Patent Application
20130304747
In general, embodiments of the present invention pertain to item selection. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to characteristic-based item selection in a networked computing environment.
Individuals with physical limitations (e.g., color blindness) may be faced with various challenges in everyday life. For example, individuals with color blindness may have difficulty coordinating items such as clothing. At present, approaches for addressing visual impairments typically include various optical filtering devices. Unfortunately, such devices may be both costly and subject to loss, etc. As such, challenges may exist in providing a cost effective and reliable option for those limitations.
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to an approach for characteristic-based (e.g., color) selection of items (e.g., clothing) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, at least one computer storage device will be populated with a first set of items (e.g., clothing associated with a user). The first set of items may be associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics (e.g., colors, patterns, styles, sizes, etc.). A computer data structure (e.g., a table) may then be generated includes scores that indicate the compatibility of the first set of items to one another. A second set of items (e.g., additional clothing items from a retailer) may then be received in the at least one computer storage device. The second set of items may also be accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics (e.g., colors, patterns, styles, sizes, etc.). A set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items may then be generated according to one or more criteria.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for characteristic-based item selection in a networked computing environment, comprising: populating at least one computer storage device with a first set of items, the first set of items being associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics; generating a computer data structure of the first set of items having corresponding compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another; receiving, in the at least one computer storage device, a second set of items that correspond to the first set of items, the second set of items being accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics; and generating a set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items.
A second aspect of the present invention provides computer-implemented method for characteristic-based item selection in a networked computing environment, comprising: a memory medium comprising instructions; a bus coupled to the memory medium; and a processor coupled to the bus that when executing the instructions causes the system to: populate at least one computer storage device with a first set of items, the first set of items being associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics; generate a computer data structure of the first set of items having corresponding compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another; receive, in the at least one computer storage device, a second set of items that correspond to the first set of items, the second set of items being accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics; and generate a set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product for characteristic-based item selection in a networked computing environment, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the computer readable storage media, to: populate at least one computer storage device with a first set of items, the first set of items being associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics; generate a computer data structure of the first set of items having corresponding compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another; receive, in the at least one computer storage device, a second set of items that correspond to the first set of items, the second set of items being accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics; and generate a set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for deploying a system for characteristic-based item selection in a networked computing environment, comprising: providing a computer infrastructure being operable to: populate at least one computer storage device with a first set of items, the first set of items being associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics; generate a computer data structure of the first set of items having corresponding compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another; receive, in the at least one computer storage device, a second set of items that correspond to the first set of items, the second set of items being accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics; and generate a set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items.
These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.
Illustrative embodiments will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The word “set” is intended to mean a quantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms “computer data structure” or “data structure” are intended to mean any type of structure capable of containing data such as a table, a list, a graph, etc.
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to an approach for characteristic-based (e.g., color) selection of items (e.g., clothing) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, at least one computer storage device will be populated with a first set of items (e.g., clothing associated with a user). The first set of items may be associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics (e.g., colors, patterns, styles, sizes, etc.). A computer data structure may then be generated that comprises compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another. A second set of items (e.g., additional clothing items from a retailer) may then be received in the at least one computer storage device. The second set of items may also be accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics (e.g., colors, patterns, styles, sizes, etc.). A set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items may then be generated according to one or more criteria.
Referring now to
In computing node 10, there is a computer system/server 12, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, mobile devices, global positioning systems (GPS), GPS-enable devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.
As shown in
Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.
Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cache memory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention.
The embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computer readable signal medium, which may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or as part of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium including, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, radio-frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
Characteristic-based item selection program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42, may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. In general, characteristic-based item selection 40 performs the function of the present invention as described herein. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.
Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more external devices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.; one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with computer system/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12. Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.
Referring now to
Along these lines, engine 50 may perform multiple functions similar to a general-purpose computer. Specifically, among other functions, engine 50 may (among other things): populate at least one computer storage device 62 with a first set (e.g., one or more) of items 54 (e.g., based on one or more images received from a user), the first set of items 54 (e.g., clothing) being associated in the at least one computer storage device 62 with a first set of corresponding characteristics (e.g., colors, patterns, styles, sizes, etc.); generate a computer data structure (e.g., a table 58) of the first set of items having corresponding compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another; receive, in the at least one computer storage device 62, a second set of items 56 (e.g., from a retailer) that correspond to the first set of items 54, the second set of items 56 (e.g., clothing) being accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics (e.g., colors, patterns, styles, sizes, etc.); generate a set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items (e.g., based on a best match of the first set of corresponding characteristics to the second set of corresponding characteristics); and/or provide output 60 (e.g., reports) pertaining to the set of matches.
A more detailed depiction of a clothing-based implementation is shown in
Compatibility %=(USER_RATE SOC_RATE+USER_RATE)/(USER_MAX+SOC_MAX)
Where USER_RATE=actual user rating, SOC_RATE=actual social networking website rating(s); USER_MAX=maximum possible user rating; and SOC_MAX=maximum possible social networking website rating. This would allow any defined scale (e.g., a scale of 1 to 5, 1 to 10, etc)ro be accommodated hereunder.
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While shown and described herein as a characteristic-based item selection solution, it is understood that the invention further provides various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable/useable medium that includes computer program code to enable a computer infrastructure to provide characteristic-based item selection as discussed herein. To this extent, the computer-readable/useable medium includes program code that implements each of the various processes of the invention. It is understood that the terms computer-readable medium or computer-useable medium comprise one or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. In particular, the computer-readable/useable medium can comprise program code embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture (e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or more data storage portions of a computing device, such as memory 28 (
In another embodiment, the invention provides a method that performs the process of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to provide characteristic-based item selection functionality. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (
In still another embodiment, the invention provides a computer-implemented method for characteristic-based item selection. In this case, a computer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (
As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and “computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in any language, code, or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code, or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent, program code can be embodied as one or more of: an application/software program, component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basic device system/driver for a particular computing device, and the like.
A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code can be provided hereunder and can include at least one processor communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can include, but are not limited to, local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/output and/or other external devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening device controllers.
Network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems, remote printers, storage devices, and/or the like, through any combination of intervening private or public networks. Illustrative network adapters include, but are not limited to, modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards.
The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
