Viewing images for review in merged image form and with parameter-based image processing

Abstract

A method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a matching scheme using codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to an article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the article and the structure satisfy a category-matching criterion. In certain embodiments, the articles are represented by (search) parameters that permit organizational advantages.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform operations comprising:
 providing an interface for access by a remote computer;   receiving structure image data of a structure from the remote computer;   receiving a search parameter from the remote computer;   searching for an article that matches the search parameter and offered for sale at a remote website;   pulling image data corresponding to the matched article from the remote website;   receiving selection data corresponding to the matched article;   linking the remote computer to the remote website that corresponds to the matched article;   merging the pulled image data with the structure image data to form a merged image data of the article placed on the structure; and   displaying the merged image data at the remote computer.   
     
     
         2 . The computer readable medium of  claim 1 , storing further executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform further operations comprising:
 categorizing the matched article according to one or more categorization parameters; and   configuring the interface to display the matched article in a category.   
     
     
         3 . The computer readable medium of  claim 1 , storing further executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform further operations comprising:
 displaying an advertisement for an article offered for sale by a retailer; and   charging the retailer for the advertisement.   
     
     
         4 . The computer readable medium of  claim 1 , storing further executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform further operations comprising:
 tracking purchases of the matched article; and   providing demographic information to the retailer that sold the matched article.   
     
     
         5 . The computer readable medium of  claim 4 , storing further executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform further operations comprising charging the retailer for the demographic information. 
     
     
         6 . The computer readable medium of  claim 1 , storing further executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform further operations comprising providing a selectable icon for enabling the searching. 
     
     
         7 . The computer readable medium of  claim 1 , wherein the search parameter includes an identification of a selected retailer. 
     
     
         8 . The computer readable medium of  claim 1 , wherein the search parameter includes a selection of an outline of the searched for article. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus comprising:
 a server including at least one programmable computer, wherein the server is configured to:
 provide an interface for accessing by a remote computer; 
 receive structure image data of a structure from the remote computer; 
 receive a search parameter from the remote computer; 
 search for an article that matches the search parameter and offered for sale at a remote website; 
 pull image data corresponding to the matched article from the remote website; 
 receive selection data corresponding to the matched article; 
 link the remote computer to the remote website that corresponds to the matched article; 
 merge the pulled image data with the structure image data to form a merged image data of the article placed on the structure; and 
 display the merged image at the remote computer. 
   
     
     
         10 . An apparatus comprising:
 server means, including at least one processor means that includes a programmable computer, configured to:
 provide an interface for accessing by a remote computer; 
 receive structure image data of a structure from the remote computer; 
 receive a search parameter from the remote computer; 
 search for an article that matches the search parameter and offered for sale at a remote website; 
 pull image data corresponding to the matched article from the remote website; 
 receive selection data corresponding to the matched article; 
 link the remote computer to the remote website that corresponds to the matched article; 
 merge the pulled image data with the structure image data to form a merged image data of the article placed on the structure; and 
 display the merged image at the remote computer. 
   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured to:
 categorize the matched article according to one or more categorization parameters; and   configure the interface to display the matched article in a category.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured to:
 display an advertisement for an article offered for sale by a retailer; and   charge the retailer for the advertisement.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured to: track purchases of the matched article; and providing demographic information to the retailer that sold the matched article. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the server means is further configured to charge a retailer for the demographic information. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the server means is further configured to provide a selectable icon for enabling the searching. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the search parameter includes an identification of a selected retailer. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the search parameter includes a selection of an outline of the searched for article. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the server is further configured to:
 track purchases of the matched article; and   provide demographic information to the retailer that sold the matched article.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the server is further configured to:
 track purchases of the matched article;   providing demographic information to the retailer that sold the matched article; and   charge the retailer for the demographic information.