U.S. patent application number 13/840762 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for viewing images for review in merged image form and with parameter-based image processing.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANGRAM ACQUISITIONS L.L.C.. The applicant listed for this patent is PANGRAM ACQUISITIONS L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Robert J. Crawford, Robert Giannini.
Application Number | 20130218633 13/840762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41531116 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130218633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giannini; Robert ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
VIEWING IMAGES FOR REVIEW IN MERGED IMAGE FORM AND WITH
PARAMETER-BASED IMAGE PROCESSING
Abstract
A method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a
linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular
application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel
shopping involving a matching scheme using codes provided with
images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article,
such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item
from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line
viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure
selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article
and the structure satisfy a category-matching criterion. In certain
embodiments, the articles are represented by (search) parameters
that permit organizational advantages.
Inventors: |
Giannini; Robert; (Hoboken,
NJ) ; Crawford; Robert J.; (Apple Valley,
MN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PANGRAM ACQUISITIONS L.L.C.; |
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US |
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Assignee: |
PANGRAM ACQUISITIONS L.L.C.
Dover
DE
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Family ID: |
41531116 |
Appl. No.: |
13/840762 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12569605 |
Sep 29, 2009 |
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13840762 |
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09531102 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
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12569605 |
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60167493 |
Nov 24, 1999 |
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60159476 |
Oct 14, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.29 ;
705/14.54; 705/26.62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0269 20130101;
G06Q 30/0256 20130101; G06Q 30/0254 20130101; G06Q 30/0283
20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06Q 30/0643 20130101; G06Q
30/0229 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101; G06Q 30/0222 20130101; G06F
16/972 20190101; G06Q 30/0253 20130101; G06Q 30/0631 20130101; G06Q
30/0633 20130101; G06Q 30/0273 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q 30/0255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/7.29 ;
705/26.62; 705/14.54 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20120101
G06Q030/06 |
Claims
1. A computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that,
when executed, cause a computer to perform operations comprising:
providing an interface for access by a remote computer; receiving
structure image data of a structure from the remote computer;
receiving a search parameter from the remote computer; searching
for an article that matches the search parameter and offered for
sale at a remote website; pulling image data corresponding to the
matched article from the remote website; receiving selection data
corresponding to the matched article; linking the remote computer
to the remote website that corresponds to the matched article;
merging the pulled image data with the structure image data to form
a merged image data of the article placed on the structure; and
displaying the merged image data at the remote computer.
2. The computer readable medium of claim 1, storing further
executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to
perform further operations comprising: categorizing the matched
article according to one or more categorization parameters; and
configuring the interface to display the matched article in a
category.
3. The computer readable medium of claim 1, storing further
executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to
perform further operations comprising: displaying an advertisement
for an article offered for sale by a retailer; and charging the
retailer for the advertisement.
4. The computer readable medium of claim 1, storing further
executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to
perform further operations comprising: tracking purchases of the
matched article; and providing demographic information to the
retailer that sold the matched article.
5. The computer readable medium of claim 4, storing further
executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to
perform further operations comprising charging the retailer for the
demographic information.
6. The computer readable medium of claim 1, storing further
executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to
perform further operations comprising providing a selectable icon
for enabling the searching.
7. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the search
parameter includes an identification of a selected retailer.
8. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the search
parameter includes a selection of an outline of the searched for
article.
9. An apparatus comprising: a server including at least one
programmable computer, wherein the server is configured to: provide
an interface for accessing by a remote computer; receive structure
image data of a structure from the remote computer; receive a
search parameter from the remote computer; search for an article
that matches the search parameter and offered for sale at a remote
website; pull image data corresponding to the matched article from
the remote website; receive selection data corresponding to the
matched article; link the remote computer to the remote website
that corresponds to the matched article; merge the pulled image
data with the structure image data to form a merged image data of
the article placed on the structure; and display the merged image
at the remote computer.
10. An apparatus comprising: server means, including at least one
processor means that includes a programmable computer, configured
to: provide an interface for accessing by a remote computer;
receive structure image data of a structure from the remote
computer; receive a search parameter from the remote computer;
search for an article that matches the search parameter and offered
for sale at a remote website; pull image data corresponding to the
matched article from the remote website; receive selection data
corresponding to the matched article; link the remote computer to
the remote website that corresponds to the matched article; merge
the pulled image data with the structure image data to form a
merged image data of the article placed on the structure; and
display the merged image at the remote computer.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the server means is further
configured to: categorize the matched article according to one or
more categorization parameters; and configure the interface to
display the matched article in a category.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the server means is further
configured to: display an advertisement for an article offered for
sale by a retailer; and charge the retailer for the
advertisement.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the server means is further
configured to: track purchases of the matched article; and
providing demographic information to the retailer that sold the
matched article.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the server means is further
configured to charge a retailer for the demographic
information.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the server means is further
configured to provide a selectable icon for enabling the
searching.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the search parameter includes
an identification of a selected retailer.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the search parameter includes a
selection of an outline of the searched for article.
18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the server is further
configured to: track purchases of the matched article; and provide
demographic information to the retailer that sold the matched
article.
19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the server is further
configured to: track purchases of the matched article; providing
demographic information to the retailer that sold the matched
article; and charge the retailer for the demographic information.
Description
RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/569,605, filed Sep. 29, 2009, which is a continuation U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/531,102 filed on Mar. 17, 2000, now
abandoned, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/167,493 filed Nov. 24, 1999, and of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/159,476 filed Oct. 14,
1999, which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to e-commerce and,
more specifically, to use of linked web servers sites for on-line
shopping.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The consumer in today's market is limited to a particular
retailer's or department store's inventory, selection and styles.
Traditionally, a consumer shops for items from different stores
with the anticipation and hope that the items will coordinate.
Alternatively, a consumer will wait for an opportunity to try on
all the different items purchased and return those items that do
not coordinate. Recent technological advances have attempted to
enhance the shopping ability through the use of e-commerce,
sometimes referred to as "online buying" or "online shopping."
[0004] There are differences inherent between "online buying" and
"online shopping" in that current e-commerce transactions are based
on the individual buying goods or services online that they have
either decided to buy prior to logging on to the internet or find
as a result of bargain hunting on the internet. There is very
little, if any, true shopping on the internet. Most women define
shopping as an "experience" "fun" "exciting" and the like. True
shopping is going to a mall or department store with the intention
of buying yet to be determined goods or services. Few consumers are
getting on the internet with the same mindset that they have before
they physically go shopping. It is the difference between logging
onto the internet to buy an additional pair of Levi's Jeans and
going shopping and then coming home with 2 pairs of Levi's Jeans, a
belt, 2 sweaters and 2 shirts.
[0005] A particular problem that arises in connection with shopping
electronically concerns color matching. Unlike true shopping where
the buying experience involves the ability of the user to
color-match articles based on actual appearances, the colors of the
articles are mischaracterized when displayed for the shopper over a
computer terminal. This alteration is largely due to
miscalibrations at both the input (e.g., image capturing) and the
output, for example, the display terminal itself. Consequently, few
consumers are comfortable color matching items over the
internet.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is generally directed to
a method for on-line viewing of articles that are matched. An
example implementation of this aspect of the present invention
involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node
for virtual merging on another structure. In a more particular
example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on
another structure, includes creating an item from image-data
corresponding to a type of article selected by an on-line viewer
from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected
by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the
structure satisfy a parameter-based matching criterion such as
article color or article type.
[0007] Another particular application of the present invention
involves an on-line viewer linked to the host-site and to a virtual
closet maintained by the host-site. The host-site selects a
structure in response to a command received by the on-line viewer,
and using the host-site, the viewer is linked to the
article-provider site and images are passed from that site for view
by the on-line viewer. A selected one of the articles is merged
with the structure by forming an image including representations of
both the structure and the selected article.
[0008] An optional feature allows each user a certain amount of
storage capacity, referred to as a "closet," where the user can
store different items from multiple stores as they move from store
to store, each time bringing back different items to mix and match,
coordinate and so on. This storage space allows the consumer to put
items "on hold" for a limited period of time without purchasing
them. Color codes are included with each article stored in the
closet. This feature allows consumers to return at a later date and
purchase these items with a full appreciation of their color
coordination.
[0009] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of
the present invention. The figures in the detailed description that
follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for
implementing the present system in accordance with one example
embodiment of the invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example manner for implementing
one aspect of the present invention.
[0013] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The present invention is generally directed to a method and
system involving e-commerce over interconnected communication
networks such as those currently known as the Internet. The present
invention is particularly suited for conveniently bringing virtual
apparel into customers' respective homes and permitting customers
to try on the apparel before accepting/purchasing the apparel.
While the present invention is not necessarily so limited, a better
understanding of the invention will be found by reading the
detailed description and exemplary embodiments that follow.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a method and
system for implementing the present system. The system includes a
host application server 101 including several example functional
blocks. These blocks include a block 102 that merges two images A
and B (e.g. corresponding to a personalized or generic article
identified by the on-line shopper, and a foundation or structure
image to be merged with the identified article). Another block 103
permits merging of images selected from A, B, and/or articles
previously stored in a "closet," depicted as block 105. Another
block 107 includes personalized images and an inventory of generic
images corresponding to the foundation or structure. A revenue
generator block 109 provides fee generation from on-line shoppers
who subscribe to the host application server per on-line or
off-line agreement, and/or fee generation from retailers (or
sellers) and others such as magazine publishers desiring
participation and benefit from the system of FIG. 1.
[0016] The on-line shopper uses a PC or intelligent black box 112
to access the host application server 101. Through this access, the
on-line shopper either selects a generic structure from an inquiry
of such structures provided by block 107 or provides a personalized
image (for example, a scanned image of himself or of his house) to
be used as the structure. Using the host application server 101,
the on-line shopper is coupled through the web to a seller,
depicted at block 114. Images of selectable articles are
communicated back to the on-line shopper over the web and through
the host application server 101. The on-line shopper selects one or
more articles from at least one of the sellers for storage in the
closet 105, and/or for merging with the previously-selected
structure. Similarly, the structure can be changed per a command
from the on-line shopper so as to merge the selected article(s)
with different structures. In response, the host application server
101 processes images corresponding to the article and structure and
generates a new image including representations of both the
structure and the article.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an example process for
implementing the example system of FIG. 1, according to the present
invention. As discussed above, after accessing the host application
server 201, optionally the host application server verifies
registration/payment as is conventional with current on-line
shopping as depicted at 201a. At block 204 the structure or
foundation is selected as discussed above, and at block 206 the
link is made to the seller. At block 208 the article(s) is viewed
by the on-line shopper and, optionally, a selection of a color
and/or size for the article is made. Next, the on-line shopper
selects the article as a candidate for storage in the closet and/or
for merging with the structure.
[0018] At block 210 the on-line shopper instructs the host
application server to store the article in the closet by returning
to block 204, merge with the structure as depicted at block 212, or
return to block 206 for linking to the same seller or another
seller for additional viewing.
[0019] From block 212 flow proceeds to block 214 where the new
image is created per the merger instruction.
[0020] Next, at block 216, the new image is sent for viewing to the
on-line shopper.
[0021] At block 218 the on-line shopper chooses one of multiple
options. Either the closet is accessed and the on-line shopper
returns to block 204, or an election is made to purchase the
article and/or other articles that may have been stored in the
closet as depicted in block 220. From block 220, flow proceeds to
block 222 where the on-line shopper decides to return to block 204
or end the transaction.
[0022] Example articles can be: A) clothing; B) paint; C)
furniture; D) glassware; E) landscaping; F) orthodontic and teeth
ware; G) cabinetry; H) plastic-surgery type enhancements; I)
car/person.
[0023] Example foundation for merger with corresponding article(s)
can be: a) person, pet; b) house, cars, etc.; c) house, cars,
office, etc.; d) kitchen, face; e) yard; f) mouth; g) rooms in
office/house; h) person (chest, face, belly, etc.); i)
person/car.
[0024] In another example embodiment according to the present
invention, an important advantage relating to color matching is
achieved using a commonly-used color standard that covers
sufficient color variations to permit various articles to be
matched to one another. In one more specific embodiment, an
industry color-standardization scheme is used. Examples include:
Exxel Color Match Guide (see http://sharones.com/prod013234.htm)
and Color match Chart
(http://www.csprings.com/aero_lettering/c_match.htm). More
sophisticated color standardization schemes include the above
examples in combination with equipment specifically identifying a
frequency range corresponding to the color of the article in
question or the equipment approach by itself.
[0025] Example equipment of this type includes optics-based
detectors adapted to provide a measured (color) frequency in a
given light condition/environment. For example, white light may be
used along with selected background materials characterized within
certain selected ranges of reflectivity. Other definitional
parameters needed and/or useful in connection therewith will be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0026] In a particular application, the color frequencies measured
for the articles to be matched are reported and provided in the
form of a tag that is carried with the article, electronically for
the web server shopping function and, optionally, as a supplemental
hard-copy coded label (e.g., as part of or as a supplementation to
the coding used on a bar code label). In a more particular
implementation involving this use as part of the bar code label,
the conventional bar code scanners and bar code generators are
modified and adapted to receive the color frequency of the article
and to conveniently report the color frequency in conjunction with
the electronic shopping function and/or the conventional/reality
shopping applications.
[0027] In yet another more specific embodiment, the closet of
selected articles (as described for example in connection with
block 105 of FIG. 1) is electronically defined using a partial-data
set corresponding to each of the closeted articles. In one
application thereof, the partial-data set comprises an outline
definition of each of the articles along with the color frequency
codes linked to the various sections of each article, as necessary
to fully define the article in terms of article shape and color.
Further, the size of the article is also stored as part of the
partial-data set. Collectively, these various pieces advantageously
define all needed aspects of each article in the closet without
having to consume excessive amounts of memory and without requiring
excessive processing to recreate the article for view by the
user.
[0028] The virtual closet discussed above in connection with FIG. 1
can be used to permit the shopper to buy or hold (without buying)
an article and subsequently retrieving the article for matching to
other articles in terms of structure, size, color and other
stylistic aspects. In applications concerned with limited memory
bandwidth, the host application can provide a maximum amount of
storage space for each shopper, with additional storage space being
provided for a fee. These data stored in such memory is limited to
a fixed-period, e.g., one month, with extensions being provided for
yet additional consideration, such as a monthly fee or purchases of
items stored in the closet during an immediately preceding period.
This approach advantageously encourages the shoppers to revisit the
host application repeatedly to access their personalized virtual
closet, and advantageously provides on-going advertising for (which
is also optionally billed on a related, on-going basis to) the
seller/retailers.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention,
on-line shoppers (for example 112 of FIG. 1) are provided a number
of selectable icons or other data permitting feedback from the
host/server (for example 101 of FIG. 1). Examples include: expert
fashion advice (e.g., professional consultants employed by the
retailers (for example sellers 114 of FIG. 1), outside fashion
consultants and/or employees of the entity providing the host
application (101 of FIG. 1); on-line offers from the sellers
(discounts, sales, etc.); updates on up-coming styles, colors, the
most recent and hottest fashions. Each of these various offerings
is optionally categorized for convenient selection by the
shopper/user, for example, by category, style, activities,
retailers. Advantageously, this application permits the host
application to provide the sellers unique demographic information
pertaining to particular customers' interests, selection trends and
other data useful in attracting the shoppers to the retailers.
[0030] For convenience to the shoppers, a feedback icon can be used
to provide a "favorite retailers" list to be defined by each
shopper. When the shopper logs onto the host application, any of
these favorite retailers can be immediately linked to for various
uses. Examples include: reviewing closeted items and making changes
thereto for a particular retailer, checking sales at that
particular retailer and/or continuing to shop at a particular
retailer without being required to return to the host application
web site. Further, as a shopper links from retailer to retailer
(the "Favorites"), a "shopping basket" can be selected and filled
as the shopper accesses the articles
[0031] According to another important aspect of the present
invention, the host application includes a search engine that
searches selected, or all, participating sellers/retailers for
particular merchandise, as identified by the on-line shopper. In
one implementation, this service is provided to the shopper using a
selectable icon or other feedback data as discussed above. At this
point, the host application can: list all such retailers and allow
the shopper to link to their web site; virtually pull the item from
the respective web sites and allow the shopper to "try on" the
article or store it in the closet (with a variation which
optionally permits the shopper to change the size and color);
and/or a combination of these approaches.
[0032] Implementation of the merging function can be accomplished
using one or more of a variety of currently-available methods.
Examples of such methods include those used in connection with web
sites: www.virtualmakeover.com and
www.segasoft.com/customer/index.html. Other example implementations
are described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,769 entitled,
"System and Method for Fashion Shopping." Various types of software
and hardware can be used to implement each aspect of the system and
method described.
[0033] As noted above, the present invention is applicable to a
number of techniques for merging various types of structures, or
foundations, with one or more corresponding articles. The present
invention should not be considered limited to the particular
examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover
all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached
claims. For example, the present invention could be characterized
as covering one or more of the above characterized features.
Accordingly, various modifications, equivalent processes, as well
as numerous structures to which the present invention may be
applicable will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan upon
review of the present specification.
* * * * *
References