US20150058142A1

US20150058142A1 - Store-integrated tablet

Info

Publication number: US20150058142A1
Application number: US14/465,710
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael George Lenahan; Chahn Chung; Myra Sandoval; Ben Mitchell; Timothy Sean Suglian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: eBay Inc
Priority date: 2013-08-23
Filing date: 2014-08-21
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Also published as: US9842351B2; US11188948B2; US20150058163A1; US20150058123A1; US20150058239A1; US20180232771A1

Abstract

Systems and methods are presented for integrating e-commerce transactions with physical store shopping transactions. In some embodiments, an apparatus is presented. The apparatus may reside in a physical store, and may include a memory, one or more processors, and a display module. The display module may be configured to display products information of a plurality of products, the products information derived from one or more locations in a physical store displaying the plurality of products, and display one or more consumer selections about the plurality of products, the one or more consumer selections including a selection to purchase at least one product of the plurality of products. The one or more processors may be configured to access the selection to purchase the at least one product of the plurality of products, and facilitate a virtual checkout procedure based on the selection to purchase the at least one product.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/869,557, filed Aug. 23, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to consumer transactions. In some example embodiments, the present disclosures relate to systems and methods for integrating e-commerce transactions with physical store shopping transactions. In some example embodiments, the present disclosures utilize a store integrated tablet to facilitate the integration of e-commerce functionality with traditional store shopping transactions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network of various components of a physical store environment communicating with a networked system, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is block diagram illustrating a mobile device suitable for interfacing and communicating with various aspects of a physical store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a set of images illustrating an example store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a set of images illustrating a changing storefront façade of an example store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates example uses of a store-integrated mobile device, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates other example uses of the store-integrated mobile device, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows additional uses of the store-integrated mobile device interacting with a shoppable wall display in the store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an example “smart” changing room of the store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a “body sizer” functionality that can assist a shopper in a smart changing room of the store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating example operations for the in-store mobile device to perform various functions in the store environment, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine, according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions from a machine-readable medium and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a brick and mortar store environment integrated with attributes from online commerce environments. In some example embodiments, additional systems and apparatuses are presented that bridge connections between a customer, store agents and the products being offered for sale in the store. In some example embodiments, a mobile device is presented that integrates with elements of the brick and mortar store, including methods for finding products in the store that better match a shopping profile of the customer. In some example embodiments, additional properties of the store-integrated mobile device can include accessing coupons and other discounts of products in the store based on one or more characteristics of the customer's shopping profile. In some example embodiments, additional properties of the store-integrated mobile device can include facilitating interactions between the customer and store agents while shopping anywhere inside the store, such as asking for assistance and checking out selected items for purchase.
In some example embodiments, the store environment can include a wall or other display configured for interactive functionality with customers. In some example embodiments, the interactive wall of the store environment can display a plurality of products for sale in the store, and can allow the customer to select items for purchase as the plurality of products scrolls or revolves along the wall. In some example embodiments, the store environment can include changing rooms with touchscreen functionality for assisting the customer in various ways, including discretely seeking assistance for trying clothes or shoes having different properties. In some example embodiments, the store environment can include functionality for measuring or estimating a customer's clothing size, and for providing suggestions to the customer for clothing based on the measurement or estimate.
Referring to FIG. 1, a high-level block diagram of a store environment 100 featuring a network architecture connecting to various features of the store environment 100 is shown, according to some example embodiments. The store environment 100 may include systems, applications, modules, and/or other means for utilizing aspects of the present disclosures, as may be apparent to those with skill in the art.
For example, the store environment 100 may include one or more smart product displays 128. The one or more smart product displays 128 may contain physical products on display for sale in the store, and may also include electronic connections or identifiers that can assist a shopper 105 in selecting his or her desired product more efficiently. As another example, the store environment 100 may include one or more smart changing rooms 130. The one or more smart changing rooms 130 may allow a shopper 105 to try on various clothes or shoes like in a traditional changing room, and may also include various electronic features that can assist the shopper 105 in selecting various clothes or shoes more efficiently or effectively. As another example, the store environment 100 may include one or more smart wall displays 132. The one or more smart wall displays 132 may include visual representations of various products for sale in the store displayed on the smart wall display 132. In some example embodiments, the various products may scroll across the smart wall display 132. The shopper 105 may be able to select a product for purchase by interacting with the smart wall display 132 as the products are being displayed.
In addition, the store environment 100 may include one or more user devices 110 and 112. Examples of user devices 110 and 112 may include a tablet or other mobile device owned and controlled by store management of the store environment 100. In some example embodiments, the user devices 110 and 112 may be a shopper's 105 own device, with one or more applications installed and configured to interface with the store environment 100. Other examples of user devices 110 and 112 may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, portable digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, tablets, ultra books, netbooks, laptops, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, game consoles, set-top boxes (STBs), wearable devices, or any other communication device that a shopper 105 may utilize to interact with other aspects of the store environment 100. In some example embodiments, a web client 106 (e.g., a browser, such as the Internet Explorer® browser developed by Microsoft®) or a programmatic client 108 may reside on respective user devices 110 and 112. The web client 106 and the programmatic client 108 may be configured to interface with various aspects of the store environment 100 via a network 104, such as the Internet or a local wireless network associated with the store environment 100. In some embodiments, the user device 110 and 112 may comprise a display module (not shown) configured to display information (e.g., in the form of user interfaces) and images. In further embodiments, the user device 110 may comprise one or more of touch screens, accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, microphones, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and so forth.
One or more store agent devices 134 can also be available and can be configured to communicate with various aspects of the store environment 100, including user devices 110 and 112, the smart product displays 128, the smart changing rooms 130, and the smart wall displays 132. The store agent devices 134 can be a tablet or other mobile device similar to any of the user devices 110 and 112, but can also include additional administrative privileges and functionality configured to manage the various aspects of the store environment 100. A store agent, such as a sales representative or a store manager, may carry one or more of these store agent devices 134 while attending to customers or otherwise managing the store. Moreover, the store agent devices 134 may receive any requests for assistance via network 104, sent by the shopper 105 using user devices 110 or 112. In some example embodiments, the store agent device 134 may also be configured to assist the shopper 105 in purchasing products and checking out of the store. The store agent devices 134 may receive any of these communications via the network 104, and may also be able to access information from the networked system 102.
The store environment 100 may also include a networked system 102 configured to manage transactions and communications between various aspects of the store environment 100, such as user devices 110 & 112, requests to store agents, e.g. via the store agent devices 134, the smart product displays 128, the smart changing rooms 130, and the smart wall displays 132. In some example embodiments, the networked system 102 may facilitate a network-based marketplace system 120, providing server-side functionality via a network 104 to the user devices 110 and 112, smart product displays 128, the smart changing rooms 130, and the smart wall displays 132. An application program interface (API) server 114 and a web server 116 may be coupled to, and provide programmatic and web interfaces respectively to, one or more application servers 118. The application servers 118 may host one or more marketplace systems 120, which may comprise one or more modules or applications and which may be embodied as hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The application servers 118 are, in turn, shown to be coupled to one or more database servers 124 that facilitate access to one or more information storage repositories or database(s) 126. In some example embodiments, the databases 126 are storage devices that store information about products for sale in the store environment 100, shopping profiles about the shoppers 105, discounts and coupons for the products, and various advertisements associated with the products, as some examples.
The marketplace system(s) 120 may provide a number of marketplace functions and services to shoppers 105 that interface with the networked system 102. For example, the marketplace system(s) 120 can provide information for products for sale in the store environment 100 displayable in user device 110 and 112, shopping profiles about the shoppers 105, discounts and coupons for the products, and various advertisements associated with the products in the store. The marketplace system(s) 120 can also facilitate functionality for adding products to a virtual shopping cart, modifying any products selected for purchase, and for facilitating checkout of the store.
The web client 106 can access the various marketplace system(s) 120 via the web interface supported by the web server 116. Similarly, the programmatic client 108 can access the various services and functions provided by the marketplace system(s) 220 via the programmatic interface provided by the API server 114. The programmatic client 108 may, for example, perform batch-mode communications between the programmatic client 108 and the networked system 102.
While the marketplace system(s) 120 is shown in FIG. 1 to form part of the networked system 102, it will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the marketplace system(s) 120 may form part of a payment service that is separate and distinct from the networked system 102.
Further, while the client-server-based network architecture shown in FIG. 1 employs a client-server architecture, the present inventive subject matter is, of course, not limited to such an architecture, and may equally well find application in a distributed, or peer-to-peer, architecture system, for example. The various marketplace system(s) 120 may also be implemented as standalone software programs, which do not necessarily have networking capabilities.
Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating a mobile device 200 configured to interface and communicate with various aspects of the store environment 100 is presented, according to some example embodiments. Examples of the mobile device 200 may include a tablet or other device owned and controlled by store management of the store environment 100. In some example embodiments, the mobile device 200 may be a shopper's 105 own device, with one or more applications installed and configured to interface with the store environment 100. The mobile device 200 may be configured to interface and communicate with the smart product displays 128, the smart changing rooms 130, the smart wall displays 132, and the store agent devices 134, as some examples.
The mobile device 200 can include an antenna 280 that can receive and transmit signals to and from the networked system 102. In some cases, various commands and information can be sent to and passed on from the mobile device 200, via antenna 280, through the networked system 102 to various other aspects of the store environment 100. Antenna 280 can be coupled to a transceiver 270. The transceiver 270 may be configured to both transmit and receive cellular network signals, wireless data signals, or other types of signals via the antenna 280, including information related to conducting consumer transactions in the store environment 100.
The mobile device 200 can also include a display 250. The display 250 may be configured to display information relevant to the shopper's 105 shopping experience within the store environment 100. This information can include, for example, various pricing information about various products, a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the shopper 105 to remotely communicate with a sales representative, alternative products, sizes, colors, or other features about a selected product, and checkout information when the shopper 105 is ready to purchase her items. The display 250 can be coupled to the processor 210, which can process and generates the graphical information for display in the display 250. In some example embodiments, the display 250 can include touchscreen or touch data functionality, in that the shopper 105 can interface with a GUI displayed on the display 250 via some kind of tactile input.
In some example embodiments, the mobile device 200 can also include a camera or similar image recording device 290. The camera 290 can be configured to record video and digital images, which can be processed by the processor 210 coupled to the camera 290. For example, the shopper 105 can take a picture of a product in the store environment 100, or a related visual identifier or tag associated with the product, which could be processed and recognized by the processor 210. The product or identifier associated with the product could be connected to a coupon or discount, which could be offered to the shopper 105 via the display 250 after processing the image or associated identifier of the product.
The data from the display 250, transceiver 270, and camera 290, may be processed by processor 210. The processor 210 may be any of a variety of different types of commercially available processors suitable for the mobile devices 200 (e.g., an XScale architecture microprocessor, a microprocessor without interlocked pipeline stages (MIPS) architecture processor, or another type of processor). The processor 210 may be configured to operate one or more applications 240, which may be configured to interface and communicate with various aspects of the store environment 100.
A memory 220, such as a random access memory (RAM), a Flash memory, or other type of memory, is typically accessible to the processor 210. The memory 220 may be adapted to store an operating system (OS) 230, as well as the application(s) 240, such as a mobile application for communicating and interacting with aspects of a store environment 100.
The processor 210 may be coupled, either directly or via appropriate intermediary hardware, to the display 250 and to one or more input/output (I/O) devices (not shown), such as a keypad, a touch panel sensor, a microphone, a controller, a camera 290, and the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processor 210 may be coupled to the transceiver 270 that interfaces with an antenna 280. In some example embodiments, the processor 210 may include a plurality of processors 210 or modules configured to perform various operations according to aspects of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 3, illustrations 300 and 350 show different perspectives of an example store environment 100 that provide a context for aspects of the present disclosure. While consumers are increasingly buying their products through e-commerce and interfaces over the Internet, certain elements of a physical store environment 100 can be lost that can detract from or hamper a consumer's decision-making process when trying to decide what items to purchase. For example, the consumer may still feel like trying on a pair of shoes before deciding to purchase a pair of shoes, but obviously would have difficult doing that simply through viewing a selection of shoes online. As another example, the consumer might lose the benefit of a tactile feel of a product, such as a digital camera 290, mouse or a laptop computer if merely shopping online for these products. In general, the consumer is often faced with the trade-off between the convenience of shopping online and the loss of some information about products that could be gained by physically viewing and touching the products in a traditional “brick-and-mortar” store environment 100.
Aspects of the present disclosure can allow for an integration of e-commerce functionality with elements of a physical store environment 100 in order to improve a consumer's shopping experience. For example, a mobile device integrated into a physical store environment 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure can allow a shopper 105 to conveniently look up and read about products in a graphical display 250 on the mobile device, while also allowing the shopper 105 to view and touch the same products as the shopper 105 samples products on displays in the store. In addition, the store integrated mobile device can enable a shopper 105 to find discounts or coupons or other deals about products that are exclusively catered to the shopper 105.
Illustrations 300 and 350 also show additional features that can integrate with the mobile device and can enhance a consumer's shopping experience. For example, a “smart” wall display 310 of various products available for purchase in the store can have touchscreen functionality or other graphical functionality that can enable a shopper 105 to purchase products directly off of the wall display 310. In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can use the store integrated mobile device to purchase products off of the wall display 310. As another example, one or more “smart” changing rooms 320 can be available in the store to allow shoppers 105 to try on shoes selected from the store integrated mobile device. In some example embodiments, the changing rooms 320 can possess functionality to alert a sales representative of requests by the shopper 105 to try some modification of the shoes, such as a different size of a different color. These and other details will be discussed in the figures below.
In some example embodiments, the store environment 100 shown in illustrations 300 and 350 can be consistent with the store environment 100 described in FIG. 1. In some example embodiments, the store-integrated mobile device can be consistent with the mobile device described in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 4, in some example embodiments, the physical store, according to aspects of the present disclosure, can have a dynamic changing storefront. Illustrations 400, 410, and 420 show some examples for how the dynamic storefront can change. In some example embodiments, as products can change, signs, signals or advertisements may be useful to communicate to consumers the available products in the store. The dynamic changing storefront can include one or more graphical displays 250 showing what kinds of products or brands or available in the store. The dynamic changing storefront can revolve through multiple storefront looks, with illustrations 400, 410, at 420 being just a few examples. In this way, consumers can be informed of the different products available in the store, while also potentially being intrigued and excited by the dynamic changing displays 250. In some example embodiments, this storefront could be implemented with transparent or translucent liquid crystal display (LCD) glass, which can be connected to one or more processors 210 or servers, such as networked system 102.
Referring to FIG. 5, an example in-store mobile device 500 is shown that can be provided to a shopper 105 as she enters the store, according to some example embodiments. The mobile device 500 can include one or more applications 240 that can enable the mobile device 500 to communicate with various aspects within the store. For example, a shopper 105 who enters the store can be handed the mobile device 500 to assist her in her shopping. In other cases, the mobile device 500 can be her own mobile device, but with one or more applications 240 installed and configured to interface and communicate with various aspects of the store. The shopper 105 may have previously created an online shopping profile through an e-commerce website associated with the store. An example profile is shown in the display 510 of the mobile device 500. For example, the shopper 105 may have created an online account with eBay.com, where the store may be a brand extension of eBay, and the various products in the store may come from various partners of eBay. The shopping profile may include various information that can help specify the shopper 105's preferences, including, for example, a listing of brands that the shopper 105 prefers, a date of birth to determine her age range, a purchasing history including types of products and associated brands, approximate salary level, and specific criteria indicating types of products she is currently shopping for.
Upon entering the store, the shopper 105 can in some cases log in to her shopping profile, so that a networked system 102 can become aware that she is shopping in the store. In other cases, the shopper 105 can create this shopping profile if she did not already have one. The networked system 102 can then provide suggestions of products the shopper 105 might be interested in, based on what she indicated in her shopping profile. In this way, the mobile device 500 can provide catered information to individual shoppers 105 as they browse through the store, allowing for more personalized experience.
In some example embodiments, the shopping profile information can also be used to offer exclusive deals to the shopper 105. For example, if the shopper 105 indicated that she is interested in buying a pair of jeans, the networked system 102 can transmit one or more deals or discounts associated with various brands of jeans available in the store. In some cases, a formula or algorithm can be employed to generate a discount or deal for some products, based on information in the shopper 105's shopping profile. For example, if the shopper 105 has a long purchase history, the shopper 105 may be designated as a valued customer, and may subsequently receive better discounts then other less frequent shoppers 105. These deals or discounts could be displayed next to the products listed in one or more applications 240 on the mobile device 500 associated with the store.
In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can access a camera 290 or other image recording module built in to the mobile device 500. As an example shown in illustration 520, the shopper 105 can pass the mobile device 500 over various products on display in the store. In some cases, the shopper 105 may also pass the lens of the camera 290 over an identifier associated with a product, such as a QR code placed near the product on the display 510. Using image recognition techniques or by visually accessing the identifier associated with the product, the mobile device 500 may access a database, such as database 126, to obtain any information associated with the product that can be provided to the shopper 105. For example, discount information may be associated with a camera 530, as shown in illustration 520. The mobile device 500 may use image recognition techniques to recognize the camera 530 and look up the associated discount information through a marketplace database associated the store, such as database 126. In other cases, the mobile device 500 may capture a QR code or other visual identifier near the camera 530, and may look up the discount information through the visual identifier. That discount information can then be presented to the shopper 105 in the display 510 of the mobile device 500. In some example embodiments, as the camera lens pans across different products, and in some cases associated identifiers of the products and associated discount information of the products can be accessed in real time, and the discount information can be overlaid in the display screen 510 of the mobile device 500. For example, a graphic 540 showing that the camera 530 is “30% OFF” could be generated based on the accessed discount information and overlaid on the screen of the mobile device 500 while the shopper 105 is viewing items in the store in real time. Thus, the shopper 105 can feel like she is discovering new and useful information about various products, which can enhance her shopping experience.
In some example embodiments, the discount information associated with a product (such as camera 530) can be based on the online shopping profile of the shopper 150, or other kinds of information specific to the shopper 150. For example, as previously mentioned, exclusive deals or discounts based on the shopping history of the shopper 150 can be offered. In some cases, these discounts can be overlaid onto the display 510 of the mobile device 500 as the shopper 150 views the different products in the store through the display 510. Discounts can also be displayed and based on other types of information, such as the shopper 150's product preferences, yearly salary, shopping frequency and so on.
In some embodiments, similarly, various other kinds of information can be accessed and displayed through the mobile device 500. For example, interesting fun facts about various products could be overlaid in the display screen 510 of the mobile device 500. As another example, a history about the product, or about the company, can also be displayed. Certainly, many other examples are possible and may be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art.
Referring to FIG. 6, additional functionality of the mobile device 500 interacting with the store environment 100 is shown, according to some example embodiments. Here, the shopper 105 can also use the mobile device 500 to purchase items in the store without ever having to pick up or hold any of the purchased items before checkout. For example, the shopper 105 can carry the mobile device 500 while browsing through the store, looking at various displays of products. Rather than carrying a basket, holding a bag, or pushing a cart, the shopper 105 can simply browse through the store and select items she wants through the user interface on the mobile device 500, as shown in example illustration 600. For example, the shopper 105 can select items for purchase through an application 240 on the mobile device 500 containing a list of products for sale in the store, similar to selecting items in an online shopping interface. An example graphical interface of this shopping functionality is shown in illustration 610. In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can interface with the application 240 by swiping or tapping her finger along the display 510 of mobile device 500 to scroll through the many items available, read descriptions of the items, choose from various colors and sizes about the products, and learn about the prices through the application 240 on the mobile device 500. In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can select the items to be added to a virtual shopping cart through the application 240, similar to adding items in a virtual shopping cart when shopping online. For example, the shopper 150 can tap the “Add to Cart” button 612 to add the camera 530 to be available for later purchase. In this context, the shopper 105 also gains the ability to sample the products tangibly, as the shopper 105 can be looking at and examining the products physically on display in the store.
In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can indicate a desire to purchase a product, such as camera 530, by capturing an identifier associated with the camera 530, such as a QR code 630. The QR code 630 may be shown in the physical display near or next to camera 530. The shopper 105 can then simply take a picture of the QR code 630 with the mobile device 500 to perform the “Add to Cart” process.
In some example embodiments, when the shopper 105 has finalized all her selections, she can perform a “check out” of her virtual shopping cart. For example, the shopper 105 can press the “check out” button 620 displayed in another example display 510 of the mobile device 500. In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can complete payment for products through means similar to or consistent with how one would shop online. In some cases, at this point, the shopper 105 may not have gathered or held onto any of the items that she decided to purchase. In other words throughout her time shopping and browsing through the store, the shopper 105 may have been carrying only the mobile device 500 and any of her personal belongings.
Having finished payment of her items through the checkout procedure, in some example embodiments, a sales representative of the store can be alerted to the shopper 105's completion of purchasing multiple products. For example, the shopper 105's checkout signal could be sent through the network 104 and accessed at the networked system 102, which may be an associated network 104 connecting multiple mobile devices 500 with one or more mobile devices controlled by sales representatives of the store. An example of such a mobile device 500 can be the store agent device 134. The sales representative can then learn of the completed purchase of the shopper 105, including a description of all of the products that were purchased. The sales representative can then gather all of the purchased items from racks and shelves in the store, or from inventory in the back of the store. In some example embodiments, one or more sales representatives can gather all these items and deliver them to a desired address of the shopper 105 at a later time. In this way, the shopper 105 does not need to carry anything other than the store integrated mobile device 500 while browsing through the store.
In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can also modify the selection of her purchase of a particular product through the mobile device 500. For example, a display of a pair of shoes may show only one size of the pair of shoes and in one particular color or style. The shopper 105 may opt for a different color or style, and may certainly shop for a particular shoe size that may not be on display. In some cases, after the shopper 105 selects the pair of shoes to “Add to Cart,” she can make additional choices about various colors, styles, and sizes. In other cases, a plurality of visual identifiers near the shoe display can be accessed to indicate further particulars about the shopper 105's shoe purchase. For example, a series of QR codes 630 next to a listing of shoe sizes could be displayed near the physical shoe sample. Using the mobile device 500, the shopper 105 can capture one of the QR codes 630 to indicate intending to purchase the shoe in a particular size.
Referring to FIG. 7, an illustration 700 of a “smart” wall display 710 is shown, according to some example embodiments. The wall display 710 can be included in at least some store environments 100, and may be consistent with descriptions about the smart wall display(s) 132. In some example embodiments, surfaces of one or more walls of the store environment 100 may include display functionality capable of displaying a plurality of products for sale in the store. For example, at least a layer of the wall can be comprised of one or more LCD displays. In some example embodiments, the wall display 710 can also have touchscreen functionality.
In some example embodiments, the wall display 710 can be configured to display an array of products for sale in the store environment 100. For example, as shown, an assortment of clothes, glasses, bags, and other clothing accessories are shown all across the wall display 710, allowing the shopper 105 to see a much broader view of what is available to purchase in the store. In some example embodiments, the display of products can change periodically. For example, the wall display 710 can slowly revolve the picture of products, allowing the products to scroll across the wall, for example vertically or horizontally. As another example, at regular intervals, the display of products can change completely to another set of products.
In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 may be able to “Add to Cart” products shown in the wall display 710 directly from the wall display 710. For example, an identifier for each product, such as a QR code 720, can be also displayed next to or near each of the products shown in the wall display 710. The shopper 105 can capture an image of the QR code 720 associated with the desired product with his mobile device 500, an example of which is shown in illustration 730. In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 can then select or confirm to have the product associated with the QR code 720 added to his virtual shopping cart. As another example, the shopper 105 may be able to tap the picture of a product on the wall display 710 to select the product for purchase. In some example embodiments, after tapping on the wall display 710, additional information related to the product may be shown, such as a more detailed description of the product, the QR code 720 or other identifier for selecting the product for purchase, or various virtual buttons and fields for purchasing the product. An example set of additional information is shown in illustration 740. For example, icons to “Add to Cart,” request assistance, check out, or try on the product can appear after tapping on the wall display 710.
Referring to FIG. 8, in some example embodiments, the store environment 100 can also include one or more “smart” changing rooms 810, as shown in illustration 800. For example, after a shopper 105 has indicated a desire to try on one or more clothing items through an interface of the mobile device 500, a sales representative can have all of the selected clothing items available in a smart changing room 810. Before the shopper 105 enters the changing room 810, a wall display 820 can show a listing of all of the items the shopper 105 has opted to try on. This list and display of clothing items can be transmitted to the display 820 from the shopper 105's mobile device 500 or alternatively from the store agent's device 134. The shopper 105 may be able to scroll through the list of items via a touchscreen interface on the display 820, in order to get a more complete picture of all the items she has opted to try on. In some example embodiments, the wall display 820 can include a mirror. In some cases, the touchscreen portions of the wall display 820 can also have mirror-like or reflective properties.
In some example embodiments, additional information about each clothing item could also be displayed in the display 820. For example, a touchscreen interface of the display 820 can allow the shopper 105 to select a different size, a different color, or a different style of the item she is currently trying on. An example display of the types of options is shown in illustration 830. In some cases, the sales representative can be alerted to the shopper 105's change in selection, and can provide these items to the shopper 105 while she is still trying on other clothes in the changing room 810.
In some example embodiments, the display 820 can also suggest complementary clothes or other accessories related to the clothing items the shopper 105 is trying on. These complementary items could be displayed next to the clothing items in the display 820.
In some example embodiments, the shopper 105 may be able to take a picture of herself trying on different items, so that she can see herself from different angles. One or more cameras 530 or other image recording modules may be available to take pictures in the changing room 810. In addition, in some cases the pictures could be transmitted to social media sites and shared with her friends.
In some example embodiments, the clothing items that were selected, including additional items that were requested while in the changing room 810, can be added to the shopper 105's shopping profile. In this way, the shopper 105 can get a reference to all of the items she has tried on, while the networked system 102 can also get additional information for suggesting other items to the shopper 105 at a later time.
Referring to FIG. 9, in some example embodiments, additional functionality of the store environment 100 can include a program to help a shopper 105 determine what size clothes may best fit, or provide other aids to assist the shopper 105 while shopping. An example application of this program is shown in illustration 900. For example, a camera 530 or other image recording module can scan a person in the changing room 810 to measure or at least approximate the person's body size. In some example embodiments, the body scan can be a complete 360° scan, and may be able to record the person's body measurements in her shopping account. This scan functionality can be based on image recognition techniques currently available, such as through Kinect®-like hardware, software, and firmware. Based on the measurements, the “body sizer” program can suggest sizes of clothing that may be appropriate for the shopper 105. Because sizes across different brands can be inconsistent or may even change over time, the “body sizer” program can be configured to calibrate or normalize the different sizes to be consistent with a same size of shoppers 105.
After having estimated or measured the shopper 105's body size, in some example embodiments, suggestions for sizes of clothes and particular brands can be provided to the shopper 105, through an application 240 on the mobile device 500 or through the display 820 in the changing room 810 as examples. An example graphic providing a suggestion based on the body sizer program is shown in illustration 910.
In some example embodiments, an application on the mobile device 200 can be configured to facilitate social interaction between multiple shoppers or between a shopper 105 and store assistants. For example, after a shopper 105 scans for a product being displayed in the store environment 100, the application on the mobile device 200 can determine what other shoppers in the store also scanned the same product. The mobile device 200 can access the marketplace system 120 and the database 126 to see what other users may have also scanned for the same product. In some cases, social media functionality can be associated with the mobile device 200, and identified interest in a product in the store environment 100 can be expressed in the social media functionality to friends and others who are not currently shopping in the store environment 100. In some example embodiments, expressed interest by the shopper 105 in any of the products, based on, for example, scanning the product with the mobile device 200, can alert a store assistant who is responsible for that type of product to see if the shopper 105 needs assistance or would like to know more information about the product.
Referring to FIG. 10, a flowchart illustrates an example methodology 1000 for utilizing an in-store mobile device 500 to facilitate consumer transactions, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The example methodology 1000 may be consistent with the methods described herein, including, for example, the descriptions in FIGS. 1-9. The example methodology 1000 may be presented from the perspective of the in-store mobile device, such as mobile device 500 or 200.
At block 1010, mobile device 500 may display products information of a plurality of products in a physical store. Examples of products information can include prices about the products, descriptions, and discounts or coupons, as well as any of the other examples described in FIGS. 1-9. Examples of displaying the products information can include displays through a graphical interface, such as any of those interfaces described in FIGS. 1-9.
At block 1020, the mobile device 500 can also display one or more consumer selections about the plurality of products. Examples of consumer selections can include a selection to add one or more of the products to a virtual shopping cart, and a selection to purchase one or more of the products, either based on what is in the virtual shopping cart or separately from the virtual shopping cart. Other examples of consumer selections can include seeking assistance about one or more products from a sales representative in the physical store, and asking to try on one or more clothing items in one or more changing rooms, such as smart changing room 810. Other examples of consumer selections can be consistent with any of the other descriptions found in FIGS. 1-9, and other selections apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art.
At block 1030, the mobile device 500 may access a consumer selection to purchase at least one of the plurality of products. An example process for receiving the selection from the user and transmitting the selection to a sales representative or in general through the networked system 102 can be consistent with any of the present descriptions found in FIGS. 1-9.
At block 1040, the mobile device 500 can facilitate a virtual checkout procedure to complete the shopper 105's shopping experience. In this way, the shopper 105 does not need to carry any of the products selected for purchase, and can carry just the mobile device 500 and any of her personal belongings. In some example embodiments, the virtual checkout procedure can also include instructions to deliver the purchased items directly to an address specified by the shopper 105. In other cases, the items can be gathered in the store by a sales representative and the shopper 105 can carry out her items from the store itself.
Referring to FIG. 11, the block diagram illustrates components of a machine 1100, according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions 1124 from a machine-readable medium 1122 (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable medium, a machine-readable storage medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any suitable combination thereof) and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, in whole or in part. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows the machine 1100 in the example form of a computer system (e.g., a computer) within which the instructions 1124 (e.g., software, a program, an application 240, an applet, an app, or other executable code) for causing the machine 1100 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed, in whole or in part.
In alternative embodiments, the machine 1100 operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 1100 may operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a distributed (e.g., peer-to-peer) network environment. The machine 1100 may include hardware, software, or combinations thereof, and may as examples be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing the instructions 1124, sequentially or otherwise, that specify actions to be taken by that machine 1100. Further, while only a single machine 1100 is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines 1100 that individually or jointly execute the instructions 1124 to perform all or part of any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
The machine 1100 includes a processor 1102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combination thereof), a main memory 1104, and a static memory 1106, which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus 1108. The processor 1102 may contain microcircuits that are configurable, temporarily or permanently, by some or all of the instructions 1124, such that the processor 1102 is configurable to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein, in whole or in part. For example, a set of one or more microcircuits of the processor 1102 may be configurable to execute one or more modules (e.g., software modules) described herein.
The machine 1100 may further include one or more sensors 1128, suitable for obtaining various sensor data. The machine 1100 may further include a video display 1110 (e.g., a plasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other display capable of displaying graphics or video). The machine 1100 may also include an alphanumeric input device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard or keypad), a cursor control device 1114 (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, an eye tracking device, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 1116, a signal generation device 1118 (e.g., a sound card, an amplifier, a speaker, a headphone jack, or any suitable combination thereof), and a network interface device 1120.
The storage unit 1116 includes the machine-readable medium 1122 (e.g., a tangible and non-transitory machine-readable storage medium) on which are stored the instructions 1124 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including, for example, any of the descriptions of FIGS. 1-10. The instructions 1124 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1104, within the processor 1102 (e.g., within the processor's cache memory), or both, before or during execution thereof by the machine 1100. The instructions 1124 may also reside in the static memory 1106.
Accordingly, the main memory 1104 and the processor 1102 may be considered machine-readable media 1122 (e.g., tangible and non-transitory machine-readable media). The instructions 1124 may be transmitted or received over a network 1126 via the network interface device 1120. For example, the network interface device 1120 may communicate the instructions 1124 using any one or more transfer protocols (e.g., hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)). The machine 1100 may also represent example means for performing any of the functions described herein, including the processes described in FIG. 10.
In some example embodiments, the machine 1100 may be a portable computing device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer, and have one or more additional input components (e.g., sensors 1128 or gauges), not shown. Examples of such input components include an image input component (e.g., one or more cameras 530), an audio input component (e.g., a microphone), a direction input component (e.g., a compass), a location input component (e.g., a GPS receiver), an orientation component (e.g., a gyroscope), a motion detection component (e.g., one or more accelerometers), an altitude detection component (e.g., an altimeter), and a gas detection component (e.g., a gas sensor). Inputs harvested by any one or more of these input components may be accessible and available for use by any of the modules described herein.
As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable medium 1122 able to store data temporarily or permanently and may be taken to include, but not be limited to, RAM, read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, and cache memory. While the machine-readable medium 1122 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store instructions 1124. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium, or combination of multiple media, that is capable of storing the instructions 1124 for execution by the machine 1100, such that the instructions 1124, when executed by one or more processors of the machine 1100 (e.g., processor 1102), cause the machine 1100 to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein, in whole or in part. Accordingly, a “machine-readable medium” refers to a single storage apparatus or device, as well as cloud-based storage systems or storage networks that include multiple storage apparatus or devices. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, one or more tangible (e.g., non-transitory) data repositories in the form of a solid-state memory, an optical medium, a magnetic medium, or any suitable combination thereof.
Furthermore, the machine-readable medium 1122 is non-transitory in that it does not embody a propagating signal. However, labeling the tangible machine-readable medium 1122 as “non-transitory” should not be construed to mean that the medium is incapable of movement—the medium should be considered as being transportable from one physical location to another. Additionally, since the machine-readable medium 1122 is tangible, the medium may be considered to be a machine-readable device.
Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.
Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute software modules (e.g., code stored or otherwise embodied on a machine-readable medium 1122 or in a transmission medium), hardware modules, or any suitable combination thereof. A “hardware module” is a tangible (e.g., non-transitory) unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. In various example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone computer system, a client computer system, or a server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors 1102) may be configured by software (e.g., an application 240 or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.
In some embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically, electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may be a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware module may include software encompassed within a general-purpose processor 1102 or other programmable processor 1102. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.
Accordingly, the phrase “hardware module” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, and such a tangible entity may be physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein. As used herein, “hardware-implemented module” refers to a hardware module. Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where a hardware module comprises a general-purpose processor 1102 configured by software to become a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor 1102 may be configured as respectively different special-purpose processors (e.g., comprising different hardware modules) at different times. Software (e.g., a software module) may accordingly configure one or more processors 1102, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a different instance of time.
Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiple hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) between or among two or more of the hardware modules. In embodiments in which multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).
The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors 1102 that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors 1102 may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions described herein. As used herein, “processor-implemented module” refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors 1102.
Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented, with a processor 1102 being an example of hardware. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more processors 1102 or processor-implemented modules. As used herein, “processor-implemented module” refers to a hardware module in which the hardware includes one or more processors 1102. Moreover, the one or more processors 1102 may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines 1100 including processors 1102), with these operations being accessible via a network 1126 (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., an application program interface (API)).
Some portions of the subject matter discussed herein may be presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory). Such algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine 1100. It is convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as “data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,” “characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “presenting,” “displaying,” or the like, may refer to actions or processes of a machine 1100 (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories 220 (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms “a” or “an” are herein used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one instance. Finally, as used herein, the conjunction “or” refers to a non-exclusive “or,” unless specifically stated otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a memory;

one or more processors coupled to the memory; and

a display module coupled to the one or more processors, the display module configured to:

display products information of a plurality of products, the products information derived from one or more locations in a physical store offering the plurality of products for sale; and

display one or more consumer selections about the plurality of products, the one or more consumer selections including a selection to purchase at least one product of the plurality of products;

the one or more processors configured to:

evaluate a location of the apparatus to determine the apparatus is located in the physical store;

access the selection to purchase the at least one product of the plurality of products; and

facilitate a virtual checkout procedure based on the selection to purchase the at least one product and the determination that the apparatus is located in the physical store.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to access consumer profile information about the consumer, the consumer profile information derived from a virtual consumer account associated with the physical store, and wherein the displayed products information of the plurality of products is based, at least in part, on the accessed consumer profile information.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an image recording module coupled to the processor, the image recording module configured to:

record an image of the at least one product of the plurality of products residing in a physical display in the physical store;

the processor further configured to:

access an identifier associated with the at least one product based on the recorded image; and

access discount information associated with the at least one product based on the accessed identifier,

the display module further configured to:

display the recorded image of the at least one product; and

overlay a graphical representation of the discount information over the displayed recorded image of the at least one product.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more consumer selections include a selection to request assistance from a sales representative in the physical store.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more consumer selections includes a selection to add to a virtual shopping cart the at least one product based on the recorded image of the at least one product residing in the physical display.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more consumer selections further include a selection to add a modified variation of the at least one product of the recorded image, the modified variation including a different size or a different color of the at least one product of the recorded image.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more consumer selections includes a selection to try on one or more of the plurality of products in a changing room residing in the physical store.

8. A method comprising:

displaying, in a display module of an apparatus residing in a location of a physical store, products information of a plurality of products, the products information derived from one or more locations in a physical store displaying the plurality of products;

displaying, in the display module, one or more consumer selections about the plurality of products, the one or more consumer selections including a selection to purchase at least one product of the plurality of products;

accessing, in a processor of the apparatus, the selection to purchase the at least one product of the plurality of products; and

facilitating a virtual checkout procedure based on the selection to purchase the at least one product.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising accessing consumer profile information about the consumer, the consumer profile information derived from a virtual consumer account associated with the physical store, and wherein displaying the products information of the plurality of products is based, at least in part, on the accessed consumer profile information.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

recording an image of the at least one product of the plurality of products residing in a physical display in the physical store;

accessing an identifier associated with the at least one product based on the recorded image; and

accessing discount information associated with the at least one product based on the accessed identifier;

displaying the recorded image of the at least one product; and

overlaying a graphical representation of the discount information over the displayed recorded image of the at least one product.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more consumer selections include a selection to request assistance from a sales representative in the physical store.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more consumer selections includes a selection to add to a virtual shopping cart the at least one product based on the recorded image of the at least one product residing in the physical display.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more consumer selections further include a selection to add a modified variation of the at least one product of the recorded image, the modified variation including a different size or a different color of the at least one product of the recorded image.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more consumer selections includes a selection to try on one or more of the plurality of products in a changing room residing in the physical store.

15. A computer-readable medium having no transitory signals and embodying instructions that, when executed by a processor of a machine residing in a physical location of a store, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:

displaying, in a display module of the machine, products information of a plurality of products, the products information derived from one or more locations in a physical store offering the plurality of products for sale;

accessing the selection to purchase the at least one product of the plurality of products; and

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, the operations further comprising accessing consumer profile information about the consumer, the consumer profile information derived from a virtual consumer account associated with the physical store, and wherein displaying the products information of the plurality of products is based, at least in part, on the accessed consumer profile information.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 15, the operations further comprising:

displaying the recorded image of the at least one product; and

18. The computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the one or more consumer selections includes a selection to request assistance from a sales representative in the physical store.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more consumer selections includes a selection to add to a virtual shopping cart the at least one product based on the recorded image of the at least one product residing in the physical display.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the one or more consumer selections further includes a selection to add a modified variation of the at least one product of the recorded image, the modified variation including a different size or a different color of the at least one product of the recorded image.