Graph-based visual navigation through store environments

A computer system for selling goods on-line, the computer system comprising:

• a computer;
• a display device connected to the computer;
• one or more input devices connected to the computer;
• and
• a computer program executing on the computer, wherein the computer program comprises computer instructions for:
• generating a virtual store environment from a real store environment, the virtual store environment comprising a plurality of nodes connected by branches, wherein each node represents an intersection in the real store environment and each branch represents a path connecting intersections in the real store environment;
• displaying a map of at least a portion of the nodes and branches of the virtual store environment in a first window of the display device;
• displaying a visual representation of the virtual store environment in a second window of the display device;
• allowing a user to navigate through the virtual store environment by entering navigation commands via at least one input device;
• allowing the user to select for purchase at least one item displayed in the second window;
• and
• completing a purchase transaction on-line to transfer ownership of the selected item to the user.

A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions for:

• generating a virtual store environment from a real store environment, the virtual store environment comprising a plurality of nodes connected by branches, wherein each node represents an intersection in the real store environment and each branch represents a path connecting intersections in the real store environment;
• displaying a map of at least a portion of the nodes and branches of the virtual store environment in a first window of a display device of a computer;
• displaying a visual representation of the virtual store environment in a second window of the display device;
• allowing a user to navigate through the virtual store environment by entering navigation commands via at least one input device connected to the computer;
• allowing the user to select for purchase at least one item displayed in the second window;
• and
• completing a purchase transaction on-line to transfer ownership of the selected item to the user.