AU2020100230A4 - Online shopping system - Google Patents

Abstract

I -Y The present invention relates to an online shopping method. The method includes providing, on a data interface and to a potential customer, a graphical user interface including one or more items for sale. A request is received from the potential customer for video communication with a merchant associated with an item of the one or more items for sale. The method involves establishing a video link between the merchant and the customer. Advantageously, customers and merchants may interact to provide a live shopping experience in an online shopping context. U) F- C 0 St Q)) CO -j W- 1-- Z) <L 00 "<N6 0 zz I) CIO 0~ 0)O I Cm C'-pi) U.)V)4-)a 0 uL U N HH O > 0 -04 N =L U'0)

Description

ONLINE SHOPPING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for online shopping.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Online shopping is rapidly growing, and enables customers to directly buy goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser. In particular, online shopping enables customers to browse a large number of stores from the comfort of their own home or from a location of their choosing.

[0003] A problem with online shopping of the prior art is that it does not provide an experience that corresponds with in-store shopping. In particular, a big hurdle in online shopping is the inability to see details of an item, or physically inspect the item prior to purchase. A further hurdle is the inability to speak to a salesperson, or otherwise interact with someone in store who may have expertise and/or personal experience in relation to the item.

[0004] Several attempts have been made to make online shopping more customer friendly, and to reduce the problems outlined above. In many cases, online shopping systems provide free return postage in case the customer changes his or her mind. As such, the inspection of the item moves out of the store and into the customer’s home.

[0005] A problem with such systems is that postage is generally costly, and must ultimately be passed on to the consumer. Furthermore, returning items that are unsuitable is also inconvenient for the customer. In any event, for large items, such as furniture, free return postage is likely to be too costly to be able to provide return postage.

[0006] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved online shopping methods and systems.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] The present invention is directed to online shopping systems and methods, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an online shopping method including:

providing, on a data interface and to a potential customer, a graphical user interface including one or more items for sale;

receiving a request from the potential customer for video communication with a merchant associated with an item of the one or more items for sale; and establishing a video link between the merchant and the customer.

[0010] Advantageously, the method enables customers and merchants to interact to provide a live shopping experience in an online shopping context.

[0011] Preferably, the graphical user interface includes a user input enabling the user to request the video communication with the merchant.

[0012] Preferably, the user input comprises an icon, selectable by the potential customer.

[0013] Preferably, the method includes providing details the item to the merchant. The details may include a name of the item, a price of the item, and/or a location of the item. Other example of information relating to an item include ratings, stock levels, and product variations (such as colours, size etc).

[0014] Preferably, the video communication is bidirectional between the merchant and the potential customer. Preferably, the video communication includes audio communication.

[0015] Preferably, the graphical user interface includes a plurality of items for sale.

[0016] Preferably, the method includes determining the merchant based upon the item. .

[0017] Preferably, each of the one or more items for sale is associated with a merchant of a plurality of merchants.

[0018] Preferably, the method includes selecting the merchant of the plurality of merchants based upon a selected item.

[0019] Preferably, the graphical user interface is configured to include a purchase option adjacent to the video conferencing. The purchase option may be facilitated through a payment gateway accommodating one or more of credit card, paypal, after pay, layby or other like payment means.

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 [0020] The graphical user interface may include a message box to facilitate communication with a hearing-impaired customer. The method may further involve authorising finance for the customer using an authorisation tool, the authorisation tool preferably including a licence scanner. Preferably, the customer need not login to perform the method.

[0021] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a online shopping system including: a merchant device;

a customer device; and a server configured to enable communication between the merchant device and the customer device, the server further configured to:

provide, to the customer device, a graphical user interface including one or more items for sale;

receiving a request from the customer device for video communication with a merchant associated with an item of the one or more items for sale; and establishing a video link between the merchant device and the customer device.

[0022] In yet another form, the resides broadly in an online booking method including: providing, on a data interface and to a potential customer, a graphical user interface including one or more items or services available to be booked;

receiving a request from the potential customer for video communication with a merchant associated with an item or service of the one or more items or services available to be booked; and establishing a video link between the merchant and the customer.

[0023] In yet another form, the resides broadly in an online emergency services method including:

providing, on a data interface and to a potential recipient of emergency services support, a graphical user interface.

receiving a request from the potential recipient for video communication with an emergency services provider; and establishing a video link between the emergency services provider and the recipient.

[0024] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0025] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0026] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates an online shopping system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot of an online shopping portal, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot of a live shopping request screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot of a live shopping screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0031] Figure 5 illustrates a system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0033] Figure 1 illustrates an online shopping system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 enables customers and merchants to interact to provide a live shopping experience in an online shopping context.

[0034] The system 100 includes a central server 105, with which a customer 110 interacts using a customer device 115. In particular, the central server 105 is configured to provide a graphical user interface including an online shopping portal, through which the customer 110 may make purchases.

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot 200 of an online shopping portal, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The online shopping portal may be provided by the central server 105 for display on the customer device 115.

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 [0036] The online shopping portal includes a plurality of item entries 205, each associated with an item which the customer 110 may purchase. Each item entry 205 includes an image 210 of the item, and a description 215 of the item, which may include a price. Each item entry 205 is further associated with a live shopping button 220, which causes the customer device 115 to connect with a merchant device 120 through the server 105.

[0037] In particular, and turning back to Figure 1, upon selection of the live shopping button 220, a live shopping request is sent to the server 105. The live shopping request is associated with an item identifier, corresponding to the item in relation to which the request is made. The server 105 identifies a merchant based upon the item identifier, and sends the live shopping request to the merchant device 120 based upon the identified merchant.

[0038] A live shopping request screen is then displayed on the merchant device 120, with which a merchant 125 may interact.

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot 300 of a live shopping request screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The live shopping request screen may be provided by the central server 105 for display on the merchant device 120.

[0040] The live shopping request screen includes a name field 305, identifying the name of the customer associated with the live shopping request, an item details area 310, identifying details of the item with which the request relates, and a location field 315, identifying a location of the item at the merchant 125. In some embodiments, however, the customer may remain anonymous.

[0041] As such, the live shopping request screen enables the merchant 125 to get an overview of who the customer is, what item he or she is interested in, and where that item is located.

[0042] The merchant 125 may then choose to accept the request using an accept button 320, or decline the request using a decline button 325. If the request is accepted, a live shopping session is instantiated between the customer 110 and the merchant 125. In particular, a video conferencing session is set up between the client device 115 and the merchant device 120, which enables the merchant 125 to show the customer 110 details of a physical item 130, corresponding to the item identified in the request.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a live shopping screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The live shopping screen is illustrated from the

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 perspective of the customer device 115, but the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that a corresponding screen is provided on the merchant device 120.

[0044] The live shopping screen includes an item information section 405, a merchant video section 410, and a customer video section 415. The information section 405 includes details of the item, such as an image or icon thereof and a price. The information section 405 further includes a buy now button 420, with which the customer may interact to purchase the item.

[0045] The merchant video section 410 comprises video frames captured by the merchant device 120, which includes video of the item. The customer video section 415 illustrates the video captured by the customer device 115, and of the customer, which is transmitted to the merchant device 115. In addition to video being transmitted between the merchant device 120 and the customer device 115, audio is also transmitted.

[0046] The live shopping screen enables the merchant 125 and the customer 110 to interact directly with each other, which in turn enables the customer 110 to instruct the merchant 125 on what aspects of the item he or she is interested in.

[0047] As an illustrative example, the item may comprise an item of clothing, and the customer 110 may ask the merchant 125 to show particular aspects of the clothing, such as internal stitching, a hem, an inside of the item or clothing, or any other aspect that the customer 110 would have inspected on the item had it been viewed in person. Similarly, the customer 110 may request that the merchant combine one piece of clothing with another piece of clothing.

[0048] In other embodiments, the item may comprise furniture. In such case, the customer 110 may request that the merchant provide video of a rear or underside of the furniture, which is otherwise not typically shown in advertising.

[0049] In addition to simply providing video of the item, the customer 110 may ask the merchant to perform certain actions on the item. For example, if the item is furniture that has different configurations, the customer 110 may request that the merchant 125 change a configuration of the item while capturing video thereof.

[0050] The system 100 is illustrated with a single merchant 125 and a single customer 110 for the sake of clarity. However, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the system may include any number of merchants and any number of customers.

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates a system 500, according to an embodiment of the present

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 invention. The system 500 may be similar or identical to the system 100, and enables customers and merchants to interact to provide a live shopping experience in an online shopping context.

[0052] The system 500 includes a plurality of customers 110a-l 10η which interact with the server 105. The system 500 further includes a plurality of merchants 125a-125n which interact with the server 105. The server 105 further enables the customers 110a-11 On to interact with the merchants 125a-125n on a one by one basis to provide a live shopping experience.

[0053] When a customer 110 interacts with a user interface to make a live shopping request, the server 105 determines which of the merchant(s) 125 are associated with the item to which the request relates. The live shopping request is then forward to that merchant 125.

[0054] In case multiple merchants 125 are associated with an item, the server 105 may randomly select a merchant 125, or select a merchant based upon geographic proximity to the customer 110.

[0055] In some cases, and particularly when a merchant 125 is large, a plurality of employees may be associated with the merchant, each having their own merchant device. This is particularly useful if the merchant store has different departments, or is spread out over a large are. In such case, each employee may be considered much like an individual merchant 125.

[0056] In such case, the server 105 may be configured to not only select a merchant 125 associated with the item, but also an employee 505. Alternatively, the server 105 may be configured to send the request to the merchant 125, which is then forwarded the employee 505 by the merchant.

[0057] While the server 105 is described as providing the entire user interface with which the customer 110 interacts, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the user interface may comprise a plurality of components provided from different servers. As an illustrative example, a basic user interface may be provided by a merchant server, and the server 105 may be used to provide live shopping functionality, as outlined above. This may be achieved by referencing the server 105, and in particular the live shopping aspects thereof, from an existing website. Such configuration enables existing websites or online shopping platforms to be easily upgraded.

[0058] According to certain embodiments, the server 105 may provide a customised GUI for each of the merchants 110a-11 On. As such, from a customer perspective, it may appear that they are communicating with the server 105 directly.

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 [0059] According to certain embodiments, the customer may be able to schedule or book a call back in case the merchant is unavailable. This is particularly useful in case the customer is shopping online after hours. Similarly, a merchant may be able to configure and book a live demonstration or event of a product, to which multiple potential customers may connect.

[0060] Finally, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the system may include the ability to enable the merchant to add products in the system (i.e. add products to a database along with details), manage staff user accounts, collect customer data, and make bookings.

[0061] Advantageously, the systems and methods enable customers and merchants to interact to provide a live shopping experience in an online shopping context. In particular, the customer may request that the merchant show an item from a particular angle or in a particular context, much like the customer would have done if viewing the product in person in store.

[0062] This in turn enables on-selling and up-selling of products by the merchant, discounting (on-the-fly), the incorporation of add-ons/additional products and specific recommendations.

[0063] In one embodiment, the purchase of the item 205 is facilitated through buy now button 420 via a payment gateway accommodating one or more of credit card, paypal, after pay, layby or other like payment means.

[0064] In one embodiment, the graphical user interface includes a message box to facilitate communication with a hearing-impaired customer 110 or merchant. The message box may include speech to text functionality.

[0065] The system 100 may include an authorisation tool for authorising finance for the customer 110. The authorisation tool can include a licence scanner or similar add on to enable face to face video finance approval without the need to break the sale.

[0066] In one embodiment, the customer 110 need not login to perform the foregoing sales method thereby providing an instant connection.

[0067] In one embodiment, the merchant has an App along with a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to perform the foregoing sales method.

[0068] An embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to implementing an online emergency services method establishing a video link between the emergency services provider

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 and a recipient of emergency services support.

[0069] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0070] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0071] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (19)

1. An online shopping method including:

providing, on a data interface and to a potential customer, a graphical user interface including one or more items for sale;

receiving a request from the potential customer for video communication with a merchant associated with an item of the one or more items for sale; and establishing a video link between the merchant and the customer and providing the customer an option to schedule a call back if the merchant is unavailable, wherein establishing the video link requires no log in and provides instant connection.

2. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein customers and merchants interact to provide a live shopping experience in an online shopping context.

3. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface includes a user input enabling the user to request the video communication with the merchant.

4. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user input comprises an icon, selectable by the potential customer.

5. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method includes providing details of the item to the merchant.

6. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the details include a name of the item, a price of the item, and/or a location of the item.

7. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the details include ratings, stock levels, and product variations (such as colours, size etc).

8. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video communication is bidirectional between the merchant and the potential customer.

9. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video communication includes audio communication.

10. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface includes a plurality of items for sale.

11. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, including determining the merchant

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 based upon the item.

12. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more items for sale is associated with a merchant of a plurality of merchants.

13. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, including selecting the merchant of the plurality of merchants based upon a selected item.

14. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to include a purchase option adjacent to the video conferencing, the purchase option being facilitated through a payment gateway accommodating one or more of credit card, paypal, after pay, layby or other like payment means.

15. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface includes a message box to facilitate communication with a hearing-impaired customer.

16. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, further involving authorising finance for the customer using an authorisation tool, the authorisation tool preferably including a licence scanner.

17. An online shopping method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the customer need not login to perform the method.

18. An online shopping system including:

a merchant device;

a customer device; and a server configured to enable communication between the merchant device and the customer device, the server further configured to:

provide, to the customer device, a graphical user interface including one or more items for sale;

receive a request from the customer device for video communication with a merchant associated with an item of the one or more items for sale; and establish a video link between the merchant device and the customer device and providing the customer an option to schedule a call back if the merchant is unavailable, wherein establishing the video link requires no log in and provides instant connection.

19. An online booking method including:

providing, on a data interface and to a potential customer, a graphical user interface

2020100230 17 Feb 2020 including one or more items or services available to be booked;

receiving a request from the potential customer for video communication with a merchant associated with an item or service of the one or more items or services available to be booked; and establishing a video link between the merchant and the customer and providing the customer an option to schedule a call back if the merchant is unavailable, wherein establishing the video link requires no log in and provides instant connection.