U.S. patent application number 13/964573 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for 3d click to buy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lee Martin Stewart. Invention is credited to Lee Martin Stewart.
Application Number | 20140019299 13/964573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45773269 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140019299 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Lee Martin |
January 16, 2014 |
3D CLICK TO BUY
Abstract
An e-commerce method related to ordering from interactive 3D
model(s). The 3D models includes parametric data and metadata. A
software enables a user to specify search criteria for a selected
product among a plurality of products whose 3D models are stored on
the data storage device. The search software returns a list of
product(s) matching the search criteria. The user selects a product
and the 3D model of the selected product is streamed to the user
software. The 3D model is then displayed to the user, who now can
interact with said 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or
decomposing said 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies of the
product in one or more stages of decomposition. Finally, e-commerce
software communicates with said user software allowing the user to
initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the parts or
subassemblies depicted in said 3D model of said selected
product.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Lee Martin;
(Austin, TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stewart; Lee Martin |
Austin |
TX |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
45773269 |
Appl. No.: |
13/964573 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13906100 |
May 30, 2013 |
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13964573 |
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13219294 |
Aug 26, 2011 |
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13906100 |
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61379341 |
Sep 1, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.8 ;
345/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G06Q 30/0625 20130101; G06Q 30/0643 20130101; B33Y 80/00 20141201;
H04N 21/2404 20130101; H04L 67/10 20130101; G06F 3/04815 20130101;
G06Q 30/0641 20130101; H04N 21/23614 20130101; G06F 3/04842
20130101; H04N 21/812 20130101; G06T 17/00 20130101; H04H 20/103
20130101; H04H 60/11 20130101; G06F 3/04845 20130101; H04N 7/104
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.8 ;
345/419 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G06T 17/00 20060101 G06T017/00 |
Claims
1. An e-commerce method for initiating an e-commerce transaction
with respect to a desired item, said desired item comprising at
least one of a set of parts, assemblies, or subassemblies depicted
in a 3D model of a selected product, wherein a user is able to
interact with said 3D model, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of 3D models in a data storage device, at
least one said 3D models for each of a plurality of products, said
3D models including parametric data and metadata; providing product
selection instructions for enabling a user to specify search
criteria for searching for a selected product among the plurality
of products, wherein 3D models of said plurality of products are
stored on the data storage device; providing to the user a list of
at least one product matching the search criteria using said
product selection instructions; allowing the user to select a
product from said list of at least one product; streaming a display
of said 3D model of said selected product from said data storage
device to the user; allowing the user to interact with said 3D
model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing said 3D model to
reveal parts, assemblies, or subassemblies of the product in one or
more stages of decomposition; enabling the user to visually
identify a desired item without the need for a reference parts
list, table, or any other association list for identification of
parts of the selected product; enabling the user to select the
desired item without the need to enter any identification data; and
providing transaction instructions for allowing the user to
initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the selected item
depicted in said 3D model of said selected product.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein interaction with the 3D model
includes the ability to rotate the 3D model about the X, Y, and Z
coordinate axis.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein interaction with the 3D model
includes the ability to rotate the 3D model about a user-specified
axis.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting or hovering over a
portion of a 3D model with a pointer of a pointing device displays
parametric data and metadata associated with the part.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein selection of a portion of the 3D
model highlights the selected portion of the 3D model.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein selection of a portion of the 3D
model also highlights additional parts related to the selected item
and the user is prompted to add the additional parts to a virtual
shopping cart, an electronic parts replenishment system, a 3D
printing device, or a 3D fabricating device.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the additional parts are
necessary to the selected item.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the additional parts are
recommended with the selected item.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein if the selected item is available
as part of a kit including additional parts then the additional
parts are graphically displayed to indicate the availability of a
kit and the user is prompted to add the kit to the virtual shopping
cart, an electronic parts replenishment system, a 3D printing
device, or a 3D fabricating device.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein a border is drawn around the
parts which constitute the kit.
11. The method of claim 4, wherein the metadata includes the part
name, part number, price, and availability.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the ecommerce transaction
includes adding the selected item to an ecommerce shopping cart,
ordering the selected item from an electronic parts replenishment
system, or sending parametric data and metadata associated with the
part to a 3D printing device or a 3D fabricating device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the ecommerce transaction
includes prompting the user with the option to purchase at least
one part associated with the selected item in the virtual shopping
cart.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interacts with the 3D
model using one or more of a pointing device, a menu structure, and
a touch sensitive display screen.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein streaming the 3D model of said
selected product to the user is implemented by software running on
a server side workstation.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction instructions are
implemented by software running on a server side workstation.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction instructions are
implemented by software which communicates with at least one of a
client side and server side workstations or mobile devices.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating an ecommerce
transaction includes transmitting parametric data and metadata
corresponding to the selected item to an ecommerce application, a
3D printing device, or a 3D fabricating device.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the client side workstation
communicates with the server side processor over the internet using
a web browser or a mobile application.
20. An e-commerce method for initiating an e-commerce transaction
with respect to a desired item, said desired item comprising at
least one of a set of parts, assemblies, or subassemblies depicted
in a 3D model of a selected product, wherein a user is able to
interact with said 3D model, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of 3D images in a data storage device, at
least one said 3D images for each of a plurality of products, said
3D images including parametric data and metadata; providing product
selection instructions for enabling a user to specify search
criteria for searching for a selected product among the plurality
of products, wherein 3D images of said plurality of products are
stored on the data storage device; providing to the user a list of
at least one product matching the search criteria using said
product selection instructions; allowing the user to select a
product from said list of at least one product; streaming a display
of said 3D image of said selected product from said data storage
device to the user; allowing the user to interact with said 3D
image by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing said 3D image to
reveal parts, assemblies, or subassemblies of the product in one or
more stages of decomposition; enabling the user to visually
identify a desired item without the need for a reference parts
list, table, or any other association list for identification of
parts of the selected product; enabling the user to select the
desired item without the need to enter any identification data; and
providing transaction instructions for allowing the user to
initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the selected item
depicted in said 3D image of said selected product.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein interaction with the 3D image
includes the ability to select a different view of the 3D product
image.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the different view is selected
from the group comprising top, right side, left side, bottom,
assembly, subassembly, and exploded.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein selecting or hovering over a
portion of a 3D image with a pointer of a pointing device displays
parametric data and metadata associated with the part.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein selection of a portion of the
3D image highlights the selected portion of the 3D image.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein selection of a portion of the
3D image also highlights additional parts related to the selected
item and the user is prompted to add the additional parts to a
virtual shopping cart, an electronic parts replenishment system, a
3D printing device, or a 3D fabricating device.
26. The method of claim 20, wherein if the selected item is
available as part of a kit including additional parts then the
additional parts are graphically displayed to indicate the
availability of a kit and the user is prompted to add the kit to
the virtual shopping cart, an electronic parts replenishment
system, a 3D printing device, or a 3D fabricating device.
27. The method of claim 20, wherein the transaction instructions
are implemented by software which communicates with at least one of
a client side and server side workstations or mobile devices.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the client side workstation or
mobile device communicates with the server side processor over the
internet using a web browser or a mobile application.
29. A system for initiating an e-commerce transaction with respect
to a desired item, said desired item comprising at least one of a
set of parts, assemblies, or subassemblies depicted in a 3D model
of a selected product, wherein a user is able to interact with said
3D model, comprising: a database on a data storage device, said
database containing at least one 3D model for each of a plurality
of products, said 3D models including parametric data and metadata;
a server side workstation operably connected to the data storage
device and a server side software for querying the database for a
product matching search criteria; a client side workstation or
mobile device communicating with the server side workstation over a
network; a client side software accessible to the client
workstation or mobile device communicating with said server side
software for querying the database for a product matching search
criteria, said server side software returning a list of at least
one product matching the search criteria to said client side
software; in response to a user selecting one of the listed
products, said server side software streaming said at least one 3D
model of said selected product from said database to said client
side software; a client side software allowing said user to
interact with said 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or
decomposing said 3D model to reveal parts, assemblies, or
subassemblies of the product in one or more stages of
decomposition; said client side software enabling said user to
visually identify a desired item without the need for a reference
parts list, table, or any other association list for identification
of parts of the selected product; said client side software
enabling said user to select the desired item without the need to
enter any identification data; and ecommerce software allowing the
user to initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the
selected item depicted in said 3D model of said selected product.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM FOR PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/906,100 filed May 30, 2013,
which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/219,294 filed Aug. 26, 2011, which claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/379,341 filed Sep. 3,
2010 which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system, process
and software for facilitating commerce and electronic commerce
(e-commerce) transactions, and more specifically to a system,
process and software to allow the purchase of products and parts
from or within 3D models.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Three-dimensional (3D) models are methods of rendering and
manipulating a graphical object or hologram. It should be
understood that the system, process and software of the present
invention may be used with a model capable of rendering either a 3D
image on a display screen or a 3D hologram. As used throughout this
specification, the term 3D image should be understood to include
imaging systems (a camera, an eye, stereogram or hologram) having 3
dimensions (x, y, z coordinates or having volume).
[0004] Within the context of electronic commerce (hereinafter
"ecommerce"), 3D models are useful for displaying real tangible
products and concept products on a computer as a 3D model.
Importantly, 3D models enable a user to interact with the graphical
rendering or image. The 3D image can be rotated about an axis,
exploded, decomposed or adjusted visually or parametrically in
levels of detail view to fully understand and visualize the item or
product at a virtual level. This flexibility has resulted in
creating a high demand for 3D models.
[0005] The term "explode" is used to refer to a rendered view of an
object in which the discrete or constituent parts are separated
from a clearly visible object. A partially decomposed view refers
to a view in which some of the parts are removed to reveal hidden
parts or assemblies. A fully decomposed view is the same as an
exploded view and reveals all the parts which form the part, object
or assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a system and software that allows a
user to interact with a rendered 3D image, part or assembly
(defined as any set of N-number of parts, where N>1), select a
single part or decompose the 3D assembly to its finite (discrete or
constituent) parts, select a specific part or multiple parts and
add that part to a commerce or electronic-commerce process (such as
an online shopping cart). It should be understood that the term
"interact" is intended to encompass manipulating the rendered 3D
image through the use of rotating the image about any axis,
enlarging or shrinking the image, exploding or decomposing the
image in one or more levels of detail to reveal the constituent
parts and/or sub-assemblies of the corresponding model. Optionally,
interacting with the object may include displaying parametric data,
metadata and/or secondary parts associated with a part (or
assembly). The term "part" may encompass a discrete part such as a
screw or a spring, a group of associated parts (e.g., a kit), or a
sub-assembly.
[0007] 3D images are differentiated from 2D static images (such as
a photograph or rasterization graphics) in that displaying for the
two types are distinctly accessible through separate processes. 2D
parametric images or vector graphics are similar in nature to 3D
parametric images with the exception that 2D parametric images
either contain a third dimension (coordinate plane of value zero)
or the third dimension is omitted. 2D static image processes cannot
function within a 3D representation. An image map (which may or may
not contain metadata) that is overlaid on a 2D static image will
not function with a 3D image when the 3D model is manipulated since
the 2D static data lacks a third plane of data or is set to zero.
In a similar scenario a 3D image map would contain additional
information that could not be viewed or accessed when manipulating
the 2D image since the flat nature of the 2D image could not be
manipulated in such a way as to reveal the 3D mappings. Systems of
this nature implemented in 2D static mappings are cumbersome and
can obscure critical information necessary for accurate parts
identification and selection processes.
[0008] Stated differently, when an image map (internet term: a
hypertext markup language tag <map> to define a client side
region with clickable areas) is used with a 2D image the metadata
is associated with the region and not the image. The problem with
this approach is the image map will still be viewable and clickable
if the 2D image is not available or has been changed. The
relationship must be made between the image map and the 2D static
image in the html where as in 3D the metadata is contained in the
file format. Although the image map function might still remain
intact it may become meaningless or highly confusing if the image
cannot be retrieved or if the image map inadvertently is used in
conjunction with another 2D image.
[0009] An embodiment of the invention is to provide a method of
purchasing a part by interacting with a three-dimensional model
(3D) or a derivative of the model. The client display system
renders the parametric data to view the 3D model and with an action
(such as clicking a mouse button or finger tap) the purchaser is
able to complete an order, such as adding the part to a shopping
cart or other commerce or electronic commerce purchasing
application.
[0010] Due to the limitations of the patent application process it
is not possible to directly show 3D images, therefore all images
are 2D and are illustrated from 3D and simulate a 3D view after
being manipulated for the purpose of the embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A first embodiment of the invention is an e-commerce method
for initiating an e-commerce transaction with respect to a desired
item, said desired item comprising at least one of a set of parts,
assemblies, or subassemblies depicted in a 3D model of a selected
product, wherein a user is able to interact with said 3D model, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of 3D models
in a data storage device, at least one said 3D models for each of a
plurality of products, said 3D models including parametric data and
metadata;
[0012] providing product selection instructions for enabling a user
to specify search criteria for searching for a selected product
among the plurality of products, wherein 3D models of said
plurality of products are stored on the data storage device;
[0013] providing to the user a list of at least one product
matching the search criteria using said product selection
instructions;
[0014] allowing the user to select a product from said list of at
least one product;
[0015] streaming a display of said 3D model of said selected
product from said data storage device to the user;
[0016] allowing the user to interact with said 3D model by
selecting, hovering over, or decomposing said 3D model to reveal
parts, assemblies, or subassemblies of the product in one or more
stages of decomposition;
[0017] enabling the user to visually identify a desired item
without the need for a reference parts list, table, or any other
association list for identification of parts of the selected
product;
[0018] enabling the user to select the desired item without the
need to enter any identification data; and
[0019] providing transaction instructions for allowing the user to
initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the selected item
depicted in said 3D model of said selected product.
[0020] In the aforementioned method, interaction with the 3D model
includes the ability to rotate the 3D model about the X, Y, and Z
coordinate axis.
[0021] In the aforementioned method, interaction with the 3D model
may include the ability to rotate the product image about a
user-specified axis.
[0022] In the aforementioned method, selecting or hovering over a
portion of a 3D model with a pointer of a pointing device displays
parametric data and metadata associated with the part.
[0023] Moreover, selection of a portion of the 3D model highlights
the selected portion of the 3D model. Still further, additional
parts (i.e., parts other than those already selected) related to
the selected item are highlighted and the user is prompted to add
the additional parts to an ecommerce shopping cart or virtual
shopping cart.
[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, if the selected
item is available as part of a kit including additional parts then
the additional parts are graphically displayed to indicate the
availability of a kit and the user is prompted to add the kit to
the ecommerce shopping cart or virtual shopping cart.
[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, a border is drawn
around the parts which constitute the kit.
[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the metadata
includes the part name, part number and price.
[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the ecommerce
transaction includes adding a part to an ecommerce shopping cart or
virtual shopping cart.
[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the ecommerce
transaction includes prompting the user with the option to purchase
at least one part associated with the selected item in the virtual
shopping cart.
[0029] In the aforementioned method, the user may interact with the
3D model using one or more of a pointing device, a menu structure,
and a touch sensitive display screen.
[0030] In the aforementioned method, streaming the 3D model of said
selected product to the user is implemented by software running on
a server side workstation.
[0031] In the aforementioned method, the transaction instructions
are implemented by software running on a server side
workstation.
[0032] In the aforementioned method, the transaction instructions
are implemented by software which communicates with at least one of
a client side and server side workstations or mobile devices.
[0033] In the aforementioned method, initiating an ecommerce
transaction includes transmitting metadata corresponding to the
selected part to an ecommerce application.
[0034] In the aforementioned method, the user initiates an
ecommerce transaction by adding a part to a shopping cart.
[0035] In the aforementioned method, the client side workstation
communicates with the server side processor over the internet using
a web browser or a mobile application.
[0036] A variation on the ecommerce method for initiating an
e-commerce transaction with respect to a desired item, said desired
item comprising at least one of a set of parts, assemblies, or
subassemblies depicted in a 3D model of a selected product, wherein
a user is able to interact with said 3D model, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0037] providing a plurality of 3D images in a data storage device,
at least one said 3D images for each of a plurality of products,
said 3D images including parametric data and metadata;
[0038] providing product selection instructions for enabling a user
to specify search criteria for searching for a selected product
among the plurality of products, wherein 3D images of said
plurality of products are stored on the data storage device;
[0039] providing to the user a list of at least one product
matching the search criteria using said product selection
instructions;
[0040] allowing the user to select a product from said list of at
least one product;
[0041] streaming a display of said 3D image of said selected
product from said data storage device to the user;
[0042] allowing the user to interact with said 3D image by
selecting, hovering over, or decomposing said 3D image to reveal
parts, assemblies, or subassemblies of the product in one or more
stages of decomposition;
[0043] enabling the user to visually identify a desired item
without the need for a reference parts list, table, or any other
association list for identification of parts of the selected
product;
[0044] enabling the user to select the desired item without the
need to enter any identification data; and
[0045] providing transaction instructions for allowing the user to
initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the selected item
depicted in said 3D image of said selected product.
[0046] In the aforementioned method, interaction with the 3D image
includes the ability to select a different view of the 3D product
image.
[0047] In the aforementioned method, the different view is selected
from the group comprising top, right side, left side, bottom,
assembly, subassembly, and exploded.
[0048] In the aforementioned method, selecting or hovering over a
portion of a 3D image with a pointer of a pointing device displays
parametric data and metadata associated with the part.
[0049] In the aforementioned method, selection of a portion of the
3D image highlights the selected portion of the 3D image.
[0050] In the aforementioned method, additional parts related to
the selected item are highlighted and the user is prompted to add
the additional parts to a virtual shopping cart, an electronic
parts replenishment system, a 3D printing device, or a 3D
fabricating device.
[0051] In the aforementioned method, if the selected item is
available as part of a kit including additional parts then the
additional parts are graphically displayed to indicate the
availability of a kit and the user is prompted to add the kit to
the ecommerce shopping cart or virtual shopping cart, a 3D printing
device, or a 3D fabricating device.
[0052] In the aforementioned method, a border is drawn around the
parts which constitute the kit.
[0053] In the aforementioned method, the metadata includes the part
name, part number and price.
[0054] In the aforementioned method, the ecommerce transaction
includes adding the selected item to an ecommerce shopping cart or
virtual shopping cart.
[0055] In the aforementioned method, the ecommerce transaction is
implemented by software running on the server side workstation.
[0056] In the aforementioned method, the client side workstation
communicates with the server side processor over the internet using
a web browser or a mobile application.
[0057] The invention further relates to a system for initiating an
e-commerce transaction with respect to a desired item, said desired
item comprising at least one of a set of parts, assemblies, or
subassemblies depicted in a 3D model of a selected product, wherein
a user is able to interact with said 3D model, comprising:
[0058] a database on a data storage device, said database
containing at least one 3D model for each of a plurality of
products, said 3D models including parametric data and
metadata;
[0059] a server side workstation operably connected to the data
storage device and a server side software for querying the database
for a product matching search criteria;
[0060] a client side workstation or mobile device communicating
with the server side workstation over a network;
[0061] a client side software accessible to the client workstation
or mobile device communicating with said server side software for
querying the database for a product matching search criteria, said
server side software returning a list of at least one product
matching the search criteria to said client side software;
[0062] in response to a user selecting one of the listed products,
said server side software streaming said at least one 3D model of
said selected product from said database to said client side
software;
[0063] a client side software allowing said user to interact with
said 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing said 3D
model to reveal parts, assemblies, or subassemblies of the product
in one or more stages of decomposition;
[0064] said client side software enabling said user to visually
identify a desired item without the need for a reference parts
list, table, or any other association list for identification of
parts of the selected product;
[0065] said client side software enabling said user to select the
desired item without the need to enter any identification data;
and
[0066] ecommerce software allowing the user to initiate an
ecommerce transaction with respect to the selected item depicted in
said 3D model of said selected product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 2A-2B is a flow diagram of a system of the present
invention.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a 3D rendering (assembly view) of a landing gear
assembly mouse-click menu overlay shown in a system according to
the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates the landing gear assembly of FIG. 3,
after the wheel assembly was selected;
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates the landing gear assembly of FIG. 4 after
the wheel assembly was decomposed (exploded) into constituent
parts;
[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates the landing gear assembly of FIG. 5 with
a bounding line showing the parts sold together as a kit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0073] The present invention is the process, system, and software
for implementing the same which allows a user to interact with a
rendered three-dimensional (3D) image of a part or assembly, select
a single part or set of parts (kit or sub-assembly) or decompose
the 3D assembly to its discrete parts, select specific parts or
sub-assemblies and add these parts with their associated metadata
(description, size, weight, price, part number, etc) to an
ecommerce shopping cart or a virtual shopping cart or other
ecommerce purchasing application. Hereinafter reference to an
ecommerce shopping cart should be understood to also include
reference to a virtual shopping cart and reference to a virtual
shopping cart should be understood to also include reference to an
ecommerce shopping cart. Additionally, the system of the present
invention may optionally include logic to proactively suggest
additional or secondary parts or items that may be associated with
the repair or replacement of the part(s) or assembly selected for
purchase. For example, the system may suggest purchasing
consumables such as gaskets and seals which are used in conjunction
with the user selected part or assembly. A particular benefit of
this system is that the user interacts only with rendered 3D
images. A further benefit of this system is that the server side
software streams the 3D model of the selected product to the client
side software.
[0074] This process is accomplished by 1) providing a system
software including an interactive 3D model for each of a plurality
of items to enable a user to interact with a rendered 3D image of
the item. The system of the present invention allows the user to
decompose the rendered image of the item into its constituent parts
or assemblies and then select or drag parts or assemblies into a
shopping cart. As will be discussed below in further detail, the
"shopping cart" may be part of an order replenishment system (such
as a stock reordering system, an electronic resource planning
system, or other inventory reordering systems) in which no money is
exchanged but parts are ordered from or/to restock inventory.
Moreover, in some embodiments, instead of ordering the parts from a
distribution center, the parts may be manufactured onsite by
sending the part's parametric information to a 3D printer or 3D
fabricating device. Preferably, the 3D model (used interchangeably
with rendered 3D image) enables the user to decompose the item in
two or more levels of detail (granularity). 2) For parts that do
not require decomposition, a software process is provided allowing
an individual to select a rendered 3D image of a part and execute
the "3D click to buy" process adding (transferring) metadata
associated with the selected part to an e-commerce solution or
application.
[0075] As used herein metadata is data describing the part
including part number, part description, model number, assembly
part number, assembly description, size, weight, diameter, stock or
catalog number, price, alternative replacement part(s). The
metadata may further include information identifying that the part
is also available as part of a kit, or include information
regarding other parts which the manufacture has indicated should be
replaced along with a given part.
[0076] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the most basic version of
the system of one embodiment of the invention. The System includes
a server side 1000 and a client side 1100. The Server Side 1000
includes a storage device 1010 storing one or more interactive 3D
models and any associated parametric data and metadata. Workstation
or Mobile Device 1030 includes a processor 1031, a display device
1032, and client side software 1033. Client Side Software 1033
enables the user to search for a certain product and select which
3D model or portion thereof to interact with. This user search
criteria is sent to the server side software 1020 which finds the
matching 3D models with their parametric data and metadata from the
data storage device 1010. These matching 3D models with their
parametric data and metadata are then streamed to the Client Side
Software 1033 for the user to interact with by selecting, hovering
over, or decomposing said 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies
of the product in one or more stages of decomposition. The display
device may optionally be a touch sensitive screen, handheld,
holographic, or mobile device enabling the user to interact with
the 3D model. As known in the art, various finger swipe motions may
be associated with commands to enlarge the image, rotate the image,
explode the image, or select a part or assembly. The input device
1050 can be a keyboard, mouse, finger, stylus, or other pointing
device to facilitate interaction with the 3D model.
[0077] The server side 1000 is operably connected with the client
side 1100 over a network which may be a distributed and/or private
network such as a WAN, VPN, or internet.
[0078] A user may interact directly with the client side software
1033 and order parts from an order fulfillment center (e-commerce
software) 1060 which communicates with the System over a
distributed network (e.g., internet), WAN, VPN or the like. The
e-commerce software 1060 is executed within or communicating with
the aforementioned Client Side Software 1033. The user indicates a
desire to initiate an e-commerce transaction for a part by
selecting the corresponding 3D part and then adding the part to a
virtual shopping cart by dragging the 3D part to the shopping cart,
right-clicking on the 3D part with a pointing device,
double-clicking on the 3D part or the like. Adding a part to the
virtual shopping cart may transfer metadata associated with the
part to a separate e-commerce software application.
[0079] The term workstation as used throughout this disclosure is
not intended to be limiting and is intended to refer to any
processor capable of executing software commands.
[0080] The system of this embodiment may include a menu or control
panel used to interact with the 3D model. The menu enables the user
to choose a desired operation such as rotate the rendered image
about an axis, shrink or enlarge the rendered image, decompose the
rendered image, or add the part to the virtual shopping cart, etc.
As the 3D model is decomposed in stages into its discrete
components, the system of the present invention preferably
maintains the menu in a stable or fixed position within the
display. Once a part is selected and the "3D click-to-buy" function
is executed, relevant metadata and/or the parametric data for the
selected part or component is transferred into an ecommerce
application.
[0081] As noted previously, some embodiments of the invention
utilize 3D images rather than a 3D model. The use of a 3D model is
advantageous over the use of 3D images as a model is typically more
compact than a series of 3D images. The use of 3D images (as
opposed to a 3D model or equivalently, a rendered 3D image) for a
given product requires the storage of an image for each of a
plurality of different views (perspectives). Thus the system might
include a top view, side view, and 3 different levels of
decomposition requiring the storage of numerous 3D images.
[0082] These 3D images may reside as stand-alone images on a
website (HTML or similar), or as embedded components within
document software such as Microsoft Word document processing
application, Microsoft Publisher desktop publishing application,
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application, or Adobe Acrobat
application software .pdf files.
[0083] 3D Definition: of having or relating to three-dimensional
space simulating the effect of depth by presenting parametric data
in way that is lifelike or real (having mathematical volume)
including presenting slightly different views of a scene to each
eye. An object that has height, width and depth unlike a photograph
(for example: jpg, .tiff, bmp, or .png file formatted picture) of a
three-dimensional object.
[0084] Use of the system of this embodiment will be further
explained with reference to the flow diagram of FIGS. 2A-2B.
[0085] In step 200 (FIG. 2A) the user accesses client side software
which may be hosted on, or in the alternative communicates with,
the Server Side 1000.
[0086] In step 202 (FIG. 2A) the user enters search criteria for an
item and initiates a search; In step 204 (FIG. 2A) the user search
criteria is sent to the server side software.
[0087] In step 206 (FIG. 2A) the search queries a database
1010;
[0088] In step 208 (FIG. 2A) matching items are then retrieved from
the database.
[0089] In step 210 (FIG. 2A) the user selects an item from the
displayed results, or loops back to step 204 to refine the search
criteria.
[0090] In step 212 (FIG. 2A) the server side software sends the
matching 3D models to the client side software.
[0091] In step 214 (FIG. 2B) the user is able to interact with the
3D model. Namely, the user is able to rotate the rendered 3D image
about any axis, enlarge the image, and decompose the image into one
or more levels of sub-assemblies until the item is decomposed to
its constituent parts. The user is able to rotate the rendered 3D
image about any of the coordinate axis (X, Y, and Z) and optionally
may be provided with the ability to rotate about a user-specified
axis.
[0092] In step 216 (FIG. 2B) the user is able to select one or more
individual parts or subassemblies for purchase, order for inventory
replenishment, or send to a 3D printing device or 3D fabricating
device or the like, and in steps 218 and 220 the user is able to
initiate the purchase of the items selected in the previous step.
It should be noted that selection of a part is reflected
graphically by changing the color or shading or the like of the
selected part within the rendered 3D image.
[0093] Additionally, the selection of a part triggers the display
of metadata associated with the part. In FIG. 4, metadata 330 is
displayed when the user selects or hovers over the wheel 310 with
the pointer of the pointing device. When a part is selected the
system may alert the user that the selected part is also available
as part of a kit. This may be accomplished through text on the
display, through highlighting, shading or coloring the constituent
parts of the kit, and/or by drawing a border around the parts of
the kit, or the like. In addition, the display of metadata may
optionally be triggered by hovering over a portion of the rendered
3D image with a pointer of a pointing device or the like, i.e.,
without actually selecting the part.
[0094] Purchase of a part is initiated by, for example,
right-clicking on the rendered 3D image of desired part and adding
the part to the virtual shopping cart, or simply by dragging the
part to the virtual shopping cart (step 220). As noted previously,
the system of the invention may be part of an internal parts
management system in which parts are ordered to restock inventory
(i.e., not an actual purchase). In such instances adding the part
to the shopping cart merely orders the parts to be restocked.
Moreover, the parts may be manufactured on-site by sending the
parametric data associated with the part to a 3D printing device or
3D fabricating device or the like. In such instances, the user may
or may not need to purchase the part before sending the parametric
information to the 3D printer or 3D fabricating device.
[0095] In step 222 the system recommends additional parts
associated with the part(s) selected by the user. These additional
parts may include consumables such as seals, gaskets, springs which
are used in conjunction with replacement of the item(s) already
selected for purchase. The system may further list items which
others have purchased in conjunction with the selected item(s). It
should be noted that step 222 is shown as following step 220;
however, the specific placement of this step may be moved to, for
example, follow step 216.
[0096] In steps 224 and 226 (FIG. 2B) the user initiates the
checkout/payment processes, continues to manipulate the object in
step 214 (FIG. 2B), or starts a new search in step 202 (FIG.
2A).
[0097] In FIG. 3, a 3D model of a landing gear 300 components is
shown with an optional drop down menu 320. The user is able to
interact with the 3D model using a pointing device 1050, touch
sensitive screen 1032, or via a keyboard 1050 or the like.
Interaction with the 3D model includes the ability to rotate the 3D
model about any axis, decompose or explode the object into
subassemblies and/or discrete constituent parts.
[0098] FIG. 4 shows the landing gear components of FIG. 3 after the
user selected or hovered (with the pointer or cursor of the
pointing device) over the wheel assembly 310. FIG. 4 illustrates
how selection or hovering over of a part triggers the display of
metadata 330 related to the selected part. The metadata 330
typically includes the part name, part number, and cost. However,
the metadata may also indicate that the selected part is part of a
kit of a subassembly whereas a kit is a collection of related parts
which the manufacturer recommends being replaced contemporaneously
(along with the selected part). The term kit is distinguished from
a subassembly in that a subassembly connotes parts which are
assembled or connected whereas a kit is intended to connote that
the parts are not assembled.
[0099] Optionally, the system of the present invention may
graphically illustrate the relationship of the selected part to the
other parts which collectively form the kit or subassembly. For
example, the system may draw a border 610 encompassing all of the
parts of a kit (FIG. 6), or the system may denote the constituent
parts of a given kit or subassembly using color, shading or the
like.
[0100] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the landing gear components
of FIG. 4. Metadata associated with the part including the
description, price, weight, size, part number, etc, may also
transferred to shopping cart, as needed. "3D click-to-buy" system
allows for finite decomposition of assembly to individual parts and
selection of these parts. 3D click-to-buy includes logic or
processes for recommending additional parts required for
replacement of the selected part. In addition, the system may also
include a list of other items which purchasers of the selected item
frequently purchase.
[0101] Four dimensional (4D) images represent 3D-images with the
addition of time as the 4th dimension can be applied to create
animations or sequences of individual frames of 3D data. The
process and ability for the "3D-click-to-buy" custom software to
pass the required and necessary parametric and/or metadata data
from the selected 4D-image actually comprises of an individual
frame in the time sequence of 3D-image data and therefore it is
possible to execute a "3D-click-to-buy"from within the 4D sequence.
This individual frame in the 4D sequence contains all of the 3D
information necessary to execute the decomposing of the image and
by relation contains all of the parametric and metadata for each
component assembly or sub-assembly. At any point the user can
select from the images and complete the process of buying the items
in whole or in part.
[0102] In another embodiment of the invention, the parametric data
or metadata necessary for rendering any of the 3D images can be
sent over a TV broadcast signal (See, U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,121 which
is incorporated herein by reference thereto) similar to that of the
Closed Captioning (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,889,964, 5,327,176 and,
6,215,526 each of which are incorporated herein by reference
thereto) with an on-screen display processor. A toggle is provided
to either display or not-display the data stream. When the toggle
is active the relevant parametric model data is rendered and
subsequently displayed to the user. The user is made aware of the
data streams, and subsequent models, through a notification
(similar to the Closed Captioning overlaid broadcast logo) at the
start of the broadcast. Alternatively if the toggle is enabled then
any relevant rendered data is presented over the broadcast signal.
Users have the option of selecting the rendered data directly from
the broadcast signal or are presented with a separate rendered
model that has been separated from the broadcast.
[0103] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity
of understanding, it will be obvious that various alternatives,
modifications and equivalents may be used and the above description
should not be taken as limiting in scope of the invention which is
defined by the appended claims.
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