VIRTUAL SHOPPING SYSTEM

摘要

A method for making a virtual store (10) for use in shopping on-line includes the steps of digitally imaging a real store using a digital imaging device, creating software objects that correspond to the boundaries of the items (32) whose images are shown in the image, associating information about the products (32) with these computer objects as metadata, and then storing a website that includes the digital image on a hosting server. The hosting server is connected to a database where the product information is stored so that the user who accesses the website can obtain product information by clicking on the images of the items (32). A user can access the website, navigate the virtual store, make selections for purchase, and arrange to take possession of the purchased items (32) in a manner that closely parallels shopping at a physical store.