Abstract: A visually-oriented search system guides a search with non-verbal inputs. Instead of specifying discrete attributes (words) as input to a search engine, a user may create a visual model of a desired end result and apply the model as a generalized input from which discrete attributes are extracted for submission to conventional search engines. The search may be enhanced with a simulation of the visually-created query, and the simulation may be transformed into a query suitable for distribution to one or more search engines. The query may be refined using domain-specific rules, vocabulary, expert systems, and the like. Search results may be browsed by a user, or employed to further refine subsequent searches.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating the selecting and/or the purchasing of items are provided. Items to be purchased may be clothing items. The use of a visualization pane comprising an avatar may be used to facilitate item selection. The avatar may represent a person such as a user and clothing items may be represented on the avatar so as to provide a preview of how the clothing items would look on the user. Searching for purchasable items may be done textually or visually using key images or by a combination of both. Key images selected from a dictionary of key images may to represent search criteria. Coupon offers may be presented to a user which may be redeemable instantly or later at a store location.

Abstract: A visually-oriented search system guides a search with non-verbal inputs. Instead of specifying discrete attributes (words) as input to a search engine, a user may create a visual model of a desired end result and apply the model as a generalized input from which discrete attributes are extracted for submission to conventional search engines. The search may be enhanced with a simulation of the visually-created query, and the simulation may be transformed into a query suitable for distribution to one or more search engines. The query may be refined using domain-specific rules, vocabulary, expert systems, and the like. Search results may be browsed by a user, or employed to further refine subsequent searches.