 1012Dc Normally I buy size (codes) 10
1013Dc I usually spend amount per garment $400 or outfit (codes)
1014Dc I wear my pants (at waist, 1'' below, very much below)
1015Dc I usually shop (codes) 1016Dc I buy on sale (always,
sometimes, occasionally) 1017Dc % of purchases online 1018Dc I have
returned (codes) 1019Dc I usually spend per shop (codes) 1020Dc I
get my news from (codes) 1021Dc I get my fashion news from (codes)
1022Dc My favorite websites (list) 1023Dc Associations I belong to
(codes) 1024Dc My hobbies (codes) 1025Dc I volunteer 1026Dc I
meditate 1027Dc I enjoy sports (codes) 1028Dc Music I prefer
(codes) 1029Dc Homeowner (codes) 1030Dc Car I drive (codes) 1031Dc
My children (codes) 1032Dc My household income (codes)
[0121] Table 12 lists the data that comprises the dress' garment
record, containing its Garment ID, measurements, shape code(s), and
profile data. Note that the bust, waist and other tolerance values
(28Dg thru 35Dg) are calculated by referencing tolerance ranges
specified in the Garment Type Definition Table for a Fitted Dress
(not shown). These garment tolerances indicate the designer's
preferred fit for the garment; they should not be confused with the
consumer's preferred tolerances (1001Dc-1004Dc).
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 12 Example Fields of a Garment Record for a
Dress Data Point Reference# Data Point Name Example Value Garment
ID G1001 Measurements 1Cg Shoulder Circumference 37 2Cg Bust
Circumference 34 3Cg Waist Circumference 30 4Cg High Hip
Circumference 34 5Cg Hip Circumference 39 6Fg Shoulder to Shoulder
Front 18 7Fg Bust Front 17 8Fg Waist Front 15 9Fg High Hip Front
17.75 10Fg Hip Front 20.5 11Hg Shoulder to Bust Height 9.5 12Hg
Shoulder to Waist Height 16.5 13Hg Shoulder to High Hip Height 20.5
14Hg Shoulder to Hip Height 25.5 15Hg Shoulder to Hem Height 38.75
16Hg Waist to Hem Height 17Hg Center Front to Hem Height 40 18Hg
Center Back to Hem Height 19Hg Outseam 20Dg Total Rise 21Dg Armhole
Circumference 20 22Dg Inseam 23Dg Sleeve Length 22.75 24Dg Neck to
Shoulder 25Dg Front Rise 26Dg Thigh Circumference 27Dg Bottom of
Leg Circumference 28Dg Shoulder Tolerance 2 29Dg Bust Tolerance 2
30Dg Waist Tolerance 1.25 31Dg High Hip Tolerance 2 32Dg Hip
Tolerance 4 33Dg Garment Length (above knee, at 0 (at knee) knee,
below knee, mid-calf, floor) 34Dg Sleeve Tolerance 3 35Dg Armhole
Tolerance 2 Shape 100Sg Shape Code(s) 1.5 Profile 101Cg FIT (1 =
snug 1B, 1W, 1H; 2 = fitted 2B, 2W 2B, 2W, 2H; 3 = loose 3B, 3W,
3H) 102Dg Garment Type Fitted Dress 103Dg Garment Type Code D1
104Dg Garment Descriptor Fitted 105Dg Description Natasha's, bust
darts 106Dg Brand Smart Fashions 107Dg Recommended Retail Price
$375 108Dg Pocket (codes) 4 front pockets 109Dg Collars and Yokes
(codes) round 110Dg Neckline (codes) crew/jewel 111Dg Fastening
(zipper, button, hook, side zipper elastic) 112Dg Sleeve style
(codes) long sleeves 113Dg Leg Style ~ 114Dg Skirt Style a-line
115Dg Color chocolate brown 116Dg Origin (USA, CHINA, Europe,
India, Australia Other) 117Dg Use (career, casual, special
occasion, career etc.) 118Dg Style (romantic, dramatic, classic,
classic artistic, basic, elegant, trendy, etc.) 119Dg Fabric
(codes) 72% polyester 22% viscose, 6% elastane 120Dg Care
Instructions (wash, dry clean, hand wash do not other) tumble dry
or dry clean 121Dg Manufacturer's Size 1 122Dg Outlier code
(customer ID(s)) 123Dg Priority Code (temporarily calculated by
match assessment)
[0122] The first step of a match assessment is to determine the
garment's type. In this example the garment is a Fitted Dress. Its
type code (Table 12, item 103Dg) is "D1". Next, retrieve the
garment type definition table for a fitted dress from the
definition & rules database 139c as maintained by database
server 138. The garment type definition of a fitted dress (not
pictured, but similar in format to Table 5) specifies which
measurements, tolerances and order of calculation are used by the
measurement filter.
[0123] The data to populate a data structure containing garment
data as illustrated in Table 12 might be provided all or in part by
the garment vendors. For example, garment vendors might provide
size, height code, body shape, etc. in an uploadable file that is
uploaded to populate garment records. A vendor module might be
included to provide vendors with an interface to provide that
data.
[0124] In some variations, the garment record is generated, in
whole or part, from descriptions of the garment. This would allow,
for example, automated processing of text and other descriptions of
garments, perhaps from a vendor's web resources describing that
vendor's garments and outfits. An example might be a collection of
web pages or a database used for driving a web shopping system. In
some embodiments, shape codes might even be determined from the
descriptions, such as by processing text describing a garment
according to heuristics to arrive at temporary placeholder
"estimate" shape codes (until a fashion reviewer reviews the
assignment) or the final shape codes to drive usage, such as in a
personal store application.
The Measurement Filter
[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 6, measurement filter 232 compares
the measurements of a garment with those of a consumer. The
measurement filter may be comprised of four sets of comparisons:
circumference comparisons, front comparisons, height comparisons,
and length or other design parameters comparisons. Depending upon
garment type, fewer comparisons may be made. For example, a pair of
pants would not require a sleeve comparison.
Circumference Comparisons
[0126] For each circumference compared, the measurement filter 232
determines if the consumer's body part can physically fit within
the garment's part. A circumference comparison calculates the
garment's circumference #Cg minus the corresponding consumer's
circumference #Cc, as illustrated in the following formula for
shoulder circumferences:
x=1Cg-1Cc
[0127] If the result, x, is between zero and the garment's
corresponding tolerance, inclusive, then measurement filter
proceeds to the next comparison. For example, 28Dg from Table 12
represents a shoulder comparison and if (0<=x<=28Dg), then
the measurement filter would proceed to next data point, otherwise
the measurement filter discards the current garment into Bin D 239
and proceeds to assess the next garment, if any.
[0128] In the current example, Jane's and the dress' circumference
data points 1C through 5C are compared in this order: bust
circumference (2C), waist circumference (3C), hip circumference
(5C), shoulder circumference (1C), and finally high hip
circumference (4C). A flowchart 700 of these calculations is
depicted in FIG. 7.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 7 and data in Tables 11 and 12, the dress
has a bust circumference (2Cg) of 34 and Jane's bust is 32 (2Cc).
At step 702, the circumference equations result in 34-32=2, and
then at step 704, since that result, 2, is more than zero and less
than or equal to the dress' bust tolerance (29Dg), in this case, it
is 2, then a match is deemed found. Measurement filter 232
processes the next data point--waist circumference (3C). At steps
706 and 708, using the circumference equations, a match is found at
step 708 because 30-29=1 and 0<=1<=1.25.
[0130] Measurement filter 232 processes the next data point--Hip
Circumference (5C). At steps 710 and 712, using the circumference
equations a match is found at step 712 because 39-35=4 and
0<=4<=4.
[0131] Measurement filter 232 processes the next data
point--shoulder circumference (1C). At steps 714 and 716, again a
match is found at step 716 because 37-36.5=0.5 and
0<=0.5<=2.
[0132] Measurement filter 232 processes the next data point--high
hip circumference (4C). At steps 718 and 720, a match is found at
step 720 because 34-32=2 and 0<=2<=2.
[0133] If any of the above comparisons do not match, then the
garment is discarded (step 722) and a match assessment is started
on the next garment, if any. Since this dress fits Jane at all
critical circumferences, measurement filter 232 proceeds to
calculate the front comparisons.
Front Comparisons
[0134] In one embodiment, measurement filter 232 compares the front
data points 6F through 10F for garment and consumer. A front
comparison calculates the garment front (#Fg) minus the consumer
front (#Fc). This formula is for comparing shoulder front:
x=6Fg-6Fc
[0135] If (0<=x<=28Dg*(6Fc/1Cc)), where x is the result
above, 28Dg is the corresponding tolerance (again 28D through 32D),
6Fc is the consumer front #Fg, and 1Cc is the corresponding
consumer circumference #Cc (1Cc through 5Cc), then the garment
passes and measurement filter 232 proceeds to the next data point.
Otherwise, measurement filter 232 discards the current garment into
Bin D and proceeds to assess the next garment, if any. A flowchart
800 of these calculations is depicted in FIG. 8.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 8 and data in tables 11 and 12, the dress
has a shoulder front (6Fg) of 19 and Jane's shoulder front (6Fc) is
18. At step 802 the difference between the garment's shoulder front
and the consumer's shoulder front is calculated:
19-18=1
[0137] At step 804, 1 is more than zero and less than, or equal to,
the dress' shoulder tolerance (28Dg) times Jane's front shoulder
(6Fc) divided by Jane's shoulder circumference (1Cc):
0<=1<=2*(19/36.5)
[0138] So a match is found at step 804.
[0139] Measurement filter 232 proceeds to process the next data
point--bust front (7F). At steps 806 and 808, the difference
between the garment's bust front and the consumer's bust front is
calculated and the tolerance evaluated. Applying the equations, a
match is found at step 808 because 17-17=0 and
0<=0<=2*(17/32).
[0140] Measurement filter 232 proceeds to process the next data
point--waist front (8F). At steps 810 and 812, the difference
between the garment's waist front and the consumer's waist front is
calculated and the tolerance evaluated. Applying the equations, a
match is found at step 812 because 15.5-15=0.5 and
0<=0.5<=1.25*(16/29).
[0141] Measurement filter 232 proceeds to process the next data
point--high hip front (9F). At steps 814 and 816, the difference
between the garment's high hip front and the consumer's high hip
front is calculated and the tolerance evaluated. For example,
applying the equations above, a match is found at step 816 because
17.75-17=0.75 and 0<=0.75<=2*(17/32).
[0142] Measurement filter 232 proceeds to process the next data
point, "hip front (10F)". At steps 818 and 820, the difference
between the garment's hip front and the consumer's hip front is
calculated and the tolerance evaluated. For example, applying the
equations above a match is found at step 820 because 20.5-19=0.5
and 0<=0.5<=4*(19/35).
[0143] If any of the above comparisons do not match, then the
garment is discarded (step 822) and a match assessment is started
on the next garment, if any. Since this dress fits Jane at all
critical front comparisons, measurement filter 232 proceeds to
calculate the height comparisons.
Height Comparisons
[0144] In one embodiment, measurement filter 232 calculates the
heights and ensures that any differences are greater than zero.
Measurement filter 232 calculates the consumer shoulder height
(12Hc) minus the garment shoulder to hem height (15Hc), which may
be expressed in the following equation:
x=12Hc-15Hg
[0145] If (0<=x<=17Hc+33Dg), where x is the result above,
17Hc is the consumer knee height and 33Dg is the desired garment
length, then measurement filter 232 processes the next data point.
Otherwise, measurement filter 232 discards the current garment into
Bin D and proceeds to assess the next garment, if any. A flowchart
900 of these calculations is depicted in FIG. 9.
[0146] Referring FIG. 9 and to data in Tables 11 and 12, Jane's
shoulder height (12Hc) is 53, and the dress' shoulder to hem (15Hg)
is 38.75. At step 902, the difference between Jane's shoulder
height and the dress' shoulder to hem is calculated:
53-38.75=14.5
[0147] At step 904, the difference evaluated by the height
equation. For example, when Jane's knee height is 17 and the dress'
desired length is 0,
0<=14.5<=17+0
[0148] A match is found at step 904, and measurement filter 232 may
proceed to the shoulders to waist height comparison (12H).
[0149] In one embodiment, at step 906, measurement filter 232
calculates the difference between consumer shoulder height (12Hc)
and consumer waist height (14Hc), using the formula:
x=12Hc-14Hc
[0150] If at step 908, (0<=x<=12Hg) where 12Hg is the garment
shoulder to waist height (12Hg), then measurement filter 232
processes the next data point. Otherwise, measurement filter 232
discards the current garment (step 922) and proceeds to assess the
next garment, if any. When comparing Jane's and the dress' shoulder
to waist height, a match is found at step 908 because 53-39=14 and
0<=14<=16.5. Measurement filter 232 may proceed process
sleeve comparisons at step 910.
Sleeve Comparisons
[0151] At step 910, If measurement filter 232 determines that the
consumer armhole circumference (19Dc) is less than, or equal to,
the garment armhole circumference (21Dg) then measurement filter
232 proceeds to the next data point. Otherwise, measurement filter
232 discards the current garment (step 922) and proceeds to assess
the next garment, if any. Referring to data in Tables 11 and 12,
Jane's armhole circumference is 18, and the dress' is 20. At step
910, a match is found because 18<=20.
[0152] Measurement filter 232 now proceeds to sleeve length (23Dg).
At steps 912, if the garment sleeve length (23Dg) minus the garment
sleeve tolerance (34Dg) minus the consumer arm length (21Dc) is
less than, or equal to, zero, then the match assessment 230
proceeds to profile filter 234, as described below. Otherwise,
measurement filter 232 discards the current garment (step 922) and
proceeds to assess the next garment, if any. In this example, a
match is found between Jane's arm and the dress' sleeve length
because (22.75-3-20)<=0. Match assessment process 230 may
proceed to profile filter 234.
Profile Filter
[0153] A garment's priority code (123Dg) equals zero. However,
during match assessment process 230, the priority code may be
temporarily given a numerical value for ranking purposes. If a
garment fails any profile filter comparison it is "penalized" by
having a number added to its priority code. The priority code
determines the order in which garments are recommended and
displayed to the consumer in her personalized online store (unless
other ordering overrides, such as by also organizing all suitable
garments for that consumer into categories). The higher a garment's
priority code, the less suitable it is for the consumer and the
later it will be displayed to her. The lower a garment's priority
code, the more likely it will be displayed. A garment with a
priority code of "1" will be recommended and appear before a
garment with a priority code of "5". For simplicity in the present
example, a "1" is added to the priority code when any profile
comparison fails. Note that the value of this penalty could be
variable and weighted to a particular comparison. For example,
failure to match a consumer's color preference may penalize a
garment by 3, whereas failure to match a consumer's fabric
preference may only penalize it by 2.
[0154] In one embodiment, each consumer profile data point may be
assigned a secondary value, referred to as an "importance value",
to indicate its relative importance to the consumer. An importance
value may be used to modify a corresponding penalty value, making
it higher or lower depending upon how important that particular
aspect of a garment is to the consumer. For example, Jane may feel
that a garment's fabric is more important than its color. If so,
Jane may give fabric an importance value of 2 and color an
importance value of 1. Using these importance values to modify the
earlier example, it is apparent the garment's color penalty remains
3 (3*1=3), while its fabric penalty jumps from 2 to 4 (2*2=4). For
simplicity and clarity in the following examples, all consumer
profile data are considered equally important with no importance
values being assigned and no modification of penalty values being
calculated.
Desired Fit Comparisons
[0155] Profile filter 234 compares the consumer's desired fit for
certain circumferences. That is, the measurement filter's previous
circumference comparisons may be re-run using the consumer's
desired tolerances in lieu of the garment's tolerances. For
example, a sweater may be designed to fit loosely across the bust,
but the consumer prefers a snug fit at her bust. In that case the
profile filter would re-run the bust circumference comparison using
a snug tolerance value. Then if the sweater does not fit snugly at
the consumer's bust, its priority code is incremented, thus
penalizing the sweater but not entirely discarding it, because it
still fits the consumer, albeit more loosely than she prefers.
Thus, if the consumer's desired tolerance at a particular
measurement point is less than the garment's tolerance, profile
filter 234 runs a modified version of that circumference
calculation, substituting the consumer's tolerance for the
garment's tolerance. A flowchart 1000 of these desired fit
comparisons is depicted in FIG. 10.
[0156] At step 1002, if the consumer shoulder tolerance (1001Dc) is
less than the garment shoulder tolerance (28Dg), then at step 1004,
the shoulder circumference calculation is re-run by substituting
the consumer's shoulder tolerance for the garment's shoulder
tolerance. If at step 1006, the garment fails the recalculation,
then the priority code is increased by one (step 1008) and the next
comparison is performed. Therefore, the measurement filter's
shoulder circumference comparison given earlier as:
x=1Cg-1Cc
[0157] If (0<=x<=28Dg) then proceed to next comparison, else
discard garment now becomes:
x=1Cg-1Cc
[0158] If NOT(0<=x<=1001Dc) then add 1 to priority code.
Proceed to next comparison.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 10 and data in Tables 11 and 12, in the
current example Jane's shoulder, bust, waist and hip tolerances
(1001Dc through 1004Dc) are used. Jane prefers a snug fit at her
shoulders; she has a desired shoulder tolerance of only 1. That is
less than the garment's shoulder tolerance of 2, which was used in
earlier shoulder circumference comparison. So, profile filter 234
substitutes Jane's value and recalculates the shoulder
circumference:
37-36.5=0.5
0<=0.5<=1
[0160] That result is TRUE. Having passed the recalculation, the
dress is not penalized, and its priority code remains a perfect
zero.
[0161] At steps 1010 through 1022, Jane's bust, waist and hip
tolerances (1002Dc-1004Dc) are not less than the corresponding
garment tolerances (29Dg, 30Dg and 32Dg), so there is no need to
recalculate those circumferences. However, if they were
recalculated a "1" would be added to the priority code for each
recalculation failure.
[0162] In this example the dress has passed the shoulder
circumference recalculation and no further desired fit comparisons
need to be recalculated. Thus, match assessment process 230
proceeds to the other profile comparisons with the dress' priority
code still equaling zero.
Profile Comparisons
[0163] A flowchart 1100 of the profile comparison calculations is
depicted in FIG. 11. Match assessment process 230 compares these
four consumer and garment data points as follows. At step 1102, the
first data point is whether garment color (115Dg) is contained in
the array of values in the consumer's color palette (1005Dc). At
step 1106, the next data point is whether the garment style (118Dg)
is contained in the array of values in the consumer's desires
styles (1006Dc). At step 1108, the next data point is whether
garment fabric (119Dg) is contained in the array of values in the
consumer's desired fabrics (1007Dc). At step 1110, the next data
point is whether garment retail price (107Dg) is less than or equal
to consumer's "I usually spend" (1013Dg). If all of these match,
then this garment is a match and its priority code is not changed.
Otherwise, match assessment process 230 proceeds to step 1104 and
adds one to the garment's priority code each time a comparison
fails. In other variations, the weights assigned to each comparison
might be different than one and/or vary from comparison to
comparison.
[0164] Referring to data in Tables 11 and 12, the dress matches all
of Jane's color, style, fabric and price preferences. Match
assessment process 230 proceeds to the size comparison 1112 still
having a priority code of zero.
[0165] At step 1112, match assessment process 230 compares the
garment's manufacturer size (121Dg) with the consumer's usual size
(1012Dc). This is an array of size values dependent on garment
type. As noted above, manufacturers' sizes are notoriously variable
from manufacture to manufacturer and even internally inconsistent.
A manufacturer often has its own proprietary sizing scheme, e.g.,
"A" versus "10." So, a separate size lookup table (not shown here)
is employed to normalize the garment's manufacturer size (121D) for
use in the size comparison. Referring to our example data in Tables
11 and 12, the garment's manufacturer size (121Dg) is 1. The size
lookup table indicates a "Smart Fashions" size 1 dress corresponds
to a size 8. At step 1112, match assessment process 230 subtracts
the garment's normalized manufacturer size from the consumer's
usual size. If at step 1114, the difference is more than a size
tolerance range of plus or minus 4, then match assessment process
230 adds one to the priority code. Steps 1112 & 1114 may be
expressed by the following equation: ((1012Dc-121Dg)>.+-.4). In
this example, Jane's usual dress size is 10 and the dress'
normalized manufacture's size is 8. In other words,
((10-8)>.+-.4) is FALSE. So, this dress is still a perfect match
and its priority code is unchanged at zero.
Fashion Suitability Comparisons
[0166] As described earlier, fashion rules and tolerances are
defined in fashion suitability tables that are stored in a
definitions and rules database 139c as maintained by database
server 138. In one embodiment, a plurality of such tables is
employed during fashion suitability comparisons. As with the other
profile filter comparisons, when a garment fails any fashion
suitability comparison its priority code is incremented.
[0167] A flowchart 1200 of the fashion suitability comparison
calculations is depicted in FIG. 12. In practice many fashion rules
may be applied. But for the current example, two fashion
suitability comparisons will be made: height code-to-shirt style
and shape code-to-neckline style. Match assessment process 230
compares two consumer and garment data points as follows. At step
1202, if the garment's skirt style (114Dg) is contained in the
array of suitable values for the consumer's height code (as listed
in Table 6a, for example). Then, at step 1206, if garment neckline
style (110Dg) is contained in the array of suitable values for the
consumer's shape code (as listed in Table 7a, for example), 3) then
this garment is a match and its priority code is not changed.
Otherwise, match assessment process 230 proceeds to step 1204 and
adds 1 to the garment's priority code each time a fashion
suitability comparison fails.
[0168] Referring to data in Tables 11 and 12, Jane's height code
(101Hc) is 2. The garment's skirt style (114Dg) is "A-line", or
skirt style code 1. Employing the Height Code/Skirt Code
Suitability Table (Table 6a), an A-line skirt is suitable for a
consumer with a height code of 2. Further, Jane's shape code
(100Sc) is 5. The garment's neckline style (110Dg) is "crew/jewel".
Employing the Shape Code/Neckline Style Suitability Table (Table
7a), a crew neckline style is suitable for a consumer with a shape
code of 5.
[0169] Thus, the dress has passed these fashion suitability
comparisons with its priority code still equaling zero.
Shape Code Filter
[0170] FIG. 14 depicts holding bins 238, which form the final
output of the match assessment process 230. As illustrated, there
are seven holding bins, labeled 1 through 7; one for each body
shape in this embodiment. In other embodiments, there may be more
or fewer bins. In a specific embodiment, there are 42 bins for
shape and height combinations.
[0171] FIG. 13 depicts a shape code filter 236. Based on the
garment's shape code (100Sg), the shape code filter inserts the
garment (represented by its ID) and its priority code into the bin
or bins corresponding to its shape code(s) as illustrated in FIG.
14. For example, a garment's shape code may be an array of numbers,
e.g., 3, 5, 7. In this case the garment would be placed in bins 3,
5 and 7. The garment is inserted into the bins by ascending order
of its priority code. The garments are thus segregated by shape
code, and ordered from most suitable to least suitable. Garments
that share a consumer's shape code and have a priority code of zero
are considered "best matches". Match assessment process 230 then
proceeds to a match assessment of the next garment, if any.
Otherwise, the match assessment process ends with the output being
a scored, ranked, sorted and filtered list of those garments which
match the consumer to various degrees. This list may be used by a
personalized shopping process 240 for the purpose of displaying
matching garments to the consumer. Further it may be stored as a
table, keyed to the consumer's record in consumer database 139a, as
maintained by database server 138.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 13 and data in Tables 11 and 12, in the
current example, the dress' shape code is "1.5". So, it will be
inserted into both holding bins 1 and 5. And it will be inserted at
the very top of each bin, because its priority code equals zero. In
Jane's personalized store, this dress may be recommended to her as
a BEST match because the dress shares Jane's shape code of 5 and
has a priority code of zero.
Outfits
[0173] In some embodiments, a plurality of garments may be
assembled into an outfit. For example, one outfit may include three
garments: a Fitted Jacket, a Straight Top and Fitted Pants. For
purposes of clothes shopping system 100, an outfit may be treated
as a garment. As such, an outfit has its own record in the garment
database 139b. Those familiar with the state of the art will
appreciate that the outfit's record may contain pointers the
records of its constituent garments. Outfits are also assigned
their own shape codes by combining the shape codes of their
constituent garments according to an outfit categorization process.
Thus outfits may also be included in a match assessment as
described above. The consumer may be presented with both individual
garments and outfits during the personalized shopping process.
Personalized Shopping Process
[0174] A personalized shopping process 240 presents a consumer with
her personal online clothing store, where she may browse and
purchase recommended garments that she can trust will fit and
flatter her body and suit her clothing preferences.
Personal Store
[0175] In one embodiment, the consumer is presented with a personal
store, which shows the customer garments, outfits and complementary
accessories that match the customer's measurements, body shape,
height code, personal preferences and fashion styling, that will
fit her and flatter her as determined by the fashion suitability
rules. Only those garments, outfits and complementary accessories
that fit and flatter the consumer are displayed in her Personal
Store. These items may be displayed in a plurality of modes; e.g.,
ranked by personal fashion preference, or price, or color, or
seasonal trends, and so forth. And they may be displayed in any
combination that the match assessment result allows. In another
embodiment, the consumer uses a kiosk in a retail store where the
selection represents what is available in inventory at that moment
on the floor and the consumer may print out and shop using a
recommendation/personal selection.
[0176] A consumer's personal online store is accessed through
consumer module 110 of the clothes shopping system 100. For example
Jane may shop at her online store by using a Web browser on her
home PC. As those familiar with the art can appreciate, the online
store utilizes typical and necessary ecommerce components, such as
Webpage generators, order processing, tracking, shipping, billing,
email, security, etc., not pictured here. Additionally, the
personal store may be implemented as a freestanding website served
by a server system, or as a subsection within another website, or
as a web service, or within a standalone application outside of a
browser environment (e.g., a "widget" or "gadget"), or in some
combination of the above.
[0177] In one embodiment, the results of a match assessment 230 of
multiple garments and outfits may be displayed to the consumer
using a graphical user interface (GUI) 1500 as depicted in FIG. 15.
Interface 1500 allows the consumer to quickly view and filter the
results of a match assessment query. Based upon the contents of the
match assessment holding bins 238 described earlier, the garments
may be displayed in garment area 1520. In one embodiment, the
priority code assigned each garment may be used to determine their
order of display. For example, BEST-fit garments, those with a
priority code of zero, may be displayed first.
[0178] The consumer may "page" through the garments by selecting
the page controls 1560. A garment may be displayed with picture(s),
descriptive text, ordering information, shopping cart buttons, etc.
The results of a match assessment may also be emailed to the
consumer, delivered via cellular phone, PDA, physically mailed in
the form of a personalized printed catalog, or other delivery
methods.
[0179] The consumer may wish to consider garments that are
less-than-perfect matches for her. If so, those garments having
priority codes greater than zero may then be displayed in the order
of their suitability, according to priority code. In some
embodiments, the garment's priority code may be displayed as a code
or as an icon by the interface in order to indicate to the consumer
how suitable that garment is for her. The consumer may also browse
garments of different body shapes. A shape control 1510 is a row of
icons/text depicting the seven body shapes of this embodiment.
Clicking on a body shape icon selects that shape and the remainder
of the page 1512 is updated with garments matching that body shape.
When interface 1500 is first displayed, the consumer's body shape
may be automatically selected and the matching garments displayed
in area 1512.
[0180] The GUI might provide an icon, scale, number line, or other
graphical representation of a gauge for the consumer that indicates
to the consumer how well the garment fits and where with respect to
the garments' tolerances, the consumer's measurements fall, thus
allowing the consumer to determine how snug is snug, etc. Of
course, the GUI should provide an option to allow the consumer to
purchase garments that are not within prespecified preferences.
[0181] Additional filter controls 1570 may be displayed. For
example, a garment type (102Dg) filter lists the various types of
matching garments, such as "Dresses." A brand (106Dg) Filter lists
brands and designers, such as "Smart Fashions". A style (118Dg)
filter lists clothing styles, such as "Romantic." In this way, a
filter could be displayed for any, or all, garment profile data
points, such as color (115Dg), fabric (119Dg), sleeve style
(112Dg), etc. For example, when a user selects a filter option,
such as "Jackets", interface 1500 will show all matching garments
that are jackets.
[0182] In other embodiments, multiple and discontinuous selections
are made using a "checkbox" selection interface, as those familiar
in the art will appreciate. For example, Jane may click Skirts,
Pants, Brand A, Romantic, and Artsy. The garment area 1520 may then
be updated with garments meeting all of those selected filter
options. Thus, the personal online store can fetch, sort and
display matching garments in many useful ways. And thus, the
consumer may purchase one or more garments, with confidence that
the garments are likely to fit and flatter her. In fact, the
consumer can, with one or more click, purchase and entire outfit
with multiple components.
[0183] The personal store can be shared with friends and family,
indicating to them the filtered garments that fit and flatter,
without needing to provide those others with fit information, size
information, preferences, etc.
Personal Mall
[0184] In addition to providing the consumer with a personalized
store, elements of the systems described above can be expanded to
cover a personal mall, wherein filtering is done as above, but over
multiple online retail outlets. The particular retail outlets that
are part of the system would depend on a number of criteria and the
operator of the matching system might provide that access in
exchange for commissions, as well as upselling, cross-marketing and
providing other useful features for the consumer. An advantage to
those retailers who join the personal mall and provide a virtual
storefront is reduced return rates. With proper arrangement of the
personal mall, each retail outlet can present its own brand and may
be the shipper that ships the products directly to the
consumer.
[0185] While the invention has been described with respect to
exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that
numerous modifications are possible. For example, the processes
described herein may be implemented using hardware components,
software components, and/or any combination thereof Thus, although
the invention has been described with respect to exemplary
embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended
to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the
following claims.
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