JP2016509736A - System and method for identifying, searching and matching products based on color - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for searching and matching products based on color using a universal color system. The system comprises a database engine comprising a plurality of processor-based client devices and a plurality of products that are uniquely associated with a user, each of which is reverse-mapped and organized based on a hexadecimal color code of a general-purpose color system And a processor-based server. The server receives on the communication network a color-based search query that includes the user's color selection from a client device associated with the user. This user color selection includes at least one hexadecimal color code of the universal color system. The server color engine searches the database for products having a hexadecimal color code within a predetermined range of the user's color selection hexadecimal color code, and the search result is sent to the client device associated with the user. Send on the communication network. [Selection] Figure 9

Description

  The claimed invention relates to a system and method for identifying, searching and matching products based on color, and more particularly, a system for identifying, searching and matching based on a universal color system and Regarding the method.

  Occasionally, a user wants to search for a product by color, even if it is an attribute that cannot be adequately described using words. For example, instead of using basic color names such as “red” and “blue”, search for products with a specific shade using color as a parameter This is extremely difficult even if the color is relatively popular and should have been easy to find intuitively. For example, there are many colors that would fit the simple “red” or “blue” description, and a search using the text language “red” would be (Red) or specific products of interest cannot be easily taken out. Also, a search based on the name of a particular type of color, such as “Rose Red” or “Ocean Blue”, can be a number of different colors, each used with a different name or multiple names. It is not easy to reach the color of interest because it fluctuates due to naming conventions. Similarly, a search for a color pattern, such as “blue and red stripes,” cannot easily reach a desired pattern of a particular plurality of colors.

  Many shortcomings of color-based (color-based) search systems that have historically been text-based due to the nature of Internet search thus describe the information the user wants by entering text into a search engine. Request. With regard to color, the text color name is typically tagged or embedded as metadata under the product image or associated web page so that when a particular color shade is sought. Making it impossible to obtain reliable and complete search results. More specifically, since many search systems that implement color (or pattern) based search can only operate as text searches, the system allows the user to “click” on the name or by clicking on the color. Select a color (in the form of a color swatch (swatch)), and the system will search for the selected color. In this case, however, the system typically converts the entered search parameters into a text string that is associated with or represents a particular color. For example, a search system may search based on clicking on a red sample on a web page, but it converts this click into a search for “red” as text, with the actual color as Is not. In such a system, the name of the color “red” is “tagged” into the image by a text string, and the search matches the input “red” to the text string “red” on the tag. It is based on and does not match the color. From the consumer's point of view, such a system is insufficient to reliably capture all relevant products with the specific shade of red that is required. From the merchant's point of view, these systems do not allow for dynamic color analysis or codification, which is critical, and undermines the data set in understanding consumer preferences. is there.

  Another challenge in modern color search is the lack of unifying universal color schemes and color naming conventions. For example, when using a search field on a search engine or a particular merchant website (ie, when a merchant identifies some of its products using the term “Cherry Red” as a tag), for example “Cherry Red Even if a search using a specific color such as "" produces some relevant results, such a search will yield all relevant results for the particular type of red that was searched. is not. This is the case when there is a product available that is sold by other vendors that have the same color or a nearby equivalent color but use terms other than “Cherry Red” to identify that color. Is also true.

  Even color systems that provide naming conventions suffer from potential shortcomings in their inconsistent applications by merchant users and their vendors. For example, a wholesale buyer for a retailer may decide to order a product line of a color identified as “cobalt blue” from a vendor. A second wholesale buyer at the same retailer said that the second vendor from another product line that the second buyer also identifies as "Cobalt Blue" is exactly the same in color. An intent may be ordered, so that a purchaser of a product on the first line will want to purchase the second product line as a matching set. In practice, when the products are placed side by side, the color difference between two products that are intended to have “same color” can be significant. The lack of consistency between vendors and suppliers is often not recognized until after the product arrives, even if the same color name is used, at which point it improves the situation. Too late for.

  Direct searches based on specific colors or samples have not yet been achieved efficiently. For example, if the user has clothing items and wants to purchase a matching item, the existing tool determines the color of the clothing and what the matching color is. The burden of deciding is left to the user. Thus, the user will rely on matching (subject to color variations on the screen) based on what “appears” as balanced.

  In addition, matching is left to the user and is not automatically performed. For example, it may be beneficial to match a color that is similar to a color selected by a friend or a member of a close group. It was almost impossible to automatically select a color for a user based on the aggregate demographic group of which the user is a member.

  Current systems also lack the ability to accumulate user-preferred and / or customized colors on a unified area or palette for purposes of identifying and searching for products. Individuals typically have a favorite (favorite) color. And it would be beneficial to have a group of favorite colors that are collected and readily available to the user on a single palette. It is also disclosed in the prior art to use a palette to form a color combination and perform a search based on a first (primary) color and a second (secondary) color (and pattern). Absent. To achieve this goal, having a group of preferred colors that are user-specific, collected, and readily available on a single palette is for efficient color-based (color-based) searching. Would be beneficial.

  Another disadvantage of prior art systems is that users cannot share and exchange their color preferences to facilitate the purchase of specific products of specific colors or patterns. This disadvantage further prevents the user from easily sharing any color preferences with friends, colleagues, or other acquaintances that may be associated with the user, such as social networking affinity groups. Such sharability will facilitate members of the user's close group to purchase items for the user. For example, if a user finds a desired product, for example for weddings or baby registries, the user stores and shares that information, especially color information, with friends and family You may wish to do that. With the rise of computer technology, it has become easier and more accessible to connect and share personal information with friends and other networks. In connection with searching and selecting an item or product, a number of tools and systems are designed to create and share a registry of desired items or products. However, these registries are based solely on the items and products selected by the registrant and register based on color preferences, demographic information, or color trend information, for example. It is not based on a product that may be desired by a person. This information, such as color preferences, size information, previous purchase information, etc., can all be used by the user and incorporates the user's data and all of the data belonging to the user's close group. Can be used to make in-store purchases. Thus, the user can purchase with more knowledge.

  Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to provide a system for identifying, searching and matching products based on color (on a color basis) using a universal color system.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system for searching a merchant's inventory management and / or supply chain management system that is back-mapped to the hexadecimal code of a universal color system.

  Yet another object of the claimed invention is to provide a database that allows both merchants and consumers to search for and match products using non-text or color-based (color-based) queries.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide the above system which can be searched based on colors and patterns in product image data.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a system for searching and matching products based on color using a general-purpose color system includes a plurality of processor-based client devices, where each of the client devices is unique to a user. And a database engine having a plurality of products that are reverse mapped and organized according to the hexadecimal color code of the universal color system, and a processor-based server. The server receives a color-based search query including a user's color selection from a client device associated with the user over a communication network. This user color selection includes at least one hexadecimal color code of the universal color system. The server color engine searches the database engine for products having a hexadecimal color code within a predetermined range of hexadecimal color codes selected by the user and provides a search result. The color engine sends the search results to a client device associated with the user over a communication network. The database stores the user's color selection and search results in the database and updates the user's color preference history.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine searches for at least one of the following: a data warehouse maintained by a service provider, inventory management of multiple vendors System, and supply chain management system for multiple vendors.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine filters search results based on product availability from an inventory management system.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color engine ranks search result products based on their availability from merchants within the user's current geographic location. To do.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, if there is no product currently available from the inventory management system that has a hexadecimal color code within a predetermined range of the user's color selected hexadecimal color code, the color The search engine searches the supply chain management system for future available products that match the user's color selection.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine ranks search result products based on their hexadecimal color codes. Products with a hexadecimal color code that is close to the user's color-selected hexadecimal color code are ranked higher than products with a hexadecimal color code that is further from the user's color-selected hexadecimal color code.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color engine ranks the search result products based on a user's color preference history.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the server receives text search criteria from a client device over a communication network. This text search criteria comprises at least one of the following: product description, product availability, size information, vendor information, product category, brand information, pattern information, complementary or complementary products, and textual Filter search results based on search criteria.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the server receives a purchase request on a communication network to purchase one or more products of search results from a client device. The server's processor processes the purchase request based on the user's delivery and billing information stored in the database or, if this delivery and purchase information is not available from the database, the user via the client device. Request delivery and billing information from The database stores products purchased by the user as purchase records and stores depersonalized purchase information.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the server further comprises a user module for adding the search result product to a user wish list and storing the user wish list in a database. .

According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the server further receives a product from a search result from a client device associated with the user over a communication network and shares it with members of the user's social group. Is provided.
The registry module stores the shared product as a social registry record in a database.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine presents a color bar display on the client device associated with the user. This color bar display has multiple color swatches selected based on at least one of the following: product availability, user color preference history, color prediction, color trend, timeless A timeless color or a seasonal color. The server receives a color-based search query including at least one color swatch selected by a user from a color bar display (display) via a client device on a communication network. Each color sample corresponds to a hexadecimal code of a general purpose color system. The color search engine searches the database engine for products having a hexadecimal code that is within a predetermined range of hexadecimal codes of the selected color swatch for the color-based search query and provides a search result.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the server receives a request on a communication network to change a color bar display associated with a member of a user's social group from a client device associated with the user. The color search engine presents a color bar display associated with the member on the client device associated with the user. The server receives, over a communication network, a color-based search query comprising at least one color swatch selected by a user from a color bar display associated with a member via a client device associated with the user. The color search engine searches the database engine for products having a hexadecimal code that is within a predetermined range of hexadecimal codes for the selected color swatch of the color-based search query.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color-based search query from the client device comprises a digital image of the product. The server further includes an image processor that normalizes and codifies the digital image by segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments. The image processor analyzes each segment to determine the dominant color for each segment, and based on the frequency (prevalence) of at least one major color within each segment. And determining at least one primary color for the digital image. The image processor converts the identified color to a universal color system hexadecimal code and searches for products having a hexadecimal code that is within a predetermined range of one or more hexadecimal codes of the digital image. And provide search results. This database stores the identified color, hexadecimal code, and search results.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the above client device associated with a user obtains a digital image of the product. The client device further includes a processor that normalizes and organizes the digital image by segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments. The processor analyzes each segment to determine a primary color for each segment, and based on the frequency of at least one primary color within each segment, at least one primary color in the digital image. Determine the color. The processor converts the identified color into a general-purpose color system hexadecimal code and stores the identified color and hexadecimal code in the memory of the client device. The client device transmits a color-based search query including a hexadecimal code associated with the digital image to a server over a communication network.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a system for monitoring manufactured products for quality control using a general-purpose color system includes a plurality of processor-based client devices, each of which is a user. And a processor-based server. The server receives a normalized digital image of the manufactured product over a communication network from a client device associated with the user, and receives at least one hexadecimal color code of the ordered product from the client device. Receive on the communication network. This normalized digital image comprises at least one hexadecimal color code of a universal color system. The server processor compares the hex code of the manufactured product with the hex code of the ordered product, and whether the manufactured product color is within a predetermined threshold of the ordered product color. Decide whether or not. The processor sends an approval message over the communication network to the client device if the color of the manufactured product is within a predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product. The processor sends a rejection message over the communication network to the client device if the color of the manufactured product is not within a predetermined threshold for the color of the ordered product.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the client device associated with the user obtains a digital image of the manufactured product with the client device. The client device processor normalizes and organizes the digital image by segmenting the digital image into multiple segments. The processor analyzes each segment to determine a primary color for each segment, and based on the frequency of at least one primary color within each segment, at least one primary color in the digital image. Determine the color. The processor converts the identified color to a general-purpose color system hexadecimal code to provide a normalized digital image. The client device's memory stores the identified color, hexadecimal code, and normalized digital image. The client device transmits the normalized digital image and the associated hexadecimal code over the communication network.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a system for monitoring manufactured products for quality control using a general-purpose color system includes a plurality of processor-based client devices, each client device to a user. Uniquely associated and connected to a communication network, comprising a processor-based server and a database. The server receives a digital image of the manufactured product over a communication network from a client device associated with the user and receives over the communication network at least one hexadecimal color code of the ordered product from the client device. . The server's image processor normalizes and organizes the digital image by segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments. The image processor analyzes each segment to determine a primary color for each segment, and based on the frequency of at least one primary color within each segment, the digital image has at least one primary color. The correct color. The image processor converts the identified color into a general-purpose color system hex code to provide a normalized digital image. The image processor compares the hexadecimal code of the manufactured product with the hexadecimal code of the ordered product and determines whether the manufactured product is within a predetermined threshold for the color of the ordered product. To decide. The image processor sends an approval message over the communication network to the client device if the color of the manufactured product is within a predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product. The image processor sends a rejection message over the communication network to the client device if the color of the manufactured product is not within a predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product.

  The claimed invention may be stand alone in itself or is directed to facilitating a wide range of functions, including search, product selection, purchase, marketing, advertising, product planning, and sales. It may serve as an extension or upgrade to an existing IMS and / or SCM system. The claimed invention uses operations research principles by organizing and identifying (identifying) products based on color and / or pattern, and by using these attributes as key indicators. Can be applied to selected issues in retail. Here, retailing extends from product development and manufacturing through consumer services.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the system and method dynamically analyze systematized color-based preferences, trends, and overall system activity to target color as a key product attribute. And can be used to make recommendations for micro-targeted products to users.

  In general, the claimed invention provides a system, method, and set of interfaces that provide users and vendors with a number of opportunities and tools that were not previously available in the context of color identification, selection, and matching. To do. This non-text color search using a generic color code provides the user with relevant search results for a number of merchant products that are more closely (or closely) correlated to the color the user is searching for.

  With respect to system hardware, CPU-based servers are one and the other, preferably within, one used to store user data, merchant data, product data, and color data. Or arranged to communicate with a plurality of data warehouses.

  Various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description and novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

  The above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting the interaction between various system components that perform a color-based search in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface or display for color search access, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating the interaction between various system components performing a color-based search in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an interaction between an exemplary user registry page and various system components that perform color-based searches for primary and secondary users, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. 2 is an exemplary flow diagram.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating the interaction between various system components that perform color-based searches based on digital images of products / items, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

8a to 8f are diagrams illustrating an exemplary process for identifying and recognizing colors and / or patterns from an image of a striped shirt pattern by an image analysis processor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process for identifying and recognizing colors and / or patterns by an image processor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary flow diagram representing an exemplary process for analyzing colors for quality control, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary flow diagram representing an exemplary process for analyzing colors for quality control, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flow diagram representing an exemplary process for analyzing colors for quality control, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a client device according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a non-text color based (color based) system and interface is provided to search and match products based on color using a unified or generic color system. To do. These are the applicant's co-pending application no. 13/910, 557, and PCT / US13 / 44317 (hereinafter referred to as “the Applicant's 557 application”), which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. It is not based on a predetermined textual representation of One of the most important factors influencing consumer purchase decisions is color, and therefore the claimed invention provides a system and method for searching and matching products based on color as desired Providing consumers with an in-store shopping experience during online shopping.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the claimed color-based system additionally includes other non-color data, such as textual product data, and anonymous and non-anonymous user and merchant data. Collect, analyze, and manage to provide users with a more robust product search and purchase experience, and provide merchants with more effective means to target, advertise and sell to consumers To do.

  With reference to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, an exemplary system configuration is shown, which includes a hard disk or memory drive that executes software comprising machine-readable program instructions. A processor-based system 100 is provided, for example, one or more computers or servers 100. Server 100 serves as and / or provides access to data warehouse 200. The data warehouse 200 includes a product database 206 and a color database 208. Preferably, the data warehouse 200 also includes a user database 202 and a merchant database 204. All data is maintained in a data warehouse 200 or other conventional database system that has read / write access using a database management system. Although described herein as a separate data store for exemplary purposes, the data store may be combined in various combinations.

  Information contained in the data warehouse 200 can be accessed by both consumer and merchant users over a communications network 400, such as the Internet 400, via the client device 300. Client device 300 comprises a processor-based machine, such as a laptop, PC, tablet, smartphone, and / or other web-enabled portable device with which server 100 communicates. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the client device 300 includes a processor 320, a camera 310, a memory 330, a display 340, a network connection facility 350, as exemplarily shown in FIG. And an input device 360. Client device 300 is connected to server 100 using the customizable interface described herein. The custom interface may be in the form of a graphical user interface, i.e., an application that forms a client-server arrangement and / or other well-known interface conventions known in the art. Different interfaces are available depending on the nature of access to the user and its various forms of information. In order to support a variety of options, the system of the present invention preferably includes at least one application programming interface (API), which allows certain types of users to extend that interface, and different ones. May be available for users and merchants.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a subscriber (such as a consumer or merchant user) obtains an entry into the server 100 by subscription using a known security technique, such as a username and password combination. . Once a subscriber is authenticated, the server 100 provides access to data that the subscriber can legally access.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, server 100 stores / maintains hexadecimal RGB color code or identification information and pattern identification information in color database 208. Each individual color identification entry corresponds to one of a plurality of unified / generic colors stored in the color database 208, and each individual pattern identification entry is a plurality of selectable stored in the color database 208. Corresponds to one of the patterns.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the systems, methods, and interfaces described herein are designed to operate in a 4096 general-purpose color environment, where the systems are R (red), G (green). ) And B (blue) each have a scale that can be extended to over 16 million general purpose colors using the full range of 256 color intensities (lightness, saturation). This yields 256 ³ or 16,777,216 possible color variations and thus potentially 16 million universal color codes or classifications. The claimed invention relates to multiple different color systems of multiple vendors that are reverse mapped, normalized, and systematized into a general purpose system for dynamic analysis as disclosed in Applicants '' 557 application. Is used. Preferably, 4096 selectable generic colors are located at equidistant intervals along the entire range of available colors. However, selectable colors may be moved along this scale or added or subtracted to provide more or less variation for a particular color gamut, depending on user and vendor trends or needs. It should be noted.

  As disclosed in Applicants'557 application, the server 100 receives product information (eg, feeds) from a plurality of vendors over the communication network 400. The server 100 receives this supply from a retailer, wholesaler, and / or manufacturer's inventory management system (IMS) 500 or supply chain management (SCM) system 510. For simplicity of explanation, it is understood that sellers, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers are referred to herein as “merchants” collectively and alternatively. Preferably, as new products are added or product information is updated in IMS system 500 and / or SCM system 510, the corresponding information is sent to server 100. That is, the IMS system 500 and / or the SCM system 510 dynamically transmits the updated information to the server 100.

  By using a universal color system for multiple vendors, the claimed invention eliminates a significant obstacle for users to search and find products from different vendors. Reverse mapping allows dynamic analysis and fine (accurate) color systematization. When layered into commercial IMS system 500 and / or SCM system 510, the search performed in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention no longer requires scraping the Internet, and is further expanded Is done. Similarly, the claimed invention improves the issues related to merchant product planning and production by providing them with standardized color information regarding sales, search and availability.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes one or more processors 110, a color search engine 120, a palette generator 130, a registry module 140, a user, A module 150, a product recommendation engine 160, a real-time analysis processor 170, and an image processor 180 are provided. The server 100 acquires data from various information sources. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color palette generator 130 of the server 100 is obtained from the user / subscriber (or a different user / subscriber) by the user module 150 of the server 100 and the user's personal. And a color palette based on demographic information, such as, but not limited to, name, location, date of birth, preferred product, and preferred color. The processor 110 of the server 100 obtains product and inventory data from the IMS system 500 as part of the IMS supply 505 and / or from the SCM system 510 as part of the SCM supply 515. . This data may be in the form of text, images, video, or some combination thereof.

  Each data set introduced into the data warehouse 200 is interrelated, depending on and communicating with other data sets (but not necessarily representing individual data sets) for complete information. Represents the data set to be used. These data sets can be accessed using a variety of database management systems (DBMS). These include, but are not limited to, relational database management systems (RDBMS) and “post-relational” database management systems (eg, not-only structured query language (“NOSQL” database management system). By using a “post-relational” DBMS, the data can be made available to the merchant in a variety of ways, for example based on a specific demographic profile or a specific color or color grouping.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user database 202 maintains and stores data specific to individual users / subscribers. These data include, but are not limited to, personal information, demographic information, preferences, product history information, and social information. Personal information includes user name, name, address (and more generalized geographical information), telephone data, date of birth, astrology information, keywords associated with the user, colors associated with the particular keyword for the user, etc. be able to. Demographic information can include age, gender, education history, income, marital status, occupation, religion, and so on. Preferences can include user color preferences, keywords that the user associates with a particular color, book, game, hobby, sport, sports team, and the like. Some of the preferences can be obtained directly from the user, and other preferences can be determined by the user module 150 of the server based on the user's web search and / or purchase. . The product history information may include a user browsing history, a user product rating (eg, likes and hides), a user purchase history, a user favorite store, a user favorite brand, and the like. Social information may include user-user or user-business relationships, including but not limited to friends, family, colleagues, lovers, and acquaintance relationships.

  Personal information and demographic information are typically obtained from a user in the context of an initial user registration process and then stored in a user database 202 that includes a wide range of records regarding user identification and user selection. The remaining form of user data is obtained and recorded in the user database 202 as a result of user-system interaction via a graphical user interface.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the merchant database 204 maintains and stores merchant specific data. These data include, for example, merchant information such as trade names, contacts, addresses and telephone numbers, demographic information such as demographics and preferences of target demographics, users and merchants, physical location, and so on. Including, but not limited to, inventory information, supply chain information, planograms and store summary information, and purchase history information.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the product database 206 maintains and stores product specific data. This data includes basic product identification information including the name of the product, color identification information including general purpose hexadecimal color codes, color histograms and statistical information, pattern identification information if applicable, and preferably product identification. Image data in the form of a three-dimensional digital representation or other form of digital image of the product, recommendation data including product recommendation history, product ratings and product advertising data, and current and future products Including, but not limited to, availability information. Preferably, the product data is indexed and categorized by product category, such as table, chair, shoe, shirt, socks, car, paint, etc.

  It should be understood that the product data stored in the product database 206 can be indexed and cross-referenced with a number of useful information by associating product data with specific types of user data, merchant data, and color data. It is. Thus, various types of product data can be referenced and manipulated using, for example, any combination of color, availability, user preferences and demographic information. In this way, data in the data warehouse 200 is correlated to form a powerful tool in predictive analysis.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color database 208 maintains and stores data specific to color information. These data include, but are not limited to, hexadecimal color code or identification information, RGB color identification information, pattern identification information, statistical color information, keyword information, and color grouping information. The hexadecimal color code or identification information is stored as color data in the color database 208 in the format of a selectable color hexadecimal code. The RGB color identification information is stored as color data in the color database 208 in the format of selectable RGB component intensities (lightness). Preferably, each RGB component intensity (lightness) is mapped to a corresponding hexadecimal code. The pattern identification information is stored as color data in the color database 208 in a predetermined pattern configuration format.

  The statistical color information stored as color data in the color database 208 provides information related to the popularity or frequency of the color of the product, such as the frequency of a men's shirt that contains a particular color. This can also provide trending information on which product colors were popular this season and which product colors are expected to be popular in the next season, based on consumer purchases. This can be beneficial to manufacturers and retailers in determining which product colors to make and stock in their stores.

  The keyword information stored as color data in the color database 208 can often be user related keywords for a particular color. This related keyword links the original color-term related index, the user-defined keyword by which the user associates the color with the specific keyword, and the color that the user determines is associated with these predetermined keywords. It may be based on predetermined (predetermined) keywords. As the user continues to update and create associations in the color database 208, the server 100 stores and updates the keywords and their color associations. The color grouping information stored as color data in the color database 208 may be a color associated with a timeless collection or a specific trend collection (eg, 2012 spring color).

  Data stored as color data in color database 208 can be indexed and cross-referenced in a number of useful ways by associating color data with specific types of user data, merchant data, and product data. It should be understood that it can be done. In this way, data in the data warehouse 200 is correlated to form a powerful tool in predictive analysis.

  By integrating universal color identification (identification) technology into the commercial IMS system 500 and / or SCM system 510, the available color data is dynamically analyzed and integrated, making it practically useful in the past. Allows vendors to make real-time, color-based decisions and recommendations that were based on incomplete information at best. With regard to supply chain management, the inventory of products for each specific color can be managed and prioritized, and the decision to replenish the inventory is, for example, when the inventory reaches a specific sales threshold when a predetermined sales threshold is reached. Achieved earlier by starting production and distribution immediately when falling to a level and / or when additional consumer needs are identified beyond current supply plans and capabilities be able to. In addition, merchants can also use available supply chain management information to advertise and inform users based on expected availability. Similarly, using such information, the user can pre-order the product. On the inventory side, the inventory of available products can be more stably maintained by promoting products based on current and short-term availability. In addition, if a particular color of the product is not available, the default setting can recommend the closest (matched) color. In this way, product searches and recommendations can be made taking into account current and future inventory.

  In the example shown above, the colors are determined and classified by a 6-digit hexadecimal value or hexadecimal code. However, it should be understood that the colors available for classification can be adjusted to accommodate an expandable or fixed color environment. For example, in an expandable color environment, the color of a given image can be expanded to correspond to one of 4096 selectable values but include additional colors as needed. Digit hexadecimal values (and corresponding RGB values) are assigned. By assigning 6-digit hexadecimal values (and corresponding RGB values), if more than 4096 additional colors are desired, expansion is possible through more than 16 million colors that are actually available. It should be understood that each hexadecimal code can be converted to a component RGB value and / or binary representation.

In a fixed environment of 4096 colors, each of the RGB component colors represented on a scale of 0 to 255 can be adjusted down to 16 RGB intensities (lightness), respectively, on a scale of 0 to 15. Based on each of the 16 color intensity of these colors (brightness), it is possible to color variations total in 16 ³ or 4096. For example, the color specified as DB93B1 and the corresponding RGB value: 203 Red: 147 Green: 177 Blue in hexadecimal code is 16 using the closest value on the 16-level RGB scale in the 4096 color scale. It can be adjusted as hex code C9B and corresponding RGB values: 13 red: 9 green: 11 blue. On this type of scale, these values are related so that if the product to which the image or color swatch belongs, such as a shirt, is queried for color C9B, one of the recommended or product results is a shirt. Will be done. Using only 16 RGB intensities (brightness) (and 3 hexadecimal digits) does not easily help with color expansion, but is a fair level of color dispersion (variation) that is sufficient for consumer and merchant classification ) Can be obtained. All 4096 hexadecimal codes of the claimed invention are assigned to the applicant's co-pending application no. 13/762, 160 and no. PCT / US123 / 25135 (hereinafter “the Applicant's 160 application”), each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, all user subscribers (eg, merchant users, consumer users, etc.) subscribe and are optionally managed by a separate login server (not shown). Entry and access to the server 100 is obtained by using known security approaches such as login and password. Once the login is confirmed and the subscriber is authenticated, the processor 110 of the server 100 loads the user's age, gender, location, and other demographic information from the user database 202. The server's color search engine 120 provides the verified consumer user with access to the search query functionality via a graphical user interface (GUI) 700, and the processor 110 of the server 100 provides the verified merchant user with Provide access to the data available to them under their subscription.

  An example of the claimed invention is that an unauthenticated (unauthorized) user, or a service provider non-license, attempts to access the server 100 by a client device 300 associated with an unauthenticated user (ie, a non-subscriber). Based on the embodiment, the processor 110 denies the client device 300 access to the server 100 and sends a registration web page to the client device 300. This allows the user to subscribe to services provided by the service provider and to become a registered / authenticated subscriber using any known method. After completing the registration process, the user has the option to download a mobile search application on their client device 300 and can connect to the service provider server 100 seamlessly and / or automatically. Additionally or alternatively, the server 100 allows an unauthenticated user's client device 300 to perform a color-based (color-based) search as a teaser at least once, and May be allowed to subscribe to the service provider service.

  In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a user uses a color search engine 120 display GUI 700 on a client device 300 associated with the user to make a color-based (color-based) search query. Start. As illustratively shown in FIG. 4, by selecting a selectable color region or sample 702 of GUI 700, the user can select data warehouse 200 and / or merchant IMS system 500 and / or merchant. Associated digital color codes (eg, hex, RGB, binary) corresponding to selectable color swatches 702 from the SCM system 510 (collectively and alternatively referred to herein as “database engine 250”). Then start searching for products. One or more queries sent to the data warehouse 200, to the IMS system 500, and to the SCM system 510 (to the database engine 250) are referred to herein as a single query for ease of reference. It should be understood. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the user desires to search for a product of a particular color, the user can select the color of the selectable color bar that appears on the clickable horizontal color bar 703. Select a color from one. Once one of the colors on the horizontal bar 703 is selected, the vertical bar 704 extends downward, typically with the initial color shade (tone) selected on the horizontal color bar 703. Once the user makes a final color selection, which includes one or more colors, the client device 300 sends the color search criteria 600 to the color search engine 120 of the server 100 in the communication network 400. Send on. The color search engine 120 searches the database engine 250 for products that match or are closest to the user's final color selection. That is, the color search engine 120 transmits the color search criteria 600 in the query to the database engine 250. It is understood that each IMS system 500 is associated with a different vendor, retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, etc., and each SCM system 500 is associated with a different vendor, retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, etc. It should be. The product can be any product, such as clothes, bedding, shoes, hats, ties, socks, scarves, accessories, furniture, appliances, bicycles, automobiles, paints, lipsticks, hair dyes, makeup, nails It should be understood that including but not limited to polishing.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 retrieves from the database engine 250 a color search criteria 600, eg, an associated digital color code corresponding to the selected one or more color samples 702. Search for products to meet. The color search engine 120 transmits a search result 620 including information on products that match the user's color search criteria 600 to the client device 300 associated with the user over the communication network. The color search engine 120 stores the color search criteria 600 and the search results 620 in the data warehouse 200. Preferably, the color search engine 120 updates the user's color preference history 630 based on the user's color search criteria 600.

  However, if a product that matches the user's color search criteria 600 is not found in the data warehouse 200, the color search engine 120 searches the one or more IMS systems 500. Preferably, the color search engine 120 sends a single query containing the user's color search criteria 600 to both the data warehouse 200 and the IMS system 500 to search both simultaneously. If a product that matches the user's color search criteria 600 is not found in the data warehouse 200 and the IMS system 500, the color search engine 120 searches the SCM system 510 and finds any product that matches the user's color selection criteria 600. Determine whether the product is in the “supply chain” or “pipeline” (ie, the matching product is currently being delivered, manufactured, etc.). The color search engine 120 transmits a search result 620 including future inventory information, for example, product availability information, to the client device 300 associated with the user over the communication network.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, if no product is found that matches the user's color search criteria 600, the color search engine 120 is substantially similar or most similar to the queried color of the user's color search criteria 600. A search result 620 including the product of the adjacent color is returned. That is, the color search engine 120 returns a product having a general-purpose color system hexadecimal code that is substantially similar to or closest to the queried color hexadecimal code of the user's color search criteria 600. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 of the server 100 performs the following exemplary calculation to determine the color that best matches the queried color:
c = sqrt ((r−r ₁ ) ² + (g−g ₁ ) ² + (b−b ₁ ) ² )
Where c = closest color; r = red value of the queried color; r ₁ = red value of the candidate color; g = green value of the queried color; g ₁ = green color of the candidate color B = the blue value of the interrogated color; and b ₁ = the blue value of the candidate color. Candidates that match the color are one or more colors that have values closest to zero.

  The preferences on the color swatch 702 that appear on the color bars 703, 704 may also be controlled and modified via the GUI 700, for example, using the bookmark function 707. In controlling the change to a selectable color that easily appears on the color bar display (display) 710 of the GUI 700, the color search engine 120 is based on the user's color history, user purchase history, user search history, etc. Thus, the user-specific color bar display (display) 710 or 720 is generated. That is, the color search engine 120 obtains data sufficient to determine the user's color preference, and then replaces the normalized color bar display 710 on the client device 300 associated with the user. A GUI 700 having a personalized color bar display 720 is displayed. Alternatively, the color search engine 120 displays a personalized color bar display 720 when the user clicks on a “more” button on the normalized color bar display 710. The user retrieves products from the database engine 250 by selecting one or more colors on the normalized color bar display 710 or the individualized color bar display 720.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the GUI 700 additionally comprises a text search field 705 for the user, additional optional search parameters 610, for example pattern information such as plaid, and, for example, Text search criteria such as size, brand, vendor, polo shirt, paint, blender, nail polish, etc. The color search engine 120 receives both the text search criteria 610 and the color search criteria 600 from the database engine 250 (ie, the associated digital color code (eg, hex, RGB, binary) corresponding to the selected color swatch 702). Search for products that meet your requirements. If additional search parameters 610 are not provided by client device 300, color search engine 120 retrieves only color search criteria 600, ie, the associated digital color code corresponding to the selected color swatch 702, from database engine 250. Search for products to meet.

  When an additional search parameter 610, such as “Polo shirt”, is received from the client device 300 over the communication network 400, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 includes the color search criteria 600 and the text search. Criteria 610: a) Hexadecimal color code of the selected color swatch of color search criteria 600, eg, 9CAED4 as illustrated in FIG. 4; and b) Text search criteria 610, eg, as shown in FIG. A search result 620 is provided that includes products or items from the database engine 250 that satisfy both the “polo shirt”. The color search engine 120 transmits the search result 620 returned from the database engine 250 to the client device 300 over the communication network 400. The client device 300 displays the search result 620 in the display area 706 as illustrated in FIG. Although only eight products are shown in the display area 706 of FIG. 4, additional products in search results 620 may be displayed using any known method, for example, using a slider on the screen or GUI 700. It can be displayed or provided in area 706.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120, if the resource allows, the color appearing as a selectable color swatch 702 on the user's personalized color bar display 720. The matching color is identified and the product is queried continuously and automatically in the database engine 250. The color search engine 120 receives the search result 620 from the database engine 250 and transmits the search result 620 over the communication network 400 to the client device 300 associated with the user. Client device 300 populates display area 706 with products / items of search results 620 before the user initiates a formal search. Preferably, the search results 620 include products / items from the IMS system 500 so that the products / items shown in the display area 706 are currently available and in stock products / items.

  In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user can enter additional color search criteria 600 and / or additional text search criteria 610 in the GUI 700. This causes the color search engine 120 to narrow or filter the search results 620 to find specific types of products that are currently available for purchase from merchants, for example within the user's current geographic location. be able to. These additional parameters or criteria include, but are not limited to, a second or third color swatch or hex code, a specific pattern, or a physical attribute such as size.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a user can select one or more products displayed on display area 706 for purchase. When the user selects a product to be purchased from the display area 706, the client device 300 transmits a purchase request to the server 100 over the communication network. The processor 110 can use the user's delivery and billing information stored in the user database 202 and can process the user's product purchases. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 110 may lead the user through a series of GUIs displayed on the client device 300 and input billing and delivery information required to complete the purchase. The GUI can be coupled via either the provider's server 100 or the merchant's website. The processor 110 stores the purchased product / item 830 as a purchase record in the user database 202 and stores in the product database 206 de-personalized purchase information, eg, user gender and Stores demographic information. The real-time analysis processor 170 uses such non-personalized information to determine a common or typical profile of users purchasing such products, or a color trend based on gender, age, geographic location, etc. Can be determined. If the purchased product is in the user's wish list 820, the user module 150 removes or deletes the purchased product from the user's list, thereby allowing the member of the user's approved social group 860 to It can be known from the user's wish list 820 that the item has been purchased, thereby reducing the possibility of duplicate purchases. Alternatively, the user module 150 can hide gift purchases from the user's wish list 820 from the owner of the wish list 820 and keep any gift purchases secret from the owner.

  The illustrated embodiment allows a user to combine a plurality of desired colors (eg, a first color and a second color) in an item into a particular pattern-color combination (eg, blue and red). The color search engine 120 can perform other equivalent searches on the database engine 250. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 searches for “complementary color” items for the queried color or color search criteria 600. Each selectable color swatch 702 in the color bar display 710 or individualized color bar display 720 is not only associated with a unique hexadecimal code of the universal color system, but also one or more complementary hexadecimals. It is also associated with the code. Accordingly, when the user selects and includes a complementary color search as an additional search parameter or criterion 610 in the product search, the color search engine 120 may identify the color queried by the user of the color search criterion 600 from the database engine 250. The product / item satisfying the complementary color related to the color inquired by the user is searched. That is, the search results 620 may include a list or set of products / items that satisfy the color search criteria 600 and / or the additional text search criteria 610 and one or more associated with the user's queried color. A list or set of products / items that satisfy the complementary colors. For example, a given shade of blue (tone), together with a small sample of shades of red (red), complements or “matches” all other blue shades (tone). If “go with”, the search results 620 may additionally include a list of products / items that satisfy the blue and red complementary color shades. The color search engine 120 transmits a search result 620 that includes a list or set of products that satisfy the color search criteria 600 and the complementary colors associated with the queried color to the client device 300 over the communication network 400. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, color search engine 120 selects complementary colors that are within a predetermined range of the hex color code of queried color 600.

  Additionally or alternatively, the user may choose to include a complementary color item search as an additional search criteria 610 in the product search. The color search engine 120 searches the database engine 250 for products / items that match (match) a certain color item. For example, the user may use the color search engine 120 to search for a shoe that fits (and enhances) an “olive green” jacket, or a curtain that fits (or enhances) a blue and white floral pattern sofa. can do.

  In addition to providing search results 620, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, processor 110 further provides the user with a number of user actions or options to allow the search results 620 products / items to be Share with approved social group 860, add product / item to user's wish list 820, add product / item to user's bookmark 840, and include deleted product / item in any future search results The product / item is added to the user's deleted list 850 and the product / item is purchased so that the user / item is not present. When the user makes a selection, the color search engine 120 stores the user's selection as a record in the user database 202. That is, the color search engine 120 uses the deleted product / item as a social registry record, the product / item in the wish list as the wish list record, the bookmarked product / item as the bookmark record, and the deleted product / item. Store the purchased product / item 830 as a deleted record in the user database 202 as a deleted record. Additionally, the color search engine 120 communicates user selections or records to the real-time analysis processor 170 of the server 100 for processing and analysis. Product recommendation engine 160 uses the analyzed data to make future recommendations to users and others using selection and / or demographic information. Thus, available product or merchant inventory information from searches performed by the user is organized and indexed as user data to provide users with data and common user demographic information. And / or to formulate user preferences that can be used for future recommendations to other users who share online shopping behavior.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 performs a product / item search using the user's color and / or pattern preferences stored in the user database 202. The user module 150 updates the user's color and pattern preferences (collectively referred to herein as “user color or pattern history 630”) based on one or more of the following: Criteria 600, 610; and user selection of specific products / items that are shared with the user's approved social group 860, added to the user's wish list 820, added to the user's bookmark 840, or purchased. . Preferably, the user module 150 classifies the user's color preference history by product type, for example, fashion, home, etc., as illustrated in FIG.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, when a client device 300 associated with a subscriber (ie, a registered user) accesses the server 100, the processor 100 The page or GUI 800 is transmitted to the client device 300. The client device 300 displays an application page 800 that includes a subscriber or primary user registry GUI 810. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the primary user registry GUI 810 includes one or more of the following exemplary selectable or clickable GUI displays: products / items of the user's wish list 820, user Purchase list 830 of products / items purchased by the user, products / items in the user's bookmark 840, products / items in the user's deleted list 850, user-approved social group 860, user's favorite store list 841, and user Favorite brand list 842. When the user clicks or selects an approved social group GUI 860, the processor 110 displays an extended GUI 865 with photos or identifiers (eg, user names, nicknames, etc.) of various members of the user's approved social group / registry.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 is based on the user's color preference history 630 and / or the user's personalized color bar display 720, as illustrated in FIG. Preferably, a default product search is automatically performed each time the user's color preference history 630 and / or the user's personalized color bar display 720 is updated. When a client device 300 associated with a subscriber accesses the GUI 700 and initiates a color-based (based) search query, the color search engine 120 returns search results 620 returned from the database engine 250 in response to the default search. Is transmitted over the communication network 400 to the client device 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the client device 300 displays the received search result 620 in the display area 706.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the color search engine 120 may include a color preference history 640 of each approved social group member and / or individualized personalization of each member. Based on the color bar display 720, the default product search is preferably automatically performed each time the member's color preference history 640 and / or the member's personalized color bar display 720 is updated. Run. When a client device 300 associated with a subscriber accesses the GUI 700 and initiates a color-based (based) search query for a member of the user ’s accepted social group 860 (ie, a secondary user), the color search engine 120 transmits the search result 620 returned from the database engine 250 in response to the default search to the client device 300 over the communication network 400. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the client device 300 displays the received search result 620 in the display area 706.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the client device 300 transmits a selected digital image 910 of a product / item to the server 100 over the communication network 400, The database engine 250 is searched for products / items that match or are similar to the digital image 910. The client device 300 may be a web-usable device 300, for example, a smartphone 300 having a built-in camera 310, a tablet 300 having a built-in camera 310, and a laptop 300 having a built-in camera 310. Also, the selected digital image 910 may be an image 900 downloaded from the Internet, a product / item photograph 900 captured by the client device's built-in camera 310, an image received from an email text, or the memory of the client device 300. The image 900 stored in the.

  In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the processor 320 of the client device 300 normalizes the colors from one or more selected digital images 910 of the product / item selected by the user to a universal color. Organize into a system. Klein and the device 300 transmit a general-purpose color code associated with the selected digital image 910 to the server via the network connection facility 350 on the communication network 400. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as described in more detail in Applicants'557 application and illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8g and FIG. 9, the processor 320 of the client device 300 Performs a “mobile” or “light” version of the full normalization process 940 performed by the server 100. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 320 of the client device 300 may not perform any normalization process 940 and may rely entirely on the server 100. That is, the client device 300 may send the selected digital image 910 to the server 100 to identify the dominant color and normalize the selected digital image 910. It is understood that this does not exclude the client device 300 having a more powerful processor 320 and larger memory 330 to perform a complete normalization process 940 as performed by the server 100. Should.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as described in more detail in Applicants'557 application and illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8g and FIG. 9, the processor 320 of the client device 300 Or, the image processor 180 normalizes and organizes colors and patterns from one or more selected digital images 910 of products / items received from the client device 300 into a universal color system. This allows the color search engine 120 to find products / items in the database engine 250 that match and / or are similar to the product shown in the selected digital image 910. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 a-8 g and FIG. 9, processor 320 or image processor 180 receives a digital image 910 of a shirt having a pattern for processing and recognition at step 100. In the full normalization process 940, the image processor 180 performs steps 1010-1070. For the mobile normalization process, processor 320 or image processor 180 skips steps 1020-1040 as shown in FIG. The processor 320 or image processor 180 separates or extracts the relevant product pattern and color from the rest of the image in step 1010, discarding the irrelevant portion of the image 920 as a background or “margin” 920. To provide a filtered image 930. The processor 320 or the image processor 180 scans the neighboring pixels of the filtered image 930 at step 1020 and defines the proximity points at step 1030. Once the proximity point has been defined, at step 1040, processor 320 or image processor 180 can identify the repetitive pattern in the pattern repetitive parameters using the product defined in color database 208 in filtered image 930. Search for. Depending on the degree of product pattern distortion appearing in the filtered image 930, the processor 320 or image processor 180 may further subdivide the filtered image 930 until a repetitive pattern of the product can be identified and determined.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, processor 320 or image processor 180 compares this repeating pattern to a predefined set of patterns stored in color database 208 to classify or determine product patterns. To do. Once the pattern is classified, the processor 320 or image processor 180 classifies or determines the prevalent color at step 1050. Processor 320 or image processor 180 systematizes or converts the identified color into a hex code / value of a general purpose color system, preferably as identified in step 1060, as illustrated in FIG. 8g. Colors are listed in order of their prevalence or frequency (ie, the number of times a particular color appears in the product image). For example, the processor 320 or the image processor 180 can identify the following five main colors represented by their general-purpose hexadecimal values CB93B1, BDADC, C3AECD, E3CFCD, and EFEBE2. After all of these colors and patterns are identified, processor 320 or image processor 180 associates the identified color and / or pattern data with the particular shirt and, in step 1070, these structured colors and patterns. Pattern data is stored in memory 330 or data warehouse 200 as color search criteria 600 and additional search criteria 610. If a mobile normalization process is performed on the selected digital image 910 by the processor 320, the client device 300 may be structured data data (ie, associated with the selected digital image 910) of the selected digital image 910. Hex color code specified) is transmitted over the communication network 400 to the server 100 for analysis and processing.

  When analyzing a multi-color pattern, such as that shown in FIG. 8a, processor 320 or image processor 180 may sample selected spots within a given region of filtered image 930, thereby Specify the color. If sampling (sample) indicates that multiple colors may exist, processor 320 or image processor 180 may further sample and / or further subdivide and subdivide filtered image 930. The process may continue iteratively until only one color is identified during segmentation or image subdivision is reduced to a single pixel. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, processor 320 or image processor 180 may determine the number of colors specified in the region, the deviation of the color values in the region (compared to a predetermined range or threshold), Or, select a sizing or subdivision segment based on some other criteria. The processor 320 or the image processor 180 analyzes the color value of each region, for example, on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In addition, the image processor 180 stores each sampled location of each region at its X, Y coordinates relative to the entire filtered image 930, and one or more in each region based on color determination. Assign multiple color values. Furthermore, the processor 320 or the image processor 180 can recognize a change in color when a parameter changes more than a fixed threshold, eg, 15%. As a result, the processor 320 or the image processor 180 can form a virtual map that draws colors in place to indicate where the color change occurs and, as a relative, where the pattern has been filed. By identifying the color of each region and the location of each region relative to the entire filtered image 930, the processor 320 or image processor 180 uses, for example, pixel geometry techniques known in the art. The pattern can be determined. Once the pattern and color are determined, the processor 320 or image processor 180 assigns an identification number, preferably a general purpose color system hexadecimal code, to the selected product / item image 910. The color search engine 120 then displays the hexadecimal code assigned to the product / item image 910 selected as the color search criteria 600 by the image processor 180 and the product / item selected as the additional search criteria 610 by the image processor 180. The database engine 250 is searched for matching and similar products using patterns classified / identified in the item image 910.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the color search engine 120 ranks the search results 620 or arranges the search results 620 in an ordered list from the most relevant to the least relevant. For example, products / items with color hex codes that are closer to the queried color are considered more relevant and are shown higher in the search result ordering. The color search engine 120 sends the ranked or ordered search results 620 to the client device 300 over the communication network 400 so that the client device 300 places the search results 620 in the display area 706 most relevant. Display in order of the least relevant. Additionally or alternatively, the color search engine 120 may include other factors such as user preferences, product availability, merchant or user ratings, and ordered search results 620, i.e., search results 620. Product / item relevance may be considered.

  In an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a user may view, rate, store, purchase or destroy products / items in search results 620 displayed on the display area 706 of the client device 300. The user module 150 maintains a browsing history of each user in the user database 202 and adds / holds products / items browsed by the user in the browsing history of the user. That is, for example, when a user browses a product in the search result 620 of the user, the user module 150 adds the product to the list of the user's browsing history stored in the user database 202. It should be understood that the user can change its stored browsing history at any time. For example, when an item is not interesting to the user, the user may delete the item from the browsing history. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a user can specify that a particular search is personal and the color search engine 120 can provide such search results 620 to anyone other than the user. Also not available. That is, the color search engine 120 does not make the specific search result 620 available to the social group 860 approved by the user. If the user's product search is for another person, for example, a search for a gift for the spouse, the color search engine 120 does not make the search result 620 available to the spouse, It may be made available to other members of the approved social group 860. The user module 150 extracts browsing information from the user's browsing history and provides more accurate user-specific browsing information for any search performed by the user for another person.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a user may rate a product to indicate a level of interest (eg, no interest, little interest, very interest). The processor 110 or the user module 150 may determine the user's rating as a numerical value that is based on a phrase (eg, “not interested”), based on a numerical scale, or associated with a product in the product database 206. ,Store. Product recommendation engine 160 may use the user's rating information to recommend products to members of social group 860 that the user has previously approved, or to other users of the claimed system.

  If the user wishes to delete any rating or does not want the processor 110 to store the viewed product in the browsing history stored in the user database 202, the user may be associated with any viewed product. You may choose to discard the data. If the user chooses to discard any data associated with the viewed product, processor 110 or user module 1250 does not store any data or is stored in association with the viewed product from user database 202. Delete any data, or store the fact that the user has chosen to delete the product from the profile.

  In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a user may submit one or more products displayed on display area 706 to user registry 810, for example, a user's wish list 820, or a user's approved social group. 860 members can be added to the registry 810. Registry module 140 allows users to store, share, and edit a list of products, such as a wish list 820 or other registry of products. The user may select a product and save the selected product in a list of products, such as a wish list 820. The user and, if authorized by that user, members of the approved social group 860 can access any registry list 140 on the communication network 400 by using the client device 300 to access the registry module 140. You can browse.

  When the user selects a product from the display area 706 and adds it to the registry 810, the client device 300 transmits a registry addition request to the server 100 on the communication network. The registry module 140 adds the selected product to the user's registry 810 stored in the user database 202 or to the registry 810 of the member of the user's approved social group 860. The registry module 140 further stores non-personalized product information in the product database 206, for example, gender and demographic information of users who are interested in the product. The real-time analysis processor 170 can use such non-personalized information to determine a common or typical profile of users interested in such products.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the registry module 140 allows a user to have other users (eg, members of their approved social group 860) and all or information stored in the user database 202 for that user. Some information can be shared. The amount of information shared with members of the user's approved social group 860 may vary from group to group. For example, a user may choose to share more information with a group of friends than a group of colleagues at the job. The user may wish to share some of the user data (eg, name, date of birth, demographic data, and color preference information) with members of the approved social group 860. This allows any member of that approved social group 860 to view not only the stored list of products, but also any other information selected by the user, such as the user's browsing history, product rating, calendar, color, Preferences, personal information, favorite brand list 842, favorite store list 841, etc. can be shared with the approved social group 860. Thus, members of the user's approved social group 860 can see that an event occurs, such as the user's birthday or anniversary, and browse the user's wish list 820, A gift suitable for the user can be purchased.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a primary user may request that certain information be shared with the secondary user. Once the secondary user accepts this request, the primary user and the secondary user may receive all or part of their user data, product data, and / or color data stored in the data warehouse 200. Can be shared with each other, and each can associate its secondary user with a contact (alternating current) grouping 860. By way of example, contact grouping may be friends, family, romance, work. Registry module 140 stores each approved request and associated contact grouping or social grouping 860 in user database 202 and combines the social group with the stored user data.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the registry module 140 displays user profile information, social group 860, wish list 820, purchase list 830, bookmark 840, browsing history, etc. on an application page 800 displayed on the client device 300. To provide or display for viewing by the user. The processor 110 transmits the primary user registry GUI 810 to be displayed in the application page or GUI 800 to the client device 300 over the communication network 400. The primary user registry GUI 810 allows users to access the registry module 140 to view their contacts or social group 860, look up other users' information, such as birthday information, and within the approved social group 860. Other users can shop for items posted (posted) on their (her) wish list, browsing history, or purchase history. Further, because other user profile information is available, the registry module 140 allows the user to set reminders, such as birthdays or other event reminders, for other users in the social group 860. Can do.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user module 150 and / or the registry module 140 presents various GUIs on the client device 300 and inputs information about the user (eg, date of birth) to the user. And identify the affinity or social group 860 and members of the relative group (eg, friends, family, etc.). User data may include photos or any user input to create a user profile and / or color profile and is stored in the user database 202. The registry module 140 may display a sliding GUI 865 for the user's relatives or persons in the social group 860, along with a photo or identifier (eg, username, nickname, color preferences, etc.). According to an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention, when the primary user clicks on a photo or identifier of a member of the user's social group 860, for example, user 3 displayed on the slidable GUI 865 of FIG. In addition, the registry module 140 connects the primary user's client device 300 to the user 3's client device 300 over the communication network 400 so that the primary user can interact with the user 3 with text, email, voice, and / or Can communicate via video.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the user module 150 stores the user's calendar in the user database 202 along with reminders, with user data such as events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and the like. The user module 140 allows the user to connect past event information to his profile. The registry module 140 can combine past event information with user data stored in the user database 202, which includes event descriptions, event date and time information, event photos, and event videos. Other users connected to the user can view the event.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the claimed invention is used to control quality, for example, to ensure that a product is manufactured with the correct color. It's okay. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the client device 300 associated with the user inspects the server 100 with a color digital image 1100 of the product, for example, a green shirt having a universal color code “11ff66” from the server 100. Alternatively, it is transmitted on the communication network 400 for quality control. The user uses the client device 300, for example, a web-enabled device 300, such as a smartphone 300 having a built-in camera 310, a tablet 310 having a built-in camera 310, a laptop 300 having a built-in camera 310, etc. Acquire a product / item photo or digital image 1000 and store the acquired image in the memory 330 of the client device 300. Additionally or alternatively, the client device 300 may receive the digital image 1100 via email text or the like, or the image 1100 may be read (retrieved) from the memory 330 of the client device 300. Good.

  In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, processor 320 of client device 300 normalizes color from one or more digital images 1100 of a product / item selected by a user and organizes it into a universal color system. Turn into. The client device 300 transmits a general-purpose color code associated with the digital image 1100 to the server over the communication network 400 via the network connection facility 350. According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as fully described in Applicants'557 application and illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8g and 9, the processor of the client device 300 320 performs a “mobile” or “light” version of the full normalization process performed by the server 100. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 320 of the client device 300 may not rely on the server 100 to perform any normalization process 940. That is, the client device 300 may identify the main color by sending the digital image 1100 to the server 100. It is understood that this does not preclude a client device 300 with a more powerful processor 320 and larger memory 330 performing a complete normalization process 940 as performed by the server 100. Should.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8g and FIGS. 9-12, the processor 320 of the client device 300 or the image processor 180 of the server 100 is in step 1000. Receive a digital image of a shirt with a pattern for processing and recognition. In the full normalization process 940, the image processor 180 performs steps 1010-1070. In the mobile normalization process, the processor 320 or the image processor 180 skips steps 1020 to 1040 as shown in FIG. Since both the mobile normalization process and the full normalization process 940 have already been disclosed here, the description here will not be repeated.

  After the colors are identified, processor 320 or image processor 180 associates the identified colors with a particular digital image 1100 and, in step 1070, these structured color data are stored in memory 330 or data warehouse 200. To store. When executed by the mobile normalization process processor 320, the client device 300 analyzes and processes the structured color data of the digital image 1100 (ie, the identified hexadecimal color code associated with the digital image 1100). For 1110, the data is transmitted to the server 100 via the network connection facility 350 on the communication network 400.

For authorized merchant users, or service provider licensees, these users have access to a normalized or personalized color bar display 710, 720 on their client device 100 from the manufacturer. The ordered product / item color 702, 703, for example, in this hypothetical example, a green shirt with the generic color code “11ff66” is selected. The color selection for quality control by the merchant user is similar to the color selection for the start of a color-based (color-based) search query as disclosed herein by the consumer / merchant user. The client device 300 transmits the color code “11ff66” of the product / item ordered by the manufacturer or to be produced / manufactured to the server 100 over the communication network 400. The processor 110 of the server 100 has received from the client device 300 a generic color code of the digital image 1100 (ie, the color of the item being manufactured) received from the client device 300 or determined by the image processor 180. Compare / analyze with generic color codes associated with the color of the ordered product / item. The processor 110 of the server 100 determines that the universal color code of the digital image 1100 of the manufactured product / item is a predetermined parameter or threshold 1120 of the universal color code of the ordered product / item, which is established by a vendor or service provider. To determine whether it is consistent with or within range. That is, the processor 110 determines whether the color of the manufactured product / item matches or is within a predetermined range or threshold for the color of the ordered item. If the color of the manufactured product / item matches or is within the predetermined threshold 1120, the processor 110 sends an approval message to the client device 300. In hypothetical example 2, if the generic color code of the manufactured product / item is “11ff55”, the processor 110 may cause the client device to display the color of the manufactured product / item within a predetermined threshold 1120. An approval message is transmitted to 300. That is, the color of the manufactured product / item is approved because it is very similar to the color of the ordered product / item. However, if the manufactured product / item matches or is not within the predetermined threshold 1120, the processor 110 sends a rejection message on the communication network to the client device 300. In hypothetical example 1, if the generic color code of the manufactured product / item is “11 ffcc”, since the color of the manufactured product / item is not within the predetermined threshold 1120, the processor 110 may A rejection message is transmitted to 300. That is, the color of the manufactured product / item is rejected because it is different from the color of the ordered product / item.

  The invention of the claimed invention can be used by an unauthorized (unauthorized) merchant user, or a non-licensing service provider, when the client device 300 associated with the unauthenticated merchant user (ie, a non-subscriber) attempts to access the server 100 According to the exemplary embodiment, the processor 110 denies access to the server 100 of the client device 300 and sends a registration web page to the client device 300, whereby the user is provided by the service provider. Subscribed to a service that can be registered / authenticated using any known method. After completing the registration process, the user has the option to download the mobile normalization process application onto his client device 300 and perform normalization and organization of the digital image 1100 locally on his client device 300. . Additionally or alternatively, the server 100 allows the unauthenticated merchant user's client device 300 to send the digital image or data associated with the ordered product / item to the server 100 for normalization and organization. You may allow it. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the image processor 180 is mobile or complete for both the manufactured product / item digital image 1110 and the ordered product / item image / data received from the client device 300. Any of the normalization process 940 is performed to identify the manufactured product / item and the generic color code, preferably the color hex code of the ordered product / item. It should be understood that the image / data of the ordered product / item is obtained from the merchant's IMS system 500 or SCM system 510. The processor 110 then compares / analyzes the manufactured product / item and the generic color code of the ordered product / item as well as the process for the authorized merchant user to determine the color of the manufactured product / item. Determine if it matches or is within a predetermined threshold for the color of the ordered product / item.

  The accompanying detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of embodiments of color-based (color-based) identifying, searching and matching systems, methods and interfaces, and other forms and embodiments are possible. . Accordingly, the detailed description and drawings are not intended to be limiting in that respect. Thus, while the foregoing detailed description and accompanying drawings include many specific details, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments, but merely of the presently preferred embodiments. Only a few are illustrated. The drawings and detailed description are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments, but should be understood as a broad and general teaching according to the present invention. While embodiments of the invention have been disclosed using specific terms, such disclosure is for illustrative purposes only, and modifications and changes to these embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the invention. It can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing.

Claims (17)

A system for searching and matching products based on color using a general-purpose color system,
Multiple processor-based client devices and each client device is uniquely associated with a user,
A database engine comprising a plurality of products reverse-mapped and organized according to the hexadecimal color code of the general-purpose color system;
A processor-based server for receiving a color-based search query over a communication network from a client device connected to the communication system and associated with the user; Including
Search the database engine for products having a hexadecimal color code that is within a predetermined range of the hexadecimal color code of the user's color selection and provide a search result, and associate the search result with the user The server's color engine, which is transmitted over the communication network to the client device by the color search engine; and
A system for storing the user's color selection and the search result in a database and updating the color preference history of the user in the database. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The color search engine searches for at least one of the following:
A data warehouse maintained by a service provider,
Inventory management system for multiple vendors, and supply chain management system for multiple vendors,
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 2, comprising:
The color search engine filters the search results based on the availability of the product from the inventory management system;
A system characterized by that. The system according to claim 3, wherein
The color engine ranks the products in the search results based on their availability from merchants within the user's current geographic location;
A system characterized by that. The system according to claim 3, wherein
If none of the products having the hexadecimal color code that are within the predetermined range of the hexadecimal color code of the user's color selection are currently available from the inventory management system, the color search engine Search for future available products from the supply chain management system that match the user's color choices;
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The color search engine ranks the products of the search results based on the hexadecimal color code;
A product having the hexadecimal color code closer to the hexadecimal color code of the user's color selection is ranked higher than a product having the hexadecimal color code farther from the hexadecimal color code of the user's color selection. The
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The server receives text search criteria on the communication network from the client device;
The text search criteria includes at least one of the following:
Product description, product availability, size information, supplier information, product category, brand information, pattern information, complementary color or complementary color product,
And filtering the search results based on the text search criteria.
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The server receives a purchase request on the communication network to purchase one or more products of the search results from the client device; and
The server further includes:
Process the purchase request based on the user's delivery and billing information stored in the database, or from the user via the client device if the delivery and billing information is not available from the database Request delivery and billing information,
Storing the product purchased by the user as a purchase record in the database; and
Comprising a processor for storing non-individualized purchase information in the database;
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The server further includes:
A user module for adding the search result product to a user wish list and storing the user wish list in the database;
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The color-based search query from the client device includes a digital image of the product; and
The server further comprises an image processor that normalizes and organizes the digital image by:
Segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments;
Analyzing each segment to determine the primary color for each segment,
Determining at least one primary color of the digital image based on a frequency of at least one primary color in the respective segment;
Converting the identified color into the hexadecimal code of the universal color system;
Searching for a product having the hexadecimal code within a predetermined range of the one or more hexadecimal codes of the digital image; and
Storing the identified color, hexadecimal code and the search result in the database;
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The client device associated with the user obtains a digital image of a product; and
The client device further comprises a processor that normalizes and organizes the digital image by:
Segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments;
Analyzing each segment to determine the primary color for each segment,
Determining at least one primary color of the digital image based on a frequency of at least one primary color in the respective segment;
Converting the identified color into the hexadecimal code of the universal color system;
Storing the identified color and hexadecimal code in a memory of the client device; and
Sending the color-based search query having the hexadecimal code associated with the digital image to the server over the communication network;
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The server further receives and shares a product from the search results with members of a user's social group from the client device associated with the user on the communication network; and
Comprising a registry module for storing the shared product as a social registry record in the database;
A system characterized by that. The system of claim 1, comprising:
The color search engine presents a color bar display on the client device associated with the user;
The color bar display comprises a plurality of color swatches selected based on at least one of the following: product availability, the user's color preference history, color prediction, color trend, timeless color, or season Color,
Wherein the server receives the color-based search query including at least one color swatch selected by the user on the communication network from the color bar display via the client device;
Each color sample corresponds to the hexadecimal code of the general purpose color system, and
The color search engine searches the database engine for a product having the hexadecimal code that is within the predetermined range of the hexadecimal code of the selected color sample of the color-based search query. Provide results,
A system characterized by that. 34. The system of claim 33, comprising:
The server receives a request on a communication network to change the color bar display associated with a member of a user's social group from the client device associated with the user;
The color search engine presents the color bar display associated with the member on a client device associated with the user;
The server sends the color-based search query comprising at least one color swatch selected by the user from the color bar display associated with the member via the client device associated with the user on a communication network. Receive and
The color search engine searches the database engine for a product having the hexadecimal code that is within the predetermined range of the hexadecimal code of the selected color sample of the color-based search query. Provide results,
A system characterized by that. A system for monitoring manufactured products for quality control using a general-purpose color system,
At least one supply chain management system comprising a plurality of products reverse-mapped and organized according to the hexadecimal color code of the universal color system;
A plurality of processor-based client devices, each of which is uniquely associated with a user and connected to a communication network;
A processor-based server comprising:
A normalized digital image of a manufactured product is received on the communication network from a client device associated with the user, the normalized digital image receiving at least one hexadecimal code of the universal color system. Including and
Receiving at least one hexadecimal color code of a product ordered from the client device over the communication network, wherein the hexadecimal color code of the ordered product is stored in the supply chain management system;
A processor of the server, comprising:
Comparing the hexadecimal code of the manufactured product with the hexadecimal code of the ordered product, the color of the manufactured product is within a predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product Whether or not
If the color of the manufactured product is within the predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product, send an approval message to the client device over the communication network; and
If the color of the manufactured product is not within the predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product, a rejection message is sent to the client device over the communication network;
The system characterized by comprising. The system of claim 36, wherein
The client device associated with the user obtains a digital image of the product manufactured by the client device; and
The client device further comprises an image processor that normalizes and organizes the digital image by:
Segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments;
Analyzing each segment to determine the primary color for each segment,
Determining at least one primary color of the digital image based on the frequency of at least one primary color in the respective segment; and
Converting the identified color to the hexadecimal code of the universal color system to provide the normalized digital image;
Here, the client device further includes a memory for storing the specified color, a hexadecimal color code, and the search result; and
The client device transmits the normalized digital image and the associated hexadecimal code to the server over the communication network;
A system characterized by that. A system for monitoring manufactured products for quality control using a general-purpose color system,
At least one supply chain management system comprising a plurality of products reverse-mapped and organized according to the hexadecimal color code of the universal color system;
A plurality of processor-based client devices, each of which is uniquely associated with a user and connected to a communication network;
Receiving a digital image of a manufactured product from a client device associated with a user over a communication network and receiving over the communication network at least one hexadecimal color code of a product ordered from the client device; A processor-based server, wherein the hexadecimal color code of the ordered product is stored in the supply chain management system;
With the image processor of the server that normalizes and organizes the digital image by:
Segmenting the digital image into a plurality of segments;
Analyzing each segment to determine the primary color for each segment,
Determining at least one primary color of the digital image based on a frequency of at least one primary color in the respective segment;
Converting the identified color to the hexadecimal code of the universal color system to provide the normalized digital image;
Here, the image processor compares the hexadecimal code of the manufactured product with the hexadecimal code of the ordered product, so that the color of the manufactured product is the color of the ordered product. Determine whether the color is within a predetermined threshold,
If the color of the manufactured product is within the predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product, the image processor sends an approval message to the client device over the communication network; and ,
If the color of the manufactured product is not within the predetermined threshold of the color of the ordered product, the image processor sends a rejection message to the client device over the communication network; and ,
A database that stores the identified color, hexadecimal code, and the normalized digital image;
A system characterized by that.

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