Virtual Showroom System and Method

Abstract

The present invention provides a network server with enhanced graphics and improved methods for displaying articles offered for purchase, to allow a purchaser to fully evaluate the article while shopping “on-line.” In a particular embodiment, a virtual showroom associated with the network server may be provided, for displaying first and second articles. A first electronic image representing the first article and a second electronic image representing the second article may also be provided. The second article may be complementary to the first article, such that the second article may be worn in conjunction with the first article. In another embodiment, a user may have the option to overlay the first electronic image with the second electronic image. In a particular embodiment, the second electronic image may include an at least partially translucent depiction of a substantial portion of the second article.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of displaying a plurality of articles within a virtual showroom associated with a network service, comprising:
 providing for simultaneous electronic display, using one or more processors, a first plurality of electronic images, each of said first plurality of electronic images representing one of said plurality of articles wherein each of said first plurality of electronic images includes a first perspective view;   providing for simultaneous electronic display, using the one or more processors, a second plurality of electronic images, each of said second plurality of electronic images representing a respective one of said plurality of articles, wherein each of said second plurality of electronic images includes a second perspective view;   providing for simultaneous electronic display, using the one or more processors, first and second graphical objects wherein selection of said first graphical object by a user of said network server will display said first perspective view of said plurality of articles within a master display field, and selection of said second graphical object by said user will display said second perspective view of said plurality of articles within said master display field;   upon said selection of said first graphical object, modifying the displayed visual appearance of said first graphical object using the one or more processors; and   upon said selection of said second graphical object, modifying the displayed visual appearance of said second graphical object using the one or more processors.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 providing a third plurality of electronic images, each of said third plurality of electronic images representing a respective one of said plurality of articles, wherein each of said third plurality of electronic images includes a third perspective view; and   providing at least a third graphical object wherein selection of said third graphical object by said user will display said third perspective view of said plurality of articles within said master display field.