Viewing images for review in merged image form and with parameter-based image processing
A method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a matching scheme using codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the structure satisfy a category-matching criterion. In certain embodiments, the articles are represented by (search) parameters that permit organizational advantages.
1. A method for implementation by a programmable computer that executes instructions to cause the programmable computer to perform the following steps:
providing a web interface for access by remote computers operated by on-line viewers;
receiving one or more search parameters from the remote computers;
providing a search feature that searches for articles matching the one or more search parameters and offered for sale at remote websites operated by respective and different retailers;
providing links to the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles;
linking the remote computers to the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles in response to selection data received from the remote computers;
returning to the web interface from the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles;
receiving image data for at least two articles from at least two different remote websites;
merging the image data from the at least two articles with image data of a structure to generate merged image data of the article placed on the structure;
providing the merged image data to, and for display at, at least one of the remote computers; and
storing the image data from the at least two articles in a virtual closet for access by an on-line viewer and allocating a limited amount of storage in the virtual closet for the on-line viewer.
2. The method of claim 1 , further including the steps of categorizing the searched articles according to one or more categorization parameters; and configuring the web interface to display the searched articles in categories.
3. The method of claim 1 , further including the steps of displaying advertising for articles offered for sale by the retailers; and charging the retailers for the advertisement.
4. The method of claim 1 , further including the steps of tracking purchases made by the on-line viewers using the search feature; and in response to the tracking, providing demographic information to one or more of the retailers.
5. The method of claim 4 , further including the step of charging retailers for the demographic information.
6. The method of claim 1 , further including the step of providing a selectable icon for enabling the search feature.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein one of the one or more search parameters includes identification of selected retailers.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein one of the one or more search parameters includes selection of an outline of the searched articles.
9. An apparatus comprising:
a server including at least one programmable computer, wherein the server is configured for:
providing a web interface for access by remote user-operable computers; receiving one or more search parameters from the remote user-operable computers;
providing a search feature that searches for articles matching the one or more search parameters and offered for sale at remote websites operated by respective and different retailers;
providing links to the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles;
linking the remote user-operable computers to the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles in response to selection data received from the remote user-operable computers;
returning to the web interface from the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles;
receiving image data for at least two articles from at least two different remote websites;
merging the image data from the at least two articles with image data of a structure to generate merged image data of the article placed on the structure;
providing the merged image data to, and for display at, at least one of the remote user-operable computers; and
storing the image data from the at least two articles in a virtual closet for access by an online-viewer and allocating a limited amount of storage in the virtual closet for the online-viewer.
10. An apparatus comprising:
server means, including at least one processor means that includes a programmable computer, for:
providing a web interface for access by remote user-operable computers; receiving one or more search parameters from the remote user-operable computers;
providing a search feature that searches for articles matching the one or more search parameters and offered for sale at remote websites operated by respective and different retailers;
providing links to the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles;
linking the remote user-operable computers to the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles in response to selection data received from the remote user-operable computers;
returning to the web interface from the remote websites that correspond to the searched articles;
receiving image data for at least two articles from at least two different remote websites;
merging the image data from the at least two articles with image data of a structure to form merged image data of the article placed on the structure;
providing the merged image data to, and for display at, at least one of the remote user-operable computers; and
storing the image data from the at least two articles in a virtual closet for access by an online-viewer and allocating a limited amount of storage in the virtual closet for the online-viewer.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured for categorizing the searched articles according to one or more categorization parameters; and configuring the web interface to display the searched articles in categories.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured for displaying advertising for articles offered for sale by the retailers; and charging the retailers for the advertisement.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured for tracking purchases made by on-line viewers using the search feature; and in response to the tracking, providing demographic information to one or more of the retailers.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured for charging retailers for the demographic information.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured for providing a selectable icon for enabling the search feature.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein one of the one or more search parameters includes identification of selected retailers.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein one of the one or more search parameters includes selection of an outline of the searched articles.
18. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the server is further configured for tracking purchases made by on-line viewers using the search feature; and in response to the tracking, providing demographic information to one or more of the retailers.
19. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the server is further configured for charging retailers for the demographic information.