KR20240033813A - How to provide e-commerce services through various formats - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of providing e-commerce services through various formats, and each format has a video presentation component. One such format is the presentation of a live, traditional "Shop at Home" video production feed consisting of consecutively scheduled segments, each segment introducing a product or set of products. Video on demand (VOD) format allows users to request different video streams. A VOD stream is similar to a live read, but is stored on a server and organized into one or more segments in a different order than the original order of the live feed. Third, conventional e-commerce product categories may be provided. However, as an enhancement, product categories can be connected to a VOD server and stream a screening segment for each product when the user views the product details page for that product.

Description

How to provide e-commerce services through various formats}

The present invention relates to a method of providing e-commerce services through various formats. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include providing a user with a product catalog, a live video stream demonstrating products the user may purchase, and an on-demand video stream demonstrating products the user may purchase.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document includes material for which copyright is claimed. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by any person of the patent document or patent disclosure in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but reserves all other copyright rights whatsoever.

Commerce can be conducted in many places. In particular, commercial transactions may be conducted in real space or electronically, that is, electronic commerce (e-commerce). E-commerce is conducted through computer networks. Servers are used to store product and transaction information, and computer terminals are used by buyers to access information stored on the server and view and change this information during transactions.

Another form of direct consumer product presentation involves a video feed of information related to the presented product in conjunction with an ordering process. For example, a television channel may offer a telephone number for one or more gems to call to order.

Additionally, television has developed past broadcasts and acquisitions of different programs (eg, one stream per “channel”). Currently, a limited amount of programming is available for purchase “on demand” (“VOD”). Some VODs are “pay-per-view,” in which viewers are charged for the content. Other VODs are free or unlimited with a monthly subscription fee.

It is desirable to combine and enhance these features to provide consumers with a superior format for shopping for a variety of products and/or services.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system may be provided that includes a video component, a processing component, and a communications component. For example, the example system may run on a general purpose computer (“PC”). Exemplary systems include desktops, laptops, cell phones, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), smartphones, televisions with internal or attached processors (e.g., “cable-boxes”), or devices that provide the basic elements of the invention. It can be implemented in any number of different systems.

The system may provide a combination of product presentation tools to facilitate a variety of shopping experiences for users. For example, example systems and methods can provide three general presentation formats. First, users can browse through an electronic catalog of products. This catalog may contain all products available for purchase, may include products that are not available in other formats, or may be lacking in some products that are available for purchase in other formats. Second, users can view live video feeds. This could be an ongoing video showing of different items for sale. Many companies already present their products for sale on one or more television stations in one or more broadcast regions. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may connect to established services to display live feeds of ongoing programs. This program can have information such as textual descriptions and sales conditions for products embedded in the feed. The information may include a phone number to call to order the product. When transmitted to passive television, the embedded information may be the only source of information about the product or ordering conditions. However, when accessed through an exemplary system of the present invention, additional information or options may be provided by the exemplary system while introducing the program. Examples may include other purchasing methods, such as e-commerce orders provided in conjunction with the featured product. Alternatively, a link may be provided to a page in an online catalog where the featured product is currently available for purchase. This page may be a web page accessible by the Internet, a set-top box page displayed on a television, or any number of other interactive display pages. Additional information about the product, an interactive set of information, recommendations for similar products, advertisements or any other related material may be presented in conjunction with the product presentation.

A third format that can be provided by exemplary embodiments of the present invention is VOD product screening. This portion of the exemplary embodiment may include several images to select from a preferably organized catalog (eg, “Home and Garden,” “Jewelry,” “Clothing,” etc.). Any number of subcategories may also be used in this section. The VOD section may contain a live feed similar to the "live" section, archived video, or a combination of both. Stored video may include still purchasable “live” segments of previously broadcast products, and may contain purchasable segments only in the VOD section (eg, not previously broadcast in the “live” section).

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a method of displaying an e-commerce product. The method may include providing a user interface. The method may include displaying a plurality of product categories. The method may include receiving user input selecting one of a plurality of product categories. The method may include displaying a video feed, wherein the video feed is streamed from a VOD server, wherein the video feed includes a video presentation of a product for sale, wherein the product for sale includes all of the products belonging to the selected product category. It is a type. The method may include displaying a link proximate to an area displaying the video feed, the link providing information about a product currently playing in the video feed. In response to user input selecting a link, the method may display additional information about the product currently being shown. The method may include providing a user input structure for the link indicating a desire to purchase an item linked to the link (eg, a “buy now” button). The method may include displaying a second link proximate the link, the second link providing information about a previously shown product in the video feed. The method may include restarting the video feed at a starting point for presentation of the product linked to the second link in response to the user clicking on the second link. The method may include displaying a third link proximate the link, the third link providing information about a product subsequently shown in the video feed. The method may include forwarding the video feed to a starting point for presentation of a product linked to the third link in response to a click on the third link. Video feeds may be pre-recorded or stored on a server. The method may include providing an option selectable by a user to display the live video feed, and displaying the live video feed in response to the selection by the user.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes utilizing a plurality of video streams to a plurality of user devices, receiving input from a user requesting a plurality of particular video streams, and information about a product for sale in the particular video stream. It may include an e-commerce method including providing and receiving input from a user who has requested to purchase an item. Multiple video streams can be organized into multiple categories. At least one category may be organized into multiple sub-categories. Streaming may be performed via a television transmission network or a computer network.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include an electronic commerce system including a computer having a display, the system configured to provide a set of user interfaces. An example system can have a first user interface configured to receive and display video received from a VOD system, wherein the VOD system includes a plurality of video segments, each segment showing at least one product available for sale. Including, a plurality of video segments may be organized into a plurality of sub-categories. Additionally, the first user interface may be configured to receive a user input for selecting a desired category from a plurality of categories. The first user interface can be configured to display one or more video segments for a desired category. The first user interface can be configured to display information about a product, which product is in the currently playing video segment. The first user interface may be configured to receive input from a user indicating a desire to purchase a product. One or more video segments for a desired category may be displayed one at a time in a preset order. The user interface may be configured to display a plurality of links each connected to a product, the links being organized in an order that follows a preset order of one or more video segments. The user interface may be configured to display a video segment for a link in response to a user selecting the link.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include generating a continuous set of video segments each covering a product or set of products for sale. An exemplary method could broadcast this sequenced set as a “shop at home” television program. The continuous set can be distributed into individual segments and stored on a video server. Segments can be tagged with various categories, properties, and characteristics. An example method may provide a user interface (UI) to a user. The UI can display broadcast programs and augment them with additional information and options about featured products. The UI can provide a VOD system, where the user can stream different sets of video segments and the UI can provide reinforcement for these video segments. The UI can provide an e-commerce catalog, where each product in the catalog has various descriptions, and each product has a video segment about that product. Connected video segments may cover the above products.

Included in the content of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system may be provided that includes a video component, a processing component, and a communications component. For example, an example system may be implemented on a general purpose computer (“PC”). Exemplary systems include desktops, laptops, cell phones, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), smartphones, televisions with internal or attached processors (e.g., “cable-boxes”), or devices that provide the basic elements of the invention. It can be implemented in any number of different systems.

The system may provide a combination of product presentation tools to facilitate a variety of shopping experiences for users. For example, example systems and methods can provide three general presentation formats. First, users can browse through an electronic catalog of products. This catalog may contain all products available for purchase, may include products that are not available in other formats, or may be lacking in some products that are available for purchase in other formats. Second, users can view live video feeds. This could be an ongoing video showing of different items for sale. Many companies already present their products for sale on one or more television stations in one or more broadcast regions. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may connect to established services to display live feeds of ongoing programs. This program can have information such as original descriptions and sales conditions for products embedded in the feed. The information may include a phone number to call to order the product. When transmitted to passive television, the embedded information may be the only source of information about the product or ordering conditions. However, when accessing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, additional information or options may be provided by the exemplary system while introducing the program. Examples may include other purchasing methods, such as e-commerce orders provided in conjunction with the featured product. Alternatively, a link may be provided to a page in an online catalog where the featured product is currently available for purchase. Additional information about the product, interactive sets of information, recommendations of similar products, advertisements, or any other related material may be introduced in conjunction with the product presentation. Third format that may be provided by exemplary embodiments of the present invention is a VOD product screening. This portion of the exemplary embodiment may include several images to select from a preferably organized catalog (eg, “Home and Garden,” “Jewelry,” “Clothing,” etc.). Any number of subcategories may also be used in this section. The VOD section may contain a live feed similar to the "live" section, archived video, or a combination of both. Stored video may include still purchasable “live” segments of previously broadcast products, and may contain purchasable segments only in the VOD section (eg, not previously broadcast in the “live” section). 1 shows the user interface

One possible layout for the "home screen" is shown. On this screen, three product presentation formats are displayed for user selection. 1B-1D illustrate another example layout for a “home screen” of a user interface.

2-2D illustrate an example embodiment of a “home” page for a “live” feed of an example user interface. As shown, this screen may include information about the current show/host/guest, information about the next (e.g., “continuing”) show/host/guest, or any other relevant information (e.g., 210). . Information about the current product according to the “purchase” option may be provided to the user (e.g., 220). Previous and subsequent products may also be projected adjacent to the current product. Users can scroll through these products to preview and/or purchase them. However, users cannot export “live” videos to future segments/products because they are in the “live” section. However, the user may be allowed to “rewind” or replay previous segments or pause the current feed. This could be a "live"/VOD hybrid feature, similar to the digital video recording technology provided for posing live television. Alternatively, the user is not given any choice for pose/replay and is required to access previous videos in the purchasable VOD section. Regardless of the replay feature in the “Live” section, the user may be permitted to preview and purchase previous or future items (e.g., as shown in dashed line box 220). Alternatively, this feature may not be provided and the user may be limited to purchasing only in-progress items and only while the item is in-progress. This embodiment may be advantageous by encouraging the consumer to purchase certain items instead of having to delay or forget to do so.

3-3D illustrate example embodiments of user interfaces for the VOD portion of the present invention. Here, as shown in Figure 3, after the user selects the VOD option, the user is introduced to various options. Section 310 shows a scrolling list of various categories from which the user can select. “Today's Featured Items” appears highlighted because this category is playing in the video section of the interface (e.g., 330). A category (e.g., “Today's Featured”) can be set as the default and automatically loaded into the VOD section (e.g., Figure 3). Any other category, including live programming, commercials, or any other available category. Default is also possible. Additionally, the default play may be based on the user's purchase history, viewing history, or stated/derived preferences. For example, default videos may be products of people who have purchased items similar to items purchased by the current user within a selected category that most people have purchased. The dashed box 350 of this example interface represents a three-item box. The box in the middle of 350 may contain items displayed in the video portion of the interface (e.g., 330). As shown, the item may include a “buy” option that allows the user to purchase the currently displayed item. Two other boxes in 350 are shown, but any number is possible and can represent items shown in the video before and after the current item. By selecting these buttons the video can be restarted at the beginning of the presentation for the product. Alternatively, selections of other products may provide "preview" information and the option for the user to select to restart the video from that item. This embodiment allows the user to watch the showing while browsing other purchasable items. Item boxes in 350 do not necessarily have to do with the video feed schedule. Regardless of whether a product showing is currently playing, has previously been played, or is scheduled to be played, the selectable items in box 350 can be associated with any product in the previously selected category. Alternatively, the items may be product suggestions for the currently viewed product and the suggestions may be from the same category or a different category. An exemplary embodiment provides options, i.e., a link to the product that first corresponds to the video feed command, so that the user can switch to other related products upon selection.

Presentations in this section may include additional features for ease of use. For example, a centralized menu (e.g., a menu with the currently active item in the center) may have double scroll arrows and engage in delayed scrolling if the selection pointer (e.g., a mouse) is placed above or below the currently active item. For example, if the user points to area 310 directly below "Today's Featured Items," after a delay, the menu may begin to slowly scroll "down" (i.e., toward "Kitchen & Dining" as the current item in progress). Additionally, if the user points to an area 310 further down (eg, “Crafts and Sewing”), the menu may scroll “down” more quickly. The same product, but in the opposite scroll direction, is sent to the user who points to the area above the item in progress. The same product may apply to 350 and any other scrollable menu of the example embodiments. The currently playing video can be set to restart upon completion. Other actions are also possible, such as advancing to the next product video or simply ending the video presentation. It may also provide more category levels than those shown at 310. This may include additional category sections, or may replace the current category (e.g., 310) with the next category the user selects. In embodiments that swap categories, “before” and “back” buttons may be provided to navigate the category hierarchy. Examples of this may include live programs or pre-recorded programs. Each of these may then be followed by a category 310 that applies to each “parent” category. Each of these categories (eg, “gems”) can also be divided into sub-categories (eg, gold, silver, diamonds, etc.).

Figure 3B depicts an example user interface after a category has been selected (eg, 312 “Beauty”). 311 shows an example of the “after” navigation option described above, which can be used to return to the list of categories (eg, 310). Here, at 333 in Figure 3B, various video sets are presented for selection. An example interface may default to a “watch all” set that may include all videos in the category. “Most Popular,” “Most Recent,” “Top Selling,” or any number of other attribute sets may be configured. Additionally, the video area can play something else, such as an advertisement. Additionally, default settings may not be “universal” but rather specific to each user. In this way, the default channel may be a channel that the user most often selects, a channel for a product that the user most often purchases, or a channel matching preference set by the user. Likewise, user preferences or activity history may be used to set defaults in any other parts of the example embodiment.

In addition to videos designed to introduce products for purchase, there may be videos in the "Education" section designed to teach buyers how to best use the product. Here, product demonstrations, tips, and how-to videos are available for any number of products within this entire category. An advantageous user product is one that moves the selected category “Beauty” to 311 from its original location (eg, the middle of 310). This can help users associate the "After" navigation button with that function.

After video play begins, the currently featured product may be highlighted (e.g., centered, illuminated, enlarged, etc.) along with a “buy” option. Previous and future products in the current stream may appear adjacent to the highlighted product. With a “buy” option, information such as current price may be presented with the product. One example embodiment of “highlighting” may include gradient backlighting. For example, a product item (e.g., an icon link) consists of a color gradient centered behind the featured item (e.g., an icon link) and a background according to the color configuration of the current user interface (e.g., as shown in Figure 21). It can have graphics. This emphasis in accordance with other example embodiments of the product may apply to any aspect of the example embodiments that allow for user selection (e.g., category list, product category, video list, etc.).

When a program is originally broadcast (e.g., on a television station), graphics may often draw attention to the display of sensitive information (e.g., price, quantity, etc.) at certain times. There are many ways to work around this when playing the video later. One way is to provide a disclaimer/warning, i.e., "Price shown in previously recorded video may not represent current price." Alternatively, advantageous methods may include routing the original feed to a VOD recorder prior to the feed passing through the graphics device or otherwise storing the video without time-sensitive information displayed. Alternatively or additionally, example embodiments may be “overlayed” where a new graphic is a spot on an old graphic with updated information. This can be done to hide old information or to enhance video saved without old information. The overlay may be performed on the user device (eg, a computer) or may be performed on a VOD server before or during streaming. The VOD server may be one or more servers optimized for streaming video, or may be a general purpose computer capable of accepting streaming video segments as described herein. A VOD server may use a file storage structure with meta-data, may use a database storage system (eg, a series of vlobs), or may use any other multimedia storage and streaming arrangement. Figures 3C-3E illustrate another example user interface similar to Figures 3A and 3B.

4-4D illustrate example embodiments of a product catalog or “All Products” section. As shown in Figure 4, there may be a set of "store fronts" and a scroll bar to view more store fronts. Each of these may be a category as described above (eg, “health”, “beauty”, “clothing”, etc.). Figures 5A-5H further illustrate sub-categories. In Figure 5A, “Department Store” is listed under the “Beauty” category selected from the interface shown in Figure 4. Figure 5b shows a set of categories under “Makeup” that a user can select from. Once the user selects the depicted category, the user may select “View Product” or any other similar action button (e.g., “Submit”). The user may then be taken to a page such as the one shown in Figure 6. Here, (e.g., at 620) the user may be able to differentiate sets of items more and more finely. The fine distinction can be anything such as brand, price, size, color, etc. Additionally, once the final result set is provided, the user can sort by criteria such as peak supplier, most popular, price, etc. The final set of products may be expressed in sort order (e.g., 650). Users can then select a product to preview and/or purchase it or scroll to other pages of the product. Advantageously, when a user positions a pointing device (e.g., a mouse) over an item or clicks on the item, the entry can be enlarged, highlighted, illuminated, etc. The selected item may also load preview information in another screen portion, such as 630. Figures 6B-6D illustrate other example embodiments similar to Figure 6. Other layouts are also possible (eg, Figure 7).

Figures 8 to 8d show product detail pages. These are example embodiments of the user interface after the user selects one of the products from FIG. 6 . As shown, there may be related products, product photos, product details, purchasing options, and related videos. The video portion may be a stream of VOD segments where products are shown for purchase. In this way, the product details page of a product catalog (e.g., Figure 8) is similar to an active VOD page (e.g., Figure 3). Additionally, the product details page (e.g., Figure 8) may be accessed from the VOD page (e.g., Figure 3) or from any part of the embodiment containing the product. When you enter a product details page, a related video may play automatically. However, if no video is already associated with the product, this area displays a single image of the product, a slideshow of associated images, an advertisement, or any number of other things. 9-9C illustrate example embodiments of product details screens with expanded text descriptions. 10-10D illustrate additional details screens that can be used with products with various options (eg, size, color, etc.).

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include an interactive help topic area for any of the offered products and/or products. 11-11C show an example of a “Help Center” interface. This example includes a Help Topics menu similar to the Category menu described above. Additionally, there is an information box 1110. This can be text information, explanatory videos, animations, or any number of other help introductions. Users of the example system may open an account to store their information and/or the status of items in their “shopping cart.” Figure 12 depicts an example login screen for an account. This example also provides a number entry option for entering numbers with a pointing device. E-commerce accounts are known in the art, and embodiments of the present invention may implement any number of known features in combination with the features described above.

Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating example components of a system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The system may include a VOD server 1300, a product information and sales server 1301, a computer terminal network 1302, and a television network 1306 including a plurality of set-top boxes 1308, each set-top box It is connected to the corresponding TV (1309) and the corresponding input device (1310) such as a remote control. Set-top box 1308 may be separate from or integrated with the corresponding TV 1309. Although this embodiment illustrates two user device networks (e.g., a TV network and a computer network), exemplary embodiments only support one of the two and/or additional device types (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, portable gaming systems, etc.). may include. The product information and sales server 1301 can store images and details about various products for sale. Additionally, product information and sales server 1301 may be configured to facilitate e-commerce and account management functions of the example embodiment. Video server 1300 may store video segments for one or more products available for sale. Video segments may include previously televised segments created to introduce and sell a featured product. Exemplary embodiments may have additional “live” feeds (not shown) connected to the network.

product information

Server (1300),

Sales server (1301),

set top

Each

Box 1308 is

corresponding

and

and

Terminal (1303),

It may be controlled by processor(s) (e.g., 1315A-C) (collectively referred to herein as processor 115). Processor 115 may be one or a combination of suitable dedicated processing systems, such as, for example, a microprocessor, digital signal processor, and field programmable logic array. The processing system may be embodied as any suitable dedicated computing device, such as a computer, PDA, laptop computer, notebook computer, hard drive based device, or any device capable of retrieving, transferring and storing data. For control, the processor 115 can execute program instructions. Some of these commands may be preinstalled or loaded manually over time. Different things may be transferred between different system components. Some or all of the instructions may be provided to a program written in a self-describing computer language, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML). . Other instructions may be in pre-compiled languages such as C, C++, and BASIC, or in "just in time" (JIT) compiled languages such as Java and Mircosoft.NET. The transmitted program instructions may be combined with other previously installed instructions, for example, to control the manner in which data items described in the received program markup sheet are displayed.

Each server 1300, product information and sales server 1301, terminal 1303, and set-top box 1308 have a memory (e.g., 116A-C) (collectively, 116A-C) for storing data and/or program instructions. , herein referred to as memory 116) or may communicate with it. Memory 116 may include any combination of circuitry, including memory electrical, magnetic and/or optical systems. Memory 116 may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and/or bulk memory.

Figure 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. First, at 1400, the example method can provide users with three presentation formats, such as VOD, live, and product catalog. This step remains the same in the next two figures, and Figure 14 will show an example of the VOD format. For example, if the user selects a VOD format at 1405, the example method may display various product catalogs at 1410. Next, at 1415, the example method may receive a category selection from the user (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). Next, at 1420, the example method may display a video feed from VOD server 1401. This video feed may contain a series of product showing segments, all in selected categories. Video segments can be stored and pre-arranged in a segment format or selected randomly. Alternatively, video segments may be stored in a combined format with a unique order. In conjunction with 1420, at 1425, an example method may provide product links, icons, information, and/or feature buttons (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). At 1430, when the user selects a particular product, the example method can provide additional information about the particular product. Additionally, selection of a product not currently shown in the video feed causes the video feed to forward showings of the selected product. You can do it. Selection of a product may also bring the user an entry for the product in a product catalog (e.g., as shown in Figure 10).

Figure 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention and a “live feed” format. At 1500, users are again given the option of VOD, live or catalog. At 1521, after the user selects a live feed format, at 1506, the example method may display the live feed from product studio 1502. 15 illustrates a live feed exiting the product studio and sending the live feed to the VOD server 1501 in an exemplary manner. However, other embodiments may have the feed pass through one or more servers (including a VOD server) before stringing it to the user who selects the “live” format. Additionally, live can be a true live production and can be shown and transmitted directly to the viewer. Alternatively, the transmission may be buffered or delayed. A “live” delivery may be a stream of a pre-recorded production, which may be an edited production or a “live recorded” production. As shown, a “live feed” can generally be any feed that is transmitted independent of user requests for programming. It is stored on the VOD server 1501 until requested by the user and then compared to the VOD feed streamed to the requesting user. An example method may provide product links, icons, information, function buttons, etc. at 1526 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). Once a product is selected at 1531, an example method may provide additional information about the product at 1536. This may include taking the user to a product catalog page that is relevant to the user.

Figure 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a “Product Catalog” format. At 1600, users are again given the option of VOD, live, or catalog. After the user selects a product catalog format at 1612, at 1607 the example method may display the product catalog with search options and filter settings. These are described above with reference to Figures 6-8 and may include any number of attributes. At 1617, the example method receives the user's selection and provides resulting products (e.g., as shown in Figure 8) at 1622. At 1623, the example method provides a selection for a particular product among the resulting products. May receive user selection. At 1627, the example method may provide product details, such as as shown in FIG. 10. One aspect of this could provide a video showing of a selected product, for example at 1630. This allows the VOD server to stream a video presentation of the product within the product details screen. At 1625, the example method may provide purchasing options or any number of other features to facilitate the sale of a particular product.

17 illustrates an exemplary method of a three format product presentation system. At 1700, the example method may facilitate the production of video segments, each segment featuring a particular product or set of products for sale. This may typically be a “shop at home” television station that produces live segments covering the product, information about the product, and a phone number to order the product. Segments are broadcast via television channels, satellite signals, cable lines, and any number of other transmission media (eg, optical fiber). At 1705, live feed 1701 is broadcast to various viewers. Live feed 1701 may be in any number of formats, including Internet, cable, satellite (e.g., “Direct Broadcast Satellite” (DBS), “teleco” (e.g., telephone line network), fiber optic, etc. It consists of

At 1710, the example method distributes the segmented video into respective segments. That is, the continuous feed from the production studio is broken down into individual segments, each segment representing a product or set of products. At 1715, the segment may then be stored on the VOD server 1701. Exemplary embodiments may not actually distribute the video feed to other digital entities (e.g., video files), but rather store the digital feed as one or more blocks, where each block includes several “segments.” In this embodiment, blocks may be virtually distributed through one or more methods. For example, a database of meta-data could be maintained, recording information about logical partitions within the video (e.g. Product ID 4 The showing started at this data/timestamp and lasted 12 minutes, etc.). Other structural methods are also possible. Additionally, at 1720, the example method may tag each segment with different meta-data. For example, a segment covering $10 lipsticks may be tagged with a “Beauty” category, a “Makerup” sub-category, and a $10 price feature. Tags with other characteristics such as color, brand, etc. are also possible. “Tagging” can be done by inserting meta-data into the video file. Additionally or alternatively, “tagging” may use a pointer system, and example embodiments may maintain a meta-data database where each record is associated with one or more video file identifiers. An example embodiment may store an additional database containing play-lists for various clip sets (eg, a default play-list for the “Beauty” category).

Next, from 1730, the example procedure is similar to the example embodiments shown in Figures 14, 15, and 16. At 1730, the example method can provide options for VOD format, live format, and product catalog in a user interface. The user can choose one of three options. For example, the live option displays a live feed at 1738. The live feed may not in this example come directly from the same source as the actual broadcast feed, but may alternatively be sent through any number of other streaming video servers. The live feed displayed at 1738 is generally a video feed that is broadcast independent of any particular user requesting transmission. Alternatively, compared to 1733, the exemplary method provides a VOD format. Here, the VOD server 1701 streams only the video segments requested by the user. For example, at 1743, the aesthetic method may provide and display an ordered stream of video segments according to user-selected priorities (e.g., categories and filters described above). A third format, the product category, can appear at 1735. Here, upon selection of a particular product, VOD server 1701 may stream a video segment for that particular product as part of the product details page for that particular product.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to one or more computer processors configured to operate according to a set of instructions stored on a hardware-executable computer-readable medium that performs the above-described methods separately or in combination. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hardware-executable computer-readable medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a computer that performs the above-described methods separately or in combination.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of using a communication device to transmit data representation instructions, wherein the data and expressed instructions are executable by a processor performing the methods described above separately or in combination.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices and/or interactive computer systems therefor for displaying various passive and/or interactive user interface screens as described above. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to novel designs of the various user interface screens described above.

Exemplary embodiments have been described above for e-commerce “products.” “Product” is used for illustrative purposes and as a broad descriptor. For example, all of the example embodiments described above may be implemented as a service or a combination of physical goods and services. “Product” may include physical products, product rentals, digital products (e.g., software downloads), and/or service products.

Exemplary embodiments have been described above with respect to “Video Stream”. “Video” is used for illustrative purposes and as a broad descriptor. For example, the video stream and/or stored video may include a synchronous audio stream onto which the video feed is projected. The audio stream can be stored together with the video stream or separately. Additionally, example embodiments may display video without audio and likewise the methods described above for “video” may be applied to collect, store, and stream audio without the video component.

Several illustrated example embodiments show a series of lines from the bottom to the middle of the interface. The distance between the lines becomes increasingly larger toward the bottom of the interface. These lines may be the literal lines shown in the interface. Alternatively, the lines represent a three-dimensional arrangement of the interface and/or a background of the interface. This gradual gradient is sometimes called the "table-top" effect and represents the surface space design of the interface. These embodiments are illustrative and not limiting as many other embodiments may provide the features of the invention described above.

Additional example user interface layouts are shown in Figures 18-27. Figures 18 to 23 are similar in layout to Figures 1 to 6, respectively, and Figures 24 to 27 are similar in layout to Figures 8 to 11, respectively.

Those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing description that the present invention may be practiced in various forms. Accordingly, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in connection with specific examples, the true scope of the embodiments of the present invention should not be limited as other variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon study of the drawings and specification.

Claims (19)

a display device having a screen displaying a live video feed of a presentation of a first product for sale on a first portion of the screen;
the display device displaying a plurality of product categories in a second portion of the screen, the input device receiving a user input selection of one of the plurality of product categories;
In response to a user selecting a specific category among a plurality of product categories, the display device displays a plurality of product links, each linked to a product in the selected category and each containing information about the linked product, in a second portion of the screen. A display step,
In response to a user selecting a particular link among the plurality of product links, the display device displays a pre-recorded video presentation of a product for sale linked to the particular link in place of the live video feed in a first portion of the screen. Includes,
The pre-recorded video presentation is streamed by a video on demand (VOD) server, and the product for sale is a product of the selected category. According to claim 1,
and, in a third portion of the screen, displaying, by the display device, a user input structure that causes a user to purchase an item for the selected link, wherein the user input structure includes the pre-recorded video by the display device. A method of displaying an e-commerce product on a third portion of the screen simultaneously with screening. According to claim 1,
The prerecorded video presentation includes a plurality of video segments each relating to a presentation of a product or set of products for sale, the plurality of video segments being in a first order, and the plurality of product links being in the first order. A method of showing an e-commerce product displayed in a second order based on. According to claim 1,
A method of displaying e-commerce products in which a plurality of product links are each displayed in the form of product images in a selected product category. According to claim 1,
Information about the connected product is a method of displaying an e-commerce product that includes an image of the connected product. a display device having a screen displaying a live video feed of a presentation of a first product for sale on a first portion of the screen;
storing, by a server, a plurality of video segments including product screenings for each product among a plurality of products, wherein at least one video segment is transmitted in advance through a live video feed; displaying, by the display device, a plurality of links each connected to a plurality of products on a second portion of the screen;
In response to a user selecting a particular link from a plurality of links, the display device displays, in place of the live video feed, a video segment for each product linked to the selected link in a first portion of the screen. An electronic screening method of a product for sale including. According to claim 6,
Displaying video segments on behalf of the live video feed includes:
a server providing a video stream including sequential screening of stored video segments;
In response to user selection of a specific link from the plurality of links, the server streams the video stream to a display device,
The video stream is an electronic presentation method of a product for sale that starts at the point in the sequential screening when the product screening for the selected specific product begins. According to claim 7,
The step of streaming the video stream is performed through a television transmission network. According to claim 7,
The step of streaming the video stream is an electronic presentation method of a product for sale, which is performed through a computer network. An electronic system for displaying products for sale on a remote display device having a screen, comprising:
a video on demand (VOD) database configured to store a plurality of prerecorded video presentations for a plurality of products for sale and display a plurality of product links associated with each prerecorded video presentation;
a server configured to transmit to the remote display device a live video feed of a presentation of a first product for sale displayed on a first portion of the screen and a plurality of product categories displayed on a second portion of the screen; and
a processor configured to identify a set of a plurality of product links in response to a user input selection of one of the plurality of product categories,
the set of plurality of product links is associated with the selected product category,
the server is further configured to transmit the identified plurality of product links to the remote display device to be displayed on a second portion of the screen of the remote display device;
After receiving the user's selection of a specific link among the plurality of product links, the server transmits a pre-recorded video presentation linked to the selected link to the remote display device to be displayed on a first portion of the screen of the remote display device. An electronic system for displaying products for sale which is further set up. According to claim 10,
The server is further configured to transmit to the remote display device a user input structure displayed in a third portion of the screen simultaneously with the presentation of the pre-recorded video, wherein the user input structure is configured to indicate that the user purchases an item for the selected link. An electronic system that displays products for sale. According to claim 10,
The prerecorded video presentation includes a plurality of video segments each relating to a presentation of a product or set of products for sale, the plurality of video segments being in a first order, and the plurality of product links being in the first order. An electronic system for displaying products for sale displayed in a second order based on. According to claim 6,
and, in a third portion of the screen, displaying, by the display device, a user input structure that allows a user to purchase an item for a selected link, wherein the user input structure is displayed on the screen simultaneously with presentation of the video segment. Method for electronic presentation of products for sale displayed in section 3. According to claim 7,
A method of electronically presenting a product for sale, further comprising the step of the display device providing additional information about each product displayed in a video stream on a third portion of the screen. According to claim 7,
The step of streaming the video stream is an electronic presentation method of a product for sale, which is performed through a wireless network. An electronic system for displaying products for sale on a remote display device having a screen, comprising:
a database configured to store a plurality of video segments, wherein at least one video segment includes a product presentation for each product of the plurality of products previously transmitted through a live video feed;
A live video feed of a presentation of a product for sale displayed on a first portion of the screen, and a plurality of products for each of the plurality of products displayed on a second portion of the screen and previously transmitted via the live video feed. a server configured to transmit links to the remote display device; and
In response to receiving a user input selection of one of the plurality of product links, a processor configured to identify at least one video segment,
and the server is further configured to transmit a video segment for a selected product link to the remote display device for display of the video segment on the first portion of the screen of the remote display device. According to claim 16,
wherein the processor is further configured to generate a video stream including sequential presentation of stored video segments, and the server is further configured to transmit the video stream to a remote display device in response to user selection of a particular link from the plurality of links. Electronic system for displaying products. According to claim 17,
An electronic system for displaying products for sale, wherein the video stream begins at that point in the sequential display at which product display for the specific product selected begins. According to claim 16,
the server is further configured to transmit a user input structure displayed on a third portion of the screen to the remote display device simultaneously with playing the pre-recorded video;
The user input structure is an electronic system for displaying products for sale allowing a user to purchase an item for a selected link.