JP2016541075A - Apparatus and method for peer-assisted electronic commerce shopping - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of peer assisted shopping comprising receiving at a first device (910) a transactional media container (210) that includes base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more items (825). The method includes initiating a first shopping cart (820) in a transaction media container of the first device (910), wherein the first shopping cart identifies the at least one selected item. The method also includes establishing a communication channel with the second device (920). The method also includes sending information to synchronize the second shopping cart (920) associated with the second device (920) with the first shopping cart (910).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to software, and more particularly to peer-assisted electronic commerce shopping apparatus and methods.

Background When shopping on the Internet, a buyer loses some ability to call a friend to help with the purchase. Calling a friend for shopping gives the purchaser greater confidence when making a purchase. If there are no friends to comment, the purchaser may decide not to purchase the item and may wait until a later point in time for purchase.

SUMMARY The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for peer-assisted electronic commerce shopping.

  In a first embodiment, a method for peer-assisted shopping includes receiving, at a first device, a transaction media container that includes base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content. Including. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more items. The method includes initiating a first shopping cart in a transaction media container of a first device, wherein the first shopping cart identifies the at least one selected item. The method also includes establishing a communication channel with the second device. The method also includes transmitting information to synchronize a second shopping cart associated with the second device with the first shopping cart.

  In a second embodiment, the apparatus includes a memory and a processing device. The memory stores a transaction media container. The transaction media container includes base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content. The processing device begins receiving a first shopping cart in the transaction media container of the first device, the first shopping cart identifying the at least one selected item. The processing device also includes establishing a communication channel with the second device. The processing device also includes sending information to synchronize the second shopping cart associated with the second device with the first shopping cart.

  In a third embodiment, the non-transitory computer readable medium includes logic stored on the computer readable medium. When executed, the logic causes a processing device to receive a transactional media container that includes base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content at the first device. When executed, the logic also causes a selection of at least one of the one or more items to be received. The logic, when executed, also causes the processing device to initiate a first shopping cart in the first device's transaction media container, wherein the first shopping cart is the at least one selected item. Identify When executed, the logic also causes the processing device to establish a communication channel with the second device. When executed, the logic also causes the processing device to send information to synchronize the second shopping cart associated with the second device with the first shopping cart.

  Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

  For a more detailed understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 4 illustrates an example communication system that can be utilized to facilitate communication between endpoints through a communication network in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates how an example content container can be enhanced for peer-assisted shopping according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates how an example content container can be enhanced for peer-assisted shopping according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates how an example content container can be enhanced for peer-assisted shopping according to the present disclosure. 7 illustrates an example interface for initiating communication between endpoints to support peer-assisted shopping according to the present disclosure. 6 illustrates an example process for establishing communications between different endpoints in accordance with the present disclosure. 6 illustrates an example process for establishing communications between different endpoints in accordance with the present disclosure. 2 illustrates an example of a peer-assisted shopping communication interface according to this disclosure. 2 illustrates an example of a peer-assisted shopping communication interface according to this disclosure. 2 illustrates an example container having a shopping cart according to the present disclosure. 6 illustrates another example of a communication system that can be utilized to facilitate communication between endpoints through a communication network in accordance with the present disclosure. 6 illustrates an example computing device that supports peer-assisted electronic commerce shopping in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure in FIGS. 1-10 and discussed herein are merely exemplary and are intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should never be interpreted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably configured system.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication system 100 that can be utilized to facilitate communication between endpoints through a communication network in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 includes various endpoints 110, 120, and 130. As used herein, the term “endpoint” generally refers to any device, system, or other structure that communicates with another endpoint. Examples of the endpoints 110, 120, and 130 include servers (application servers and corporate servers), desktop computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablet computers (APPLE iPad (registered trademark), etc.), switches, mobile phones. (Such as iPhone® and ANDOROID-based phones), networked glasses (such as Google GLASS), networked televisions, networked disc players, components within a cloud computing network, or communication networks Any other device or component suitable for exchanging information with, but not limited to. Endpoints 110, 120, and 130 may support Internet Protocol (IP) or any other suitable communication protocol. Endpoints 110, 120, and 130 may further include a medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface, such as those compliant with the IEEE 701.11 standard. Endpoints 110, 120, and 130 may have device identifiers such as MAC addresses and may have device profiles that describe the endpoints.

  Communication network 140 facilitates communication between endpoints 110, 120, and 130. Various links 115, 125, and 135 couple endpoints 110, 120, and 130 to communication network 140. Communication network 140 and associated links 115, 125, and 135 may be public or private data networks, telephone networks, local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), wide area networks (WAN), wired or wireless. Network (GSM (registered trademark), CDMA, LTE, WIMAX, 5G, etc.), local / regional / global communication network, part of cloud computing network, communication bus of components in the system, optical network, satellite network, corporate intranet Or any other communication link or combination of the above, but is not limited to these. In certain embodiments, the links 115, 125, 135 or portions of the communication network 140 may be part of the Internet or may form part of the Internet.

  Although endpoints 110, 120, and 130 generally appear as being in a single location in FIG. 1, the various endpoints may be geographically dispersed, such as in cloud computing situations. Each endpoint can also represent a fixed or mobile device. Any variety of security schemes can be used when endpoints 110, 120, and 130 communicate with each other. By way of example, in certain embodiments, endpoints 110 and 120 may represent clients, and endpoint 130 may represent one or more servers in a client-server architecture. The server can host a website, which can have a registration process whereby a user establishes a username and password and authenticates or logs into the website. The website may further utilize the web application for any particular application or function that may need to serve up to the website for use by the user. Further, in certain configurations, communication between endpoints 110 and 120 may be facilitated using a communication path through endpoint 130.

  Various embodiments described in this patent specification may benefit from and / or take advantage of SMART CONTAINER technology from CINSAY, INC., Which is briefly described below, US Pat. No. 8,769,053 is more fully described (US Pat. No. 8,769,053 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). This technology provides an innovative way for merchants to reach online customers. In traditional online sales models, merchants need to create searches or display advertisements that are displayed when online customers visit search engine sites or various web properties. When a consumer sees an interesting advertisement related to a product or service, the consumer stops current activities and finds some other web destination to discover more information or purchase online. It is necessary to visit. Consumers have a specific online behavior pattern. If the consumer is actively shopping, the traditional multi-step model can work well. Traditional advertising sales models require that consumers stop doing what they do and visit some other online destination. However, if a consumer is on a social site interacting with a friend, reading news, playing a game, or engaging in other online activities, he / she ceases current activity And the chances of visiting any external Internet destination are much lower.

  The smart container model takes product information or stores to the consumer. The smart container code / technology performs viral syndication across the web, for example using the components described with reference to FIGS. 1-5, or using other components. Ideally for these types of destinations, online consumers frequently visit social networks, blogs, and the like. Nevertheless, if smart container code is present on a web page, blog post, social network page or wall, or mobile device, the consumer must complete the transaction on the fly without having to be directed to some external destination. Can do.

  Smart container objects are intelligent Internet objects that implement and propagate viral syndication across the web and other connected networks and mobile devices. Smart container objects can be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate the entire online marketing and shopping value chain. This includes impressions, clicks, lead generation, and execution of electronic commerce. The modern shopping experience works best when interactive media is used. One of the most attractive forms of media for sale and shopping is video. In video, a much more realistic representation is possible than text or still photos. Video also creates a much richer product browsing or shopping experience.

  Smart container code typically consists of a video player window, a selection of offered products or services, and various associated video clips. This collection of video clips allows consumers to learn more about the products or services offered. The consumer can select any of these offered items to obtain more detailed information, all of which are included within the smart container technology.

  The provided item (product or service) may be an item being advertised or sold. Depending on the type, the smart container code can allow a consumer to make a request to be contacted on the spot or even purchase an object. The consumer does not need to stop the current activity or exit the web page. The items provided can also include a discount or coupon, or can be associated with a discount or coupon. The items offered can even be an opportunity to donate to a charity or political movement. Of course, it may make sense to visit another Internet destination, and if appropriate, the consumer can be reliably linked to another Internet destination as well.

  Smart container code can handle all the complexities and make the simplest website an instant e-commerce store. This allows anyone to trade online without having to deal with the complexity of setting up an e-commerce site. For merchants with e-commerce sites, a much richer shopping experience is easily possible. For creative hobbyists or local bands, allow interested consumers to easily sell directly. To support or promote, supplemental items in smart container code called on-demand merchandise can be provided. The merchant can custom design a selection of apparel to sell with the merchant's own work using the merchant's art and graphics. On-demand fulfillment dynamically creates and ships custom apparel, eliminates the need to manage inventory, and provides a richer product line for online consumers. Of course, since instant commerce stores are based on smart container objects, they can be spread to all forms of viral syndication methods as well.

  The smart container code is also automatically customized according to a specific configuration. If the device is a conventional personal computer (PC) or laptop, the device renders using the optimal technology, which can here represent a flash. For mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and ANDROID® phones, this means that they are likely to be used to HTML5 or native interactive applications. The items in the smart container code also know about each other according to a specific configuration. When a video is playing, the container can update the indicated product and service objects that correspond to a particular sequence in the video segment. Thereby, a “mini QVC” shopping channel can be created and syndicated over the Internet. Besides device types, there are other ways of customization. Some environments, such as smaller devices and social sites, limit the window size and smart container code adapts to it. Furthermore, it may be appropriate to provide different content based on geographic location so that the smart container code can also be customized with respect to geographic location.

  Smart container code can follow the more popular network paths and implement vial syndication across the Internet. Smart container objects may be hosted on traditional web pages or blogs, may be included in emails, may operate on mobile devices, or may propagate through social networks. Because smart container code is flexible, it can also be set up in the form factor of the advertisement display unit and distributed via an advertisement server on the display advertisement network. If the code is on a social network such as FACEBOOK®, it can ride the user's “like” wave. For example, if a female shopper likes some great shoes shown in the smart container interface, the smart container object can propagate directly to the “wall”. At this point, all of the female shopper's friends can see the smart container object and browse or trade on the spot on their wall. Of course, if any friend of the female shopper “likes” it, the smart container object will propagate and ride on the waves and reach further into that branch of the social network, resulting in a potential exponential growth factor . The container code does not necessarily include products such as shoes. As another example, containers can support politicians running for elections. Politician supporters are obsessed with the message and may “like” the message, again providing it to the network of supporters. Here, politician supporters of similar ideas can see their messages and can donate to the movement if they are moved to donate to the movement. Yet another example is sports. In this case, sports fans may wish to view content on a high definition (HD) large screen television. More and more users have interconnected devices such as ROKU and CHROMECAST devices, and smart container codes can be sent to such IP television boxes as well.

  A merchant may want to know how a campaign is working when starting a smart container object and performing syndication on the Internet. Smart container objects report status about events and transactions of interest, such as impressions, video views, clicks, leads, and sales. All such events / transactions can be returned when the event occurs, providing details about the state of the event / transaction. Because the container is smart, it can be instructed to change behavior, provide a different clip, update the product, or exit when it is time to stop a marketing or sales campaign.

  Another form of tracking relates to how smart container code is propagated. A merchant may want to use an affiliate to facilitate the implementation of the syndicate and pay a certain percentage to the affiliate based on transactions resulting from the affiliate's work. A smart container object can be tagged with an affiliate tracking identifier so that status reports and transactions from the container instance or its descendants can be appropriately filtered. Another tracking use could be to allow politicians to assign affiliate codes to supporters and measure who has led to most new supporters.

  Smart container objects are designed to be highly scalable with specific configurations. Rather than burdening a single website with a lot of traffic (resulting from the traditional model that takes all consumers to the store), smart container code operates in a distributed manner. For example, smart container code can be executed in a deployed location, such as a blog, social network, or mobile device. The smart container object fetches instructions at the start and then collects product items and video streams from content distribution networks distributed around the world. This results in a highly scalable architecture, enabling millions of concurrent consumers.

  By presenting stores to customers, smart container code allows many new ways to connect merchants with consumers without interfering with the customer's web activity. The end result is to connect consumers directly to merchants, eliminate intermediaries, and promote a much more natural shopping experience.

  The functions described above can be utilized from any suitable component, such as the components described in FIGS. 1 and 12 or other suitable components. The code itself can be written in any suitable format including, but not limited to, Java, C ++, C #, HTML, HTML5, JAVA script, PYTHON, RUBY, etc.

  There is a variety of content around the world that is independent and exists separately from any special container, such as called by Smart Container ™ code. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure attempt to harness the power of such content by dynamically binding supplemental content to the underlying base content. As a simple example, video may be streamed from a content server, such as provided by one of many video streaming services. The base content can be a photo, streaming video, live stream from a remote location, real-time content from the current location of the device, a web page, or other types of visual content, Represents any type of visual or audible content. The supplemental content represents the base content and / or additional information related to the user accessing the base content. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, supplemental content represents base information and / or additional information related to a user accessing the base content. Such a co-pending provisional application 61,876,668, entitled “DYNAMIC BINDING OF INTELLIGENT INTERNET OBJECTS”, filed September 11, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference), The addition of supplemental content is disclosed. In co-pending provisional application 61,876,647 entitled “AD-HOC DYNAMIC BINDING OF INTELLIGENT INTERNET OBJECTS” filed on September 11, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference) A method for selecting which supplemental content to display is disclosed.

  2A-2C illustrate how an example content container (such as a smart container or other container) can be enhanced for peer-assisted shopping according to the present disclosure. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the concept of shopping with friends or family is emulated. In particular, the person with whom the user is shopping does not have to be physically present. However, the user can communicate with such a person and seek feedback from such a person as if they were shopping together. As described below, in certain embodiments, a “peer” may be someone known to a user, such as a friend or family member. In other embodiments, a “peer” may be someone who is not readily known to the user.

  With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a container 210 is shown. In this container 210, the viewable base content includes at least one video (as indicated by the play button 220). However, in other configurations, container 210 may contain images, live video feeds, or any other type of base content. Base content can be obtained from any suitable source. By way of example, the base content is through a video-based provider such as YOUTUBE®, VIMEO, NETFLIX, REDBOX INSTANT viewed on a computer, mobile device, television screen, or any other suitable device or devices. It can be a streamed video. The base content may be a real time view of the content at the current location being viewed through an electronic device such as GOOGLE GLASS or a real time view on a mobile computing device such as a tablet or phone. In yet other configurations, the base content may be an image. In yet another configuration, the base content can be a web page.

  In FIG. 2B, the video has started and a selectively displayable product carousel 230 having multiple products is shown. In a particular configuration, these products correspond to one or more products or services shown in the content in the underlying container (here a video), but this need not be the case. Although shown overlapping the top of the video, the product carousel 230 may overlap other parts of the video (such as the side or bottom of the video), or may not overlap the video at all. For example, the product carousel 230 may extend from the container 210 or may be positioned outside the container 210. Further, varying degrees of transparency may be used in the product carousel 230, or the product carousel 230 may be opaque.

  A user looking at the container 210 may interact with the product carousel 230 to purchase items or perform other transactions without leaving the container 210. For example, referring to a container in a friend's FACEBOOK wall, a user may purchase a product directly from the container 210 for such an item. In other configurations, the user may leave the container 210 and be redirected to a website.

  With reference to FIG. 2C, additional features of the container 210 are shown. For example, a selectively displayable toolbar 240 is shown at least partially over the container 210. Although shown overlapping the bottom of the video, the toolbar 240 may overlap other parts of the video (such as the side or bottom of the video), or may not overlap the video at all. For example, the toolbar 240 may extend from the container 210 or may be positioned outside the container 210. Further, varying degrees of transparency can be used in the toolbar 240, or the toolbar 240 can be opaque.

  Various options are provided on the toolbar 240, including playback and audio options 241, share options 243, account login options 245, video quality options 247, and detailed information options 249. The function of playback and audio options 241 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A playback bar 242 is also shown and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In certain configurations, the playback bar 242 may replace the playback bar that would normally exist concurrently with the display of the base content.

  Clicking on share option 243 may provide various other options. For example, users may be given the opportunity to share containers via networks such as FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, TWITTER®, YAHOO, LINKEDIN, GOOGLE, INSTAGRAM, or WORDPRESS. In addition, the user may be given the option to copy the embed code and share it via email. Further, the user may be able to propagate the container by clicking a “Like” button or a “+1” button on GOOGLE PLUS. Account login option 245 may allow a user to sign in to various networks, including, for example, CINSAY, FACEBOOK, or GOOGLE. The video quality option 247 allows for video changes, and the detailed information option 249 can provide any of a variety of options that may be desired for the container.

  A peer assisted shopping option 250 is also provided to enable communication with one or more other endpoints. For example, in certain embodiments, the user may be shopping at home with his computer, tablet, or television. When viewing what the user likes, the user can select a peer-assisted shopping option 250 to initiate a communication session with the peer. The selection can also be made by selecting the item that the user is viewing with the eye tracking component. As another example, a user may be shopping in a store, see a particular item he likes, start a communication session with a peer using peer assisted shopping option 250 and share what he is looking at ( (E.g. using camera capture on mobile devices like phones, tablets or GOOGLE GLASS). Selection of the peer assisted shopping option 250 can be made using a mouse pointer, a finger, or a stylus. Alternatively, activation may be performed using specific movement detected by the sensor of the device or through voice activation.

  Further details regarding the use of peer assisted shopping options 250 are provided below. Again, the underlying content of the container is often described as a video, but the underlying content includes any other content, including (but not limited to) just taken photos and real-time video feeds. Can be included.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an example interface 300 for initiating communication between endpoints to support peer-assisted shopping according to this disclosure. For example, when the peer assisted shopping option 250 of FIG. 2C is selected, the interface 300 may be displayed to the user. In certain configurations, the interface 300 may display transparently on the container.

  In interface 300, connection option 310 represents an option for the user to communicate with someone currently connected to a network such as CINSAY, FACEBOOK, GOOGLE +, or a video chat network (such as SKYPE). If the user is not connected to a particular network, the connection option 310 for that particular network may not be presented in the connection option 310 or may not be selectable. If a particular connection option 310 is selected, a message may be propagated through the appropriate network that asks the recipient to join the requester in peer-assisted shopping. Accepting the request may display the container interface to the receiving user.

  Connection option 320 represents another way of initiating contact with a person. Here, examples of connection options 320 include the use of a short messaging service (SMS) or email. In these options, a link can be provided to the container interface.

  When the container is instantiated, the container identifies the endpoint's environment and communication options. For example, the container can determine whether video chat is available, whether the network bandwidth is appropriate for a particular communication technique, whether voice over internet protocol (VoIP) chat is an option, and whether text chat is an option. And whether mobile phone access is available (by using a carrier such as AT & T, VERIZON, SPRINT, or T-MOBILE, etc.). In certain embodiments, a person may have multiple devices and a connection request can be sent in parallel to multiple devices.

  Note that the method and / or method for communicating between the endpoints is almost infinite. A non-limiting example of a communication channel is provided above with reference to FIG. Any communication such as these communications can be used to initiate communication between end users.

  Further, the people listed in the interface 300 can be identified in any suitable way. For example, people can be identified using contacts on the device associated with the endpoint or contacts in the network. In certain embodiments, only contacts that are currently connected to a network common to the user (FACEBOOK, GOOGLE +, CINSAY, etc.) may be shown as options. In another example, a general list of contacts can be shown.

  The following is a non-limiting example of how communication can take place between two endpoints: short messaging service, online presence, join me displaying on the interface no matter what interface the user is currently using. Link, email, blast message to group, or message to a specific friend. In certain embodiments, no account is required and a specific link between two endpoints is established through connection parameters. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments, communication may be direct (peer-to-peer) or indirect (such as through a server that relays messages). In other examples, the communication can be two hybrids.

  The following are non-limiting examples of how end users can communicate with each other: VoIP, video chat, text chat, or telephone calls. Such communication is in addition to content (such as digital content) that can be shared between end users. In certain embodiments, the method of communication may depend on the capabilities of the particular device used by the end user.

  4 and 5 illustrate an example process for establishing communications between different endpoints in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates an example process 400 at a first endpoint that initiates a communication session, while FIG. 5 illustrates an example process at a second endpoint that receives a request for a communication session. 500. Each process 400, 500 may be performed, for example, by at least one processing device 1012 as shown in FIG. 10 and described below. In the following description, at least one processing device 1012 is referred to as a controller, but each process 400, 500 may be performed by any other suitable device.

  Referring to FIG. 4, process 400 begins at step 410 by initiating a peer connection option at a first endpoint. As referenced above, this means that the user selects the peer assisted shopping option 250 by mouse click, taps the screen part with a finger, eye tracking, touches the screen with a stylus, network connected Sensors such as television remotes, voice activation, or proximity sensors (such as detecting waves) may be included. Any other suitable activation technique can also be used.

  In step 420, the controller identifies communication parameters for the first endpoint. Depending on the particular configuration, this may be the method of communication available at the first endpoint (such as determining whether voice, chat, or video is available) and the nature of such a channel ( Identifying the bandwidth or type of communication, such as WiFi, 3G, 4G). This can also include identifying the network to which the first endpoint is currently connected (such as a CINSAY, FACEBOOK, or GOOGLE network). In certain configurations, the device user can use it, for example, by specifying that video chat is only available when connected via WiFi (otherwise video chat is turned off) Various communication methods can be configured or controlled.

  In step 430, the controller identifies available communication parameters for other potential endpoints. Depending on the particular configuration, this may include identifying the network (such as a CINSAY, FACEBOOK, or GOOGLE network) to which one or more peers are currently connected. This can also include identifying the communication methods available at each peer. For example, as referenced above, a particular person may have multiple devices, and it may not be clear which device or device (if any) the person is currently using. When considering peers, a single person may consider multiple different devices. In certain configurations, the user can also be prompted to enter communication parameters. For example, a user may wish to communicate with a particular friend and enter that friend's phone number for an SMS message.

  In step 440, upon receiving a response from the second endpoint, the controller initiates communication with at least the second endpoint. In certain configurations, the message may be sent in parallel to the second user (such as in-application messages via FACEBOOK / CINSAY and text messages). When the user is at the desktop, the user may prefer to communicate with the desktop computer as opposed to the mobile device.

  In step 450, the controller determines whether other messages should go to other endpoints. In certain configurations, group settings can be used, where peer-assisted shopping is between groups of friends. If there are other connections to form, the process returns to step 440.

  Otherwise, the process 400 moves to step 460 where the negotiation process that determines how to communicate is between the endpoints. In this negotiation, the communication capability of each endpoint is considered. The negotiation process may be performed partially at each endpoint. Alternatively, the server can act as an intermediary for endpoints, or one endpoint can control the communication setup during the negotiation process. For example, negotiation may be used in certain embodiments because the second endpoint may only be able to communicate via messaging due to the absence of a camera or microphone. Thus, messaging can be determined as a suitable communication technique. In certain configurations, the negotiation process of step 460 may take into account other devices and specific content feeds within the container. In certain configurations, the first endpoint may communicate with multiple endpoints using a separate technique. For example, communication between the first endpoint and the second endpoint may be via video chat, while communication between the first / second endpoint and the third endpoint is text chat. Can be done through. Thus, the negotiation process may specify how to handle such separate techniques efficiently. In step 470, each communication channel is established with each endpoint using the appropriate connection parameters.

  According to certain embodiments, the process 400 of FIG. 4 can be performed rapidly, such as within a few seconds, depending on computational power and network latency. In certain configurations, the process 400 may take less than a second. In other configurations, process 400 may take more than a few seconds.

  Referring to FIG. 5, process 500 begins at the second endpoint by receiving a peer connection request at the second endpoint in step 510. As referenced above, in certain configurations, multiple parallel requests may be sent to a specific user having multiple devices. Some of these types of messages may be received at a particular endpoint. For example, text messages and in-app messages (such as in a CINSAY, FACEBOOK, or GOOGLE app) may be received. In certain configurations, after viewing each message, the end user can choose to accept the connection invitation. As a non-limiting example, the end user may click on a link or press a button confirming acceptance.

  In step 520, the controller initializes the container for communication. In certain configurations, the container may have functions corresponding to applications pre-installed on the device. In other configurations, the container may accommodate application functions that propagate "on the fly" or dynamically, such as by using embed code.

  In step 530, the controller identifies the communication parameters of the second endpoint. This may include performing an operation similar to that described above with reference to step 420 of FIG. 4, but performed with reference to the second endpoint. In step 540, a response is sent to the first endpoint, such as to confirm or reject the communication request. If so, at step 550, there is a negotiation process between the endpoints to determine how the communication takes place. This is similar to step 460 of FIG. 4, but from the perspective of the second endpoint. In step 560, one or more communication channels are established, similar to step 470 of FIG.

  Then, in a particular embodiment, the second endpoint that receives the request and establishes the link of the first endpoint in process 500 of FIG. 5 uses the “add friend” function to process 400 of FIG. Can be performed. In such embodiments, approval may or may not be required by the first endpoint to allow participation of the third endpoint. In repeating process 400, the negotiation between the endpoints may consider a link already established between the first endpoint or the second endpoint.

  6 and 7 illustrate examples of peer-assisted shopping communication interfaces 600, 700 according to this disclosure. Interface 600 may reside on any suitable device, while interface 700 is shown here as residing on a mobile device. In these particular embodiments, the underlying base content is video. Again, however, the underlying content may be other items such as a real-time video feed. In such an alternative configuration, the first device may capture the video and send it to the second device in real time, either directly or indirectly (such as through server mediation).

  Referring to FIG. 6, a container 610 is shown generally that may have functions similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. Box 620 extends from one edge of container 610 to indicate that the user is communicating with three different people. Box 620 is shown divided into three parts 620A-620C, each part corresponding to a particular person. Although this particular interface is shown, other interfaces may be utilized. For example, box 620 may be shown as an overlay overlying the base content. Furthermore, the interface can be hidden by commands, for example, only audio is propagated. Further, part or all of box 620 may be performed at the chat room interface if messaging is utilized.

  In certain configurations, the user may be able to interact with the portion of the box that corresponds to a particular person. For example, the user may click on portions 620A-620C corresponding to a particular person to discover what is in that person's shopping cart.

  As referenced above, in certain configurations, a separate technique may be utilized. Thus, for example, portions 620A and 620C may indicate a video chat interface that initiates a video chat session, while portion 620B may be a messaging chat. In certain embodiments, conversion techniques may be used to convert text to speech or speech to text to accommodate situations that require different communication techniques. The conversion process can take place anywhere on the communication chain, such as any endpoint or server or other intermediary.

  A shopping cart 625 is also shown in FIG. 6 and a user may use the shopping cart 625 to place items. Items may be placed in shopping cart 625 at one or more websites. As described below, a particular user's shopping cart 625 can be shared with peers, allowing each peer to provide feedback.

  Various tools 640 are also shown to facilitate communication between end users. In certain configurations, the tool 640 may replace some of the tools 240 shown in FIG. 2C. In this configuration, shown at the bottom of container 610, tool 640 can take on almost any configuration and can be selectively shown (and hidden) in any of a variety of ways. As a non-limiting example, tool 640 can be instantiated by hovering the bottom of the container or by right-clicking on the container.

  In this example, the tool 640 includes a shopping cart share function 641, an in-video specific location share function 643, a current content share function 645, a synchronization function 647, and a comment or tagging function 649. Other functions indicated as “x” and “y” may be further incorporated. The shopping cart share function 641 allows a user to view items in the shopping cart 625 by peers. Shopping cart 625 may include one or more reverse links that return to the location where one or more items were added to shopping cart 625. For example, each location in the video where the product was viewed and added to shopping cart 625 may be included.

  The in-video specific location share function 643 allows one user to direct another user to a specific location in the video. For example, a user may like a particular product (such as shoes) in the video and choose to share that particular location with one or more of the peers.

  The current content sharing function 645 allows the user to share the content that the user is currently viewing through the container. For example, if the content is a video, the video may be shared with other users. If there is content but a real-time view, the real-time view may be recorded (using a user device camera or the like) and either a photo or video may be sent to another user.

  A synchronization function 647 allows the view to be synchronized on different devices. For example, the first user may want the second user to see the same thing that the first user is seeing. Therefore, the view can be synchronized by initiating this function. In starting this function, the user may, for example, select a starting position for a particular video. Multiple user devices can communicate as needed so that playback is synchronized with those user devices.

  The comment or tagging function 649 allows the user to comment on the time-based and / or content-based portion of the content. For example, a first user may want to circle a specific shoe at a specific time in the video and share that information with a peer. Any suitable annotation function is available. An annotation may store time and coordinates.

  With reference to FIG. 7, a container 710 at a mobile device 790 is generally illustrated. The container 710 may include functions similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. In certain embodiments, the container 710 may cover the entire screen, and other interfaces are selectively provided to cover portions of the base content. For example, as shown here, a box 725 containing a communication function (such as video or text chat) may overlap a portion of the container.

  FIG. 8 illustrates an example container 810 using a shopping cart 820 according to the present disclosure. Container 810 may include functions similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and 6. In certain embodiments, the container 810 may cover the entire screen, and other interfaces are selectively provided to cover portions of the base content. For example, as shown here, the shopping cart 820 can overlap a portion of the container 810. In this example embodiment, shopping cart 820 includes items 825a-825c, descriptions 830a-830c of items 825a-825c, purchase information 840a-840c, and / or review information 850a-850c.

  In some embodiments, shopping cart 820 may represent a shared shopping cart where multiple users can place items. One shopper can add an item to the shopping cart, and the item can be an item suggested to another shopper. According to certain embodiments, the contents of shopping cart 820 may include an identifier of who added each item, along with a link back to the location from which the item came. In some situations, linkback can refer to video.

  Shared shopping carts can be used in a variety of settings. For example, the shopping cart 820 may be utilized by group planning of the parties, where each additional item indicates to others in the group what they intend to buy. As another example, for a high school girl participating in a prom, a shopping cart 820 may be utilized so that each girl can see what other girls are wearing in the prom. For items in a shared shopping cart, an individual may be able to comment on the items. Further, if a particular share item is annotated, the shopping cart 820 may indicate that the item has a comment in the linkback object, which may again be a video.

  Even if the shopping cart 820 is shared, in certain embodiments, an individual checkout may occur. If such a checkout occurs, a notification may be placed in the shopping cart indicating that a particular item has been purchased. Alternatively, if all items in the cart are shared for purchase, each person may have an individual account for a portion of the total quantity. Also, in certain embodiments, whether something in the cart is shared can be defined by permission. For example, an individual cart can start as a personal cart and can quickly become a shared shopping cart by changing permissions.

  In various embodiments, users may be given the opportunity to share containers via networks such as FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, TWITTER, YAHOO, LINKEDIN, GOOGLE, INSTAGRAM, or WORDPRESS. In addition, the user may be given the option to copy the embed code and share it via email. Each user who can access the shopping cart 820 may be able to review and comment on an item in the shopping cart 820, and the review may be used to update the review information for that item. For example, any user who can access the shopping cart 820 can review the item by clicking a “Like” button or a “+1” button in GOOGLE PLUS.

  In some embodiments, purchase information 840a-840c may include the price, quantity, and / or linkout to other purchase sites for each item 825a-825c. For example, purchase information 840a and 840c may include price and quantity along with the ability to purchase through container 810. Purchase information 840b may include a link-out to another website (such as the manufacturer of item 825b) where the user can purchase item 825b at another website.

  The account login option 245 described above may allow a user to sign in to various networks including, for example, CINSAY, FACEBOOK, and GOOGLE. In some embodiments, the container 810 may utilize single sign-on, global cookies, analysis identifiers, and / or various aggregators that support various functions. For example, a user may log into the container 810 through single sign-on using FACEBOOK CONNECT, GOOGLE APPS, smart card, mobile device, etc. As another example, container 810 may customize container 810 and shopping cart 820 for the user using global cookies and analysis identifiers. In addition, these cookies and identifiers can be used for recommended customization.

  FIG. 9 illustrates another example communication system 900 that can be utilized to facilitate communication between endpoints through a communication network in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, system 900 includes endpoints 910-930, which are used by a common user. Endpoints 910-930 represent any suitable communication or computing device (in this example, a laptop computer, mobile phone, and GOOGLE GLASS), but may be any as described above with respect to endpoints 110, 120, and 130. Other devices can also be used. Each endpoint typically appears as being in a single location, but the endpoints may be geographically dispersed (such as in a cloud computing context) and may represent a fixed or mobile device.

  According to certain embodiments, a user may add items to a shopping cart across devices and merchants. For example, a user may add a specific item while shopping in a container associated with SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. Later, when browsing different containers associated with NEIMAN MARCUS, the user may add additional information to the cart. Next, a single view of the cart across merchants can be provided. In addition, the user can check out from both vendors using a single cart. Upon checkout, the system can send a separate communication to the merchant about the purchase.

  As another example, a user may add something to a cart using a mobile device and later view a shopping cart using a desktop computer or other device. Any suitable technology such as cookies, MAC identifiers, account login credentials, single sign-on provider, etc. may be utilized to enable this technology across merchants and / or devices.

  In some embodiments, peer assisted shopping options are also provided to one or both endpoints 910 and 920 to allow communication with one or more other endpoints. For example, in certain embodiments, the user may shop at the endpoint 910 at home and begin communicating with the peer when they see something they like. The user can also be shopping at the store, see specific items he likes, initiate communication with peers, and share what he is looking at using an endpoint 920 or 930 camera.

  Referring to the various figures described above, the user's request for feedback may be product or service specific. Furthermore, there is no requirement for the user to get feedback from family or friends, and an option can be provided to look for general feedback from non-friends or non-family. For example, various embodiments may be described by other users who have purchased or reviewed products or services in the past, or those products or services from other individuals who have chosen to participate in peer-assisted shopping and active requests. You may be able to request feedback on In other configurations, a particular user may request information from unconnected users from other networks that the particular user can utilize. In such a configuration, the request for information can also promote the requested individual to become a user of a network such as a CINSAY network. As a non-limiting example, you can have a FACEBOOK or GOOGLE + bulletin (automatically posted by CINSAY technology) that asks friends, groups, circles, or the general public for input about a specific product. In certain configurations, an individual may simply participate in the response. In other configurations, an individual may be prompted to become a CINSAY network participating user or simply be prompted to associate a current network (such as a FACEBOOK or GOOGLE + account) with a CINSAY account. In any configuration, the user can be given various control configurations as to who is requested. As a non-limiting example, a user may have the option to ask friends, groups, or circles with a FACEBOOK or GOOGLE + account. The user may also have the option to request by geographic region (city, metropolitan area, region, state, etc.) or someone with specific technical capabilities (people who can video chat). The user may also request from a person who purchased within a specific time frame (such as when such purchase statistics are available), request from a person from the same company that the purchase is considered, or know the product You may have the option to request any buyer. Any other criteria or combination of criteria (including the above criteria) can also be used.

  The active request may take various forms, including video conversations, chats, SMS messages, emails, or any other form of electronic communication facilitated by technology. In certain configurations, receipt of the request message may include an opt-in or opt-out scenario. The reception of the request can be controlled in the same manner as described above. For example, the request can be received from a friend, group, or circle with a FACEBOOK or GOOGLE + account. The receipt of the request may be a geographical area, a person with specific technical capabilities, a person who has purchased from the same company, or who is contemplating purchasing from the same company, any other criteria, or a combination thereof Can also be controlled.

  Once a product or service is selected, the user may be further presented with reviews, ratings, or feedback from other product or service users along with the product or service. The current user may choose to seek additional feedback about the product or service of interest from other users in the network or peer-assisted shopping participants who have chosen active-request and peer-assisted shopping. The active request is facilitated by the technology and can be made synchronously or asynchronously in real time or delayed.

  Peer assisted shopping or active request participants may or may not receive consideration for the assistance services provided. Where service consideration is provided, it may include payment forms such as credits, discounts, virtual currency, and legal currency. Unlike general comments on products, certain embodiments provide actual real-time question / answer sessions about specific products or services.

  FIG. 10 illustrates an example computing device 1000 that supports peer-assisted e-commerce shopping according to this disclosure. The computing device 1000 can generally represent any endpoint or other computing device as described above, for example. The computing device 1000 can be used herein to implement any of the techniques or functions described above, including any combination of the techniques or functions described above. The computing device 1000 may be generally configured to run any suitable operating system, including Windows, MAC OS, UNIX, LINUX, OS2, IOS, ANDROID, or other operating systems.

  As shown in FIG. 10, computing device 1000 includes at least one processing device 1012, random access memory (RAM) 1014, read only memory (ROM) 1016, mouse 1018, keyboard 1020, and disk drive. 1022, a printer 1024, a display 1026, and input / output devices such as a communication link 1028. In other embodiments, computing device 1000 may include more, fewer, or other components. Computing devices come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 10 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular computing device or type of computing device.

  Program code may be stored in RAM 1014, ROM 1016, or disk drive 1022, and may be executed by at least one processing device 1012 to perform the functions described above. The at least one processing device 1012 can be any type of processing device, such as one or more processors, microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, multi-core processors, and the like. Communication link 1028 may be connected to a computer network or various other communication platforms, including any of the various types of communication networks 140 described above. The disk drive 1022 may include various types of storage media such as, for example, floppy drives, hard drives, CD drives, DVD drives, magnetic tape drives, or other suitable storage media. One or more disk drives 1022 may be used with computing device 1000.

  Although FIG. 10 provides an example of a computer that can be utilized with other embodiments of the present disclosure, such other embodiments may utilize any suitable general purpose or special purpose computing device. Multiple computing devices having any suitable configuration can also be used. In general, multiple computing devices are networked through the Internet and / or in a client-server network. However, the present disclosure may use any suitable combination and configuration of computing devices, including computing devices in separate computer networks linked together by a private or public network.

  The computing device 1000 can represent a fixed or mobile device, and various components can be added or omitted based on the particular implementation of the computing device. For example, the mobile device can include functions such as a camera, a camcorder, a GPS function, and an antenna for wireless communication. Specific examples of such mobile devices include iPhones, iPads, and ANDOROID based devices.

  Although the above figures describe various systems, devices, and methods related to supporting peer-assisted e-commerce shopping, various changes may be made to the figures. For example, the design of various devices and systems may be modified as needed or desired, such as when devices or system components are combined, further subdivided, reconfigured, or omitted, and additional components are added. can do. As another example, the various methods are shown as a series of steps, but the various steps in each method may overlap, may be performed in parallel, may be performed in a different order, or any May be performed a number of times. Further, the examples of graphical presentation are merely illustrative and the content can be presented in any other suitable manner. It will be appreciated that well-known processes have not been described in detail and have been omitted for brevity. Although specific steps, structures, and materials may be described, the present disclosure is not limited to these details and may be substituted with other steps as well understood by those skilled in the art. Need not be performed in the order shown.

  In some embodiments, the various functions described in this patent specification are formed from computer readable program code and implemented or supported by a computer program implemented on a computer readable medium. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” refers to a computer such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), or any other type of memory. Including any type of media accessible by. “Non-transitory” computer-readable media excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that carry transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer readable media include media that can permanently store data, such as a rewritable optical disk or erasable memory device, and media that can store and later overwrite data.

  It may be advantageous to provide definitions for specific terms and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instructions configured to be implemented in suitable computer code (including source code, object code, or executable code). Refers to a set, procedure, function, object, class, instance, related data, or part thereof. The terms “transmit”, “receive”, and “communication” and their derivatives encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise” and their derivatives mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or. The term “associated with” and its derivatives includes, includes, includes, interconnects, includes, includes, connects to, connects to, connects to, couples with, can communicate, and cooperates , Interleave, juxtaposition, neighborhood, bind to or bind to, have, have attributes to, or have a relationship to, or the like. When the phrase “at least one” is used with a list of items, one or more different combinations of the listed items can be used and only one item in the list is required It means getting. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any combination of the following: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C .

  While this disclosure describes particular embodiments and generally associated methods, variations and substitutions of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other modifications, substitutions, and alternatives are possible without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

A method for peer-assisted shopping,
Receiving at a first device a transactional media container comprising base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more items;
Initiating a first shopping cart in the transaction media container of the first device, wherein the first shopping cart identifies the at least one selected item;
Establishing a communication channel with the second device;
Transmitting information to synchronize a second shopping cart associated with the second device with the first shopping cart.   The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving review information related to the at least one selected item from the second device.   The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a suggested item from the second device. Receiving input requesting a video chat session;
Identifying a plurality of contacts of a user of the first device;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the contacts;
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising initiating the video chat session with a device for the at least one of the contacts. Establishing the communication channel with the second device comprises:
Identifying a plurality of contacts of a user of the first device;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the contacts;
The method of claim 1, comprising establishing a communication channel with a device associated with each of the at least one selected contact. Receiving input to share the base content;
The method of claim 1, further comprising sharing the base content and the supplemental content. Receiving one or more annotations associated with the base content or the supplemental content;
The method of claim 1, further comprising sharing the annotation. At least one memory configured to store a transactional media container, the transactional media container including base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content, One memory,
At least one processing device, the at least one processing device comprising:
Starting a first shopping cart in the transaction media container, wherein the first shopping cart identifies at least one selected item of the one or more items. And
Establishing a communication channel with the endpoint;
An apparatus configured to initiate transmission of information and synchronize a second shopping cart associated with the endpoint with the first shopping cart.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to receive review information associated with the at least one selected item from the endpoint.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processing device is further configured to receive a suggested item from the endpoint. The at least one processing device comprises:
Receiving input requesting a video chat session;
Identifying a plurality of contacts of a user of the first device;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the contacts;
9. The apparatus of claim 8, configured to perform the video chat session with a device for the at least one of the contacts. The at least one processing device comprises:
Identifying a plurality of contacts of a user of the device;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the contacts;
9. The apparatus of claim 8, configured to perform establishing a communication channel with an endpoint associated with each of the at least one selected contact. The at least one processing device comprises:
Receiving input to share the base content;
The apparatus of claim 8, further configured to perform sharing the base content and the supplemental content. The at least one processing device comprises:
Receiving an annotation associated with the base content or the supplemental content;
The apparatus of claim 8, further configured to perform sharing the annotation. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising logic stored on the computer readable medium, the logic being executed, on at least one processing device,
Receiving at a first device a transactional media container comprising base content and supplemental content associated with one or more items in the base content;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the one or more items;
Initiating a first shopping cart in the transaction media container of the first device, wherein the first shopping cart identifies the at least one selected item;
Establishing a communication channel with the second device;
A non-transitory computer readable medium configured to initiate transmission of information to synchronize a second shopping cart associated with the second device with the first shopping cart.   16. The logic is further configured to, when executed, cause the at least one processing device to receive review information related to the at least one selected item from the second device. A non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 1.   The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the logic is further configured to, when executed, cause the at least one processing device to receive a suggested item from the second device. . When executed, the logic is in the at least one processing device,
Receiving input requesting a video chat session;
Identifying a plurality of contacts of a user of the first device;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the contacts;
The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, configured to cause the video chat session to be initiated with a device for the at least one of the contacts. When executed, the logic is in the at least one processing device,
Identifying a plurality of contacts of a user of the device;
Receiving a selection of at least one of the contacts;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, configured to cause establishing a communication channel with an endpoint associated with each of the at least one selected contact. When executed, the logic is in the at least one processing device,
Receiving input to share the base content;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, further configured to cause sharing of the base content and the supplemental content.