Video message capture and delivery for online purchases

Techniques for delivering a video message from a purchaser of an order to a recipient of the order are described. An order for one or more items is received, the order specifying a recipient and having an association with a purchaser. The order further specifies to deliver a video message from the purchaser to the recipient. Embodiments receive a video message from the purchaser. The order for the one or more items is fulfilled. Embodiments transmit at least an indication of the video message to the recipient.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments generally relate to online retail, and more particularly, to techniques for transmitting a video message from an online purchaser to a recipient of an online gift purchase.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the proliferation of the Internet, more and more consumers are purchasing items online. In online financial transactions, buyers search for and purchase products and services through electronic communications with online sellers over electronic networks, such as the Internet. During the course of these transactions, buyers may provide payment in various ways including, for example, credit cards, electronic fund transfers, and other payment techniques offered by online payment providers.

Typically, when shopping online at a particular seller's website, buyers select items to purchase by clicking on a link for a specific item, and the selected items are placed on reserve in some type of virtual shopping cart while the buyer continues to browse the particular seller's website. The virtual shopping cart typically allows buyers to add or delete products, specify attributes, such as color, quantity, size, and the like, and purchase products contained within the cart. When a buyer changes or updates data in the virtual shopping cart, e.g., the color or quantity of an item, the updated data is sent to a server and a response is reported through a reload of the seller's webpage. If more updated data is sent as part of an order, the webpage may reload or refresh again.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium for receiving an online order for one or more items. Here, the online order is made by a requester and specifies a recipient. Additionally, the online order further includes a request to deliver a personalized video message from the requester to the recipient. The method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium include receiving the personalized video message from the requester, the video message being distinct from the one or more items. The method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium also include fulfilling the online order for the one or more items. Further, the method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium include transmitting at least an indication of the video message to the recipient in a manner that conveys an association with the one or more items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although some shopping websites provide a mechanism through which purchasers can include a message for their recipients, these mechanisms are limited to textual messages. For instance, an online store could allow users to input a short textual message to the recipient and could include this textual message when delivering the purchased item(s) to the recipient. As an example, in a transaction involving physical goods, the textual message could be printed on a gift card and the card could be included in the delivery packaging for the physical goods (e.g., in a box the physical goods are shipped in). As another example, in a transaction involving digital goods (e.g., an online game purchase), a digital message specifying the textual message could be included with the delivery of the digital goods (e.g., in an email informing the recipient that he has received a digital gift). While these techniques allow purchasers some degree of personalization for their online gift purchases, as a personalized message may be delivered together with the purchased goods, such personalization is limited due to the textual nature of the message.

As such, embodiments provide techniques for delivering a video message from a purchaser to a recipient of an online order. In one embodiment, an online store server is configured with a video capture and delivery (VCD) component. The VCD component could receive an online order for one or more items and specifying a recipient. Generally, the online order is associated with a purchaser (e.g., the user or entity that initiated the online order). Additionally, the online order may further include a request to deliver a video message from the purchaser to the recipient of the order. For example, the interface for the online store could enable the purchaser to record a video message (e.g., using a webcam on a client system associated with the purchaser) during the checkout process for the online order. As another example, the interface could enable the purchaser to upload a prerecorded video message during the checkout process.

The VCD component could then receive the video message from the purchaser and could initiate the process of fulfilling the online order for the one or more items specified in the order. For instance, in a transaction involving digital goods, the VCD component could initiate a process for delivering the digital goods to the recipient, in which the recipient is notified of the online gift and allowed to download the digital goods from a server. As another example, in a transaction involving physical goods, the VCD component could initiate a process for delivering the physical goods to the recipient, in which the physical goods are packaged into a shipping container and are transported (e.g., by a freight service) to the recipient.

Additionally, the VCD component could transmit the video message (or an indication of the video message) to the recipient. For example, the VCD component could include the video message (or a reference to the video message, such as a URL) in an electronic message (e.g., an email message) transmitted to the recipient. Advantageously, doing so enables the purchaser to record a more personalized video message that is then delivered to the recipient along with the purchased items, thereby creating an improved system for online shopping and gift delivery.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a system configured with a video capture and delivery component, according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the system100includes a purchaser system110, a web store server120, a recipient system130and an order fulfillment system140. The web store server120is configured with a VCD component125. As discussed above, the VCD component125may be configured to manage the delivery of a video message from a purchaser to a recipient of an online order. In the depicted system100, a purchaser could place an order using a client application (e.g., a web browser running on the purchaser system110) from the web store (e.g., a web application hosted by a web server application on the web store server120). The order may specify one or more items and recipient information.

Additionally, the online order may further include a request to deliver a video message from the purchaser to the recipient of the order. For example, the interface for the online store could enable the purchaser to record a video message (e.g., using a webcam on the purchaser system110) during the checkout process for the online order. As another example, the interface could enable the purchaser to upload a prerecorded video message from the purchaser system110to the web store server120during the checkout process.

In any event, the VCD component125could receive the video message from the purchaser system110and could initiate the process of fulfilling the online order for the one or more items specified in the order. For instance, the VCD component125could transmit a request to the order fulfillment system140specifying the goods and the recipient information associated with the order. Software on the order fulfillment system140could then manage the delivery of the specified goods to the recipient. For example, in a transaction involving digital goods, software on the order fulfillment system could notify the recipient of the online gift and provide a mechanism through which the recipient can download the digital goods. As another example, in a transaction involving physical goods, software on the order fulfillment system could generate an order and transmit the order to a warehouse for processing.

Additionally, the VCD component125is configured to manage the delivery of the video message to the recipient. For example, the VCD component125could include the video message (or a reference to the video message, such as a URL) in an electronic message (e.g., an email message) transmitted to the recipient. As another example, in a transaction involving physical goods, the VCD component125transmit a request to the order fulfillment system140to include a URL associated with the video message in the delivery packaging for the goods. For instance, the URL could be specified on a printout (e.g., a printed piece of paper) specifying the URL at which the video message can be accessed. As an example, the VCD component125could generate a printout (e.g., by transmitting printout data to a printer device) specifying the URL at which the video message can be accessed. Such a printout could specify, for instance, an alphanumeric string of characters specifying the URL, a QR code which the user can scan (e.g., using a QR code application on a mobile device) to access the URL, and so on. The recipient could then enter the URL into the recipient system (e.g., into a web browser running on the recipient system130) in order to access the video message. As another example, a memory device (e.g., a USB flash memory device) containing a link to the URL could be included in the packaging with the physical goods. The recipient could then insert the memory device into the recipient system130and could use the URL to access the video message.

As another example, the VCD component125could insert the video message itself onto a memory included in the delivery packaging. For instance, if the items purchased for the recipient include a memory (e.g., a computing system), the VCD component could transfer the video message onto the memory and could create a link (e.g., on the desktop of the computing system) to the video message. As another example, the video message could be loaded on to a memory device (e.g., a USB flash memory device) which is included in the delivery package. In one embodiment, the delivery packaging itself may include a display device capable of displaying the recorded video message. Such a display device could be, for instance, part of the delivery packing itself (e.g., a box including at least one display panel) or part of a standalone unit (e.g., a handheld video game system) coupled to the packaging. Responsive to a user action (e.g., the recipient pressing a power button on the display), logic (e.g., on a memory coupled to the display and storing the video message) could begin playback of the video message. In one embodiment, the playback could begin responsive to the logic authenticating the recipient, based on the recipient swiping his finger across a fingerprint scanner on the delivery packaging. Advantageously, doing so enables the purchaser to record a more personalized video message that is then delivered to the recipient along with the purchased items, thereby creating an improved system for online shopping and gift delivery.

In one embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to provide an interface for editing the video message. For example, once the purchaser records or uploads the video message to the web store server120, the VCD component125could allow the purchaser to edit the message. That is, the VCD component125may make alterations to the received video message based on one or more interactions between the purchaser and the provided interface. For instance, the VCD component125could enable the purchaser to delete certain portions of the video message using the editing interface.

Additionally, the VCD component125could allow the purchaser to alter the background of the received video message. For instance, although the purchaser may have recorded the video message in his home office, the purchaser could use an interface of the VCD component125to alter the background of the video message so that it appears the purchaser is at one of the Disney® theme parks. Moreover, the background could be animated. For instance, the background could altered so that the purchaser appears to be at a Disney® theme park during a fireworks show. The VCD component125could also allow the purchaser to alter the video message by inserting one or more animated characters into the video message. For instance, the VCD component125could alter frames of the video message, so that it appears that an animated virtual character (e.g., Mickey Mouse®) is standing next to the user in the video message. As yet another example, the VCD component125could alter the video message by applying one or more effects to the video message. Continuing the above example of a background showing a Disney® theme park during a fireworks show, lighting effects could be applied to the purchaser in the video message, such that it appears the fireworks are casting light down on the purchaser.

In addition to altering the visual appearance of the video message, the VCD component125could be configured to alter the sound track of the video message. As an example, the VCD component125could be configured to augment the purchaser's voice in the video message, so that the user sounds like a famous character (e.g., Mickey Mouse®). As another example, the VCD component125could alter the video message to include background music or sound effects. For instance, where the VCD component125has augmented the background of the video message to show a theme park during a fireworks display, the VCD component125could also alter the audio track of the video message to include the sound of fireworks in sync with the depicted fireworks display.

In one embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to restrict access to the video message. For instance, the VCD component125could associate a first access key with the video message and could provide an interface for providing access to the video message. For example, the video message could be hosted on a web server and accessible at a particular URL. However, the web server could require that users enter a certain password before viewing the video message. In such an embodiment, the VCD component125may be configured to transmit the password to the recipient of the online order associated with the video message. For instance, the VCD component125could transmit an electronic message specifying the password to the recipient. As another example, the VCD component125could include a printed piece of paper specifying the password in the delivery packaging for the ordered item(s). In a particular embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to transmit a first message (e.g., an email message) notifying the recipient than an order has been placed that includes a video message for the recipient. However, the VCD component125may not provide the recipient with the password for accessing the video message until the order arrives (e.g., the password could be included in the delivery packaging for the order). Doing so may be advantageous, for instance, when the purchased items are a surprise gift and the purchaser wishes to avoid spoiling the surprise by allowing the recipient to see the video message before the purchased items are delivered.

In a particular embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to begin the playback of the video message responsive to recognizing the gifted items. For example, an augmented reality application running on the recipient's mobile device could be preconfigured with data characterizing the visual appearance of a gifted item (e.g., a Mickey Mouse® toy). The augmented reality application could then use this data to determine when the gifted item is placed in front of one or more cameras. For instance, where the augmented reality application is running on a handheld device (i.e., an augmented reality device), a camera of the handheld device could capture images of the physical environment, and the recipient could view the images using a display of the handheld device. As another example, an application running on a personal computing system could capture images using a webcam coupled to the computing system. Upon determining that the gifted item is contained within one of the images, the VCD component125could begin playback of the video message. For instance, when the user holds the gifted item in front of the webcam, the VCD component125could begin streaming the video message associated with the gifted item. As another example, when the user views the gifted item using the augmented reality device, the VCD component125could begin playback of the video message. In such an example, the VCD component125could be configured to augment the images displayed on the augmented reality device, so that the video message appears to play within the depicted physical environment. For instance, the purchaser could appear in the displayed frames as a holographic character standing within the physical environment. Advantageously, doing so provides a fun and intuitive way for purchasers to begin the playback of the video message associated with their gift.

FIG. 2depicts a user completing an online purchase on a system configured with a video capture and delivery component, according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the illustration200includes a purchaser210interacting with a purchaser system220. The purchaser system220is configured with a web cam225. Additionally, the purchaser system220shows an interface230for a VCD component125. In one embodiment, the interface230is rendered by a web browser based on one or more web pages. Here, the interface230includes a record button235, which the purchaser210may interact with to record a video message during an online order. For example, in response to the purchaser210clicking on the record button235, the VCD component125could be configured to display a second interface screen through which the purchaser210can record a video message using the web cam225. As discussed above, in one embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to allow the purchaser210to upload a video message using the purchaser system220.

Although examples are described throughout this document that relate to purchases made at an online store, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present invention may be configured to work with other retail environments as well. In one embodiment, the purchaser system220may be a system (or kiosk) located at a retail store or other retail location where a gift is being purchased (e.g., a booth at a Disney® theme park). In such an embodiment, the system could be equipped with a video camera and software to record a video message. The system could also be configured with software configured to edit or otherwise alter the recorded video message. For instance, as discussed above, the software could alter the background scenery of the video message so that it appears the user is at national attraction (e.g., in front of the Eiffel tower), rather than in a crowded retail store. The VCD component125could then receive the recorded video message and deliver the recorded video message (or a reference to it, such as a URL) to the recipient.

Once the purchaser210finishes recording the video message, the VCD component125may deliver the video message to the recipient. An example of this is shown inFIG. 3, which depicts a user receiving a notification of a video message, according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the recipient310is viewing a graphical interface325on a recipient system320. Here, the interface325includes a message indicating that “USER-1” (i.e., the purchaser210) has sent a gift to the recipient310which includes a video message, and includes a video element330that the recipient310can interact with to view the video message. As discussed above, the VCD component125may deliver the video message in a variety of different ways. For instance, the VCD component125could transmit an electronic message to the recipient310that includes a link to the interface325. As another example, the VCD component125could include a link to the interface325on a memory device in the delivery packaging for the ordered goods.

Additionally, the VCD component125could also require the recipient310to enter a passphrase before viewing the video message. Such a passphrase could be used to restrict access to the video message to only the recipient310. Additionally, such a passphrase could be used to ensure that the recipient310does not view the message before the gifted goods are delivered, so as to avoid spoiling the surprise of the gift for the recipient310. For instance, the VCD component125could transmit a link to the interface325to the recipient310shortly after the purchaser210places the order, but could only provide the passphrase to the recipient310when the goods are delivered. Advantageously, doing so ensures that the recipient310cannot view the video message and learn about the contents of the gift before the gift is delivered.

Once the purchaser210records (or uploads) a video message, the VCD component125could provide an interface through which the purchaser210can edit the recorded (or uploaded) video message. An example of this is shown inFIG. 4, which depicts an interface for editing a video captured using a video capture and delivery component, according to one embodiment described herein. Here, the interface400includes a video playback element410where the video message can be viewed and a current position indicator415which depicts the current playback position in the video message. Additionally, the interface400includes a play button420, a stop button425and a pause button430for controlling the playback of the video message in the video playback element410.

Additionally, the interface400includes a modify background scenery button435. For instance, the VCD component125could be configured with a number of predefined background scenes that a user can apply to a video message. As an example, when the user interacts with the modify background scenery button435, the VCD component125could present an interface in which the user can select a particular background scene (e.g., from a plurality of different background scenes) and the VCD component125could apply the selected background scenery to the recorded (or uploaded) video message. For instance, the user could select a background scene of the Grand Canyon and the VCD component125could alter the background of the video message based on the selected background scene, so that it appears the user is at the Grand Canyon in the video message.

The interface400also includes an animated foreground characters button440. Upon the user selecting the animated foreground characters button440, the VCD component125could be configured to present an interface to the user in which the user can select a particular character (e.g., from a plurality of different animated characters) to insert into the video message. In one embodiment, the interface also allows the user to select a position with the video message at which the animated character should be inserted. The VCD component125could then insert the animated character into the video message. For example, a user could select a Mickey Mouse® animated character and the VCD component125could then inserted an animation of Mickey Mouse® standing next to the user in the video message.

Additionally, the interface400includes an apply special effects button445. As discussed above, the VCD component125may be configured to apply visual and/or auditory special effects to video messages. For example, upon the user selecting the special effects button445, the VCD component125could present an interface in which the user can select a particular auditory effect (e.g., from a plurality of different auditory effects) to apply to the user's voice in the video message. For instance, the user could select a Mickey Mouse® special effect and the VCD component125could alter the audio track for the video message so that the user's voice mimics the voice of Mickey Mouse®. As another example, the user could select a combination special effect that includes both visual and auditory effects. For instance, the user could select a fireworks effect, which alters the background of the video message so that it appears that fireworks are going off in the background, and also alters the audio track of the video message to include the sound of fireworks exploding in sync with the background imagery.

In one embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to recognize a predefined relationship between an item being purchased and one or more audiovisual effects for the recorded video message. For example, the item purchased could be a Pirates of the Caribbean® DVD, and the VCD component125could be preconfigured to determine one or more thematically appropriate audiovisual effects for augmenting the recorded video message. In one embodiment, some audiovisual effects are restricted and can only be used together with particular item purchases. For instance, the VCD component125could determine that the pirate background theme is related to the Pirates of the Caribbean® DVD purchase and could automatically alter the purchaser's video message to include a pirate background theme, such that it appears the purchaser is standing on the deck of a pirate ship in the video message, and could further augment the audio track of the video message to include ocean background sounds. Of course, in an embodiment where the VCD component125automatically applies a particular theme to the video message, the VCD component125could also provide a mechanism through which the purchaser can override the automatically applied audiovisual effect with another effect of the purchaser's choice or with no effect whatsoever.

In a particular embodiment, the VCD component125is configured to combine the recorded video message with the purchased item(s). For example, the item purchased could be a digital copy of the film Pirates of the Caribbean®, and the VCD component125could insert the recorded video message into the digital copy of the film (e.g., at the beginning of the film). Thus, for instance, when the recipient plays the digital item, the playback could begin with a personalized video message from the purchaser and could then turn to the film. As another example, where the digital item is a video game, the personalized video message could be packaged with the game, such that the video message is played the first time the recipient plays the game. Advantageously, doing so provides a personalized copy of a digital item, which may in turn improve the experiences of both the purchaser and the recipient.

FIG. 5is a flow diagram illustrating a method for delivering a video message associated with an online gift purchase, according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the method500begins at block510, where a purchaser initiates a checkout process for an online gift purchase of one or more items at an online store configured with a VCD component125. Generally, the purchaser may specify a recipient for the online gift purchase before or during the checkout process. For example, the recipient could input the recipient's name, mailing address, and other contact information during the checkout process. The VCD component125then determines whether the purchaser wishes to upload a prerecorded video message (block515). Generally, the prerecorded video message represents any video file the user wishes to be delivered to the recipient along with the gifted items. For example, the purchaser could record a home video using a handheld video camera and could upload the recorded home video to the online store during the checkout process.

If the VCD component125determines the user does not wish to upload a video message, the VCD component125presents an interface through which the purchaser can record a new video message (block520). For instance, the VCD component125could provide an interface configured to interact with a web cam on the purchaser's computer system and could use the web cam to record the new video message. Once the video message is recorded or once the user uploads a pre-recorded video message, the VCD component125then presents an interface through which the purchaser can edit the video message (block525). As discussed above, such edits could include, without limitation, alterations to the background scenery or audio track of the video message, the insertion of animated characters into the video message, and so on.

Once the user finishes editing the video message, the VCD component125selects a method for delivering the edited video message to the recipient (block530). In one embodiment, the VCD component125automatically selects a delivery message through which the video message is delivered. In another embodiment, the VCD component125provides an interface through which the purchaser can select one (or multiple) delivery techniques for the video message. As discussed above, examples of delivery techniques include the transmission of an electronic message (e.g., an email message) including the video message or a link to the video message, a physical object (e.g., a printed piece of paper) included in the delivery packaging with the gifted objects that specifies a link to the video message (e.g., a URL at which the video message can be accessed) and the inclusion of a memory device containing the video message or a link to the video message (e.g., a URL). Additionally, as part of the delivery method, the VCD component125may require users to enter a passphrase or other identification information before accessing the video message. Such a passphrase may be transmitted to the recipient via an electronic message and/or a physical message (e.g., a printed piece of paper in the delivery packaging). As another example, the VCD component125could require the recipient to enter other identification information, such as the recipient's name and home phone number, before the recipient can view the video message. Once the method(s) of delivery is selected, the method500ends.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating a system configured with a video capture and delivery component, according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the system600includes a plurality of user systems610connected to a web store system665via a network605. In this example, the user systems610include, without limitation, a processor615, storage625, and memory630, interconnected via a bus620. Generally, the processor615retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in the memory630. Processor615is included to be representative of a single CPU, multiple CPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, GPUs having multiple execution paths, and the like. The memory630is generally included to be representative of a random access memory. The user system610may also include a network interface that enables the user system610to connect to the data communications network605(e.g., wired Ethernet connection or an 802.11 wireless network). Further, while the depicted embodiment illustrates the components of a user system610, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the user systems610may use a variety of different hardware architectures. Moreover, it is explicitly contemplated that embodiments of the invention may be implemented using any device or computer system capable of performing the functions described herein.

The memory630represents any memory sufficiently large to hold the necessary programs and data structures. Memory630could be one or a combination of memory devices, including Random Access Memory, nonvolatile or backup memory (e.g., programmable or Flash memories, read-only memories, etc.). In addition, memory630and storage625may be considered to include memory physically located elsewhere; for example, on another computer communicatively coupled to the user system610. Illustratively, the memory630includes an operating system635and a web client component640. The operating system635generally controls the execution of application programs on the user system610. Examples of operating system635include UNIX, a version of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, and distributions of the Linux® operating system. Additional examples of operating system635include custom operating systems for gaming consoles, including the custom operating systems for systems such as the Nintendo DS® and Sony PSP®. Generally, the web client component640represents a client application configured to connect to the web server component685on the web store server system655. Examples of such a web client component640include, without limitation, a game client and a web browser.

The depicted user system610is coupled to a display device645and an input device650. The input device640could represent a variety of different input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch screen. Likewise, the display device645could be any device capable of displaying an interface for the web client component640(e.g., a monitor, a touch screen on a portable gaming device, a television display, etc.). Additionally, the input devices650may include a set of buttons, switches or other physical device mechanisms for controlling the user system610. For example, the input devices650could include a set of directional buttons used to control aspects of a video game played using the user system610.

Similarly, the web server system655includes a processor660, storage670, and memory675, interconnected via a bus665. Generally, the processor660retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in the memory675. Processor660is included to be representative of a single CPU, multiple CPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, GPUs having multiple execution paths, and the like. The memory675is generally included to be representative of a random access memory. The web store server system655may also include a network interface that enables the server system655to connect to the data communications network605(e.g., wired Ethernet connection or an 802.11 wireless network). Further, while the depicted embodiment illustrates the components of a particular web store server system655, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the server system655may use a variety of different hardware architectures. Moreover, it is explicitly contemplated that embodiments of the invention may be implemented using any device or computer system capable of performing the functions described herein.

The memory675represents any memory sufficiently large to hold the necessary programs and data structures. Memory675could be one or a combination of memory devices, including Random Access Memory, nonvolatile or backup memory (e.g., programmable or Flash memories, read-only memories, etc.). In addition, memory675and storage670may be considered to include memory physically located elsewhere; for example, on another computer communicatively coupled to the server system655. Illustratively, the memory675includes an operating system680, web server component685and a VCD component125. The operating system680generally controls the execution of application programs on the server system655. Examples of operating system680include UNIX, a version of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, and distributions of the Linux® operating system. Additional examples of operating system680include custom operating systems for gaming consoles, including the custom operating systems for systems such as the Nintendo DS® and Sony PSP®. Generally, the web server component685represents a server application configured to connect with the web client components640on the user system610.

Generally, the VCD component125is configured to deliver a captured video message from a purchaser to a recipient of an online order. The VCD component125could receive an online order for one or more items and specifying a recipient. For instance, a purchaser could place the order by interacting with the web server685using the web client640on the user system610. Such an online order may further include a request to deliver a video message from the purchaser to the recipient of the order. For example, the interface for the online store could enable the purchaser to record a video message (e.g., using an input device650such as a webcam) during the checkout process for the online order. As another example, the interface could enable the purchaser to upload a prerecorded video message during the checkout process.

The VCD component125could then receive the video message from the user system610and could initiate the process of fulfilling the online order for the one or more items specified in the order. For instance, in a transaction involving digital goods, the VCD component125could initiate a process for delivering the digital goods to the recipient, in which the recipient is notified of the online gift and allowed to download the digital goods from a server. As another example, in a transaction involving physical goods, the VCD component could initiate a process for delivering the physical goods to the recipient, in which the physical goods are packaged into a shipping container and are transported (e.g., by a freight service) to the recipient.

Additionally, the VCD component could transmit at least an indication of the video message to the recipient. For example, the VCD component could include the video message (or a reference to the video message, such as a URL) in an electronic message (e.g., an email message) transmitted to the recipient. In a transaction involving physical goods, the VCD component could initiate a process to include a URL at which the video message can be accessed in the delivery packaging for the goods. As an example, the VCD component could generate a printout (e.g., by transmitting printout data to a printer device) specifying the URL at which the video message can be accessed. Advantageously, doing so improves the online gift purchasing experience from the web store hosted on the web server685, by creating a more personalized gift-giving experiences for both the purchasers and recipients.

Typically, cloud computing resources are provided to a user on a pay-per-use basis, where users are charged only for the computing resources actually used (e.g. an amount of storage space consumed by a user or a number of virtualized systems instantiated by the user). A user can access any of the resources that reside in the cloud at any time, and from anywhere across the Internet. In context of the present invention, a user could access an online store configured with a VCD component125and hosted in a cloud. For example, a user could place an order specifying a recipient from the online store hosted in the cloud and the VCD component125could capture a personalized video message from the user. The VCD component125could then fulfill the online and could transmit at least an indication of the personalized video message to the recipient. Doing so allows a user to access the online store to purchase gifts together with a personalized video message from any device or computer system attached to a network connected to the cloud (e.g., the Internet).