Claims:CLAIMS
1. A system for acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, the system comprising:
- at least one seller computing device;
- at least one buyer computing device; and
- an application executable in the at least seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device, wherein when executed the application causes the at least one buyer computing device to:
view the at least one seller computing device showing availability of the at least item;
select a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device;
establish a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device;
determine the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream; and
select a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when executed the application causes the at least one buyer computing device to select at least one of an instant payment option or a delayed payment option for acquiring at least one item of choice.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when executed the application causes ranking of the available buyer computing devices based on a plurality of pre-defined parameters.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when executed application enables the at least one buyer computing device to add one or more additional buyer device in the live video stream between the selected seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when executed application enables the at least one buyer computing device to view all possible pricing models based on the sleeted mode of delivery.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mode of delivery includes one of a seller delivery, a third party delivery or a buyer collection.
7. A method of acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, the method comprising:
- viewing, via at least one buyer computing device, at least one at least one seller computing device showing availability of the at least item;
- selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device;
- establishing, a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device;
- determining, via the at least one buyer computing device, the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream; and
- selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, at least one of an instant payment option or a delayed payment option for acquiring at least one item of choice.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises ranking the available buyer computing devices based on a plurality of pre-defined parameters.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises adding, via the at least one buyer computing device, one or more additional buyer device in the live video stream between the selected seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises viewing, via the at least one computing device, all possible pricing models based on the sleeted mode of delivery.
12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mode of delivery includes one of a seller delivery, a third party delivery or a buyer collection.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LIVE-INTERACTIVE ONLINE SHOPPING

2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :SMOOTH TAG TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED
b) Nationality :India
c) Address :A 603, Emrold Court, Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 452001

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to social computing and live-social interaction, and more particularly to a method and a system for live-integrative online shopping.
BACKGROUND
Historically, shopping is an activity that has involved a customer visiting a number of retail stores, browsing through inventory, selecting products of interest, and checking out to complete a purchase. Also, mail order companies introduced catalogue-based shopping, whereby a customer peruses a printed catalogue, views a catalogue listing, and then places an order for a product via letter or telephone. The ordered product is delivered to the customer's premise a few days later. Although convenient, catalogue-based shopping has inherent disadvantages, such as a lack of photo views of a product. High printing costs limited the number of photos of a product, particularly with respect to different angles or product variations.
Additionally, in late 20th century home shopping channels on cable television were introduced. The home shopping channels offered television programming that described products for sale that could be ordered by phone. Viewers would regularly tune-in to see products that were displayed and talked about by live hosts. Enthusiastic personalities often developed a loyal following, and the shopping channels would give many hosts creative freedom in merchandising products.
Moreover, in recent years, a wealth of opportunities for sales-based innovations have arisen with the continued growth in popularity of online shopping. Within the World Wide Web (WWW) and the Internet, users can access an infinite source of sites, including social media sites where live streaming events are used for entertainment and marketing products directly to targeted consumer groups.
The online retailers and home shopping television channels may lack the human component that motivates people to purchase. For example, a person may create a video showing others how to use a particular product. During the video, the person may express opinions regarding the product. Viewers may then be motivated to purchase the product after viewing the video. However, this do not provide chance to a buyer/consumer to interact with the seller and get a chance to proceed with the shopping under his/her terms. On other hand, in recent pandemic situations, the conventional shopping activity that has involved a customer visiting a number of retail stores involves a risk of spreading infection, despite of having human touch in shopping.
Despite advancements that have been made in the aforementioned shopping methods, there exists a need to design a shopping system which eliminates chances of spreading the infection and providing human touch in online shopping.
SUMMARY
An object of the present invention is to provide an to provide an easy-to-use system and a method for live-integrative online shopping which enhances the buyers experience and eases the process item selection in online shopping.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, the system comprising:
- at least one seller computing device;
- at least one buyer computing device; and
- an application executable in the at least seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device, wherein when executed the application causes the at least one buyer computing device to:
view the at least one seller computing device showing availability of the at least item;
select a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device;
establish a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device;
determine the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream; and
select a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
Embodiments of the disclosure are advantageous in terms of providing an easy-to-use system for live-integrative online shopping. Specifically, the system for live-integrative online shopping enhances the buyers experience and eases the process item selection in online shopping. Moreover, the system for live-integrative online shopping provides an opportunity to the buyer and seller interact during the shopping session and to negotiate over the terms acquisition of an item.
Optionally, when executed the application causes the at least one buyer computing device to select at least one of an instant payment option or a delayed payment option for acquiring at least one item of choice.
Optionally, when executed the application causes ranking of the available buyer computing devices based on a plurality of pre-defined parameters.
Optionally, when executed application enables the at least one buyer computing device to add one or more additional buyer device in the live video stream between the selected seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device.
Optionally, when executed application enables the at least one buyer computing device to view all possible pricing models based on the sleeted mode of delivery.
Optionally, the mode of delivery includes one of a seller delivery, a third party delivery or a buyer collection.
In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, the method comprising:
- viewing, via at least one buyer computing device, at least one at least one seller computing device showing availability of the at least item;
- selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device;
- establishing, a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device;
- determining, via the at least one buyer computing device, the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream; and
- selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
Optionally, the method comprises selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, at least one of an instant payment option or a delayed payment option for acquiring at least one item of choice.
Optionally, the method comprises ranking the available buyer computing devices based on a plurality of pre-defined parameters.
Optionally, the method comprises adding, via the at least one buyer computing device, one or more additional buyer device in the live video stream between the selected seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device.
Optionally, the method comprises viewing, via the at least one computing device, all possible pricing models based on the sleeted mode of delivery.
Optionally, the mode of delivery includes one of a seller delivery, a third party delivery or a buyer collection.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of steps a method of acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item to which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, the system comprising:
- at least one seller computing device;
- at least one buyer computing device; and
- an application executable in the at least seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device, wherein when executed the application causes the at least one buyer computing device to:
view the at least one seller computing device showing availability of the at least item;
select a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device;
establish a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device;
determine the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream; and
select a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, the method comprising:
- viewing, via at least one buyer computing device, at least one at least one seller computing device showing availability of the at least item;
- selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device;
- establishing, a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device;
- determining, via the at least one buyer computing device, the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream; and
- selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “online shopping” as used herein relates to the process of buying goods and services from merchants over the Internet, which allows consumers to directly buy goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser or a mobile app.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “seller” as used herein relates to an individual or an entity that offers a good, service, or asset in return for payment.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “buyer” or “buyers” as used herein relates to a person or group of persons who is willing to acquire an item of interest/choice or service in exchange of a payment in a physical or online shopping environment or space.
Throughout the present disclosure, the terms “seller computing device” and “buyer computing device” as used herein relates to a computing device associated with (or used by) a seller or a buyer that is capable of enabling the user to perform specific tasks associated with the aforementioned system/method. Furthermore, the user equipment is intended to be broadly interpreted to include any computing device that may be used for voice and/or data communication over a wireless communication network. Examples of user equipment include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices, wireless modems, laptop computers, personal computers, etc. Moreover, user equipment (UE) may alternatively be referred to as a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a subscriber station, a remote station, a user terminal, a terminal, a subscriber unit, an access terminal, etc. Additionally, the user equipment includes a casing, a memory, a processor, a network interface card, a microphone, a speaker, a keypad, a camera and a display. Moreover, the user equipment is to be construed broadly, so as to encompass a variety of different types of mobile stations, subscriber stations or, more generally, communication devices, including examples such as a combination of a data card inserted in a laptop. Such communication devices are also intended to encompass devices commonly referred to as “access terminals”.
Throughout the present disclosure, the terms “application” and “executable application” as used herein relates to any collection or set of instructions executable by a computer or other digital system so as to configure the computer or the digital system to perform a task that is the intent of the process. Additionally, the process is intended to encompass such instructions stored in storage medium such as RAM, a hard disk, optical disk, or so forth, and is also intended to encompass so-called “firmware” that is software stored on a ROM or so forth. Optionally, the process refers to software application. Such process is organized in various ways, for example the process includes software components organized as libraries, Internet-based programs stored on a remote server or so forth, source code, interpretive code, object code, directly executable code, and so forth. It may be appreciated that the software may invoke system-level code or calls to other software residing on a server or other location to perform certain functions. Furthermore, the process may be pre-configured and pre-integrated with an operating system, building a software appliance. The terms application, process and software may be interchangeable. Further, the terms “application” and “executable application” as used herein relates to a set of functions that can be called from an application program to access features of another program. Furthermore, the application programming interface (API) is a software interface that includes one or more routines, data structures, object classes, and/or protocols that support the interaction of an archiving platform and a storage system. An application programming interface (API), for example, includes building blocks for enabling the building of a software application that is consistent with a particular application or operating environment. An API can be specified in terms of a programming language that can be compiled at application build time.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘user interface (UI)’ relates to a structured set of user interface elements rendered on a display screen. Optionally, the user interface (UI) rendered on the display screen is generated by any collection or set of instructions executable by an associated digital system. Additionally, the user interface (UI) is operable to interact with the user to convey graphical and/or textual information and receive input from the user. Specifically, the user interface (UI) used herein is a graphical user interface (GUI). Furthermore, the user interface (UI) elements refer to visual objects that have a size and position in user interface (UI). A user interface element may be visible, though there may be times when a user interface element is hidden. A user interface control is considered to be a user interface element. Text blocks, labels, text boxes, list boxes, lines, and images windows, dialog boxes, frames, panels, menus, buttons, icons, etc. are examples of user interface elements. In addition to size and position, a user interface element may have other properties, such as a margin, spacing, or the like.
Throughout the invention, the term ‘database’ as used herein relates to an organized body of digital information regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized body thereof is represented. Optionally, the database may be hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination thereof. For example, the organized body of related data may be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, a file, a document, a list or in any other form. The database includes any data storage software and systems, such as, for example, a relational database like IBM DB2 and Oracle 9. Optionally, the database may be used interchangeably herein as database management system, as is common in the art. Furthermore, the database management system refers to the software program for creating and managing one or more databases. Optionally, the database may be operable to supports relational operations, regardless of whether it enforces strict adherence to the relational model, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the database populated by data elements. Furthermore, the data elements may include data records, bits of data, cells, are used interchangeably herein and all intended to mean information stored in cells of a database.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘Artificial intelligence (AI)’ as used herein relates to any mechanism or computationally intelligent system that combines knowledge, techniques, and methodologies for controlling a bot or other element within a computing environment. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence (AI) is configured to apply knowledge and that can adapt it-self and learn to do better in changing environments. Additionally, employing any computationally intelligent technique, the artificial intelligence (AI) is operable to adapt to unknown or changing environment for better performance. The artificial intelligence (AI) includes fuzzy logic engines, decision-making engines, pre-set targeting accuracy levels, and/or programmatically intelligent software.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of the present disclosure relates to software-based algorithms that are executable upon computing hardware and are operable to adapt and adjust their operating parameters in an adaptive manner depending upon information that is presented to the software-based algorithms when executed upon the computing hardware. Optionally, the artificial intelligence (AI) includes neural networks such as recurrent neural networks, recursive neural networks, feed-forward neural networks, convolutional neural networks, deep belief networks, and convolutional deep belief networks; self-organizing maps; deep Boltzmann machines; and stacked de-noising auto-encoders. An “artificial neural network” or simply a “neural network” as used herein can include a highly interconnected network of processing elements, each optionally associated with a local memory. In an example, the neural network may be Kohonen map, multi-layer perceptron and so forth. The processing elements can be referred to herein as “artificial neural units,” “artificial neurons,” “neural units,” “neurons,” “nodes,” and the like, while connections between the processing elements. A neuron can receive data from an input or one or more other neurons, process the data, and send processed data to an output or yet one or more other neurons. The neural network or one or more neurons thereof can be generated in either hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, and the neural network can be subsequently trained.
Optionally, artificial intelligence (AI) employs any one or combination of the following computational techniques: constraint program, fuzzy logic, classification, conventional artificial intelligence, symbolic manipulation, fuzzy set theory, evolutionary computation, cybernetics, data mining, approximate reasoning, derivative-free optimization, decision trees, or soft computing.
Now referring to Fig. 1, there is disclosed a system 100 for acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 comprises at least one seller computing device 102, at least one buyer computing device 104 and an application executable in the at least seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device. Specifically, when executed the application causes the at least one buyer computing device 104 to view the at least one seller computing device 102 showing availability of the at least item, select a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device 102, establish a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device 104, determine the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream, and select a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream.
Embodiments of the disclosure are advantageous in terms of providing an easy-to-use system for live-integrative online shopping. Specifically, the system for live-integrative online shopping enhances the buyers experience and eases the process item selection in online shopping. Moreover, the system for live-integrative online shopping provides an opportunity to the buyer and seller interact during the shopping session and to negotiate over the terms acquisition of an item.
Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure are advantageous to a seller or a retailer in terms of eliminating the requirement of large display space and fancy showrooms. Thus, significantly increasing financial margins associated with the item for sale and consequently making the item available to the buyers on relatively low cost.
In an embodiment, the buyer computing device 104 may select an available seller devise for acquiring at least one item of choice based on at least one of geographical location, delivery time, bulk availability, discounts, group discounts and so forth with reference to the location of the buyer computing device 104 or the deliver location.
In an exemplary embodiment, the reference location of the buyer computing device 104 may be based on Global Positioning System (GPS) location of the buyer computing device 104. Alternatively, Postal Index Number (PIN Code) may be used to identify location of the buyer computing device 104 and/or the delivery location.
In an embodiment, the available seller computing devices may be categorized in sub-categories such as near-by sellers, out-of-station sellers, same-day delivery, next-day delivery and so forth.
In an embodiment, the application may rank the sellers in a specific order. Specifically, the application may implement Machine Learning (ML) and/or Artificial Intelligence for ranking the buyers in real-time manner. Specifically, parameters for ranking the buyers may include but not limited to third party rating(s), buyers rating(s), number of agents, number of orders processed, number of calls answered, number of orders created, number of favourites, number of agreed reports, number of calls missed and so forth.
Optionally, ranking of the buyers by implementing Machine Learning (ML) and/or Artificial Intelligence includes variable such as the above-mentioned parameters, value parameters (VP1, VP2…...VPn), Current universal highest of the parameter on the application (HP1, HP2…..), Current universal lowest of the parameter on the applications (LP1, LP2….), Total Value (TV), Seller data for all the above-mentioned parameters (CP1, CP2……) and total for the seller with rank one. Specifically, the value parameters (VP1, VP2…...VPn) are dynamic in nature.
Moreover, calculation of ranks for the sellers in real-time manner includes calculation of parameter total according to the real-time current data of the seller and/or seller computing devise(s), calculating equivalent parameter total and adding all equivalent parameter totals for obtaining ranking for the seller.
Specifically, calculation of parameter total according to the real-time current data of the seller and/or seller computing devise(s) includes listing of down current data for all parameters (CPn) and calculating the different parameter totals, wherein for seller;

PT1 = [(CP1)/(HP1 – LP1)]
Further, the equivalent parameter total, for seller one, is calculated using the below mentioned formula;
Equivalent parameter total (EP1T1) = (VP1 * PT1)
Furthermore, equivalent parameter total and adding all equivalent parameter totals for seller 1 is calculated using the below mentioned formula;
S1R = SUM (EP1T1 + EP2T2 + EP3T3 + EP4T4 + …… EPNTN)
wherein S1R is the ranking total of the seller one.
Additionally, the parameters for ranking the sellers may further sub categorized to positive parameters and negative parameters. Specifically, the positive parameters contribute positive to the sum and the negative parameters contributes negative to the sum.
In an embodiment, a seller may include multiple seller computing devices allocated to individual salespersons. Further, the salespersons within a shop may be ranked accordingly based on the abovementioned parameters in real-time manner.
In another embodiment, a buyer may create a virtual shopping mall by adding a plurality of sellers for variety of items of choice to the favourite list.
In yet another embodiment, the buyer may narrow down his/her search of relevant item of choice by restricting the listed items of choice with at least one item property. Additionally, the application allows the selected item property(ies) to be displayed on the seller device and the buyer device in the live streaming session.
Optionally, when executed the application may cause the at least one buyer computing device to select at least one of an instant payment option or a delayed payment option for acquiring at least one item of choice. Specifically, in the instant payment option the payment link is shared with the buyer computing device in the live streaming session, in real time manner. Additionally, the payment link includes a sum of cost of the item to be acquired and the delivery charges based on selected mode delivery.
In an embodiment, the application enables the buyer to view the over all cost for acquiring at least one item of choice including the negotiated cost of the item and cost for different modes of delivery.
Alternatively, the delayed payment option enables the buyer to fix a cost for acquiring at least one item of choice and discus the same with his/her friends and/or family and quire the item of choice.
In another embodiment, the at least one buyer computing device may add at least one person of interest during an ongoing live streaming session. Specifically, addition of the person of interest in the ongoing live streaming session enable the buyer to evaluate his/her choice and acquire the item in real time manner.
In yet another embodiment, the delivery mode may include but not limited to a seller delivery, a third-party delivery or a buyer collection.
Now referring to Fig. 2, there is disclosed a method 200 of acquiring at least one item of choice, in a live streaming session, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method initiates at a step 202, At the step 202, the method 200 includes viewing at least one at least one seller computing device (such as the seller computing device 102 of Figure 1) showing availability of the at least item, via at least one buyer computing device (such as the buyer computing device 104 of Figure 1). At a step 204, the method 200 includes selecting a seller computing device from the at least one available seller computing device, via the at least one buyer computing device. At a step 206, the method 200 includes establishing a live video stream between the selected computing device and the at least one buyer computing device. At a step 208, the method 200 includes determining the at least one item of choice for acquisition during the live video stream, via the at least one buyer computing device. At a step 208, the method 208 includes selecting a mode of delivery for the acquired item during the live video stream, via the at least one buyer computing device. The method 200 ends at the step 208.
The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the method.
Optionally, the method comprises selecting, via the at least one buyer computing device, at least one of an instant payment option or a delayed payment option for acquiring at least one item of choice.
Optionally, the method comprises ranking the available buyer computing devices based on a plurality of pre-defined parameters.
Optionally, the method comprises adding, via the at least one buyer computing device, one or more additional buyer device in the live video stream between the selected seller computing device and the at least one buyer computing device.
Optionally, the method comprises viewing, via the at least one computing device, all possible pricing models based on the sleeted mode of delivery.
Optionally, the mode of delivery includes one of a seller delivery, a third party delivery or a buyer collection.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.