System and method for displaying and selling goods and services
First Claim
1. A method for selling having the steps of;
- signing in through an entry portal, selecting items for viewing, and dynamically displaying selected items.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The ShopLive system supports existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistance. The shopper accesses the ShopLive system through various portals. They can be a PC, Web TV, mall kiosk, store kiosk, mobile terminal, screen telephone or any other communication device capable of connecting to a communications network. When the shopper starts the shopping mission they can logon in or if already enrolled, they can use a password for a quick entry. They may chose to shop anonymously. A shopper can set up a shopping mission by defining class of goods, price, color and the like and set out to search for that either in their physical location or remotely. Once the items are located video cameras scan the merchandise to the shopper through the terminal. The cameras may be remotely operable to swing through different views to better display the goods. Or they can view items according to pre-determined scan patterns. Sound and other sensory stimulus such as tactile sensors may be used to enhance the shopping experience. The shopper may also ask for help from an assistant (SLA) that acts just like a sales person in a retail setting. This person can help select goods and can discuss the items selected. The SLA can also check product availability and help complete the purchase as in a normal sales transaction. Or, the shopper can use the ShopLive system to check out themselves. As the shopper moves through the shopping mission, they can add items to their electronic shopping cart and have a one-stop check out or they can check out with each merchant. The shopper is also entered into the available loyalty programs and presented with coupons and rebates. At the end of the shopping mission the shopper can either physically pick up the selections are arrange shipping. The ShopLive system supports multiple selling activities including auctions. It is also a rich data-base for merchants and allows targeted advertising. A live browser accesses the shopper to present sales and incentives to the customer. The ShopLive system connects the Shopper and the merchant to make the shopping experience more effective for both.
764 Citations
51 Claims
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1. A method for selling having the steps of;
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signing in through an entry portal, selecting items for viewing, and dynamically displaying selected items. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for assisting shoppers having the steps of;
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connecting shoppers electronically with a sales assistant, enabling a live query and response session between a shopper and said sales assistant, and displaying items selected by said sales assistant. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. The method for assisting shoppers having the steps of;
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displaying merchandise, creating images of said merchandise, remotely viewing said images, and remotely controlling viewing said merchandise.
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15. A method for creating assisting shoppers having the steps of;
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remotely displaying merchandise in a retail setting, interrogating an information source on the characteristics of the displayed merchandise, selecting the merchandise, and purchasing the merchandise.
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16. A method for assisting shoppers through portals to a communication network having the steps of;
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querying a shopper to determine shopping objectives, searching databases for merchandise matches in response to said query, displaying selected merchandise, remotely viewing said merchandise, and dynamically altering the views of said merchandise. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27)
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26. A method of assisting shopper having the steps of;
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connecting a shopper to a communications network through a communications portal, interrogating shopper for information on merchandise to be purchased, connecting a shopper through said communications network to a sale assistant gateway, and sharing information on selected merchandise between said shopper and sales assistant through said communications network. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45, 47, 48, 49)
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28. A method for presenting information to a shopper to assist in purchasing decision having the steps of;
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Originating a communications session in a network, connecting a shopper through a communications network to a sales assistant, collecting information from said shopper on objects for the session, and displaying suitable merchandise based upon the shopper'"'"'s objectives.
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43. A method for displaying merchandise in a space for access by remote cameras having the steps of;
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creating display areas, disposing video cameras in said display areas to scan said displays, connecting one or more shoppers to said cameras through communications networks for viewing, and remotely manipulating said cameras to allow shoppers to view merchandise within said display area. - View Dependent Claims (44, 46)
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50. A method for steaming advertising to a shopper having the steps;
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creating an interactive communication network between a shopper and merchants, gathering shopper profiles, selecting advertising based on said shopper profiles, obtaining shopper'"'"'s permission to stream messages to him, and presenting information based on said profiles to said shopper through said network. - View Dependent Claims (51)
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Specification