Abstract:
In a multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for image processing and virtual outfitting experience(s) sharing, where in provider(s) and user(s) are associated in like-mind groups, offering and sharing their virtual fitting image(s), setting(s), component(s) and/or experience(s), based on their personal preference(s) and/or style(s); means for said system to process image(s) and simultaneously virtual outfit a plurality of users in group(s) at the same time; means for said system to facilitate said sharing in a continuous way through data, image and/or multimedia information data feeds; and means for said system to organize, manage and maintain a plurality of said virtual outfitting item(s), image(s), data, provider(s), user(s), group(s), relationship(s) and/or etc., as a self-sustaining peer virtual outfitting community.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims benefit of provisional Application No. 62/308,229, filed Mar. 15, 2016, and is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/153,000, filed Jan. 11, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to touch screen mobile/phone/tablet/TV application system. More particularly, the invention relates to system and method for image processing and peer virtual outfitting experience(s) and/or service(s). 
         [0004]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0005]    For users, browsing through virtual fitting items, find the ones they like, select said items and instantly virtually try on said items with users&#39; photos and images, is an entertaining experience. This create a novice personal experience that users otherwise would not have access to without said virtual fitting system. Said system also gives users a more enjoyable and personalized shopping experience. Quite often users would like to share said experience with other users, or family members and friends, and get their feedback regarding their new looks with said virtual outfit. This helps the users decide whether said outfit and/or items fit them well, and make their purchase decisions. 
         [0006]    At the same time, users like to receive styling advice from people with refined fashion taste, such as stylists or fashion gurus, and get their help on how to outfit themselves to have better and/or trendy looks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    My invention creates a virtual fitting system and method for users to search and discover virtual outfitting items, associate themselves with groups of people who has like-mind styles and preferences, and receive virtual outfitting items, resources, experiences and/or services from other people. Said system enables providers to offer virtual outfitting experiences and/or services to plurality of users in groups. It enables users to receive, review, comment, customize, buy, exchange and/or share virtual outfitting items, images, outfitting experiences and products with other people in groups. 
         [0008]    In a multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for displaying virtual outfitting item(s) and/or image(s) to user(s); enabling user(s) to upload and manage photo(s), definite the way(s) they would like to be outfitted with, and receiving outfitting experience(s) and/or service(s) offered by provider(s) that make available in said system. 
         [0009]    A system and method for user(s) to associate themselves in groups, creating a way for provider(s) to offer similar virtual fitting experiences and/or service(s) to said group(s) of user(s); enable user(s) to receive, review, comment, customize, buy, exchange and/or share virtual outfitting item(s), image(s) and/or experience(s) in group(s). A system and method for providers to process image(s), simultaneously virtually outfitting a plurality of users in group(s) at the same time. 
         [0010]    For example, a user is looking to design her new look for a party that she is going to participate. She takes a few pictures of herself, create and setup her profile using said system. She uploads her photos into said system, specifies her preferences such as her height, size, colors and styles she like and etc. She uses said system to outfit herself with placeholders using the photos she has uploaded, save the settings. She specifies the types of virtual try-on items she would like to receive, and the criteria on how she would like to receive outfitting experiences and/or services. 
         [0011]    She then searches for groups using said system that shows the outfits, styles and/or photos that she like, and add herself into and/or follow said selected groups. 
         [0012]    By adding herself into said selected groups, said user receives continuous feed of new virtual try-on items, and outfitting experiences and services provided in said groups. 
         [0013]    The stylist(s), fashion designer(s), guru(s) and/or group leaders who contribute to said selected group(s) regularly upload new virtual try-on items, and provide outfitting experiences to users in their groups. 
         [0014]    A fashion designer has a new dress she would like to introduce the market. She takes a picture of said new dress, process the image using said system, and creates a virtual try-on item for said new dress. Said fashion designer is a group leader in several groups in said system, and has her group leader profile in said groups. 
         [0015]    Said fashion designer adds this virtual try-on item to said selected groups. She then use said system to select and/or filter the users who are members in said selected groups, find the ones who maybe interested in the dress. She use said system to adjust said new outfitting item, simultaneous virtually outfitting all the users who have criteria specified for and/or include said new virtual try-on item. She then requests the system to deliver said virtual try-on item and/or virtual outfitting image(s) to all said selected users in said selected groups. 
         [0016]    Said user mentioned earlier is a member in one of the group where said fashion designer is a group leader. Said group leader has virtually outfitted said user&#39;s photo with said new virtual try-on item, and said user receives a notification from said system regarding said new outfitting result. Said user opens her user panel, and views said virtual outfitting result image created by said fashion designer and/or group leader. Said user likes the outfitting result, and she is convinced that the new dress will suites her well, because she has seen the visual result of how she will look like wearing said dress. She places an order with said fashion designer for said dress using said system. Said fashion designer receives the order, produces the dress based on said user&#39;s size and preference, and ships said dress to said user&#39;s home address. 
         [0017]    Using said system, said fashion designer also located a local service provider who geographically locates near said user&#39;s home address, and can help said user to adjust the dress in case said user needs additional customer service. Said fashion designer shares said local service provider&#39;s information with said user using said system. Said user is satisfied with her purchase of said new dress. She receives a new fashionable dress fits her style really well, and also receives high quality customer services from both the fashion designer and the local service provider, that ensures said dress fits her body well. 
         [0018]    Said fashion designer, said local service provider and said user maintain a on-going relationship using said system, and are part of a self-sustaining virtual outfitting community supported by said system. 
         [0019]    The system can be used by providers to manage and process image(s), add virtual outfitting item(s), create outfitting image(s) for user(s), and/or offering outfitting service(s) using said system. 
         [0020]    The system offers the means for user(s) to upload and manage their own photo(s), discover and virtually outfit themselves with virtual outfitting item(s) make available for outfitting in said system. It offers the means for user(s) to definite the way(s) they would like to be outfitted with, using the virtual outfitting item(s), and receiving outfitting experience(s) and/or service(s) make available in said system. It provides means for said user(s) and provider(s) to form group and/or a plurality of group(s), based on the criteria(s) set and defined for said group(s), including but not limited to: the setting(s), dimension(s), color(s), style(s), pricing(s), brand(s), source(s), provider(s) and etc. It provides means for user(s) and/or provider(s) to add, remove, associate and/or disassociate themselves with group(s). 
         [0021]    The system let said user(s) to browse through a plurality of virtual outfit item(s) and/or outfitting image(s), created and offered by one and/or a plurality of provider(s). It provides means for said user(s) to select, follow and/or receive continuously outfitting image(s) and service(s) from said provider(s). It provides the means for said user(s) to follow and/or unfollow provider(s) and/or outfitting image(s) and/or service(s) offered by said provider(s). It offers means for said user(s) to review, provide rating, comment, like, dislike, and share their feedback with said provider(s). It provides means for said user(s) to review, rate, comment, like, dislike, share their feedback with other user(s) within said group(s). 
         [0022]    The system provides means for provider(s) to manage and process image(s), add virtual try-on item(s), create outfitting image(s), and/or offering outfitting experience(s) and/or service(s) to said user(s) in said group(s) using said system. It provides means for said provider(s) to simultaneously outfitting image(s) of a plurality of user(s) in the same group, using predefined criteria and setting(s). It provides means for said provider(s) to offering similar outfitting experience(s) and/or service(s) simultaneously to a plurality of user(s) in said same group. It provides means for said provider(s) to provide and deliver outfitting image(s), experience(s) and/or service(s) to group(s) of user(s) in a continuous way. It provides means for said provider(s) to create virtual try-on item(s), add said try-on item(s) to the system, adjust said try-on item(s) using predefined criteria and/or setting(s), simultaneously rendering, delivering, and/or distributing outfitting image(s), experience(s) and/or service(s) to group(s) of user(s), using said new virtual try-on item(s). 
         [0023]    The system offers means for said user(s) to receive feeds of outfitting image(s), experience(s) and/or service(s) from said provider(s) in a continuous way. The system offers means for said user(s) and/or provider(s) to share said outfitting item(s), image(s), and/or group(s), along with message(s), data, website address, url links, user interface elements such as buttons and etc, through social media networks and/or other data communication channels. It offers means for said shared outfitting image(s), message(s) and/or file(s) are embedded with data, links, buttons and/or other clickable elements; so that upon receiving said file(s), other users can click on them, and open, view, and/or join said outfitting group(s). 
         [0024]    The system offers means for users of said group(s) to find and elect user(s) who has outstanding taste, style, or favored by substantial members of the group, and promote them as group leader(s); said group leader(s) can recommend virtual outfit item(s), experience(s), service(s) and etc to members of said group, and receive privilege and/or rewards as group leader(s). 
         [0025]    They system provides means for said provider(s) to sell products and/or services, request survey, inquiry user feedback, seek customization request(s) and/or etc from user(s) through said system. It also provides means for said user(s) to purchase products and/or services, enter customization request, redesign item(s), enter review(s), comment(s) and feedback and/or communicate with provider(s) through said system. The system can generate reports for data received, processed and managed on said system, helping to consolidate and manager users feedback and/or requests, and improve the products to better suite the requirements of the users. Said system can also interact with or be part of a point of sale system, facilitating in the sales process. 
         [0026]    The system provides means to organize, manage and maintain a plurality of said user(s), provider(s), group(s) and etc., as a self-sustaining virtual outfitting community. 
         [0027]    The system can be used to assist users to view and review outfits of other user(s), input comments, likes, recommendations and etc for said other user(s). 
         [0028]    The system can be used to assist providers to view and review outfits of other user(s), input comments, likings, recommendations and etc for said other user(s). 
         [0029]    The system can be used to assist users to search for group(s) they would like to be associate with, add themselves to said group(s), and receive outfitting experience shared within said group(s). 
         [0030]    The system can be used to assist users to promote user(s) who has outstanding taste, style, or favored by substantial members of the group, and promote them as group leader(s). Said group leader(s) can recommend item(s), experience(s), service(s) and etc to members of said group, and receive privilege and/or rewards as group leader(s). 
         [0031]    The system offers the way for one or a plurality of provider(s) to create a group, setup and define the guidelines and criteria of said group, so that predefined types of virtual try-on items are offered with in said group, and certain outfitting experience and/or services are offered within the group and etc. 
         [0032]    The system offers the way for one or a plurality of provider(s) to create a plurality of groups, each group offers different guidelines and criteria of outfitting items, experience, services and etc. 
         [0033]    The system offers the way for one or a plurality of users to search, discover and add themselves to one or a plurality of groups, each offers different guidelines and criteria of outfitting items, experience, services and etc. 
         [0034]    Providers to virtually fit personal items such as clothes and accessories including but not limited to purse, belt, hat, necklace, shoes, watch, jewelry, etc. Apparel, such as clothes, watch, jewelry and etc, can be positioned graphically as desired with the image of the user, thus generates a visual effect of virtual fitting. The images may be provided with high resolution, cropped, resized, rotated, stretched, zoomed, compressed and etc to create the visual result for the virtual fitting. 
         [0035]    The virtual fitting system is also used to generate visual result for fitting other types of products to user&#39;s environment, through image processing and generation. For example, said system can be used for providing virtual interior design and/or home decoration service(s), landscape design service(s), wall art design service(s), building decoration service(s) and etc. Said system may be used for providing virtual outfitting service(s), personal styling service(s), personal shopping service(s) and etc. 
         [0036]    According to still another aspect, the virtual fitting system can display and/or virtual fit a plurality of products in an efficient manner. 
         [0037]    According to still another aspect, the virtual fitting can collect and accumulate user input data, manage this data by data consolidation, processing, filtering, formatting and/or etc, and render a summarized representation of the data using charts, tables, diagrams, graphical images, reports and/or etc. This summarized representation of the data can be viewed through the reporting module of the virtual fitting system. This summarized representation of the data can also be saved in digital format such as a file, database and etc, and transferred through an automatic or manual process, through wiring or wireless network and etc. This summarized representation of the data can also be printed out through printers for representation, as well as presented through other representation media for review and display. 
         [0038]    According to still another aspect, the virtual fitting system can facilitate users to place in user feedbacks and customized orders for products. Providers can present products that are available and/or not yet available on the market, as well as templates or prototypes of products to users through the virtual fitting system. User can review and/or preview these products, leave reviews, feedbacks, and ratings for the product items. Users can also customize and redesign the products based on his/her style and preference. The virtual fitting system collects the user input data from users, manage and process this data by data consolidation, processing, filtering, formatting and/or etc, and transfer the data to providers. Users can also place in orders or preorder products with or without customizations through the virtual fitting system. 
         [0039]    The virtual fitting system includes camera(s), touch screen display(s), processor(s), memory(s) and sensor(s). The system may also include units such as media storage, battery, input and output units, if not combined as part of another unit of the virtual fitting system. The system may also include an external display unit such as a TV, projector and/or etc. 
         [0040]    The camera captures the images of the wearable product as well as images from the user, such as the body, face, hand and etc. The processor generates a plurality of matrices used and processes the images. The data storage stores the data and images, and the touch screen display units display graphic user interface and handles user interaction. The external display unit provides additional graphical displays to the user, potentially, on a large display surface. 
         [0041]    According to one aspect, the virtual fitting system can be a portable media device also function as a solid-state drive for data storage. The form factor of the virtual fitting system can be hand-held and portable, or it can be a graphical display device with computation capability such as a touch screen TV. The virtual fitting system can also include a peripheral bus connector, a rechargeable battery, and one or more input and output devices. According to another aspect, the virtual fitting system has the capability to store media in persistent memory. Thereafter, when the virtual fitting system is again powered up, the stored media and data can be retrieved and utilized. According to still another aspect, the virtual fitting system can form, display and/or traverse image assets in an efficient manner. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]    For a more succinct understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be directed to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0043]      FIG. 1  is a diagram for a preferred embodiment of the implementation of the virtual fitting system. 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a virtual fitting system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart that shows the sequence of the processes of a user add profile, follow a group and receives continuous feeds of virtual outfitting items, experiences and/or services from said group using said system. 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart that shows the sequence of the processes of a provider creates profile as a group leader of a group, creates virtual try-on items, and provides virtual outfitting items, experience and/or service for user of said group, and user&#39;s actions toward said virtual outfit result and service. 
           [0047]      FIG. 5  shows a diagram of the relationship between groups, users and providers within said peer virtual fitting system. 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  shows a diagram of that shows a user reviews a plurality of virtual outfitting results offered by a plurality of provider(s) using said virtual fitting system. 
           [0049]      FIG. 7  shows a diagram of that shows a provider simultaneously virtually outfitting a plurality of selected users using said virtual fitting system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0050]    While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, designs or configurations, for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further implementations of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment for implementation of a virtual fitting system, such as virtual fitting system  100 . For this implementation of the virtual fitting system  100 , the user interaction is handled through the touch screen display. User creates her profile and uploads her photos into said system  100 . User can also take picture of herself by click on the camera button  108  of said system  100 . 
         [0052]    She then input her preferences that includes but not limited to her size, colors and styles she likes, outfits she is looking for, and etc into said system  100 . Said criteria can be viewed and adjusted on user&#39;s profile panel  126  on the touch screen device  100 . She use said virtual fitting system  100  to process and adjust her photos, and set the placeholders for adding and placing images of virtual try-on outfits on top of her photos. She then save said placeholders, settings, preferences and etc. by clicking on the save button  110 . 
         [0053]    Said user searches for outfits that she likes by clicking on the search button  102 , or browsing through the outfits displayed on the fashion outlook panel  128 . She also searches for groups that have fashion styles and preferences that she likes by click on the group button  104 . She can then select to follow group(s) that she likes if she wants to receive outfitting items, experiences and/or services from said group(s). 
         [0054]    User receives virtual outfit items and outfitting results from the groups that she is following using said system  100 . Said outfitting results are displayed on the feed panel  132  when user clicks the feed button  106 . Said feed panel  132  displays a plurality of virtual outfitting results, showing user wearing different outfits. User can browse the virtual outfitting result images by scrolling through the list of images on the touch screen display area  132 . Said virtual outfitting results  134  and  136  are provided by the provider(s) and/or group leader(s) of the groups that said user is following using said system  100 . 
         [0055]    Detailed information of said outfit  134  is display on the user interface  122  of said system  100 . User can view the details of said outfit  134  including its price, designer information, source, descriptions and etc. 
         [0056]    The information of the provider and/or group leader who provides said outfit  134  is displayed on the provider profile panel  124 . Said user can view information related to said provider, including provider&#39;s experience, education, related styles, designs and etc through said provider profile panel  124 . 
         [0057]    If said user likes an outfit  134  displayed in her feed  132 , she can share said outfit  134  with other people by clicking on the share button  112 . Said user can also input her review, comment and/or communicated with the provider regarding said outfitting image  134  by clicking on the review button  114 . Said user can also order and/or purchase said outfit  134  by clicking on the buy button  116 . 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of a virtual fitting environment for implementing the embodiments described herein includes a virtual fitting system, such as virtual fitting system  200 . Any and all components of the virtual fitting system may execute as or on a touch screen mobile device such as a mobile phone and tablet, a touch screen TV with computation capability, a computer system, and/or other possible multi-media devices with computation capability. As such, a basic virtual fitting system applicable to all these environments is described hereinafter. 
         [0059]    In its most basic configuration, virtual fitting system  200  comprises at least one processing unit or processor  206  and system memory  208 , a camera  202 , a touch screen display  204 . In embodiments, data and images are loaded into memory  208  and executed by the processing unit  206  from system memory  208 . Depending on the exact configuration and type of system  200 , memory  208  may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. 
         [0060]    Additionally, virtual fitting system  200  may also have other components. For example, virtual fitting system  200  includes additional media storage  210 , such as removable and/or non-removable media storage, including, but not limited to, SD memory card, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Virtual fitting system  200  may have battery  212  to provide power when not connected to an external power source. 
         [0061]    The display may be embedded with touch sensors, thus function as a touch screen display  204 . The virtual fitting system  200  may have network interface component  214 , which handles the transfer of image and data to and/or from other devices, systems and/or networks. 
         [0062]    Virtual fitting system  200  may have sensor component(s)  216 , such as touch sensor, light sensor, GPS sensor, near field communication sensor and/or etc to handle the sensing, receiving, processing and transferring of data. 
         [0063]    Virtual fitting system  200  can use an external display  220  to provide better visualization result; such external display  220  can be a TV, a projector device and/or etc. The external display  220  may be connected with the virtual fitting system  200  through wiring or wireless connections including but not limited to Wi-Fi, bluetooth connection and/or etc. 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , user creates a user profile, upload his/her photos, adjust and set placeholders for virtual outfits using virtual fitting system  100 . Said user finds the group(s) he/she likes and follow said group(s). Said user selects whether he/she wants to receive virtual try-on items from said group, and defines the criteria of the types of try-on items they would like to receive. Said user also selects whether he/she would like to receive outfitting services from the provider(s) and/or group leader(s) of said group. If said user selects to receive virtual outfit items feed, he/she will receive a continuous feed of virtual try-on items from said group, which he/she can use to virtually outfit himself/herself using said system  100 . If said user selects to receive virtual outfitting experience(s) and/or service(s) from said group, he/she will receive a continuous feed of outfitting result images showing him/her wearing various outfits. Said outfitting result images, experience(s) and/or service(s) are provided by the provider(s) and/or group leader(s) of said group. Said user can choose to continue to receive the feeds, or he/she can choose to stop receiving the feeds, or unfollow said provider(s) and/or group. 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a provider creates his/her provider and/or group leader profile. One or a plurality of providers can create a group. Said provider loads his/her product image and use said system  100  to process the image and create virtual try-on item from said loaded product image. Said provider also add in detailed information regarding said outfit item, including its pricing, source, description, available colors, sizes and etc into said system  100 . 
         [0066]    Said provider search said group in which he/she is a group leader, finds the user(s) who are looking for similar virtual try-on outfit item, who have defined user criteria that fits what said provider is offering. Said provider add said newly created try-on item to the virtual try-on items feed of said group, distribute said newly created outfit item to said selected users using said data feed. 
         [0067]    Said provider also finds the users who want to receive such virtual outfitting experience and/or service. Said provider use said system  100  to simultaneously add his/her virtual outfitting item on top of said selected users&#39; photos, creating the visual result of said users wearing the outfit item he/she is offering. 
         [0068]    Said provider save said visual results as images, and distribute said custom outfitting images to each individual users simultaneously using said system  100 . Said individual user receives said virtual outfitting result image that is custom created for him/her by said provider on their feed display panel  134 . Said user reviews said outfitting result image  504 , and decides whether said outfit is a good fit for him/her  FIG. 6 . Said user can leave review, feedback or communicate with provider regarding said outfit and/or outfitting experience. Said user can also decides whether to update his/her criteria, continue follow or unfollow said provider and/or group. 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a peer virtual fitting system  500  has a plurality of groups  502 . Each group has a plurality of providers  506 . Each group can have zero or a plurality of users  504 . A provider can select to offer virtual outfitting items and/or virtual outfitting experiences and/or services to said groups in which he/she is a provider and/or group leader. A provider can select to create group  508  that only showcase styles, images and/or information, but does not provide any outfitting services and/or feeds, and/or does not have any user follower. 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , A individual user receives said virtual outfitting result image that is custom created for him/her by a plurality of provider(s) on his/her graphical feed display area  600 . Said virtual outfit results  604  are created by a plurality of providers who offer virtual outfitting item(s) and experience(s). Said virtual outfit results  604  are rendered by said system by modifying and/or editing photo(s) of said user(s)  602  with image(s) of virtual try-on item(s)  606 , using users&#39; placeholder setting(s) and preset criteria. 
         [0071]    Said user reviews said outfitting result image(s)  604 , and decides whether said outfit is a good fit for him/her  FIG. 6 . Said user can leave review  114 , rate, feedback or communicate with provider(s) regarding said outfit and/or outfitting experience. Said user can also decides whether to update his/her criteria, continue follow or unfollow said provider and/or group. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , Said provider search said group in which he/she is a group leader, finds the users who are looking for virtual try-on outfit item(s) that he/she is offering, who also have predefined user criteria that fits his/her criteria. Said provider using said virtual fitting system  700  to simultaneously virtually outfitting a plurality of users in group(s), by modifying and/or editing photo(s) of said users  702  with image(s) of virtual try-on item(s)  706 , using users&#39; placeholder setting(s) and criteria, and simultaneously creating and generating outfitting images  704  showing said users wearing said outfit. 
         [0073]    Said provider may click on individual virtual outfit result  710 , display said result on a larger graphic display area  708 , further exam the details of said virtual outfit result for said user  708 , and decides whether said virtual outfitting item(s) is a good fit for said user. Said provider may save a plurality of virtual outfitting result(s) using said system, and distributing said a plurality of virtual outfitting result(s) to said related individual users simultaneously. 
         [0074]    While this invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents that fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the process and apparatus of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.