Virtual showroom system and method

• US 10,032,215 B2
• Filed: 11/01/2013
• Issued: 07/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Andra Group, LP
• Original Assignee: Tomima L Edmark
• Inventors: Edmark, Tomima L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Garg, Yogesh C
• Application Number:
  US14/069,857
• Publication Number:
  US 20140067625A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,726 Days
• Field of Search: 705 261, 705 271, 705 272, 348 E7081, 348 E7082
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/2014 Reading out of stimulable sheets, e.g. latent image
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04815 Interaction with a metaphor-based environment or interaction object displayed as three-dimensional, e.g. changing the user viewpoint with respect to the environment or object
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/347 Passive cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/388 using mutual authentication without cards, e.g. challenge-response
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0639 Item locations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/80 Recognising image objects characterised by unique random patterns

Abstract

The present invention provides a network server with enhanced graphics and improved methods for displaying articles offered for purchase, to allow a purchaser to fully evaluate the article while shopping “on-line.” In a particular embodiment, a virtual showroom associated with the network server may be provided, for displaying first and second articles. A first electronic image representing the first article and a second electronic image representing the second article may also be provided. The second article may be complementary to the first article, such that the second article may be worn in conjunction with the first article. In another embodiment, a user may have the option to overlay the first electronic image with the second electronic image. In a particular embodiment, the second electronic image may include an at least partially translucent depiction of a substantial portion of the second article.

Claims

1. A method of providing for the evaluation of an article within a virtual showroom associated with a network service, comprising:

providing, using one or more processors, a first electronic image representing said article, within a master display field;

generating, using the one or more processors, a second electronic image representing a scaled map having a plurality of measurement markings displayed within said master display field, said measurement markings being calibrated using the one or more processors to correspond to actual dimensions of said article displayed in said first electronic image;

overlaying, using the one or more processors, said first electronic image with said second electronic image; and

aligning, using the one or more processors, at least a portion of said plurality of measurement markings to one or more visual elements of said article displayed on said first electronic image so as to conform said at least a portion of said plurality of measurement markings to contours associated with said article, such that a user of said network may determine a plurality of measurements associated with said article.