JP2007122248A - Electronic shopping system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To create an atmosphere close to shopping in a real store in spite of shopping in a virtual store on the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: This electronic shopping system has: a present position designation means designating a virtual present position inside the virtual store by operating a client computer; and an in-store image display means displaying an in-virtual store image viewed from the virtual present position inside the virtual store on a screen of the client computer on the basis of an actual-photographic image. Thereby, the electronic shopping system creates the atmosphere inside the real store. When selecting a commodity, an image based on the actual-photographic image of a commodity shelf inside the store is displayed, and the commodity is selected and designated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a client computer and a server including a database in which a virtual in-store image and product information in a virtual store are connected via a network, and purchase processing is performed based on information input from the client computer. The present invention relates to a configured electronic shopping system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electronic shopping system as described above, a product image to be purchased is configured to display a real image obtained by capturing an actual product or a product image obtained by editing a real image. These product images are often displayed in a list and are different from the actual in-store state.
An image based on instruction information input from the client computer is transferred from the server each time and displayed on the screen of the client computer.
Further, even when data is exchanged with the server using the web browser of the client computer, a plurality of windows are displayed.

However, there is a problem that a product image displayed in a list as in the conventional case is different from an actual in-store state and does not give a sense of familiarity.
Further, the method of transferring necessary image data from the server after being requested from the client computer has a problem that it is stressful because the display cannot be updated quickly depending on the state of the communication line.
In addition, there is a problem that the screen becomes complicated in a method in which a plurality of windows are displayed using a web browser of a client computer.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic shopping system capable of creating an atmosphere close to shopping in an actual store.

In claim 1 of the electronic shopping system according to the present invention,
A client computer and a server having a database storing virtual store images and product information in a virtual store are connected via a network,
When the product image read from the database of the server is displayed on the screen of the client computer and the displayed product image is selected and specified, the associated product information is accumulated in the purchase schedule file and accumulated in the purchase schedule file. In the electronic shopping system configured to perform purchase decision processing after reconfirming the product information,
A current position specifying means for operating the client computer to specify the virtual current position in the virtual store;
In-store image display means for displaying a virtual in-store image viewed from the virtual current position in the virtual store on the screen of the client computer;
A selection area designating means for designating a product selection area displayed in a part of the virtual in-store image;
Product image display means for displaying a plurality of product images in the product selection area;
It is characterized by comprising product designating means for selecting and designating one of the displayed product images and additionally storing it in the purchase schedule file.
In claim 2,
The in-store image display means extracts and displays a large number of images obtained by capturing the inside of an actual store from a large number of positions from the database.
In claim 3,
The in-store image display means extracts and displays a virtual in-store image corresponding to the virtual current position in the virtual store from the database.
In claim 4,
The product image display means extracts and displays a product image obtained by capturing an actual product from the database.
In claim 5,
The product image display means displays the individual product so that it can be selected and designated by the product designation means.
In claim 6,
The product information stored in the database includes at least product name, price, and usage information.
In claim 7,
In the product image stored in the database, product information for each individual product included in the product image is associated with position information on the product image.

In the present invention, the current position designation means for operating the client computer to designate the virtual current position in the virtual store, and the inside of the store displaying the virtual in-store image viewed from the virtual current position in the virtual store on the screen of the client computer. Image display means, selection area designating means for designating a product selection area displayed in a part of the virtual in-store image, product image display means for displaying a plurality of product images in the product selection area, and displayed product image Product designation means that selects and designates any of the above and additionally accumulates in the purchase schedule file,
Since the atmosphere is close to shopping in an actual store, there is a sense of familiarity, and it is easy to shop.
In addition, it is possible to quickly update the display without stress regardless of the state of the communication line.
In addition, the screen of the client computer is simple and easy to see.

Hereinafter, an electronic shopping system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof.
FIG. 1 shows the relationship among a network N, a plurality of clients C, and a server S for implementing the electronic shopping system of the present invention.
The network N is a network such as the Internet, the client C is a computer such as a personal computer or a portable terminal that can be connected to the server S via the network N, and the server S includes data used for implementing the present invention. A computer with software.
The client C includes input / output means and browser software for performing mutual communication between the network connection means and the server S.

FIG. 2 shows an in-store layout diagram of a virtual store corresponding to an actually existing store, and FIG. 3 shows an image in the virtual store in a state of facing the front F from the position P1 in the virtual store. 2 and 3 are examples of images displayed on the screen of a client computer, specifically, a window of a web browser.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a virtual cart, and arrows F, L, R, and B for indicating a moving direction are displayed around the virtual cart.
When any of the above arrows is selected / instructed by an instruction means such as clicking the mouse cursor of the client computer, the image in the direction of the selected / instructed arrow is moved.

For example, when the arrow F is selected / instructed, an image corresponding to the case of proceeding forward in the actual store is displayed, and when the arrow L is selected / indicated, leftward in the actual store. When the direction is changed, an image corresponding to the change is displayed. When the arrow R is selected / instructed, an image corresponding to the direction changed to the right in the actual store is displayed. When instructed, an image corresponding to the case of looking back in the actual store is displayed. It should be noted that the arrow B should not be displayed at the beginning of entering the virtual store.
When the arrow F is selected / instructed, images in the forward direction are sequentially displayed so as to correspond to the situation of moving forward in the actual store. The screen is displayed.

As described above, the virtual cart 1 can be moved in a desired direction, but can be moved in the virtual store. The position of the virtual cart 1 in the virtual store is displayed in the layout diagram as needed. By clicking on any location in the layout map, you can move directly to that location.
In this way, since the image in the virtual store that is visible forward from the position of the virtual cart 1 is displayed at any time, when it arrives at a place with the desired product, it actually exists when the arrow in the desired direction is clicked FIG. 2 shows an in-store layout diagram of the virtual store corresponding to the store, and FIG. 3 shows an image in the virtual store in a state of facing the front F from the position P1 in the virtual store. can come. In FIG. 4A, English symbols a, b, c, d,... Are photo images of commodities such as fresh foods and daily necessities, and broken lines that divide the regions of the respective products are screens. Is not displayed.
As the displayed image in the virtual store, a real image obtained by imaging the inside of the actual store is used.

For example, in order to purchase the product h displayed in the lower right of the product images, the detailed information of the product h is displayed by moving the cursor H to the position of the image of the product h and clicking. Therefore, when the number of items is specified and the image of the product h is dragged and dropped onto the basket of the virtual cart 1, the specified product information is accumulated in the purchase plan file and added to the purchase plan product.
The product image and detailed information are extracted from the database of the server.
In addition, when the product group image shown in FIG. 4A is displayed, by clicking one of the left and right buttons L and R, the product group image in each direction is switched and displayed. As the displayed product group image, a photographed image obtained by capturing an image of a product shelf arranged in an actual store is used.
As described above, since shopping can be performed in the same manner as when shopping while looking at products on a product shelf in an actual store, there is an effect that a sense of familiarity is obtained and an actual feeling is obtained.
Click on the product image to select it, and then click the cooking method button to display the recipe for the cooking method associated with the product.

  In addition, since the “flyer sale” button is displayed on the flyer folding date, when the button is clicked, the flyer image D is enlarged and displayed as shown in FIG. You can browse the contents. When the cursor H is moved to the position of the product image displayed on the flyer image and clicked, the detailed information of the product is displayed. Therefore, by specifying the number of items and dragging and dropping the product image to the basket of the virtual cart, it is added to the product to be purchased.

  When the “Purchase scheduled product confirmation” button displayed in the virtual cart 1 is clicked, the purchase planned products added / stored in the cart are displayed in a list E as shown in FIG. 5 based on the purchase planned file. At this time, the unit price, quantity, amount, and total amount of each product are displayed. At this time, it is possible to change / delete the product to be purchased, empty the cart, and the like. The total amount is recalculated and displayed as needed.

Next, when the “go to cash register” button G shown in FIG. 5 is clicked, shopping can be ended and the checkout process can proceed.
In the present invention, the product information of the product planned for purchase stored in the virtual cart is stored in the storage means of the client computer as a purchase plan file, so that the display of the cart contents and the recalculation process after the change can be performed quickly. Can be done. In the method of storing the product information (scheduled purchase file) of the product to be purchased only in the server and transferring it to the client computer every time there is a request from the client computer, depending on the condition of the communication line, etc. Cannot process.

In the cashier image shown in FIG. 6, when the “Checkout” button J is clicked, payment processing such as selection of a payment method is performed, the contents of the cart is emptied (the purchase planned file is cleared), You can return to the store and continue shopping.
In the checkout process, the list E of planned purchase items stored in the cart is displayed based on the purchase plan file. After confirmation, enter authentication information such as ID and password, and if necessary, delivery address Enter.

Next, a method for creating data to be registered in the database will be described. This data creation process is preferably performed using an editing system different from the server.
(1) Method for creating virtual in-store image in virtual store The front, rear, left and right images at each position in the actual store are captured with a digital camera or the like in association with the in-store position and the line-of-sight direction, and stored in a database. At this time, the virtual in-store image can be displayed more smoothly when it is displayed at a position as close as possible.
(2) Method for Creating Product Image at Corner of Each Product The corner of each product in the actual store is imaged with a digital camera or the like for each predetermined area, and stored in the editing system in association with the location in the store.
The captured image is displayed on the screen of the editing system, and the upper and lower steps are input. In the example of FIG. 7A, since “3” levels are input, the level is divided into three levels by two horizontal lines K1 and K2. If the position is different from the position of the step in the image, the horizontal line is moved up and down to match the position of the step in the image.

Next, the number for dividing each stage is input. If you specify that the top row is divided into 3 categories, the middle row is divided into 3 zones, and the bottom row is divided into 2 zones, as shown in the example of FIG. 7B, 2 at the top, 2 at the middle, One vertical line K3 to K7 is displayed in the lower row. Since each vertical line has a button M for moving to the left and right, if necessary, the button M is moved to the left and right while pointing with the mouse so that it can be divided into vertical lines for each type of product. Set to the correct position.
For example, as in the example shown in FIG. 7C, when the region of the lowest product h extends to the left side, the vertical line K7 is moved to the left side, and the product g and the product in the image are displayed. Set at the boundary with h.

  In this way, after the product group image is divided into products, product information of each product is registered. For example, as in the example shown in FIG. 7D, the position information Q1 of the section 1-1 and the identification information T1 of the product a displayed in the section 1-1 are registered in association with each other, and the section 1 -2 position information Q2 and the identification information T2 of the product b displayed in the section 1-2 are registered in association with each other, and thereafter, similarly, the identification information of each product is registered in association with each section. To create product image data and register it in the database.

  Similarly, in the case of a flyer image displayed on the flyer insertion date, the product image, the position information, and the product information are associated with each other and registered in the database.

  The database is registered as described above. Note that each data registered in the database can be updated with respect to the data portion changed as necessary. Usually, the product image of fresh food is updated every day, the flyer image is updated according to the leaflet insertion date, and the in-store image is updated every time the layout in the store is changed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the operation mechanism of the present invention.
(1) in FIG. 8 shows an action such as a mouse, and the moving direction of the cart is designated by an input means such as a mouse provided in the client computer. (Corresponding to current position designation means, selection area designation means, product designation means)
(2) shows an example of a plan view of the store interior, and is displayed in the window of the web browser as the store layout diagram on the screen of the client computer. In this layout diagram, the position of the cart is displayed as P1, for example.
(3) shows program processing (corresponding to in-store image display means and merchandise image display means) as an engine for switching and displaying virtual in-store images based on live-action images, as shown in (4) Perform in-page actions.
As shown in (4), the virtual in-store image 82 associated with the position in the virtual store from the database 81 is acquired from the server and loaded into the load frame_A83 in the display memory of the client computer, and the client computer Displayed in a web browser window.

The virtual in-store image is an image corresponding to an image seen in front of the cart. While the virtual in-store image is being displayed, a more forward image associated with a position that has advanced further forward is loaded from the database into the load frame_B84 in the display memory. Further, the images of the product groups (product group images) arranged at the left and right positions are loaded from the database to the left and right screen load frames 85 and 86 in the display memory.
Therefore, the next image is already loaded in the display memory and does not need to be transferred from the server, regardless of whether it moves forward or to the left and right, so it is displayed very smoothly and without stress. . In this way, each time the virtual cart is moved, the image from the moved position is switched at high speed and displayed, so that an atmosphere as if moving in an actual store can be obtained. In order to make such a display possible, when creating an image in the virtual store, in the actual store, images of the front, back and left and right directions are respectively taken at positions moved by predetermined steps, These images are stored in the database in association with the captured position information. And when displaying, according to the position in a virtual store, the front-back, right-and-left real image linked | related with the position from the said database is read and displayed.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of embodiment of the electronic shopping system concerning this invention. It is a layout figure in the store of the virtual store in the present invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the image in a virtual store in this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the goods group image (a) in this invention, and a leaflet image (b). In this invention, it is an example of a screen in the case of confirming a purchase plan product. In this invention, it is an example of a screen in the case of liquidating at a cash register. In this invention, it is a figure explaining the procedure which creates and edits a product image. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

N Network C Client S Server

Claims (7)

A client computer and a server having a database storing virtual store images and product information in a virtual store are connected via a network,
When the product image read from the database of the server is displayed on the screen of the client computer and the displayed product image is selected and specified, the associated product information is accumulated in the purchase schedule file and accumulated in the purchase schedule file. In the electronic shopping system configured to perform purchase decision processing after reconfirming the product information,
A current position specifying means for operating the client computer to specify the virtual current position in the virtual store;
In-store image display means for displaying a virtual in-store image viewed from the virtual current position in the virtual store on the screen of the client computer;
A selection area designating means for designating a product selection area displayed in a part of the virtual in-store image;
Product image display means for displaying a plurality of product images in the product selection area;
An electronic shopping system comprising: a product designating unit that selects and designates any of the displayed product images and additionally stores the product image in a purchase schedule file. 2. The electronic shopping system according to claim 1, wherein the in-store image display means extracts and displays a large number of images obtained by capturing the inside of an actual store from a large number of positions from the database. The electronic shopping system according to claim 2, wherein the in-store image display means extracts and displays a virtual in-store image corresponding to a virtual current position in the virtual store from the database. The electronic shopping system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the product image display means extracts and displays a product image obtained by capturing an actual product from the database. 5. The electronic shopping system according to claim 1, wherein the product image display unit displays an individual product so as to be selectable and specified by the product specifying unit. 6. The electronic shopping system according to claim 1, wherein the product information stored in the database includes at least information on a product name, a price, and a usage method. 7. The product image stored in the database is associated with product information for each individual product included in the product image and position information on the product image. The electronic shopping system according to item 1.

Images