COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES IN ON-LINE COMMERCE

General description of collaborative design system and method according to various examples of the present invention I.

, As described above, some aspects of the present invention selectively utilize other computing devices at different locations, (, for example. A system and method for designing a collaborative design of footwear items, through peer communication (LAN), through network connection such as (WAN), LAN; WAN; Internet connection, and a server for establishing a communication link between at least a 1 user and an agent 2 through a network connection such as) nd users are provided to, users through a combination of servers. and. for providing a, nd (a) user interface to the first user, respectively 1 users. sup.2 user interface for combining collaborative design sessions with (the users 1; (b) users 2) 1, 1 as a concrete example of a system and a method for designing a collaborative design of shoes. ; (c): The system according to at least some example embodiments of the invention may further comprise means for receiving a selection of an article of footwear from 1 nd 2 user or agent 1 user, and a processing system adapted and adapted to receive the user's design input generated by a; (d) th user and/1 user, and the system according to at least some example embodiments of the present invention includes text message display 2 selectively at least an agent 1 2 user and a text message of 2 or outgoing text messages, (appearance), (and. 2 user, for 1/example), user and at least one 2 user of the (article of footwear), for communicating between the agent 1 user and the at least one user. For example, any desired number of relationships may include a voice output generated by a, nd), user image 2 user from, webcams 2, and the like . and any desired number of parties may be combined in footwear design (or other product design) without departing from this invention.

The system according to the invention allows only one of the users to control an article of footwear design at a given time and, or alternatively, if desired input from, or more users is received at a time by. cursor (pointer or selector, to allow input from one or more users to be received at a time, e.g. cursor (selector) pointer or selector element; or text information in one display element . The information may be provided) by the information.

For example (parts of the footwear item, parts or elements (upper) of the various midsole, parts, or elements (midsole) pieces of midsole, or elements, (outsole) or) can be generated, as well as data identifying the desired logo position; desired logo color (desired logo color and the like in the shoe, as well as the data identifying the orientation of the graphic.). FIGS, parts or elements of a graphic or a graphic of (a desired position, or graphic) of a graphic in the shoe, as well as data identifying a desired logo position and a, desired logo size; of the shoe. (If desired, any desired type of footwear design data, such as logo data, for example, shoe manufacturer logo); team or group logo, etc. which may be provided to the shoe, may be generated or customized by a user who is the desired text location (text size, desired text color) text font, sole material, sole thickness, midsole stiffness characteristic, for example, foam. fluid, if desired by a user who is desired to be provided to the shoe; if desired, text data desired to be provided in; the footwear; may; be generated; as; desired by any (other user, of (foam), the system and method according to the present invention; if desired, text may be generated. The fill bladder (fluid-filled bladder), or other material); sole bottom (tread) patterns; that make up a midsole may select a variety of materials or other properties for various portions of an article of footwear, such as those provided in sole; and; mid - and, or position/sole and / or aperture/laser cutting designs, or. characteristics, and the, or apertures, respectively.

As described above, each of, users in the collaborative design system and method according to various examples of the present invention is another computing device (, for example, personal computer, laptop, workstation, palm top (palmtop), cellular If desired, and) or the same or substantially the same appearance of the user interface may be different at. computing devices, each user may have the same comprehensive appearance at each device relating to the session, and (alternatively) different users may control their appearance separately at, different computing devices and. alternatively one user with the same or substantially the same appearance of the user interface in each device. or alternatively the same or substantially the same appearance of the user interface in each of the computing devices. (, FIGS . FIGS) (view),). () may (take the same comprehensive appearance in each device involved in the session. The appearance of one or more other users is " to match "(on command) according to), commands, so each user can see and/or design any desired portion of the shoe at any time.

The user interface of one user computer (e.g. session initiator) may differ from the user interface available in other user computer (, e.g. ˜5 User (invitee)), for example . if desired, User input control features, " a user input control feature, 1 a new or additional user invitation capability "(additional or new . (, if desired; for example) user locking); (lock out); UI; User Input control Feature two users (create an input for design change. The user may also have more or other features available at its control when compared to); other users, such as inviting people in a collaborative session (Determination ability); Determination capability; or other users as compared to other users such as (Dev Design Primary Entity); etc. The user may also control, such as. and/or sharing or sharing with one or more groups or individuals, whether any design can be made, available for another user, and so on . for) example (or any other user. can be made available for another user.

In the display device of the (a) nd 1 computing system, a 1 th user interface is displayed to a user 1. The method according to various examples of the present invention may also include the steps of receiving input including data allowing the user to join a collaborative design session with (; (b)) th user and receiving an input indicating selection of the basic item of footwear from 2 user or agent 1 user; (c), 1 user and agent 2 user, (d), and other aspects of the present invention may also include using any feature 1 step or functions described in greater detail above 2 (,) or below, as described in greater detail above or after the, foregoing; (e) .user and agent 1 user. © KIPO & WIPO & WIPO & (Western)). 2 to perform. methods described in greater detail above. Computer-executable instructions for use. are associated with stored computer-readable media.

Although now described in connection with the design and/or shopping of articles of footwear, aspects of the invention may also be used for the design and, or shopping of other consumer products such as clothing articles/exercise equipment and the like.

General description of collaborative shopping system and method according to various examples of the present invention II.

[.] A system and method according to a further aspect of the present invention is related to shoping consumer products, such as articles of footwear, for example, computing systems, including display devices capable of providing (a) nd 1 user interfaces to agent 1 users 1, and; (b) 2 users. A system according to various examples of the invention includes an output system for receiving data to be able to join a collaborative shopping session with agent 1 users; (c) and an article of footwear for 1 potential purchases, 2 and, users, and a processing system adapted 2 and adapted to modify an indication of a selection for an article 2 of footwear in a display device using an article of footwear produced by a 1 1 user and at least 1. (d) users 1 user and at least one user 2 for selecting an, indication of a selection of an article of footwear in a display device. Communication, of the type described above in connection with the aspects and any other features and functions required from (and later described) and later may further include means for communicating functionality.

A collaborative shopping method according to at least some examples of the invention, for example, in a display device of, (a) and 1 users to generate an output including data allowing 1 - 1 users to join a collaborative shopping session with (; (b)) users and receiving an indication including selection of one or more footwear items for 2 potential purchase from at least one of 1 - (c) users and (1) user interfaces 2 user interface for creating at, (d) user interfaces. 1 1. The methods according to various examples of the present invention may also include receiving an article of footwear shopping input generated by the user 2, (e) a user and an article of footwear produced by the user 1 user, 2, and other aspects of the present invention relate to) computer- readable media having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for) (performing 1. methods described in greater detail above or below, as described in more. detail above. (.

General description of user interface features according to various examples of the present invention III.

Aspects of the invention are provided in a computing device. A (user interface that is associated with a user interface that allows a user to design and) or shopping an article/or other consumer product. may include any feature and/or any features and, or features described in greater detail below and/or later, and/or activating elements and features.

As a more specific example, aspects of the present invention relate to a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for generating a user interface for a collaborative footwear design session in a computer controlled display device. such that at least one of, and - (a) users of the 1 2 1-th display may select a portion of an article of footwear; (b), for example. The one or more selector elements (, e.g. pointers or cursor) and; (c) or at least some elements (of the interface may include one or more orientation elements, for example, text, icon, picture) animation, etc.) and at least some elements of the interface; (d) and 1) which enable the user to change the color of the selected portion of the footwear item; 2 1.1. 1. sub ; 1 or at least some elements of, (the interface are (text for example. The input and display panel, may include features such as (instant) messaging capabilities, voice and/or video communication capabilities, such as), etc. The. user interface may also include an input that allows a user to enter data used to construct a collaborative footwear design and 2 or shopping session with the agent (user) or other user .

Although the general background and information have been described heretofore, the system, method, according to the present invention,and more detailed descriptions of specific examples of the user interface, relate to various specific examples of the invention and their features and functions, and the description is not to be construed as limiting the invention.

IV. Specific exemplary fit design and/or shopping system, according to the invention Detailed description of a user interface and a user interface

A. Exemplary hardware features

1a Through 1c illustrate various examples of a hardware system in which the system and user interface according to the present invention can be implemented and, computing device. and the two computing devices 1a, and, are connected to each other via Internet connection (LAN), LAN (WAN) wide area network 1 or the like, (100). 2 and. 2 can be remotely located from each other and (100, 102) computing devices . 2 are shown in FIG. (100, 102) 1a. The network (104) and the communication channel may be established and any desired communication link and communication protocol can be used to provide and control the data exchange between the computing device (100, 102) and the server system (, as will be described in more detail below), wherein (106)(may provide a separate communication link) to support transmission of communication data between the. computing devices (100, 102) if desired. and, as described in greater detail later in the computing device (106)), as described in more detail. later, in the (100, 102), server system (100, 102); if desired, the (108) server. computer may optionally (.

Heel Some specific examples of computing device, that can be used in the system and method according to at least some example embodiments of the present invention include/GPP computer, personal computer, laptop computer (100, 102) cellular telephone. personal information terminal (100, 102) computer workstation, television, and the like, as described in more detail, and in particular, the collaborative design and, or shopping session according to various examples of the, present invention, can be, used for any desired (number, of vendors, for. example . For example, any desired number of computing devices (100, 102)) and, may communicate with the network (100, 102) and one cellular telephone device (104) with the same method or other way without departing from this invention, (106) for example, users may join a common website portal, for example (100, 102), and another user may join (through a) Facebook application, etc. to join the collaborative session, (100, 102), or the like, which do not depart from the present invention; for example, 2 two users may join the (collaborative session NIKEiD.com) through the same communication channel, or the other NIKEiD.com) communication (channel ((, for example) through NIKEiD the same communication channel) or the other). communication channel.

the present invention The computing device (100, 102), which can be used in the system and method according to various examples of the invention, includes one or more input devices and data processing systems (, e.g.) keyboard. hard keyboard or other pointing device (100, 102) stylus or other pen-like input devices, for example, tablet (type computing devices); USB connection, Ethernet connection, PC voice recognition capabilities, and the like, as; examples,); for; the; USB computing; device; of the; system. and method according; to the present invention (, as well as other pen-like input devices (100, 102). The, computing device (100, 102) itself is separate from the display device, or the computing device (100, 102) for use with the computing device (100, 102), but any desired type of display device including display devices such as projector displays, separate monitor displays in communication with the computing device may be provided.

The computing device (100, 102) may be connected to network, by any desired method that is known and used in the art as it uses any conventional wired or wireless connection and any network connection protocol (104), and the communication channel connection. between (100, 102) computing devices (108) may be the same as the collaborative data exchange connection without departing from this invention, and connection (108) may include conventional techniques known in the art. 2. (. In addition to the various computer to computer communication links known and used in the art) to provide real-time communication of live broadcast (live) between computer, and computer, communication channel connection (108) can also include other types of communication channels, e.g. immediately messaging channel, peer to peer messaging channel, conventional telephone connection (, and), if desired. users can communicate directly to the facing dialog, without requiring a separate communication channel . (face-to-face conversation), if so desired. communication channel (108) can also include other hardware than relevant for, exchanging and exchanging other types of communication channels between computers or users. All hardware, or a combination thereof, different from those associated with, collaborative data exchanges, may be used, for example (, and some users may use the same hardware and another user may use the other hardware,).

As described above (, the system and method according to various examples of the present disclosure provide the user interface display in the user's computing device), (100, 102), enabling the user to view the subject of the collaborative effort, and. or the server system, to allow the user to enter his/her input via. or more computing devices (100, 102), and receive the input via, the one-user interface, (106). Examples (100, 102) and / or as part of computing device (106) or server system (100, 102), or as part of computing device/and (106) or server system . include, computer readable media, such as data available via a, disk (semiconductor or flash memory device, network connection, and any type of computer readable medium known and used,) in) computer technology fields, for example (computer- readable media .

To FIG. 1a, the software for generating, user interfaces in the exemplary overall system shown in FIG. I is computing device (100), computing device (102) and server system (106). . Server system, may be operated and maintained by the same group or individual that operates and maintains at least one of the computing device, computing device (100), and the server system (102)(if desired) or at least some of the computing devices (106) and. or the network (106), if desired, (100, 102) or server system/may be operated and maintained by the entity separated from some or all of the entities (104), and, for example, a manufacturer (106) retailer and one or more vendors for marketing through the method. © KIPO ((106) & WIPO & WIPO & WIPO & WIPO, (retailer). Or, (vendor) and user interface software can also be operated and maintained by vendor) or the like selected by retailers (, and) .the like, and user interface software may also be operated and maintained.

The overall network feature 1b shown in FIG. may be the same as or similar to that described above in connection with FIG. (104), but instead of 1a for example (, a separate independent server system, LAN, WAN, is omitted in the exemplary configuration) 2, and instead of the software for 1b driving the collaborative data exchange (100, 102) communication and generating (and controlling 2 the user (100, 102)) interface, operation (106) is also included in. if the configuration of FIG. is omitted. If desired, one, or another of computing device (100, 102) in (-way session may be designated as) leader ", and then the reader will act as a conduit " and controller to allow communication to (conduit) other computing devices in the session.

If desired, network communication between users for exchanging, pieces of data may include features allowing a user to communicate with each other for design. or alternatively, separate user communication link 1b, as shown in FIG. or more than (108), as shown in FIGS. 2, (or more), and, communication channel connection, as shown in the technical field (108). Alternatively, it may also include other types of communication channels, for example, immediately messaging channel, peer to peer messaging channel, conventional telephone connection (combining data, and) if desired. users may use the same hardware or other hardware as related to collaborative data exchange . alternatively . other alternative to entering and exchanging other types of communication channels (108) (108), if desired. etc. The users may use different hardware. than those involved in inputting and exchanging other types of communication channels.

A collaborative session and data exchange for collaborative design or shopping, as shown in FIG. 1c. Any desired hardware and. or protocol for peer-to-peer communication of this type may also be provided as in the example of FIG. and FIG. above, including conventional hardware and protocols, which are well known in the computer communication arts, including conventional hardware and protocols, which are well known in the computer communication arts 1a and 1b, for example, immediately messaging (108) additional peer-to-peer messaging (conventional telephone connections, etc.), (which may also take advantage of hardware other than that associated) with the). input 1a of collaborative data, as shown above. The various other alternatives described above in connection with FIG. 1b can also be used in the construction of FIG. 1c without departing from this invention.

The combined design data and/or collaborative shopping data may be shared among the computing devices (100, 102) by any desired manner using any desired protocol that does not depart from the present invention . as one more specific example, may occur using the features of the 3.5(Adobe Flash Media Server 3.5) commercially available data exchange programs, such® as those made in . (Micresoft, Corp. or live meeting WebEx for) (Cisco Systems, Inc.time, collaborative data exchange, as a more specific. example.).

B. Laminated product design System, method and exemplary features of a user interface

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following description and the annexed drawings are merely representative of a combination of the orientation, interface components of the system (and the potential feature, interface components of the user interface, as would be apparent to, those skilled in the art, for, example, as, those skilled in, the art will be described. later in).

In at least some examples of the present invention, collaborative design sessions may be launched (venture) or started from an online shopping trial (launch) of an individual user . and FIG. 2 is a user on an online shopping experience for a shoe. The (200)(user input may alternatively be received via a selection device such as a (100) mouse) trackball. keyboard, roller ball/or a pointer device (202) controlled by a computer mouse or other input device, as known in (200), and. users in the exemplary display, shown, can be selected using a selection device such as a computer mouse or other input device . alternatively known from various other manufacturers. (204), or other models of, different models from retailers, user. inputs are, users in this system and user interface (200), ". Model C"(Shoe Model C) was selected and, product information panel (206) provides information about the selected product. and any desired product information can be provided without departing from this invention.

If desired, the user interface for, shopping websites may be provided in one or more ways to publish product order production systems and methods . which in the example of FIG. 2 may also enable the user to see button " at FIG. "(Customize), and if desired (208), the shopping interface (also enables the shipping of 2, (200) (208), if desired, by the user of the collaborative product design) (. session).

Product design order production (and product design order production Product design orders) may also be initiated from other Websites or other online experiences without departing from, present invention as they directly interact with dedicated product design websites or through product manufacturer websites.

3 Illustrates an 2 example of a user interface response that may occur as a result of the initiation of the article ordering system and. method described above, in connection with FIG. for example box may request input (300) from a. user to, publish (300) ordering, product sessions, ID, such, as a user name email address account number user password credit card. number, and, the like, as illustrated in FIG. to the user in any desired manner or format. sub. The, order production session may be issued directly from the screen of FIG. " by user input in "(Start Designing) design start (302) icon (, or if desired information is input,), if desired . and if desired, the order production session may be used without departing from the present invention as it goes without departing from the invention, ID or publishing the new application and, or its user interface, for example, if desired . 2. (300)). or, other desired . can be used from the present invention, for example, when the order production system is permitted to perform processing anonymity.

Design The initiation of the session may result in creation of an order production session identification number (for, sessions, e.g.) session (, to create an example user interface screen, for a " session and a session, and the disclosure of ID") user interface. may include, for example, color palette 4 part (400) product display part, for selecting the color of each part. appearing product. (400), in FIG. for creating an example user interface screen three, as shown in FIG. # .for creating an example user interface screen, as shown in FIG. for generating an ordered product (400); (402), user (404), interface " "(Color Palette) (402) is an example of an ordered product. The (product design information panel, includes one or more control unit, for changing appearance or appearance, of, zoom-out), for example, a (404), "-rotation adjustment "(Undo) zoom in-in appearance change, (, and a product design information panel), ", for "(Redo) edition, (edition), part, color such as (408) contents. ×, position, color, (408), etc. In the example illustrated in, information about each part of the article of footwear is provided,sub . for example (=,position,), color or (the like,), as shown) in the, above-described example. sub. sub.sub.sub.

They do not have to be Other features and functions may be provided in this order production interface, if desired, as shown in (400) or . which may be provided in any way through the interface, and the ability 4 to leave the ability, for (400) or some other intermediate default design: for the product, for example, as shown in the page, or the ability, to exit or stop the session with respect to the user. (, for example, as shown in the user's ability, for a user's ability to share the design (with another, person).),)), as shown in the user's design (blank) ", for example, as, shown in the user's (. Design Group) "(return to default) — Debule (Profile — The user can share the design with another person.

, Is a further potential feature. The system, and the computer interface according to at least some examples may be provided in response to user interaction with this portion " of interface "(inspiration) by enabling a user to take " alphabetical " or (online help, during design or customization processing (400); for example ", "(Need Ideas) system (410) and computer interface) .may be provided in response to user interaction with the user interaction with the selected portion (400) of product (410) or product, such as, identical preferred sportteam, and the like. (, for selected part) of the same item of product or product. © KIP ;) & WIPO; (, for, user interaction with one or more other user designs) for, selection of product (or product of the same user design. The display; of one or more other user designs by the user may display user information such as; and; or any other desired information; for one or more portions of a user (same age group, for example); AND (design or information about one or more portions of another interest design or color combination,); or any other desired information, for example, icon/to travel at any time during design processing (, for example, to) payment. procedure immediately prior to user (400) " of the design processing. (416), ". The activation can also include the ability to be able to purchase immediately by activating.

As another example of potential features and functions, the system, method and computer interface according to at least some examples of the present invention enable a user to initiate a collaborative session for designing a footwear . where " friend Fin "(Get Friend)(412) or " professional can be achieved in the illustrated example of FIG. "(Get Expert)(414) by providing an input to initiate 4 friend finding. functionality, ", followed by a user input described in detail later. ".

5 To 4 show an example of a user interface response that may occur as a result of the initiation of a collaborative article of footwear manufacturing system and method as described above in connection with the present embodiment . overlay screen portion in the example shown. The text box (500) may be provided to the user in any desired method or format, for example. boxes, to request information from the user to publish the collaborative session (500), or, for identifying and, a person who is invited to the collaborative design session/or any desired other method, such as a text entry box. drop down listing, list, icon, button, or the like, as described, in step, Alternatively, if desired, pieces (502) of information may be sent to the user for) (, or any desired, other way, so as to wait for each piece of invitee's response, if. he wishes " .sup.sub ". If desired 4, if desired, the first user, if desired, may return to the interface 5 of FIG. if desired, and, if desired, by using other interface elements other than, overlay or text box (to continue the design job, such as the beginning of the old, new application to the new website or the beginning of the new user interface, (, optionally 4, if desired,) .for) wait times (500) if he wishes to establish a collaborative session, if he wishes to establish a, collaborative session, if he/wishes to establish a new user, interface, if he wishes to establish a collaborative session, if he wishes to establish a new user interface, if he wishes to establish a collaborative session, if desired. The. may be used without departing from the invention.

As another potential example, invitation interface may include the ability to allow the user to present time and date of the collaborative session (, if an immediate session is not necessary or not,) .may appear as " meeting request " for the inviter system and appear as input to, and/or user's electronic schedules or calendar programs.

As shown in FIG. 5, communication between the, nd user and the invitation may occur through a communication channel different from the communication channel in which order production and/or collaborative design data flows . and for example, the system, and the user interface according to various examples of the present invention immediately messaging, e-mail. . Through 1a may be provided without departing from this invention as discussed above in connection with 1c through, which may instruct the initial user to provide a session link to a desired peer through another communication channel, such as a.

The initiation of the collaborative design session may cause generation of collaborative design session identification number (, e.g. unique " session ID") for the session (, for instance, or alternatively). and, if desired, is sent to the invitee ID( to allow the invitee to enter the correct session), if desired by ID invitation to . if, desired, and ID each piece of invitee can only allow the invitee to. enter the, correct session, if desired. If desired, user ID, and/or other information (to enter the session may be required to enter information) optionally transmitted to the invitee via a means different from the initial invitation.

In response to the issuance of " invitation " for the collaborative session, the invitee will receive (for example, 's calendar or scheduling programs through messaging at, times by, email boxes to), or as a future calendar entry or meeting request (, and the user interface screen, advises the invitee of the session). (602), for example, (600) or as a future calendar entry or meeting. request 6, for example (602), or future calendar, entry or meeting requests. [, ] The system, and the user interface according to various examples of the present invention may provide other options, such as the option. related voice and, or video teleconference, according to various examples of the present invention, or alternatively / which presents a new time, date for the session, and if desired, display (is sufficient information, which allows the user to enter the collaborative session through another device than the/user has received (teleconference) the invitation, for (call-in) example.) . or alternatively the, user interface, according (602) to various examples of the present invention, which is not shown in any (of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, session ID, user ID, session password, etc.) can be provided to the invitee by means. of the display, and any desired information (602) can be sent back to the invitee via the display, and any desired information can be sent to the initiator from the invitee or returned to the computer system running the session.

The user and his invitee need not access a collaborative session through the same website or interface portal . e.g. one user accesses the session through the website or website portal, or for, kiosk, video game, or sessions within the shopping mall (in-store), or any other desired website or application (in-mall), for example, (, invitation to support the session. The session may be accessed through the same website or application) that is the same as the first received.

For example, users in interface 4 of (400) and " may be started in the same or similar manner as described above with respect to FIG. " and FIG. (412), and 5 users are 6 technical specialist . for example, technical experts or design specialist (technical experts or design specialists), and any available specialist (, etc. to identify any available specialist of the specialist of the expert (arch support). (, or other,), functional properties, for example, as (a) name of. For example 5 may be configured by sending a message of the type as shown in FIG.) to . and, and, through the user interface, according to various examples of the present invention, which may help the user to design the best product for user use and to create an aesthetic design of, and " (or a new interest, for example, including appropriate technical or performance), characteristics ", to. the expert. or a specialist.

If desired, the system, and/or computer interface according to at least some examples of the present invention may allow the user to determine " rating " or " classification " for a professional, and / or the like. . Can also, to provide feedback about the, or manufacturer, merchant, system owner, or perspective from the user of the system and method according to the present invention, or the classification or rating from the manufacturer, seller. system owner or sponsor can be specified, for example, at least in part from feedback " other specialists from the user of the system and method according to the present invention "(earn) .) . or the system and method according to the present invention at least in, part from the, user of the, system and method according, to, the present invention (Feedback from other specialists in the. field).

Seizure For example 7, as shown in FIG. (700), the interface, for a/session initiator may be the same as or similar to that shown in FIG. (for example, as shown in FIG.), and the user interface, for the collaborative design session (may be the same as or similar to that of the individual user interface screen 7 shown in the example, but) is the same as or similar to that of the session initiator,and (700), as described above in connection with FIG. 4, for example, in the (400) st page initiator display. and the second user interface screen as shown in the figure-(702), (704), for example, (706), the user may watch 7 4 the same or similar interface screens, as described above in connection with the user's order (-production interface,)),sub. (700), for example. The ability, th help ability, " may also include " capability of, pages of help, Shared capability, Saving capability, " Saving Dead The ability " Dead, " Dead " capability, and " capability to return to shopping. ".

However, in, the exemplary user interface (700) includes additional features and functions . e.g. interface (700) includes, participants, panel " identified in the same manner as the user name or other name entered when the various participants of the collaborative design session are joined by "(Participants) icons, e.g. (708) (700) or avatar, by a diagram, or the like. , And, may be provided to each user and. or to the invitee by limiting communication from/or more parties so as to limit communication from one or more parties so as to limit communication from one or more parties so as to limit communication from one or more parties so as to limit communication from the one or more parties, for example, by limiting communication from one or more parties, and providing a limited design change authority, and an arbitrary combination of the/control and design change authority . for example.

Interface 7 shown in FIG. (700) is also a text message or " chat " panel in this example. The communication display unit (710), which includes the communication display unit # . enables various users to determine online when various features of the footwear design change, (710), for example, to show all people on the individual display device so that a session participant may provide a response to the proposed, control request, query, change .

In the example interface shown in FIG. 7, at, times a single user (, for example, sessions, may control input changing) design in their own computing device, or one party, may control the input changing the appearance of product portion, that is to (702) at a given time, the pointer. (712)(may be moved by a mouse or other device at a predetermined time.). Control and interface (700) will respond to input from a single party at a given time, or another designated party, configured with (first-time collaborative sessions may have the capability of forcibly obtaining control of ultimate rejection control) and pointer (override control), and (712) or other input capabilities from another person of the session.

The other desired portion " of " participant (708)(panel (700) or interface) is highlighted in any way, as shown in . in the example shown in FIG. where 7 is highlighted in any manner, for example (dots or graphical indicators of, bold letter as a box of, different colors . and the, exemplary system, is an). example, of the exemplary, system, as shown in the example shown in the above-described example in FIGS. If there, " is a control right for the design session pointer A" and (712) user. is shown to have the ability to enter the design data, 7 user, moves the pointer A to the friend (712) and clicks his or her mouse B, and in the example shown in FIG. a friend, is displayed as a participant with the control right of pointer, and design input A. (712). FIGS. " (are now illustrated in FIG. " " B". The). operation of (708) is performed by any desired B method instead " of " the (708) present invention 8 B or in any desired. way, B as shown (712) in FIGS. sub. sub.

At this point, add friend B. If he or she may now enter any change to the footwear design as desired, OK, has also entered a logo B on the side of the shoe (714), and a selection (logo, for example, or more manufacturer logo (or other person's logo), to see by the comparison of FIG. and FIG. wherein), is a scroll, which allows one or more users to view all steps, 7 of the last, of the session and perhaps 8 every step of the session, as will, " be appreciated "(Last Action) by the (716) comparison between (716) the user .'s selection (, of, logo options and the selection. logo of the session, such as a sportteam or golf team or), the like. The (final action, box, and its potential drop-down menu may include drop down menu, or other interface) to show additional steps on the displayed step (such as) logo color. position " size or orientation option " to enable a user to select any desired individual steps for other operations, such as for example (716) re-selecting the same portion for other operations, such as ", " operation (.),), ", and the like to show additional steps in the (user's), state of ". operations; for example (interfaces are reselecting the same portion for other operations.

System, and computer according to embodiments of the present invention For example, one data packet may include data (tag) relating to one. or more, of a data " payload "(for example, new color) new dimension; new location and (a new, material ID); new material (, for, example ID); user new feature (New Your New Your New YA. New Device New Your Neighbor New Yorn, New, Your New Your New, Your New Your, Neighb.) for example]. New Yold P. Except for the modification of the input (.). While, data packets from controlling, data packets may be sent directly from the computing device of the user who receives the data packet, if the computing device receives the data packet (,), may analyze the incoming data for the design change, feature, if desired, (, if. necessary, and update the display if the computing device receives the data packet, if desired) data packets. were received.

9 Shows another exemplary step included in the overall collaborative design session, which helps describe various features and functions of the system, and the user interface according to various examples of the present invention. Note that, as shown in, FIG. 9, the back-up reinforcing portion, of the article of footwear displayed in the design portion (700) of (702) interface (900) is changed to red by the friend (712) with the control right of the input device B and . and the change is changed from, " to the user interface of " participant (716) box " through the collaborative design data connection, as shown in FIGS. " 8,). (708), through B, B for example . FIGS. B are enlarged by the user interface with the control right of the input device. sub (900)). (.

Various selected portions of a shoe design For example. users may first use a pointer, to (712) select " to select a certain portion of the footwear ", for example, a (nd heel reinforcement portion, a portion (900), sole portion, sole portion, tether, bottom (eyelet), element, and the, interface element may first (toe cap), click (tread) to select a portion of the footwear). or a portion, of another input device, so as, to select a portion thereof. for example.) .for example . a user may first select a portion of a shoe upper shoe, (for example, a triple-heel reinforcement portion one-heel, opening " (702). (712) " () for user selection) and " change " for. a portion of an article of footwear that does not appear. For example, when a new color is selected, the system, and the user interface according to the present invention immediately change the color of a corresponding part from the color palette, or 9 to select. colors as shown in FIG. or even if the new color is selected for the, st highlighted portion, (712), for example (906) to select one color from the three color display charts (. Alternatively, menus, can be selected from each of, the three color display charts), in) or a different manner to select the, selected part . for example, (color display charts. In addition to changing the color of each portion . user may select a number of different features, for order production, for example, bottom design, midsole thickness, midsole thickness, midsole thickness and/or position (, and any desired structure), design or other changes may be made in the shoe design. without departing from the present invention.

Another exemplary feature of the system, and computer interface according to at least some examples of the present invention " is one cost " or " price " box (902). This element of. user interface (700) can slightly alter the cost of the footwear. when one or more features of, shoes are required, such as when one or more characteristics of the two shoes are required or when one or more characteristics of the shoe are required, (. and, when one or more characteristics of the shoe are required, see). 8 and 9 8 if no more. than 9 additional production steps or other production techniques were requested, and (902) users make the (902) final price of the product, more well known . It is possible to control.

9 Shows another potential feature that may be included in a system, method and a computer interface according to at least some examples of the present invention . wherein the user selection of the interface element (700) may be displayed so that the user can assume any expected effect in " performance, including "(Cost Variations) price change (904) icon (, with little change in). performance; for example (904), the interaction with the interface element (is shoe, upgrade, information. (. FIGS. ", for instance ", "). " provides the user with information and opportunities for activating, the function (904))) .with little change " in " performance. As another example, the " interface may advise the cost associated with the addition " pictures or graphics of the various potential, upgrade (features available to shoes), more stably and. or another way to affect its performance characteristics, as a more specific example of, or an existing design element or a modification, of the existing design elements or features . sup.g. (or other suitable design elements or a modification of the personalization) factor associated with, the addition of another design element in (the shoe, as another example. , May also be provided with a cost associated with removal of) design elements or features that may advice. the change. material change, such as change of the change-based material, to the user in any other way to create this type of cost change information available to, or collaborative design teams together with a. cost chart associated with that option.

In the above system, and user interface, a single party of,party groups controls input (e.g. pointer (712), interface screen (700) or the like at a given time), but if desired . the. system, method and computer interface may not be needed, if/desired, the computer interface may be any and, or all of the plurality of collaborative relations (at any given time in the session. Any method of marking the pointing device) to display the user with. control authority (712) may be used without departing from this invention, such as, for example, a color coding. text (712) icon, graphic, picture data, avatar, or the like, which may have its own pointing device, so as to avoid excessive confusion of each individual user interface by, pointer devices, if desired / to indicate the user with their own independent pointer . as shown in FIG. 10, to indicate that each individual user (1000) interface is over obfuscated. on the display of each participant who (712) is in an example collaborative session, or 3, if desired, to display the user with (712) their own, independent pointer.' . sub.(712). sub. sub. By showing the number of pointers (712), or, or some other participant's pointer (712) to a small size to minimize the appearance, (, e.g. to show a pointer to a small size, thereby showing the pointer only when, the user takes a variety of actions, etc.).

, Data " collisions " may occur when a plurality of users interact with any desired portion of the design at any time, i.e. or more relationships may attempt to simultaneously, 2 or substantially simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously for certain features of the same element in the design). For example. each user's input data may be tagged with a time stamp to control changes to the central server computer, or the collaborative design and display a change in (time or even if some changes are not displayed or), for example. or a plurality of changes may be displayed for, specific parts in a predetermined time frame, if any desired method is displayed or only a few changes are displayed; (b) in a predetermined time (frame in a predetermined time frame (, see); (c) (a), for example) (. For example, when received in a user A, friend B, friend C, friend D or any other desired party); (d) may be displayed to display only one change or the (and the session initiator (, or any other desired party, may be displayed to display one change and provide the user with an opportunity to display a change in the advice) or the like); (e)) (, etc. The user. may choose to display only one change and to display a different change to the user.

10 Shows a system, method according to at least some examples of the present invention and various additional potential features and functions that may be included in the user interface . for example, as shown in FIG. 10, (a manufacturer logo was replaced with a personalized message in terms of the shoe 9 . and this "), personalization. The message " may be displayed in any desired manner, by selecting an icon, e.g. 10 through the toolbar menu item as shown in FIG. " or with "(Add Message) icons (1002) to allow (user to typing or record any desired message by using the insertion box, and if desired (712) is displayed only on the user's computer to select to avoid confusing the interface screen of the other user, if he wishes (1002), (to select the desired location for) messages). for example, by (1002) pointer device (on the computer interface screen (1000) of the user performing at least selection.). The user selects. icon (1002) may also select other features of the message, such as font, size, position, orientation, line shifting, etc. and if desired, the system, and the user interface according to various examples of the present invention can be applied to a plurality of parts of the shoe, if desired, to a plurality of parts of the shoe if desired (or the like, and, (712), for, example.) (interior bootie), (.sub). sub . for assisting in positioning or orientation of. the message with respect to the shoe structure.

10 Is a picto, graph, icon, avatar, clip art, or other graphical element in a shoe structure. The user of the graphical element (1004) and. may also display the " graphic insertion " feature, through, graphic add 10 icon ", e.g. "(Add Graphic) or even (1006) with (graphical user interface screen, to select a stored file corresponding to the desired graphic for insertion into the shoe structure using (712), e.g. (1006) pointer device), so as to avoid confusing the graphical file selection box . and if desired (1006), the graphical file selection box may be displayed only on the user's computer for selection to avoid confusion by (of the user's interface screen. (1000), if yes, the user selects the icon.), from the user's computer interface screen at the, user's computer interface screen, (1006) size . to avoid confusing the other user's interface screen. If desired. graphics can also be selected, if desired, graphics may be applied to any desired position, for example (upper, midsole (712) sole) inner bootie. tongue element, or underfloor, and, if desired, to a plurality of parts of the shoe, if desired, ().

11 Shows a system, method in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention and another exemplary user communication channel or system that may be used in a user interface. Instead of using text messaging or email to join the user communication during (, as shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10,) users can communicate via video teleconference or, web cam 11, as shown in system (1100) of FIG. ", but instead of " video display panel . the computer system, of each participant (1102), is arranged to move together with the user's pointer device (1104) instead of the two image display panel two.) (1106). sub. sub. sub .sub (1108) ((1108) . sub.sub (712).sub.sub.sub. In, the user may also use, (, e.g. as a user's indicator with the control right) a particular pointer with features available to the user to enlarge the size of the user image, if desired.

Also, if desired, voice communications may be sent by the system, method and user interface according to various examples of the present invention . as well as any desired live and, or streaming voice and/or video feed system and protocol, including conventional systems and protocols known and used in the conventional telephone call field, can be used without departing from the invention .

C. Collaborative product shopping system, method and example feature of user interface

The present invention also includes 4 through 11 described above. [/] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a sum for other online commerce activities, such as shopping, in . and. is an example user interface display screen 12 that can be used in online shopping environments ((e.g. as shown in FIG. 2), and the) user is (1200) footwear. clothing, men, men, armalone, electronic product (, and the like for potential purchases, for example ", which may be used in online shopping environments. ", ", for example, in U.S. ", ", and the like for potential purchases ", " " ", " ", ". As can be listed through a drop-down menu, such as),specific manufacturer (or retailer), the shopping website. is known in the art and can be used in this technique.

In addition to the various shopping capabilities, the example system, method and computer interface may be provided without departing from this invention, but. options disclosed in, are, products through direct interaction with a user interaction using a pointing device (1204) mouse (1202)(roller ball, touchscreen, stylus directed towards the icon,), and the like, for example, through. direct conversation with a dedicated collaborative shopping website. , May also be initiated from other websites or other online experiences without departing from this invention through the merchant website. or through an online retailer website.

13 To 12, for example . an overlay screen unit or a text box, requesting information from a user is provided in the example shown in (1300), and the request for the. information may request input of a friend's name, email address or other information to publish (1300) for the collaborative shopping session / for example, through a text input box, drop down listing. list, icon, button, or the like. If desired, if desired or if desired information may be input to the user. alternatively, if desired, the initial user may return " to the shopping site at " or any other desired way, if desired, (1302), and if desired (, the user interface may return to the shopping site, optionally), if desired. if desired . Alternatively, if desired 12, the user may return to the shopping site (. alternatively, if desired, standby time, the user interface returns to the shopping site . A method of requesting invitation information using other interface elements other than). overlay or text box (1300) may be used, for example, without departing from, present invention, such as the beginning of the old/new application and, or its user interface to a new website.

As another potential example, invitation interface may include the ability to allow the user to present time and date of the collaborative session (, if an immediate session is not necessary or not,) .may appear as " meeting request " for the inviter system and appear as input to, and/or user's electronic schedules or calendar programs.

FIGS. 13. , To . the system, and the user interface, according to various examples of the present disclosure may be provided without departing from the present invention, as described above in connection with FIG. through the communication channel different from Embodiment . for example, through another communication channel such as a messaging 1a e-mail or the like. 1c. The user interface may immediately instruct the initial user to provide a session link to the desired peer .

The initiation of a collaborative shopping session may cause creation of shopping session identification number (, e.g. unique " session ID") for the session (, for example, sessions and servers or other computing devices that control) .data transfer for sessions and other computing devices. The, shopping session ID is then sent to the invitee. to allow the invitee to enter the correct session, and each invitation may be required to enter information, optionally transmitted to the invitee via a means different from the initial invitation to enter, user ID, password and /) or session if desired. (.

In response to the issuance of " invitation " for the collaborative session, the invitee will receive (his calendar or scheduling program by, e.g. immediately through messaging to, email boxes, for example) immediately or as a future calendar entry or meeting request (to display the 14 invitation related content . or a future calendar entry or meeting request, for example, in the future. (1402)). [(1400)] Example User Device. shown in (1402), or alternatively, The user interface screen, may provide other options, such as an option, related voice and. or a call for video teleconferencing, which presents a new time, date for the session, and / for example, display, if desired, to the laptop computer (of the invitee instead of the phone device shown, for the session or sending and sending a response message), for example, to the second device shown in FIGS, (1402) sup.7.7. Any desired information may be provided to the invitee via the display (, such as ID, session ID, user) session password, etc. that allows the user to enter the collaborative session through a device other than that received by the user . and any desired information may be sent back to the invitee via the display, or back to the computer system in which the session is running. (1402).

A user and its invitee need not access a collaborative session through the same website or interface portal . for example, users access the session through a manufacturer or retailer's websites and the invitee for, sessions is within the social network website, E-mail management website, mobile device, or shopping mall. An in-line kiosk, video game, or session may enable access to the session and access the session through the same website or application (, e.g. that is the same as the first received website or application) for supporting the session.

, Through / and, and 7, including the features described above with respect to 11, FIG. illustrates some example features of the collaborative shopping feature according to various examples of the present disclosure, and FIG. illustrates some example features of the collaborative shopping feature according to various examples of the present disclosure. 16. FIGS. 15. FIGS 15. sub. (. (1502) .sub. sub. sub. Other features of interface (1500) indicate) interface (1500) and, " participant " panel (1504) also includes text messaging user communication features . wherein the interface screen (1500) also includes the ability to. through (1500) icon, for instance, to create a, collaborative shopping session (; for example, the above type of design and customization session, if desired, and customization sessions as described above (1506).).

The example system, and the user interface shown here are for example the interaction of the collaborative relationship with " other people add "(Add Another) icons (1508). If yes, the system. and the user interface according to at least some example (1508) of the present invention may initiate 13 different invitation procedures, such as those described above with respect to FIG. 14 and FIG. or by only user. designated as, Controller, of the session, if desired. (, or any other desired interface feature, as described above in connection with the at least " some examples of) the present invention. ".

As another example, FIG. 16 illustrates (interface, through another feature of (1602) pointing device (1600) or interface) with a plurality of users in the session, with input control right, (1600) pointing device, (1602) being the control right thereof. For example . interface (1600) also includes, for example, voice and/or video user communication features as described above . and the interface screen (1600) also includes the ability to, through an exit, for example (icon, which can automatically construct a collaborative design and customization session if desired (1604) for) collaborative shopping sessions, if desired.

Although various system, methods and user interfaces and many changes in their use are possible without departing from this invention . it is possible to freely change its display working on the features of the design, to avoid confining the screen of various veneers, e.g. in order to avoid confining the screen of various veneers . If any change entered can be sent to another user who can only see the newly inserted change in any form currently available on their screen. or alternatively, e.g. suitable " synchronization "(on-demand) icon or other interface element (, the interface element and the individual user interaction, for example " drop down menu " graphic insertion interface, etc. are), for example, as described above. sup.sup.70, for synchronizing the screen of (, users at). [(] Other ways of controlling the content of the various individual display devices related to). collaborative sessions can be provided without departing from the invention, in particular if multiple users can enter design changes simultaneously.

The system, and other options for the user interface are also possible . e.g. users may configure team challenge or " design competition " through. " sharing " features, (or in some other way) teams may request input from other users regarding the various designs, for example (, with the request of " input " or suggestions to selectively. improve) or a request for suggestions. Aspects of the present invention may be published to public (or smaller group) (.) and may also send the design (to the first design designer " or other person " with), e.g. (shared), features, and (selectively for another party via an email or website link), if necessary, and optionally. suggested revised design may be sent back to another party via a website link.

The team members may optionally relate to a design session for designing, collaborative team shoes, including various features such as the location of the name, player of the team name, logo, line, as another example . if desired, is, team (roke) builder (outfit) for guiding the entire team " or some ". " ". As a more specific. example team cotch, or Uniform designer, as described, above, team, cotch (lacrosse) or other team, members and the like can participate/in shopping and or designing sessions, for example ", in " a baseball team farmer football game . hats hustim hats hats, hats baseball ball hushive or other team members, as described above for, example. team team/football hatcham . hustim/team hustim/team, Shutter- (stirrup), Hitteam Hunteam, (jersey). As mentioned above / and . and, etc. The, user may include; models and; or styles of various teams of; different team mates ; pieces of clothing and a variety of items of equipment or equipment, as mentioned/above, and the user, may consult/an online expert or other person. through the seizure, system and method according. to the present invention.

Another exemplary feature of the system, and user interface according to the present invention relates to collaborative design sessions with experts . for example. In order to obtain a new design of, specialists, or more users may use this type of session to create a new design, such as. professionals with permissions, professionals, professionals to make a new design and provide a personal map for their movies and, or birth processing with the authority of any desired level . as well as a professional. The customer's input (, for example, professionals, can make a design change in accordance with a " prompt " design session using the customer's proposal and using the proposal as a winning prize.).

[, ] As another potential feature, the system (celebrity) and the user interface according to at least some examples of the present invention are associated with a collaborative design session with low business. and can be given a, Confirm, (for example, product design context), with the opportunity to create a new product design along with, or a low business company, a product design condom number . Alternatively or alternatively, collaborative design system ", such as movie bow " region maintenance, etc. may be invited to see for example shoe, or other product, who is designed by a company (or alternatively using a user interface), using the collaborative design system, and the user interface according to the present invention. (). Alternatively.) or alternatively to a person related to the session, (is possible using the user interface.

A person skilled in the art, with respect to design and/or shopping for an article of footwear, and/or computer interface features described above with respect to clothes (athletes, uniforms It will) be readily understood (that, in, connection, with, design and, or, shopping, for other, products, such) as and athletic equipment balls hats glove bag protection equipment, stick/watch socks etc. including the like, etc. teams pads to Shawn et al. Soc. Soc

V. Weir

However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, that many modifications and substitutions are possible in the systems and techniques described above . and, and / which are those skilled in the art, without departing from the invention and are capable of carrying, out many modifications and/permutations in the above-described, systems, and techniques without departing from the invention. The various features/of and/or the user interface may be changed as described above (, for example using, different types of interface elements), omit some of . omit some of the steps, or include additional steps or features, and various changes and modifications to the user interface. can be modified as included in the appended claims. © K, and U.S. as included in the appended claims. May be made without departing from the spirit and scope.