WO2001027818A1

WO2001027818A1 - Internet data storage and retrieval system

Info

Publication number: WO2001027818A1
Application number: PCT/IB2000/001630
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cameron John Downing
Original assignee: Cameron John Downing
Priority date: 1999-10-15
Filing date: 2000-10-13
Publication date: 2001-04-19
Also published as: AU1047701A

Abstract

A method for obtaining a properly fitting garment is provided. The method first comprises the steps of scanning the physical profile of an individual to produce a scanned data and photographing the physical profile of the individual to produce a photograph data. The scanned data is then related to the photograph data. The scanned data is stored at a central location while the photograph data is stored with the individual. A search criteria for a garment is issued. The search criteria includes at least the scanned data. In response to the search criteria, one or more garments meeting the search criteria are retrieved. The photograph data is overlaid on the scanned data to produce an accurate computerized depiction of the individual, and a garment is depicted on the accurate computerized depiction of the individual.

Description

INTERNET DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to the sale of clothing and other articles to a remote purchaser but can also be via a kiosk in the mall, or within a retail shop - so is it better to say via a range of media, including internet, in-store, or in-mall kiosks and via mobile commerce, mobile phones and other emerging technologies, such as over the internet, and more particularly the ability for a purchaser and retailer to insure that any purchased goods will properly fit the purchaser, and also including the ability of a purchaser and a retailer to find a particular clothing article that will fit the purchaser, or the retailer may link the purchaser to a tailoring or customization facility.

As is well known, the Internet is quickly becoming a substantial worldwide market for the sale of goods and services. While the sale of consumer products such as electronics or any other products that come in "one size fits all", or have no sizing considerations is relatively easy, consumers may be reluctant to purchase clothing or other goods that require sizing over the Internet, fearing that these goods, after ordered, will not fit. It is known that these fears are well founded. Indeed, while an increasing number of items such as clothing are being ordered over the internet, the most significant reason for the return of such purchased goods is that they do not fit. The return of these items to a manufacturer or retailer and the subsequent shipping of the proper article to a customer are very costly to a retailer.

In addition to these proper sizing problems, a number of significant additional barriers currently exist to the development of the full potential of e- commerce sale of clothing and other goods in general. These are essentially: 1. Fear over releasing credit card information - This is the principal inhibiting factor to the growth of B2C e-commerce. More than half of online enabled households (52%) do not yet shop online at least in part because of concern that their credit card information may be stolen and their personal information randomly distributed; 2. Nearly a quarter of all attempted on-line transactions fail due to technical issues with the site; 3. Four out of five consumers who have purchased goods online have experienced at least one failed purchase attempt over the same time period. These failures have typically resulted from technical problems consumers encountered with the sites, difficulties in finding products, and logistical and delivery problems after the sale;

4. Over a quarter of consumers (28%) who suffered a failed purchase attempt stopped shopping online; a similar percentage (23%) stopped purchasing at the site in question; and 6% also stopped patronizing the retailer's physical store. To add to the significant and growing concerns about security, privacy and access to personal data, any additional personal information that is collected and potentially available on the Internet will need to be adequately protected against distribution, or unauthorized commercialization of the data.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system and method by which customers purchasing a product over the Internet could be sure that the product would fit properly, and also be sure that any personal information used to insure such a fit were properly secured against unauthorized disclosure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a centralized database system and method that allows a consumer to determine the proper fit of clothing to be remotely purchased.

It is another object of the invention to provide a centralized database system and method that allows a consumer to request from a retailer a size based on the physical dimensions of the fitted garment, rather than traditional size gradients of clothing that most closely matches the size measurements of the consumer.

A further object of the invention is to provide a centralized database system and method so that a manufacturer or retailer of customized clothing can properly fit clothing for any particular consumer.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for measuring and recording the exact dimensions of a consumer so that these measurements form a virtual image of the consumer which may be used to "try on" virtual clothing. It is an additional object of the invention to keep, or make separate, a scanned individuals data image and photographic images.

It is another object of the invention to provide the photographic image to the scanned individual at the point of scanning for the purposes of providing some level of comfort to the consumer that their photographic image is secure and private.

It is a further object of the invention to provide the scanned image through a web-site, or local service site for the virtual fitting of garments.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system, or software that accurately relates or overlays the photographic image of the consumer on the data image of the consumer to provide a virtual image of the consumer with the selected garment fitted in fitted form, as the designer intended, rather than flat on the image.

Yet another object of the invention to have a robot that reads and "responds" to the data and in so doing creates a life-sized replica of the consumer (without facial or body features, but including all key body shape information necessary to fit garments).

Yet another object of the invention is that tension information collected from robotic sensors is recorded and displayed on a screen giving a tension report, similar to a barometric weather report, indicative of the fit of a garment.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a secure personalized site that houses the photographic image, and includes a link to the data image and other personal information, such as personal Internet preferences, favorite site information, etc. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system of recording images so that a combination of garments being considered for purchase or procured from independent retailers can be overlaid, enabling a combined view of garments from a range of retailers. This may include a library of garments procured via the system over time. Such an inventory would be useful for some people to manage their wardrobes and also for insurance purposes of expensive garments.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and in part be apparent from the specification and the drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an internet database with interactive applications enables consumers to record their own personal measurements for garments, shoes, gloves, etc. as measured at an appropriate measuring location, or by inputting this information into a 3-D computer model of themselves. This information is then recorded into a database for later use. When desired, a user can retrieve this stored information and generate a 3-D model for modeling garments for purchase via the Internet. When interested in purchasing a garment, the desired garment is overlaid on the 3-D model so that a purchaser can see how the garment is likely to fit. The 3-D computer model also generates a body with a photographed image face of the consumer, thereby allowing customer to more realistically determine the 'fit' of garments via the Internet, thereby creating a computer clotheshorse. The consumer pays a one-time fee for initial size scanning and an annual fee for database maintenance (although vendor payments could cover this cost) and one-off fees for re-scanning. The scanned data and photo images will also be available for addition video gaming and other applications.

In accordance with a second facet of the invention, manufacturers also input specific model sizing information for their garments including dimensions for each model size, fabric stretch coefficients, designer intent for the garment fit etc. into a data base. This information is then used to create a 3-D computer model of the garment and is made available to consumers via the manufacturers' on-line catalogues.

By using these two databases in conjunction with each other, it is possible to allow a customer to get an accurate and maninpulatable, i..e the user can turn it around see it from different angles, etc. picture of the fit of a garment over the Internet.

In accordance with the invention, a method of measuring and recording the exact dimensions of a consumer, at any particular time, with the individual consumers personal information being stored in a centralized database (3D-Me database) is also provided. The database also includes other personal physical characteristics. This database generates accurate and maninpulatable, i.e. the user can turn it around see it from different angles, etc. 3 -dimensional images of the consumer, and adds the personal physical characteristics to form a virtual image of the consumer.

Further in accordance with the invention, a method of measuring and recording the exact dimensions of a manufacturer's or retailer product range, at any particular time is provided. The information is stored in a database (3D-retail database) that is fully compatible and able to relate mutually with a 3D-Me database, but controlled by the manufacturers and retailers. This database generates 3- dimensional images of the manufacturer's or retailer's product range, and adds product specific information to form a virtual image of the product. The invention further creates a centralized database that contains:

1. consumer specific data of the retail market. This information is clearly to be used only with the consumer's consent.

2. manufacturers or retailers data on "hits", sales, demographics, etc. The invention also provides an interactive Internet system for the consumer that enables the above databases to be compared, overlaid, or cross- referenced, given their compatibility, such that the consumer can, inter alia: a) interactively request from a manufacturer or retailer a size of garment that most closely matches size measurements of the consumer; b) use the database information to drive Internet search engines or search capabilities in other media, such as in-store or in-mall kiosks to locate garments that fit; c) overlay the virtual images of the consumer and garments to enable on-line fitting of garments; and d) have clothes tailor made by making the database information available to manufacturers or retailers of tailored or customised clothing.

The invention additionally provides an interactive internet system for the manufacturers and retailers that enable the above databases above to be compared, overlaid or cross-referenced such that the manufacturers and retailers can, given the compatibility of their database with 3D-Me, inter alia: a) provide accurate product sizing information; b) customize clothing for a particular consumer; c) obtain customer feedback on product range; d) monitor interest (e.g. internet hits); and e) pre-sell garments that are either prototype or in production.

The system in accordance with the invention changes the way garments are sized, as the standard small, medium and large sizes will be replaced with 3-D sizing using 3-D coordinates that accurately reflect the size of the garment, rather than some arbitrary and inexact sizing.

In accordance with the invention, upon scanning, a scanned individuals data image and photographic images are kept separately. Thus, while a data image might be made more widely available, the user maintains his or her photographic image. When authorized by the user, the photographic image might be overlaid on the data image to produce an accurate representation of the user. This process is performed by a system, or software that accurately relates the photographic image to the data image to provide a virtual image of the consumer with a selected garment fitted on the image. In order to form the data and photographic images, data is collected using a number of different scanning systems, including, but not limited to; variable phase white light philometry; laser based imaging; and converting photographic images to data. After scanning, the photographic image is provided to the scanned individual at the point of scanning for the purposes of providing some level of comfort to the consumer that their photographic image is secure and private.

Currently, this image is obtained either by traditional photography and converting to a digital image, or by a digital camera. The image can be provided in a choice of media and file format. This enables the file to be loaded onto personal computers, personal organizers (i.e. PalmPilot), smart cards, etc. At least the scanned data image for a user is available through a website, or local service site, hereafter referred to as the 'Site" for the virtual fitting of garments. The Site is accessible through an ever increasing range of formats, including, in store-kiosks where consumers can access their image by satisfying security requirements (e.g. password), access to the Site using PC's mobile phones, etc. This Site serves to link the consumer to stock, by enabling the data image to be used as a search criteria and navigation tool, to either link garments that fit the scanned image, or to a tailoring service. Further in accordance with the invention, one aspect of use of collected personal data includes a robot that reads and "responds" to the data and in so doing creates a life-sized model of the consumer (without facial or body features, but including all key body shape information necessary to fit garments) is provided. This robot consists of telescopic torso and limbs, with joints at shoulder, elbow and wrist. The limbs contain telescopic prongs that enable the physical shape of each limb, and therefore the entire body, to be recreated. The prongs include tension sensors at the ends thereof that measure and record the tension of garments in contact with the sensors. The tension information collected from the robotic sensors will be recorded and displayed on a screen giving a tension report, similar to a barometric weather report. This report will be referred to as a "whether report"- dependent upon whether the garment fits or not.

A secure personalized site (Secure Site) that houses a consumer's photographic image, a link to the data image (which is housed in a central database) and other personal information, such as personal Internet preferences, favorite site information, etc. is provided. This Secure Site is protected by a buffer and/or contained within an ISP service site, herein referred to as the "Home Site & Buffer". Given the Secure Site, the consumer can request offers for clothing, or other goods and services, with conditions of offer, such as color, style, price, delivery time and the data image being used as an offer criteria to vendors. The Home Site & Buffer forwards the consumer's inquiry as an independently coded message without name, address and e-mail addresses, which remain protected. Vendors respond to the bid inquiry and make offers to the consumer. These offers may, or may not, include an image of the consumer in the requested garment(s), but enable the consumer to accept or reject offers while maintaining privacy and security.

If the consumer wishes to accept the order, the bid inquiry is fulfilled by an order from the Home Site & Buffer. The Home Site & Buffer facilitates delivery, without providing details of the consumer, or acting as an intermediary, maintaining privacy. There are a number of methods by which this can occur, but principally the Home Site and Buffer relates the Order number to an address for the Consumer independent of the vendor.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts that are adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A - ID depict a flowchart diagram showing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an example of a garment selection screen constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is an example of a garment- fitting screen constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B comprise an example of a running total and checkout screen constructed in accordance with the invention; FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing a scanning and data and photo image storage and use process in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing an additional scanning and data and photo image storage and use process in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 7 - 9 depict representations of a website employing personal scanned data and user preferences in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting the request for, and provision of various clothing in accordance with a user profile and scanned data in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1A - ID, a flowchart constructed in accordance with the invention is shown. As is shown, when establishing a 3-D Me database, a consumer registers as a user of the database at step 110, has a scan performed to record personal dimensions, various relational reference points, skin tone and hair color, and a series of photographic images of the consumer's head sufficient to develop a 3-D image. At steps 122, all of this information is stored in a 3-D Me Database to generate a "virtual consumer." The apparatus also confirms that the consumer wishes to have his or her personal information made available for use by any interested party at steps 116, 118 and 120. If so, the information is used to generate statistical information at step 124 that may be sold to any interested party.

Upon payment for this statistical information at step 128, at step 126 this information is used by a manufacturer to design products. This information may also be used by business and industry, such as marketing groups, to analyze market trends, demographics, etc. Of course, manufacturers may design products without this information and still take advantage of the invention. After design, in steps 130,

132 and 134, the designs are measured, various product categories, such as color, detailed sizes, and a photograph are sufficient to create a 3-D image of the product and to relate mutually with or interact with 3-D Me, and this information is converted to be used in a manufacturer's database, or 3-D Retail Database. Finally, at steps 136, 138 and 140, this information is stored for all sizes and designs of a manufacturer, and properly linked and displayed in a manufacturers web site. When a consumer wishes to go shopping on the Internet, at steps 150 or 152, a consumer can visit the site of a particular retailer, or can request that sites that have garments meeting his or her sizing requirements, and well as any other requirements, can be accessed. If the customer wishes to see all of the garment for a particular manufacturer, such a request passes control from step 150, to step 154, and then to step 170 where the manufacturer's product range is loaded, regardless of size. However, if a consumer wishes to have only products in his or her size loaded, but from one or more databases, control passes from step 152 to 135 where a link is established with the 3-D-Me Database, as well as returning to step 122 where the user password information is checked. If all is in order, the consumer's personal information is downloaded to step 168.

If the user has selected to view all products at steps 150 and 154, at step 170 the manufacturers product range is loaded, and at step 156 a consumer can select a particular product for virtual modeling, and selects various attributes of the product in step 158. This procedure is further depicted in FIG. 2, where a user is requested to select an appropriate color and approximate size for a particular garment. The consumer is shown a picture of the garment. The consumer is given various choices as to the color and size of the garment. The selection can be performed via a mouse or other convenient input device. The user can then select whether a virtual fit is to be performed. If so, in step 160 a link is created to the 3-D

Me Database, and the consumer's personal information is loaded to step 168, as performed above. Steps 162, 164 and 166 allow for the reentry of the consumer's password, if the initial entry is incorrect. Once the consumer's personal information has been downloaded, and a particular product is selected through either of the paths noted above, at step 172, the product information, via step 174, and the consumer's personal information, via step 168 are provided to step 172 which generates an image of the virtual consumer wearing the garment. Such a feature is further depicted in FIG. 3. This figure allows for the consumer to see the garment on a corresponding virtual consumer. Also in FIG. 3, a consumer can change personal details, such a skin tone, hair color, hair style, etc. (step 180), select alternate sizes and colors to be viewed (step 176), or request that the size of the garment selected providing the best fit be selected and displayed (step 178). Also, a menu bar is provided that allows a user to navigate the site and move to a screen for editing the consumer's stored information. Furthermore, at step 182 the user can select additional accessories, or other garments that are to be worn with the selected garment to determine if the consumer wishes to purchase the garment. FIG. 3 also allows a consumer to save an image (step 184), return to a previously saved or viewed image (step 188), purchase the garment (step 186), or select another garment to be viewed (step 198, then passing control back to step 170).

After saving the image, the user can select to view other styles of garments in the same category (step 198) or save the selected garment to a list of potential purchases (step 194). Such a list is depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. This list depicts each of the selected garments in the left column, and a description of the garment and cost in the next two columns. Then a consumer can indicate various combinations of garments that might be selected in each of the next "selection" columns. To purchase a particular combination of garments, the consumer need only indicate which selection combination he or she wishes to purchase (steps 196, 197). Billing and shipping of the articles are performed as is known in the art.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A - ID, if at step 182 the consumer selected to "go back" at step 188, the consumer is shown the article information once again, or can opt to return to the homepage at step 192. After purchasing or returning to the homepage, the user can exit the program.

In accordance with the invention, the ease of shopping for garments or other products requiring a proper fit over the internet is greatly enhanced. When accessing on-line catalogues, consumers can then use their 3-D

Me Database to shop on the internet, matching their own information with the information provided by the manufacturers in the 3-D Retailer's Database. The consumer can select a garment and a size, and overlay this information to try on garments via the internet. In the case of shoes, manufacturers input not only the image of each model but also a scan of each size increment of each model to be overlaid with the scanned image of the model foot. A best-fit program matches the right sized shoe to the consumer's foot. Similar applications can be used for gloves, hats, brassieres, etc.

Manufacturers or retailers pay a fee to the custodian of the database for each purchase based on percentage of cost, but this cost is offset against reductions in staff, rental of premises. Furthermore, manufacturers must input data into agreed format for reading with literal dimensions at, for example 50mm increments in 3 dimensions rather than the traditional 'size system' now being used, in this manner a more accurate representation of the garments can be provided to a consumer.

The 3-D Me consumer model is generated by performing a "scan" on each consumer, which records their exact personal dimensions. This scanning may be undertaken photographically, with CAT technology, or other scanning technology. The best method of scanning has not been resolved and depends on the most suitable interface with 3-D databases. Scanning can initially take place at measuring stations, such as photo developing laboratories, but may eventually be performed at home. Further applications include 3-D modeling of feet, in addition to scans, to enable podiatry consultation and the manufacture of tailored inserts.

The personal data collected from this system is invaluable. It contains (with the agreement of the consumer) not only the personal dimensions of that person, but also demographic information that can be sorted, by age, location gender, etc., thus allowing manufacturers to determine potential markets for their product sizes. By offering an annual discount to the consumer from all listed vendors, personal data can be used to provide not only the personal information for use in accordance with the invention, but also statistical modeling information across infinite demographic groupings, in addition to company specific information, or trade sector information. This information will enable manufacturers to better define the actual "sizes" of their markets, rather than this being a theoretical factor.

The existing industry standard sizing systems, e.g. small, medium, large, can be replaced with a 3-D modeling system borne out of the stored databases, which can contain thousands of bits of information, and can be read off a bar-card reader. Vendors can monitor 'hits' on their website in addition to sales to determine fashion trends and to obtain comments on the range from potential purchasers. The database information could also be used to form foam models using current 3-D processing technologies so that tailoring of garments can be done without the consumer attendance.

In accordance with the invention, all items of clothing, especially those that are difficult to fit properly, e.g. shoes, gloves, hats, brassieres, would be custom fit without the consumer actually visiting the tailor or retailer. The consumer would be able to decide on the sizing desired, e.g. larger or smaller than intended by the vendor for the customer's size. The vendor would be able to reduce inventory, production space, and other related production costs. The system is especially useful for consumers with non-standard, smaller or larger sizes as the search capabilities of the internet will enable these consumers to find their sizes, try them on and order from remote locations. Additionally, the system is especially useful for physically handicapped consumers who will not need to attend retail outlets to shop for clothes.

Consumers can make a separate "friends" password to their data available for purchasing gifts, or to assist immobile or "technologically challenged" consumers. Manufacturers and retailers can access "hit" information to see those items that are popular, assisting fashion trend monitoring. The manufacturers and retailers can obtain feedback from actual consumers about their product line. Fashion conscious people can see what is to be available in the next season and advance order based on production prototypes, i.e. order it while it is being made, like advance ordering of automobiles, thereby reducing the potential for "espionage" in the industry due to stolen designs. Further, if production prototypes do not receive complimentary feedback from customers, they need not be produced. Referring next to FIG. 5, a more detailed process for obtaining consumer image data is shown. This is the generation of information stored in the 3-

D-Me Database noted above to generate a "virtual consumer." As is shown in FIG.

5, the process is broken down into 3 main components. First, a scan 510 is performed. Next, this data is output as desired at 540 to a central database, or directly to a consumer. Finally, at 570, various business to consumer (B2C) operations are performed employing the stored data.

Referring once again to scan 510, a photographic based scan for a potential customer is performed at 515. Additionally, a photographic image of the same customer is taken at 525. Thereafter, these two data are forwarded to a software package that converts the photograph and data to allow for an eventual overlay of the two. Then, at 540 the data and photographic data are output. At 545 the data image is stored to a centralized database. The photographic image is forwarded only to the consumer or user at 550. As noted above, this image may be maintained on a computer, personal organizer, smart card or the like. Then, at 570, when performing various B2C transactions, the data image from the centralized database and the photographic image provided by the consumer are combined at 575. This merged data might be used, for example, to allow a user to view how a particular garment might look on them, for both sizing and color. Referring next to FIG. 6, a flowchart similar to that of FIG. 5, but relying on a philometric or laser scan 515 rather than a photographic scan is shown. In this case, it is not necessary to convert the photo-based scan and photographic image 525 as in FIG. 5. Rather, the scan and photo data are already in a proper format. Thus, only the relation of the scan and the image are required. This is performed at 610 and specifically at 620. Then, at 640, the data image is stored in a central database 645, and the photographic image is given to the consumer 650, as noted above. Finally, at 670, upon initiation of a B2C transaction, the data are overlaid and merged, as noted above.

Referring next to FIGS. 7-9, a website for storing and utilizing stored image data is shown. This data may be used for a virtual fitting of garments, or the like. The Site is accessible through an ever increasing range of formats, including, in store-kiosks where consumers can access their image by satisfying security requirements (e.g. password), access to the Site using PC's mobile phones, etc. This Site serves to link the consumer to various clothing and other stock items, by enabling the data image to be used as a search criteria and navigation tool, to either link garments that fit the scanned image, or to a tailoring service.

As is shown in FIG.7, a secure personalized site (i.e. MY.COM) is shown generally at 700. This secure personalized site (Secure Site) houses the user's photographic image, a link to the data image (which is housed in a central database) and other personal information, such as personal Internet preferences, favorite site information, etc. is provided. This Secure Site is protected by a buffer and/or contained within an ISP service site, herein referred to as the "Home Site & Buffer". Therefore, an individual consumer profile 710 is shown. This secure user profile preferably includes credit card details, personal preference details, shopping preferences, other preferences, such a newspapers, magazines, favorite websites, etc. Additionally, the scanned consumer image noted above is retained at secure site 700. As shown, a consumer image 720 has the photo image split from the image and profile data at 730. Photo image 735 is stored at the secure website, while the other data is stored in a consumer database 740. All information is secured during transactions through a secure buffer to the Internet 745.

Referring next to FIG. 8, secure site 700 is shown with advertisements and the personal data included therein. These advertisements are chosen based upon the consumer profile in the consumer database. Links to other sites are also included based upon the user profile. As is shown in FIG. 9, a user may request that certain advertisements and/or links be removed from site 700. However, it is contemplated that the user will also sacrifice certain benefits, such as special promotions or the like. Referring next to FIG. 10, a flowchart depicting the request for, and provision of various garments, in accordance with a user profile and scanned data is shown. While garments are depicted by way of example, any goods requiring a fit to a consumer could be provided. Once again, secure site 710 is shown, and includes the secure personal data, photographic image, and consumer database, as described above. In order to search for and possibly order a garment, a user makes a bid enquiry at 1020. Because various personal information is stored in the secure site, the consumer can request offers for clothing, or other goods and services, with conditions of offer, such as color, style, price, delivery time and the data image (i.e. fit) being used as an offer criteria to vendors. Thus, a user can request, for example,

"A blue pinstripe suit that is in stock, and that fits me." The consumer stored personal data image allows for the searching not of simply a type of clothing, but also for a type of clothing that will actually fit. The Home Site & Buffer, via secure buffer 745, forwards the consumer's inquiry as an independently coded message without name, address and e-mail addresses, which remain protected. This coded bid enquiry is shown at 1025.

This bid enquiry is forwarded to a bulletin board 1030 and a criteria-sorting element

1040. At 1035, vendors may search bulletin board 1030 to look for possible orders or requests that they would be able to fulfill. These orders may be searched by the vendors based on current inventory criteria, ability to produce a certain number of goods, or styles, etc. Alternatively, if the data is sent to sort criteria 1040, then based upon a vendor database, or other vendor profile, at 1045, one or more vendors are notified of a request for information. This notification preferably takes place by email, but may employ various notification procedures.

After either receiving a request for information at 1045, or finding a request from the bulletin board at 1035, the vendor checks inventory to determine if the vendor can fulfill the order. Vendors then respond to the bid inquiry and make offers to the consumer. Typically these offers will either offer a stock item to the consumer at 1055, or offer a made-to-measure or more custom garment to the user at 1060. These offers may or may not include an image of the consumer in the requested garment(s). Therefore, based upon the image and supplied photographic data, the vendor can show an image of the consumer wearing the garment. Thus, the user can view the garment and its fit to determine if he or she wishes to purchase the garment.

After being presented with one or both of these two options from one or more vendors, a consumer will later be able to select none, one or more of these garments. Upon selection, from either 1055 or 1060 the vendor has the ability to offer other options for the garment (perhaps different fabric, accompanying jewelry, other colors, etc.) at 1065. The consumer does not see the options at this time. Rather, the retailer is able to leverage the opportunity, ie "have I got a deal for you? An email 1075 is then sent to the consumer indicating the final configuration of the goods, cost, etc. If there are no other options to add to the goods, 1065 and 1070 are skipped, and email 1075 is sent from 1055 or 1060.

Finally, all received responses to the original bid are reviewed and checked against the bid criteria at 1080. The consumer therefore gets a conforming bid, as checked at 1080 by the service, plus a non-conforming bid, being a conforming bid, plus options. At all times the non-conforming bid must contain a conforming component to stop retailers from trying to sell stock that is not desired.

This is because vendors might propose a garment that is close to the requirements, but not exactly correct in each element. At 1085 a user responds to all of the bids, perhaps indicating the purchase of a garment from one of the bids.

While in the previous description 1065 and 1070 describe a consumer intervention, this is not necessary. Rather, a vendor could offer either the existing stock or made-to-measure garment, and include all of the options, allowing the user to later select the desired options. Thus, the email at 1075 would include all of the various options, and the user post bid response at 1085 might indicate a purchase of a garment, and/or selected options.

At 1060, as noted above, a vendor might offer a made-to-measure or more custom garment. Normally, this requires a consumer to visit with a tailor to have the garment produced. However, in accordance with the invention, this is not necessary. Rather, in accordance with the invention, a robot that reads and "responds" to a consumer's scanned personal data is provided. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, a life-sized image of the consumer (without facial or body features, but including all key body shape information necessary to fit garments) is provided. This robot consists of telescopic torso and limbs, with joints at shoulder, elbow and wrist. The limbs contain telescopic prongs that enable the physical shape of the limb to be modified to match the scanned image data for a particular consumer. Thus, the robot can recreate the limbs and other body parts in conjunction with a consumer's scanned image data. The robot can therefore be used to aid a traditional tailor, acting as the body. The prongs have tension sensors in the ends that measure and record the tension of garments in contact with the sensors, thus determining if a garment properly fits. The tension information collected from the robotic sensors is recorded and displayed on a screen giving a tension report, similar to a barometric weather report. This report is referred to as a "whether report"- dependent upon whether the garment fits or not. Therefore, by use of such a robot, a stock garment can be tested for fit, and a custom garment can be properly produced.

Additionally, ther personal sizing data can be used to directly manipulate the dimensions of a standard pattern, using what is called modulation software that takes a standard pattern and adjusts it for a particular body shape or set of dimensions, or manually adjust/read/interpret dimensions and size garment accordingly.

In accordance with the invention, one of the major problems with ordering clothing online, improper fit, can be cured. Additionally, because the photographic and image data of a consumer are separated, the required data can be sent to vendors, while the photographic data can be reserved, transmitted only when requested by a consumer. Because this data can be used to configure a robot, proper fitting and production of garments at a remote location can be insured. It will be thus seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the disclosures are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A method for storing personal scanning data, comprising the steps of: scanning the physical profile of an individual to produce a scanned data; photographing the physical profile of said individual to produce a photograph data; relating said scanned data to said photograph data; storing said scanned data at a central location; storing said photograph data with said individual; and overlaying said photograph data on said scanned data to produce an accurate computerized depiction of said individual.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said scanning is performed by a photographic scan.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said scanning is performed by a laser scan.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said scanning is performed by a philometric scan.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said photograph data is stored on a personal computer.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said photograph data is stored on a personal organizer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said photograph data is stored on a smart card.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of depicting a garment on said accurate computerized depiction of said individual.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said depiction allows for the determination of fit of the garment on said individual.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said garment is selected by said individual.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said garment is selected by a vendor in accordance with one or more search criteria provided by said consumer.

12. A method for obtaining a garment, comprising the steps of: issuing a search criteria for a garment, said search criteria including at least scanned data indicative of the physical profile of an individual; and retrieving one or more garments meeting said search criteria.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein only garments fitting said an individual corresponding to said scanned data are retrieved.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said computerized representations of said retrieved garments are depicted on an accurate computerized depiction of said individual.

15. A method for obtaining a properly fitting garment, comprising the steps of: scanning the physical profile of an individual to produce a scanned data; photographing the physical profile of said individual to produce a photograph data; relating said scanned data to said photograph data; storing said scanned data at a central location; storing said photograph data with said individual; issuing a search criteria for a garment, said search criteria including at least said scanned data; retrieving one or more garments meeting said search criteria; overlaying said photograph data on said scanned data to produce an accurate computerized depiction of said individual; and depicting a garment on said accurate computerized depiction of said individual.

16. A method for designing a garment, comprising the steps of: issuing a search criteria for a garment, said search criteria including at least scanned data indicative of a physical profile of an individual; and designing one or more garments fitting said physical profile of said individual, and meeting the other search criteria.

17. A method for designing a properly fitting garment, comprising the steps of: scanning the physical profile of an individual to produce a scanned data; photographing the physical profile of said individual to produce a photograph data; relating said scanned data to said photograph data; storing said scanned data at a central location; storing said photograph data with said individual; issuing a search criteria for a garment, said search criteria including at least said scanned data; designing one or more garments fitting said physical profile of said individual, and meeting the other search criteria; overlaying said photograph data on said scanned data to produce an accurate computerized depiction of said individual; and depicting said designed garment on said accurate computerized depiction of said individual.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said designing step comprises the steps of: providing said scanned data to a robot; activating a plurality of telescopic prongs of said robot that enable the physical shape of said robot to be modified to match said provided scanned image data; and fitting said garment onto said robot.

19. A fitting robot, comprising: a human-like outer structure; a plurality of telescopic prongs positioned inside said human-like outer structure, each of said telescopic prongs adapted to move substantially perpendicularly to said human-like outer structure, each of said telescopic prongs effecting the precise overall form of said human- like outer structure upon movement thereof; and a data receiving and storage device, said data receiving and storage device receiving a scanned image data of a physical profile of an individual, each of said telescopic prongs moving in accordance with said scanned image data so that the physical shape of said robot is modified to match said provided scanned image data.

20. The robot of claim 19, wherein each of said plurality of telescopic prongs further comprises a tension probe.

21. The robot of claim 20, wherein said tension probe of each of said plurality of telescopic probes measures a tension of a garment placed on said

; robot.

22. The robot of claim 21, wherein a tension at each of said plurality of telescopic probes is combined to generate a tension report indicative of the fit of a particular garment on said robot.