AU2022354707A1 - A computer system and computer-implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality based shopping experience - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer system for providing an interactive virtual reality-based shopping experience, the computer system being connected with a cloud Content Delivery Network (CDN), the computer system comprising: a memory unit configured to store machine-readable instructions; and a processor operably connected with the memory unit, the processor obtaining the machine-readable instructions from the memory unit, and being configured by the machine-readable instructions to: receive a plurality of 360-degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein, from the cloud CDN; and process the plurality of 360-degree images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store with navigational capabilities for one or more customers to access on the respective one or more customer devices.

Description

A COMPUTER SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL REALITY BASED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to a virtual reality -based technologies and in particular to a computer system and computer-implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality-based shopping experience. The invention allows users to replicate an in store shopping experience.

Background

[002] In the era of technology, there has been shift in shopping trends by consumers from retail stores to online e-commerce websites. On one side consumers are opting for an online mode of shopping for convenience as well as due to travel restrictions, whereas on other side shop owners or retailers are facing losses due to less foot traffic. Furthermore, continuous increases in rent of properties for store fronts puts pressure on businesses, especially for retail stores in premium positions. This could result in business closures and increased retail pricing which could make stores uncompetitive.

[003] There are more factors which are making it difficult for store owners to continue in brick-and-mortar mode such as the costs of staff continuing to rise, as well as increasing legislative and government responsibilities. Increased minimum wages, support packages for leave and other personnel factors can result in an unpredictability of customer facing staff. A bad customer experience if staff are having a bad day can ruin the customer’s perception of a brand.

[004] There have been existing solutions which tried to solve the problem by use of the latest technology i.e., Virtual Reality (VR). VR has been used to improve consumer experience by creating a multi-dimensional interactive space which provides users almost real experience similar to that which they can have in real brick-and-mortar store.

[005] Though existing solutions attempt to provide convenience of buying to users, they fail to provide real-time shopping experience to users, users are not able to actually experience walking inside the store, users are not able to interact with anyone while shopping on these online solutions, users cannot feel, touch, compare and see the product like they would in store. [006] Therefore, there is a need for a computer system and computer-implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience, that does not suffer from above mentioned deficiencies and provide users with a unique of experience, much like physical shopping, from the convenience of their home or office that is open at any time providing a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days year, always on shopping experience that replicates an instore experience.

[007] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[008] Any one of the terms: “including” or “which includes” or “that includes” as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others.

[009] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or worldwide.

Summary

[010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a computer system for providing an interactive virtual reality-based shopping experience. The computer system is connected with a cloud Content Delivery Network (CDN). The computer system comprises a memory unit configured to store machine-readable instructions; and a processor operably connected with the memory unit. The processor obtains the machine-readable instructions from the memory unit, and is configured by the machine-readable instructions to receive a plurality of 360-degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein, from the cloud CDN; and process the plurality of 360-degree images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store with navigational capabilities for one or more customers to access on the respective one or more customer devices. Further, the one or more customers, using the one or more customer devices, are adapted to navigate through the 3D interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store to visit a point of interest, similar to moving around during physical shopping; and access and/or purchase the plurality of products provided for sale within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, similar to physical shopping experience. Additionally, the plurality of products within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, are tagged with product information, for accessibility of the one or more consumers using the one or more customer devices and/or one or more store managers using associated one or more admin devices.

[Oi l] The one or more shopping complexes and/or stores, are related to, but not limited to, fashion, e-commerce, furniture, real estate, electronics, musical instruments, vehicles, department stores, overseas retailers, food and beverage, hospitality, watches, luxury items, and jewellery stores.

[012] The product information tagged on each of the plurality of products includes, but not limited to, one or more of product price, product size/dimensions, available sizes/dimensions and colours, seller information, brand information, product configuration, information related to origin of the respective product, confirmation of no-animal cruelty during making of the respective product, donations linked with the purchase of the respective product.

[013] The computer system further comprises one or more databases configured to store and provide, but not limited to, login data related to the one or more store managers and the one or more customers, system configurations, all e-commerce related data, prices, products, categories and billing information.

[014] The one or more customer devices and the one or more admin devices are selected from, but not limited to, a laptop, a desktop PC, an AR/VR headset, a smartphone or a tablet.

[015] The processor is further configured to provide one or more controls on the respective one or more customer devices to enable one or more operations in the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, wherein the one or more operations include, but not limited to, forward movement, backward movement, turning right and left, access product information, selection of product, add to cart, purchase option, discard selected products, view cart and payment options.

[016] For accessing a respective product of the plurality of products, using the one or more customer devices, the processor is further configured to provide a virtual trial of the product to the respective customer using 3D avatars. [017] The processor is further configured to provide tracking and delivery information of the one or more products purchased by the one or more customers on the respective one or more customer devices.

[018] The processor is further configured to update the plurality of products available for sale within the interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, according to changes made in the plurality of products being sold in the actual one or more shopping complexes and/or stores.

[019] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality-based shopping experience. The computer implemented method being implemented on a device that includes a processor executing machine-readable instructions obtained from a memory unit, corresponding to a virtual reality application which, when executed, perform the computer-implemented method. The computer-implemented method comprises receiving a plurality of 360-degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein, from a cloud Content Delivery Network (CDN); processing the plurality of 360-degree images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store with navigational capabilities for one or more customers to access on the respective one or more customer devices; enabling the one or more customers, using the one or more customer devices, to navigate through the 3D interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store to visit a point of interest, similar to moving around during physical shopping; and accessing and/or purchasing, by the one or more customers using the one or more customer devices, the plurality of products provided for sale within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, similar to physical shopping experience. Further, the plurality of products within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, are tagged with product information, for accessibility of the one or more consumers using the one or more customer devices and/or one or more store managers using associated one or more admin devices.

[020] The one or more shopping complexes and/or stores, are related to, but not limited to, fashion, e-commerce, furniture, real estate, electronics, musical instruments, vehicles, department stores, overseas retailers, food and beverage, hospitality, watches, luxury items, and jewellery stores.

[021] The product information tagged on each of the plurality of products includes one or more of, but not limited to, product price, product size/dimensions, available sizes/dimensions and colours, seller information, brand information, product configuration, information related to origin of the respective product, confirmation of no-animal cruelty during making of the respective product, donations linked with the purchase of the respective product.

[022] The computer implemented method further comprises a step of storing and providing, but not limited to, login data, related to the one or more store managers and the one or more customers, system configurations, all e-commerce related data, prices, products, categories, and billing information.

[023] The one or more customer devices and the one or more admin devices are selected from, but not limited to, a laptop, a desktop PC, an AR/VR headset, a smartphone, television or a tablet.

[024] The computer implemented method further comprises a step of providing one or more controls on the respective one or more customer devices to enable one or more operations in the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, wherein the one or more operations include, but not limited to, forward movement, backward movement, turning right and left, access product information, selection of product, add to cart, purchase option, discard selected products, view cart and payment options.

[025] The step of accessing a respective product of the plurality of products, using the one or more customer devices, further includes a step of providing a virtual trial of the product to the respective customer using 3D avatars.

[026] The computer implemented method further comprises a step of providing tracking and delivery information of the one or more products purchased by the one or more customers on the respective one or more customer devices.

[027] The computer implemented method further comprises a step of updating the plurality of products available for sale within the interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, according to changes made in the plurality of products being sold in the actual one or more shopping complexes and/or stores.

[028] Brief Description of Drawings

[029] At least one example of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [030] Figure 1A illustrates an environment of computing devices to which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented;

[031] Figure IB illustrates a block diagram to illustrate an interaction of various components involved at a back-end and a front end to implement the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[032] Figure 2 illustrates a computer implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[033] It should be noted that the same numeral represents the same or similar elements throughout the drawings.

Description of Embodiments

[034] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[035] It is desirable that there is provided a computer system and computer-implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience. In general terms, the present invention may be understood as a virtual reality system for retail stores that creates a virtual store or shopping complex to displayed in 3D in a web browser or a mobile/web application or VR headset. The store can be a map of a real store (created by taking high quality 360-degree images of the store) or a virtual store only. The customer walks through the virtual store as they would ordinarily do and can interact with merchandise (so for example click on an item on a rack to get the price, size information etc) on their smartphone, desktop PC, tablet, VR headset etc. Additionally, the customers may be enabled to create a virtual avatar of themselves and try clothing on in the change room, before purchasing the products such as clothes etc. The customers are also enabled to access product information such as price, origin of the goods etc. as the product information is tagged with each product being shown, in the present invention.

[036] In one implementation, when looking at the tag the customers are also enabled to see, for example, a video/image of the person who made the product or a video/image of the manufacturing/production unit. The present invention provides scope for sale promotion items that can be highlighted separately, and also advertisements for paid advertisers can be smartly placed within the virtual store. The customers can browse the store as they would a move around in a real store. They can change stores and shop in different stores in different countries, say in New York, Sydney, London, Surfers Paradise etc, whichever store they want. The present invention is particularly useful in Covid but also for customers who want to shop in real flagship stores but aren't travelling. The ability to switch retail stores at any stage is advantageous in that it allows customers to purchase goods that may not be available in their local stores due to reasons such as different styles and different seasons. A customer in Australia who is seeking to purchase winter clothing, for example, would ordinarily not be able to easily access current winter items. Using an embodiment of the invention, the customer can shop virtually in a store based in say London or New York which would be selling clothing ranges appropriate for their seasons. This enhances the shopping experience for the user. [037] In this regard the invention below has been discussed with the help of figures for clarity. However, a skilled addressee would appreciate that the invention is not limited to particular types of implementations that have been discussed below.

[038] Figure 1 A illustrates an environment 100 of computing devices to which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. As shown in figure 1A, the environment 100 comprises a computer system 102, connected with a cloud Content Delivery Network (CDN) 104, one or more customer devices 106 associated with the one or more customers; one or more admin devices 108 associated with one or store managers; and one or more databases 112.

[039] Herein, the one or more customer devices 106 and the one or more admin devices 108 enable the one or more customers and the one or store managers to access the present invention and accordingly, are selected from a laptop, a desktop PC, an AR/VR headset, a smartphone or a tablet a computer system 102 for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience.

[040] Further, the computer system 102 is the primary component responsible for generating the interactive virtual -reality shopping environment 100 disclosed in the present invention. In that sense, the computer system 102 is envisaged to include computing capabilities such as a memory unit 1024 configured to store machine readable instructions. The machine-readable instructions may be loaded into the memory unit 1024 from a non-transitory machine-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and Flash Drives. Alternately, the machine-readable instructions may be loaded in a form of a computer software program into the memory unit 1024. The memory unit 1024 in that manner may be selected from a group comprising EPROM, EEPROM and Flash memory. The computer system 102 also includes a processor 1022 operably connected with the memory unit 1024. In various embodiments, the processor 1022 may be a microprocessor selected from one of, but not limited to, an ARM based, or Intel based processor in the form of field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general-purpose processor and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[041] Moreover, the computer system 102 may implement artificial intelligence and deep learning-based technologies for, but not limited to, data analysis, collating data & presentation of data in real-time.

[042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication network (110) may also be used for connecting the components within the environment 100 (100). The communication network (110) can be a short-range communication network and/or a long- range communication network, wire or wireless communication network. The communication interface includes, but not limited to, a serial communication interface, a parallel communication interface or a combination thereof. The communication network (110) may be implemented using a number of protocols, such as but not limited to, TCP/IP, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE, IEEE 802.x etc. The communication network (110) may be wireless communication network selected from one of, but not limited to, internet, for providing maximum coverage.

[043] In addition, the cloud CDN 104 and the one or more databases 112 will be explained with reference to both figures 1 A and IB. Figure IB that illustrates a block diagram to illustrate an interaction of various components involved at a back-end and a front end to implement the present invention. The one or more databases 112 shown in figure 1 A may be understood as a local storage (such as SSD, eMMC, Flash, SD card, etc) or a cloud-based storage. In any manner, the one or more databases 112 are envisaged to be capable of providing the data to the computer system 102, when the data is queried appropriately using applicable security and other data transfer protocols. The one or more databases 112 are envisaged to store login data related to the one or more store managers 1082 and the one or more customers 1062, system configurations, all e-commerce related data, prices, products, categories and billing information.

[044] In one embodiment, as shown in figure IB, the one or more databases 112 may be separately provided as a VR Store DB 1122, and an e-Commerce DB 1124. The VR Store DB 1122 serves the computer system 102 by persisting data related to the one or more store managers 1082/admins, system configurations and other important data. This server may be a SQL Database in Azure. Whereas the e-Commerce DB 1124 is the database comprising all eCommerce related data used by the computer system 102. It contains prices, products, categories and login credentials for store the one or more customers 1062. The vendor for this service depends on the e-Commerce site 116, for example, in the case it is using WooCommerce the vendor is likely to be, but not limited to, MySQL or MariaDB.

[045] Furthermore, as shown in figure IB, that Fidelity Portal 124 and Fidelity VR Store 122 are front-end applications run by the one or more managers 1082 and the one or more customers 1062 on their respective one or more admin devices 108 and the one or more customer devices 106. The Fidelity Portal 124 is used by managers/administrators 1082 and herein, the user statistics can be seen, and VR (360-degree) images can be managed, together with product tags and all other aspects of the visual appearance of the Fidelity VR Store 122. The one or more managers 1082 may be understood as users working for the store. The one or more managers 1082 are responsible for updating data in the Fidelity Portal 124 related to the visual appearance of the VR store, as well as enabling disabling features and other store specific settings Additionally, the Fidelity VR Store 122 is the front-end application of all other services for the one or more customers 1062. This is the application that the one or more customers 1062 may use to navigate around in a VR world, making purchases, and interacting with the computer system 102, using the one or more customer devices 106.

[046] Also, there is the Cloud CDN 104 (Content Delivery Network) connected is a multi- regional cache solution, used to store all 360-degree images used by the Fidelity VR Store 122. The 360-degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein. All the images are uploaded to the Cloud CDN 104 through the Fidelity Portal 124. It is advantageous to use CDN because it is able to guarantee low latency and quick response time for users, using the Fidelity VR Store 122.

[047] Furthermore, the present invention includes two APIs, namely, VR Store API 118 and eCommerce Adapter 120. As shown in figure IB, the VR Store API 118 is foremost responsible for providing functionality for the Fidelity Portal 124. Also, the VR Store API 118 is connected to the Cloud CDN 104 and the eCommerce site 116 through the eCommerce Adapter 120. Then the eCommerce Adapter 120 is an API providing a generic interface to the e-Commerce site 116, for simple communication between the Fidelity Portal 124, the Fidelity VR Store 122 and the eCommerce site 116. This way the present invention can support multiple different vendors of the eCommerce site 116. Besides, the Fidelity VR Store 122 is connected the eCommerce Adapter 120, where it queries products, prices and other important information directly from the eCommerce site 116. The product tags, and VR interactions are communicated through the VR Store API 118. All 360-degree images are taken from the Cloud CDN 104.

[048] Furthermore, at the Fidelity VR Store 122, there is provided a payment gateway 114. The payment gateway 114 is a third-party service connected to the eCommerce solution. The purpose of the payment gateway 114 is to connect to payment solutions like Visa and Mastercard. When payments have been processed, a callback is going back to the Fidelity VR Store 122 which then inform the eCommerce site 116 that a payment was made.

[049] Figure 2 illustrates a computer implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Before explaining the method of operation, it is important to understand that the present invention has broad scope and can have several applications. However, for the sake of better explanation, some examples may be used to explain the invention, but they should not be considered in a limiting sense.

[050] As shown in figure 2, the method begins at step 210 by receiving a plurality of 360- degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein, from a cloud content delivery network (CDN) 104. Herein, the the one or more shopping complexes and/or stores, are related to, but not limited to, fashion, e-commerce, furniture, real estate, electronics, musical instruments, vehicles, department stores, overseas retailers, food and beverage, hospitality, watches, luxury items, and jewellery stores. It is reiterated that the plurality of 360-degree images received by at the processor 1022 may be of real store, which need to be replicated in virtual reality; or may be of a completely virtual store. It is advantageous to use CDN because it is able to guarantee low latency and quick response time. Depending on the embodiment, it would be appropriate to update the images according to the requirements of that embodiment. In some examples, images may be updated daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. In embodiments that support shopping, it would be appreciated that images may be appropriately updated whenever the store layout is changed or new fashion items are released. In this may the virtual shopping experience more closely replicates the in real life shopping experience. In some embodiments, images of different areas of a store or shopping centre may be updated more or less often than other areas.

[051] Then, at step 220, the processor 1022 is configured to process the plurality of 360- degree images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store. The generated 3D interactive virtual shopping complex provides navigational features for one or more customers to access on the respective one or more customer devices 106. It will be better understood with the help of an example. Let’s assume that the plurality of 360 degree images include interiors of a mall/shopping complex, and also the interiors of multiple stores in the mall along the products being sold in those stores. So, the processor 1022 is configured to generate a virtual 3D visualisation of the mall/shopping complex, which the customer can access on their smartphones. It appears as if the customer is virtually moving in the mall/shopping complex and visiting different stores therein in real-time. [052] Next, at step 230, the one or more customers, using the one or more customer devices 106, are enabled to navigate through the 3D interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store to visit a point of interest, similar to moving around during physical shopping. So, continuing from the above example, the customers can move around in the mall/shopping complex and also move into stores for shopping using one or more controls provided on the respective one or more customer devices 106 for movements. The customers can move to any sections within the store to have a closer look at the products being sold therein.

[053] Additionally, one or more controls are provided on the respective one or more customer devices 106 to enable one or more operations in the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store. The one or more operations may include, but not limited to, forward movement, backward movement, turning right and left, access product information, selection of product, add to cart, purchase option, discard selected products, view cart and payment options.

[054] After that, at step 240, the one or more customers, using the one or more customer devices 106, are enabled to access and/or purchase the plurality of products provided for sale within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, similar to physical shopping experience. Herein, the plurality of products within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, are tagged with product information, for accessibility of the one or more consumers using the one or more customer devices 106 and/or one or more store managers using associated one or more admin devices 108. In general, the product information tagged on each of the plurality of products includes, but not limited to, one or more of product price, product size/dimensions, available sizes/dimensions and colours, seller information, brand information, product configuration, information related to origin of the respective product, confirmation of no-animal cruelty during making of the respective product, donations linked with the purchase of the respective product.

[055] This is advantageous as it educates the one or more customers on the meanings/origins on the tag on their purchased item. For example: on the t-shirt, there may be a tag which displays that product is made in Bangladesh. Further, when tag is clicked, the respective customer may be shown one or more image/video of the factory where it is being made, which would indicate that all items are made in a sustainable fashion. Also, there can be a tag specifying that product isn’t tested on animals/no-animal cruelty when making the product. In this manner, the retailer can show consumers their passion towards animal sustainability. The education aspect is considered an advantageous tool for customers and can assist in creating trust and brand loyalty. In some aspects the education could include a video of the actual product being made and information on the person or people making the product. This is particularly advantageous for more expensive high-end items such as high-end furniture, art or other items that are one of a kind. Images, videos of the artist and the like can be captured and shown to the customer when they are considering the purchase.

[056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 1022 is further configured to provide an option for a virtual trial of the product to the respective customer using 3D avatars. For example: a 3D avatar of the customer may be created using a picture of the customer or an already existing 3D avatar may be used. So, if it is clothing store, then the customer can opt for a virtual trial, wherein the customer is enabled to see the selected product on their 3D avatar to check how it would appear, before actually buying it.

[057] Furthermore, after going through the virtual 3D store, the one or more customers may purchase the products they like, using one or more controls and the payments gateway. The processor 1022 is configured to provide tracking and delivery information of the one or more products purchased by the one or more customers on the respective one or more customer devices 106 (for example, on the Fidelity VR Store 122 application).

[058] In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of products available for sale within the interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, are automatically updated according to changes made in the plurality of products being sold in the actual one or more shopping complexes and/or stores. The e-Commerce DB 1124 is responsible for providing updated data of the plurality of products.

[059] The present invention offers a number of advantages, such as:

• It educates consumers on the meanings on the tag on their purchased item. Tags may have different information regarding origin, manufacturing, sustainability of the product, any charitable causes associated with the purchase of the product etc.

- For example: if a Product is t-short made in Bangladesh, it may have a tag and when the tag is clicked it shows the factory where it is product, showing that all items are made in sustainable fashion.

Tag may also mention that Product isn’t tested on animals/no-animal cruelty when making the product. The retailer can show consumers their passion towards animal sustainability If the product is a furniture made in Vietnam, then clicking on the tag may show a Vietnamese lady weaving the product by hand in the factory smiling saying “hi”

Tag may also mention that every purchase of that product leads to a donation. So, with the purchase customer can see the factory worker smiling and saying thanks in his village on checkout.

• Video interaction on a store front not a fake/replica. Video can also be integrated directly into the VR landscape and played automatically to further replicate a real world scenario.

• Video recordings of live models and/or actors can be placed within the store to interact with customers.

• Replacing windows and/or mirrors in store with campaign videos that are place immersively and play automatically as you walk through the store they change to reflect what you would truly see if you were in the store.

• Drawing foot traffic through ‘gaming’ functions such as placing little ‘wins’ for consumers under items i.e. free shipping for orders over $30 (whilst they would get the exact same if they just checked out usually. It gives you the ability to get consumers to engage more with your products and a larger quantity of them compared to what they would’ve usually. Gamification allows stores to enhance client engagement by placing bonus items, coupons, discount codes and other easter eggs around the stores to encourage client to browse and interact with the virtual environment. These gamification easter eggs can be placed at any suitable location in the virtual environment and may be triggered by interaction with items, trying on items, reviewing product videos, placing product reviews or other suitable activations.

• Promotional partners. The client can make money through promotional placements within their VR store.

• Affiliate programs, i.e., my client sells only outdoor living products (not crockery etc). Now with his displays online, he can now sell the crockery/candles/cushions that are accompanying his lounge set and make money for not his product.

• Incorporating ‘catch’ phases on the walls of shop fitouts that are quirky to draw consumers attention, i.e., ‘come check this out, it’s the new season I shouldn’t be showing you this’ or ‘shhhh, the new summer season is this way. Only for our VIP’s., are you a member yet?’

• Additionally, the present invention helps to get the customers data for future targeted campaigns and Al based purchasing patterns.

• Retain customers information for targeted pitching not just on the particular company you are displaying, i.e., if you are showing a business within a ‘Group’ you can use the information for another business within the Group for their pitching.

• Upselling products.

• Increasing selling price above what you would in a store, i.e., a sofa, if you see it online it looks stiff, not comfortable and genuinely something that you just aren’t enticed to buy. However, if that same sofa was displayed with a family eating popcorn watching a movie for an extra $200 you would likely purchase it if it drew you to it initially.

• For a retailers it will give them the option to:

Go upmarket

Increase unit prices

- Build better features and offerings

- Reduce overheads and increase margins

- Product reliability

Increase the average transaction value

Increase the frequency of repurchase

Gain product reliability increases

- Upsell to the customer

Gain international markets through other affiliate programs for free get revenue from streams that were never previously accessible i.e. affiliate programs, promotional advertisements etc.

• Gain data on the customers and their spending for your analytic planning frameworks. [060] Embodiments of the invention provide increased effectiveness of advertising and attraction of customers. It should be understood that the servers that run the virtual environment can interact with any suitable e-commerce or shopping cart such as ‘Woo’ for the eCommerce site but are not limited to this example. Embodiments of the invention link and integrate by way of API or other interface with a store’s inventory ERP and data analytics including customer data collection, Al functions, payment details, referral website and the like. Other interfaces include those with affiliate programs next to store clients such as American Express or Afterpay. [061] A further embodiment on the invention extends to the creation of an online ‘shopping mall’ and where ‘tenants’ are charged a rental. Tenants would be charged a fee to promote, advertise and sell products via our mall experience.

[062] Other embodiments provide the ability to bring a video into an interior retail store space such as a campaign video playing in the background of the checkout counter showing the summer series range for cross promotional purposes.

[063] Other embodiments of the invention allow the display to move with the user’s phone or laptop. For example, as a user move their screen down the vision of the store reflects their movement. This gives an ‘in person’ aspect to the visuals and allows the customer to move as if it they are physically in store looking down or around a particularly section of products.

[064] In one embodiment, the method and system are used to create virtual reality malls. The virtual reality malls can be original virtual malls created by an online architect or design or can be recreations of actual physical malls. In an embodiment where a physical mall is recreated, the method involves the step of taking 360-degree images of the mall and processing these to create the virtual shopping mall as described above.

[065] In one embodiment where virtual malls are created, the system can allocate a user of the system as the landlord of the virtual mall. This allows a physical mall operator to also operate a virtual mall that can exactly match the physical mall. This allows mall operators and landlords such as Westfield to host and lease virtual space to their clients who traditionally purchase physical space. This embodiment allows the landlord to become a virtual landlord to recreate the physical mall. In some embodiments the virtual landlord may charge a fee to the virtual shops within the mall. This embodiment has significant advantages and allows shoppers to from all around the world to shop virtually in well-known shopping centres or shopping areas according to their requirements. For example, one virtual mall can recreate the shopping areas of Rodeo Drive shopping in Bevery Hills California or a segment of Fifth Avenue in New York City. As can be seen, the virtual mall need not be a physical indoor mall but could be any shopping strip or outdoor mall area as desired by the operator of the system. Such capability allows promotions for landlords and virtual landlords to extend the reach of their tenants and also more easily allows shoppers from around the world to shop in any desired location.

[066] In one embodiment, food areas, stalls, restaurants and/or food courts within shopping malls are recreated or food areas are created to allow shoppers to order food delivery. For example, a shopper who is shopping at home and gets hungry can navigate to the food court of the shopping mall, browse the food on offer and order food from a virtual vendor. Using a delivery service such as Uber Eats or a restaurants own delivery service, the desired food can be ordered, paid for and delivered to a desired location for a shopper. This can be done using the system as described or with API integration with an existing delivery service such as Uber Eats™ or Deliveroo™.

[067] In one embodiment the virtual space created instead of a shop, other types of services can be created virtually. For example, in one embodiment a casino is recreated virtually. In an embodiment where a casino is recreated, the method involves the step of taking 360-degree images of the casino and processing these to create the virtual casino as described above. Instead of shopping, users can partake in entertaining casino games of chance. In some embodiments the games of chance are augmented reality allowing the gamer to interact virtually with a live dealer and other gamers. This embodiment uses a digital camera located at the casino to stream live video and audio to the gamer who is located in the virtual casino. In this way virtual gamers and other shoppers or visitors can visit famous casinos such as the Bellagio Hotel and Casino™ in Las Vegas Nevada, USA. In this embodiment the Las Vegas “Strip” can be recreated with all its shopping and gaming attractions available to any suitable online user.

[068] In one embodiment the system integrates with payment processing providers such as Paypal™ and Afterpay™ and merchant credit card providers such as Stripe™, Square™ or traditional bank credit card merchant accounts. In some embodiments, the system can also integrate its own payment currency, Such as the Fidelity™ currency. User may be required to purchase Fidelity™ currency to purchase goods and/or services on the system or they can use a combination of traditional currency, crypto currencies and Fidelity™ currency to pay for goods and/or services.

[069] In one embodiment, the method and system are used to create wholesale purchasing stores for retailer buyers. For example, sales people can virtually go to overseas stores such as Macys™ or Cotton On™ stores to browse the stores for merchandise to purchase for their own stores. The virtual retail stores can be original virtual shops created by an online architect or design or can be recreations of actual physical shops or malls. In an embodiment where a physical shop is recreated, the method involves the step of taking 360-degree images of the shop and processing these to create the virtual shopping store as described above. This embodiment is advantageous as it allows purchasers to browse stores and merchandise in real environments to make better purchasing decisions. Buyers can add products to their virtual shopping cart whereupon placing an order product can be delivered accordingly to a distribution warehouse or orders sent to factories for production of the goods.

[070] In some embodiments there is the ability to gamify the shopping experience by hiding "easter eggs' i.e. discounts and/or other prizes in one or more stores or locations. For example, a user who visits a predetermined percentage of the virtual mall or interacts in a certain manner can unlock certain discounts, prizes and/or rewards. These can be hidden rewards only revealed upon completion of the predetermined tasks or visible rewards that are only accessible upon completion of the predetermined tasks. Other rewards and loyalty programs can also be integrated into embodiment of the system.

[071] In some embodiments the virtual shops or malls utilise a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality. Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use digital visual elements, sound and other sensory stimuli and delivered by the system to the user. This embodiment uses digital cameras and microphones located at the locations in the actual physical stores to stream live video and audio to the user who is located in the virtual shop or mall. In another embodiment, augmented reality is used to enhance the user experience by providing relevant advertising and/or marketing material to users at relevant locations. For example, the virtual televisions in the store may show real advertisements for that store or for products available in that store. In this manner a virtual tv in the shop/mall has a real ad playing when a user walks past. This provides a more tailored experience for the user and also provides sellers with more advertising options to reach their target markets. In one embodiment systems and methods according to the invention provide a shopping layer that sits on top of the virtual and augmented reality layer within the virtual shopping store or mall that allows a user to interact with and purchase items displayed in the virtual and augmented reality layer.

[072] Embodiments of the invention can be accessed anywhere in the world that has internet access.

[073] It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the contactless payment described herein may be implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g. RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media. Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publicly accessible network such as the Internet.

[074] It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "controlling" or "obtaining" or "computing" or "storing" or "receiving" or "determining" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

Claims (3)

CLAIMS: The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A computer system for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience, the computer system being connected with a cloud Content Delivery Network (CDN), the computer system comprising: a memory unit configured to store machine-readable instructions; and a processor operably connected with the memory unit, the processor obtaining the machine-readable instructions from the memory unit, and being configured by the machine- readable instructions to: receive a plurality of 360-degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein, from the cloud CDN; and process the plurality of 360-degree images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store with navigational capabilities for one or more customers to access on the respective one or more customer devices; wherein the one or more customers, using the one or more customer devices, are adapted to: navigate through the 3D interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store to visit a point of interest, similar to moving around during physical shopping; and access and/or purchase the plurality of products provided for sale within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, similar to physical shopping experience; wherein the plurality of products within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, are tagged with product information, for accessibility of the one or more consumers using the one or more customer devices and/or one or more store managers using associated one or more admin devices.

2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more shopping complexes and/or stores, are related to fashion, e-commerce, furniture, real estate, electronics, musical instruments, vehicles, department stores, overseas retailers, food and beverage, hospitality, watches, luxury items, and jewellery stores.

3. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the product information tagged on each of the plurality of products includes one or more of product price, product size/dimensions, available sizes/dimensions and colours, seller information, brand information, product configuration, information related to origin of the respective product, confirmation of noanimal cruelty during making of the respective product, donations linked with the purchase of the respective product. The computer system according to claim 1, further comprises one or more databases configured to store and provide login data related to the one or more store managers and the one or more customers, system configurations, all e-commerce related data, prices, products, categories and billing information. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more customer devices and the one or more admin devices are selected from a laptop, a desktop PC, an AR/VR headset, a smartphone or a tablet. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to provide one or more controls on the respective one or more customer devices to enable one or more operations in the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, wherein the one or more operations include forward movement, backward movement, turning right and left, access product information, selection of product, add to cart, purchase option, discard selected products, view cart and payment options. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein for accessing a respective product of the plurality of products, using the one or more customer devices, the processor is further configured to provide a virtual trial of the product to the respective customer using 3D avatars. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to provide tracking and delivery information of the one or more products purchased by the one or more customers on the respective one or more customer devices. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to update the plurality of products available for sale within the interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, according to changes made in the plurality of products being sold in the actual one or more shopping complexes and/or stores. A computer implemented method for providing an interactive virtual reality -based shopping experience, the method being implemented on a device that includes a processor executing machine-readable instructions obtained from a memory unit, corresponding to a virtual reality application which, when executed, perform the computer-implemented method, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a plurality of 360-degree images associated with one or more shopping complexes and/or stores including 3D view of an interior, an exterior and plurality of products therein, from a cloud Content Delivery Network (CDN); processing the plurality of 360-degree images to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store with navigational capabilities for one or more customers to access on the respective one or more customer devices; enabling the one or more customers, using the one or more customer devices, to navigate through the 3D interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store to visit a point of interest, similar to moving around during physical shopping; and accessing and/or purchasing, by the one or more customers using the one or more customer devices, the plurality of products provided for sale within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, similar to physical shopping experience; wherein the plurality of products within the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, are tagged with product information, for accessibility of the one or more consumers using the one or more customer devices and/or one or more store managers using associated one or more admin devices. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, wherein the one or more shopping complexes and/or stores, are related to fashion, e-commerce, furniture, real estate, electronics, musical instruments, vehicles, department stores, overseas retailers, food and beverage, hospitality, watches, luxury items, and jewellery stores. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, wherein the product information tagged on each of the plurality of products includes one or more of product price, product size/dimensions, available sizes/dimensions and colours, seller information, brand information, product configuration, information related to origin of the respective product, confirmation of no-animal cruelty during making of the respective product, donations linked with the purchase of the respective product. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of storing and providing login data, related to the one or more store managers and the one or more customers, system configurations, all e-commerce related data, prices, products, categories, and billing information. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, wherein the one or more customer devices and the one or more admin devices are selected from a laptop, a desktop PC, an AR/VR headset, a smartphone, or a tablet. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of providing one or more controls on the respective one or more customer devices to enable one or more operations in the generated interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, wherein the one or more operations include forward movement, backward movement, turning right and left, access product information, selection of product, add to cart, purchase option, discard selected products, view cart and payment options. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, wherein the step of accessing a respective product of the plurality of products, using the one or more customer devices, further includes a step of providing a virtual trial of the product to the respective customer using 3D avatars. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of providing tracking and delivery information of the one or more products purchased by the one or more customers on the respective one or more customer devices. The computer implemented method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of updating the plurality of products available for sale within the interactive virtual shopping complex and/or store, according to changes made in the plurality of products being sold in the actual one or more shopping complexes and/or stores