Method, system, and computer program product for generating a virtual environment

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for generating a virtual environment. An example method includes: receiving an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launching the virtual environment; in the virtual environment: generating, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user; generating, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with a merchant, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment including a virtual store location including a virtual product associated with an actual product; interacting the avatar with a virtual product within the virtual shopping environment; and receiving a user selection input including a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the virtual product; and initiating a transaction to purchase the actual product.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR GENERATING A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 693,241 , filed September 1 1 , 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND1 . Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to generating a virtual environment and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to methods, systems, and computer program products for generating a virtual environment.2. Technical Considerations

[0003] Virtual environments may provide users with the ability to experience aspects of a real-world environment (e.g., a shopping environment) virtually. Users may interact with aspects of a virtual shopping environment (e.g., virtual products in a virtual store of the virtual shopping environment) in a manner similar to the way in which they would interact with real world products on the shelf of a brick-and-mortar store of a merchant. However, existing virtual shopping environments still lack a full complement of functionalities that would enable a user to seamlessly and efficiently engage in a virtual shopping experience.SUMMARY

[0004] Accordingly, provided are improved methods, systems, and computer program products for generating a virtual environment.

[0005] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a computer-implemented method for generating a virtual environment. In some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, the computer-implemented method may include receiving, with at least one computing device of a user, an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launching, with the at least one computing device, the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment including an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generating, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generating,66V6007.DOCX Page 1 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment including a virtual store location including at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generating, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interacting, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receiving, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input including a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiating, with the at least one computing device, a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0006] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product may include conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

[0007] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model may include: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location including a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the second virtual store location including a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

[0008] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may include: receiving, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input including a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving the second user selection input, interacting, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model may be trained machine learning66V6007.DOCX Page 2 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) models, the computer-implemented method may further include: re-training, with the at least one computing device, the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model may be separate from the second machine learning model.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model may be the same machine learning model.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include: generating, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and displaying, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user data may include at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant data may include at least one of the following: merchant product data, merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include conducting a dialog between the avatar and the user.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog between the avatar and the user may include: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, after initiating the transaction, the computer-implemented method may further include: interacting the66V6007.DOCX Page 3 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and providing, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment may include: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message including a request, the request including at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message includes a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation including the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include: in response to receiving a third user selection input including a selection of the second virtual store location, transitioning, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generating, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one computing device of the user may include a virtual reality computing device.

[0022] According to non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a system including at least one processor of at least one computing device of a user, configured to: receive an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launch the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment including an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generate, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generate, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with66V6007.DOCX Page 4 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment including a virtual store location including at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generate, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receive, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input including a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiate a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product may include conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model may include: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location including a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the second virtual store location including a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one processor may be further configured to: receive, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input including a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving the second user selection input, interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model may be trained machine learning models, the at least one processor may be further configured to: re-train the first66V6007.DOCX Page 5 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model may be separate from the second machine learning model.

[0028] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model may be the same machine learning model.

[0029] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one processor may be further configured to: generate, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and display, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

[0030] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user data may include at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0031] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant data may include at least one of the following: merchant product data, merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0032] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one processor may be further configured to conduct a dialog between the avatar and the user.

[0033] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog between the avatar and the user may include: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar generated.

[0034] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, after initiating the transaction, the at least one processor may be further configured to: interact the avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and provide, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.66V6007.DOCX Page 6 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0035] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment may include: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message including a request, the request including at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message includes a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation including the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

[0036] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one processor may be further configured to: in response to receiving a third user selection input including a selection of the second virtual store location, transition, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

[0037] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one processor may be further configured to: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generate, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location.

[0038] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one computing device of the user may include a virtual reality computing device.

[0039] According to non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of at least one computing device of a user, cause the at least one processor to: receive an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launch the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment including an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generate, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generate, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with66V6007.DOCX Page 7 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment including a virtual store location including at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generate, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receive, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input including a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiate a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0040] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product may include conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

[0041] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model may include: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location including a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the second virtual store location including a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

[0042] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to: receive, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input including a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving the second user selection input, interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

[0043] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model may be trained machine learning66V6007.DOCX Page 8 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) models, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to: retrain the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

[0044] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model may be separate from the second machine learning model.

[0045] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model may be the same machine learning model.

[0046] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to: generate, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and display, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

[0047] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user data may include at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0048] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant data may include at least one of the following: merchant product data, merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0049] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to conduct a dialog between the avatar and the user.

[0050] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog between the avatar and the user may include: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar.

[0051] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, after initiating the transaction, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to:66V6007.DOCX Page 9 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) interact the avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and provide, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.

[0052] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment may include: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message including a request, the request including at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message includes a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation including the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

[0053] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to: in response to receiving a third user selection input including a selection of the second virtual store location, transition, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

[0054] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the program instructions may further cause the at least one processor to: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generate, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location

[0055] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one computing device of the user may include a virtual reality computing device.

[0056] Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0057] Clause 1 : A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, with at least one computing device of a user, an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launching, with the at least one computing device, the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment comprising an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generating, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine66V6007.DOCX Page 10 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generating, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment comprising a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generating, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interacting, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receiving, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input comprising a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiating, with the at least one computing device, a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0058] Clause 2: The computer-implemented method of clause 1 , wherein interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product comprises conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

[0059] Clause 3: The computer-implemented method of clause 1 or 2, wherein generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model comprises: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location comprising a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the second virtual store location comprising a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

[0060] Clause 4: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -3, further comprising: receiving, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input comprising a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving66V6007.DOCX Page 1 1 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) the second user selection input, interacting, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

[0061] Clause 5: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -4, wherein the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model are trained machine learning models, the computer-implemented method further comprising: re-training, with the at least one computing device, the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

[0062] Clause 6: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -5, wherein the first machine learning model is separate from the second machine learning model.

[0063] Clause 7: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -6, wherein the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model are the same machine learning model.

[0064] Clause 8: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -7, further comprising: generating, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and displaying, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

[0065] Clause 9: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -8, wherein the user data comprises at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0066] Clause 10: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -9, wherein the merchant data comprises at least one of the following: merchant product data, merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0067] Clause 1 1 : The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -10, further comprising conducting a dialog between the avatar and the user.66V6007.DOCX Page 12 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0068] Clause 12: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -1 1 , wherein the dialog between the avatar and the user comprises: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar.

[0069] Clause 13: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -12, wherein after initiating the transaction, the computer-implemented method further comprises: interacting the avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and providing, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.

[0070] Clause 14: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -13, wherein the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment comprises: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message comprising a request, the request comprising at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message comprises a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation comprising the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

[0071] Clause 15: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -14, further comprising: in response to receiving a third user selection input comprising a selection of the second virtual store location, transitioning, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

[0072] Clause 16: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -15, further comprising: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generating, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location.

[0073] Clause 17: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 -16, wherein the at least one computing device of the user comprises a virtual reality computing device.

[0074] Clause 18: A system comprising at least one processor of at least one computing device of a user, configured to: receive an instruction to launch a virtual66V6007.DOCX Page 13 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launch the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment comprising an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generate, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generate, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment comprising a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generate, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receive, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input comprising a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiate a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0075] Clause 19: The system of clause 18, wherein interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product comprises conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

[0076] Clause 20: The system of clause 18 or 19, wherein generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model comprises: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location comprising a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the second virtual store location comprising a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.66V6007.DOCX Page 14 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0077] Clause 21 : The system of any of clauses 18-20, the at least one processor further configured to: receive, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input comprising a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving the second user selection input, interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

[0078] Clause 22: The system of any of clauses 18-21 , wherein the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model are trained machine learning models, the at least one processor further configured to: re-train the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

[0079] Clause 23: The system of any of clauses 18-22, wherein the first machine learning model is separate from the second machine learning model.

[0080] Clause 24: The system of any of clauses 18-23, wherein the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model are the same machine learning model.

[0081] Clause 25: The system of any of clauses 18-24, the at least one processor further configured to: generate, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and display, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

[0082] Clause 26: The system of any of clauses 18-25, wherein the user data comprises at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0083] Clause 27: The system of any of clauses 18-26, wherein the merchant data comprises at least one of the following: merchant product data, merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0084] Clause 28: The system of any of clauses 18-27, the at least one processor further configured to conduct a dialog between the avatar and the user.66V6007.DOCX Page 15 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0085] Clause 29: The system of any of clauses 18-28, wherein the dialog between the avatar and the user comprises: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar.

[0086] Clause 30: The system of any of clauses 18-29, wherein after initiating the transaction, the at least one processor further configured to: interact the avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and provide, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.

[0087] Clause 31 : The system of any of clauses 18-30, wherein the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment comprises: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message comprising a request, the request comprising at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message comprises a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation comprising the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

[0088] Clause 32: The system of any of clauses 18-31 , the at least one processor further configured to: in response to receiving a third user selection input comprising a selection of the second virtual store location, transition, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

[0089] Clause 33: The system of any of clauses 18-32, the at least one processor further configured to: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generate, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location.

[0090] Clause 34: The system of any of clauses 18-33, wherein the at least one computing device of the user comprises a virtual reality computing device.

[0091] Clause 35: A computer program product comprising at least one non- transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of at least one computing device of a user, cause the at least one processor to: receive an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in66V6007.DOCX Page 16 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) response to receiving the instruction, launch the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment comprising an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generate, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generate, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment comprising a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generate, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receive, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input comprising a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiate a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0092] Clause 36: The computer program product of clause 35, wherein interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product comprises conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

[0093] Clause 37: The computer program product of clause 35 or 36, wherein generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model comprises: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location comprising a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the66V6007.DOCX Page 17 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) second virtual store location comprising a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

[0094] Clause 38: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-37, wherein the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to: receive, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input comprising a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving the second user selection input, interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

[0095] Clause 39: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-38, wherein the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model are trained machine learning models, the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to: re-train the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

[0096] Clause 40: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-39, wherein the first machine learning model is separate from the second machine learning model.

[0097] Clause 41 : The computer program product of any of clauses 35-40, wherein the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model are the same machine learning model.

[0098] Clause 42: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-41 , wherein the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to: generate, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and display, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

[0099] Clause 43: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-42, wherein the user data comprises at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0100] Clause 44: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-43, wherein the merchant data comprises at least one of the following: merchant product data,66V6007.DOCX Page 18 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.

[0101] Clause 45: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-44, wherein the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to conduct a dialog between the avatar and the user.

[0102] Clause 46: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-45, wherein the dialog between the avatar and the user comprises: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar.

[0103] Clause 47: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-46, wherein after initiating the transaction, the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to: interact the avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and provide, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.

[0104] Clause 48: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-47, wherein the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment comprises: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message comprising a request, the request comprising at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message comprises a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation comprising the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

[0105] Clause 49: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-48, wherein the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to: in response to receiving a third user selection input comprising a selection of the second virtual store location, transition, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

[0106] Clause 50: The computer program product of any of clauses 35-49, wherein the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generate, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first66V6007.DOCX Page 19 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location.

[0107] Clause 51 : The computer program product of any of clauses 35-50, wherein the at least one computing device of the user comprises a virtual reality computing device.

[0108] These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] Additional advantages and details are explained in greater detail below with reference to the non-limiting, exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

[0110] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for generating a virtual environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0111] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a user interacting with a VR computing device, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0112] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a user avatar, according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects;

[0113] FIGS. 4A-4B are schematic diagrams of a merchant avatar engaging in a dialog with a user avatar in a virtual environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0114] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an aspect of a virtual environment in which a user is prompted to select a virtual shopping environment, according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects;

[0115] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a virtual shopping environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;66V6007.DOCX Page 20 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0116] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of user avatar transitioning in the virtual environment from a first virtual shopping environment to a second virtual shopping environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0117] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an aspect of a virtual environment in which a user is prompted to select a virtual payment device, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0118] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an aspect of a virtual environment in which a user initiates a return protocol, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0119] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a virtual environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

[0120] FIG. 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an example electronic payment processing network, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects; and

[0121] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of example components of one or more devices, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0122] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the embodiments as they are oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0123] Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects may be described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0124] No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and / or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly66V6007.DOCX Page 21 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, and / or the like) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, reference to an action being “based on” a condition may refer to the action being “in response to” the condition. For example, the phrases “based on” and “in response to” may, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, refer to a condition for automatically triggering an action (e.g., a specific operation of an electronic device, such as a computing device, a processor, and / or the like).

[0125] As used herein, the term “account identifier” may include one or more primary account numbers (PANs), tokens, or other identifiers associated with a customer account. The term “token” may refer to an identifier that is used as a substitute or replacement identifier for an original account identifier, such as a PAN. Account identifiers may be alphanumeric or any combination of characters and / or symbols. Tokens may be associated with a PAN or other original account identifier in one or more data structures (e.g., one or more databases, and / or the like) such that they may be used to conduct a transaction without directly using the original account identifier. In some examples, an original account identifier, such as a PAN, may be associated with a plurality of tokens for different individuals or purposes.

[0126] As used herein, the terms “client” and “client device” may refer to one or more client-side devices or systems (e.g., remote from a transaction service provider) used to initiate or facilitate a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction). As an example, a “client device” may refer to one or more point-of-sale (POS) devices used by a merchant, one or more acquirer host computers used by an acquirer, one or more mobile devices used by a user, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a client device may be an electronic device configured to communicate with one or more networks and initiate or facilitate transactions. For example, a client device may include one or more computers, portable computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile devices, cellular phones, wearable devices (e.g., watches,66V6007.DOCX Page 22 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) glasses, lenses, clothing, and / or the like), PDAs, and / or the like. Moreover, a “client” may also refer to an entity (e.g., a merchant, an acquirer, and / or the like) that owns, utilizes, and / or operates a client device for initiating transactions (e.g., for initiating transactions with a transaction service provider).

[0127] As used herein, the term “communication” may refer to the reception, receipt, transmission, transfer, provision, and / or the like of data (e.g., information, signals, messages, instructions, commands, and / or the like). For one unit (e.g., a device, a system, a component of a device or system, combinations thereof, and / or the like) to be in communication with another unit means that the one unit is able to directly or indirectly receive information from and / or transmit information to the other unit. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection (e.g., a direct communication connection, an indirect communication connection, and / or the like) that is wired and / or wireless in nature. Additionally, two units may be in communication with each other even though the information transmitted may be modified, processed, relayed, and / or routed between the first and second unit. For example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives information and does not actively transmit information to the second unit. As another example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit if at least one intermediary unit processes information received from the first unit and communicates the processed information to the second unit. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a message may refer to a network packet (e.g., a data packet and / or the like) that includes data. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.

[0128] As used herein, the term “computing device” may refer to one or more electronic devices configured to process data. A computing device may, in some examples, include the necessary components to receive, process, and output data, such as a processor, a display, a memory, an input device, a network interface, and / or the like. A computing device may be a mobile device. As an example, a mobile device may include a cellular phone (e.g., a smartphone or standard cellular phone), a portable computer, a wearable device (e.g., watches, glasses, lenses, clothing, and / or the like), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and / or other like devices. A computing device may also be a desktop computer or other form of non-mobile computer.

[0129] As used herein, the term “issuer institution” may refer to one or more entities, such as a bank, that provide accounts to customers for conducting66V6007.DOCX Page 23 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) transactions (e.g., payment transactions), such as initiating credit and / or debit payments. For example, an issuer institution may provide an account identifier, such as a PAN, to a customer that uniquely identifies one or more accounts associated with that customer. The account identifier may be embodied on a portable financial device, such as a physical financial instrument, e.g., a payment card, and / or may be electronic and used for electronic payments. The term “issuer system” refers to one or more computer devices operated by or on behalf of an issuer institution, such as a server computer executing one or more software applications. For example, an issuer system may include one or more authorization servers for authorizing a transaction.

[0130] As used herein, the term “merchant” may refer to an individual or entity that provides goods and / or services, or access to goods and / or services, to customers based on a transaction, such as a payment transaction. The term “merchant” or “merchant system” may also refer to one or more computer systems operated by or on behalf of a merchant, such as a server computer executing one or more software applications.

[0131] As used herein, the term “payment device” may refer to an electronic payment device, a portable financial device, a payment card (e.g., a credit or debit card), a gift card, a smartcard, smart media, a payroll card, a healthcare card, a wristband, a machine-readable medium containing account information, a keychain device or fob, an RFID transponder, a retailer discount or loyalty card, a cellular phone, an electronic wallet mobile application, a PDA, a pager, a security card, a computing device, an access card, a wireless terminal, a transponder, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the payment device may include volatile or nonvolatile memory to store information (e.g., an account identifier, a name of the account holder, and / or the like).

[0132] As used herein, the term “payment gateway” may refer to an entity and / or a payment processing system operated by or on behalf of such an entity (e.g., a merchant service provider, a payment service provider, a payment facilitator, a payment facilitator that contracts with an acquirer, a payment aggregator, and / or the like), which provides payment services (e.g., transaction service provider payment services, payment processing services, and / or the like) to one or more merchants. The payment services may be associated with the use of portable financial devices managed by a transaction service provider. As used herein, the term “payment gateway system” may refer to one or more computer systems, computer devices,66V6007.DOCX Page 24 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) servers, groups of servers, and / or the like, operated by or on behalf of a payment gateway.

[0133] As used herein, a “point-of-sale (POS) device” may refer to one or more devices, which may be used by a merchant to conduct a transaction (e.g., a payment transaction) and / or process a transaction. For example, a POS device may include one or more client devices. Additionally or alternatively, a POS device may include peripheral devices, card readers, scanning devices (e.g., code scanners), Bluetooth® communication receivers, near-field communication (NFC) receivers, radio frequency identification (RFID) receivers, and / or other contactless transceivers or receivers, contact-based receivers, payment terminals, and / or the like. As used herein, a “point- of-sale (POS) system” may refer to one or more client devices and / or peripheral devices used by a merchant to conduct a transaction. For example, a POS system may include one or more POS devices and / or other like devices that may be used to conduct a payment transaction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a POS system (e.g., a merchant POS system) may include one or more server computers programmed or configured to process online payment transactions through webpages, mobile applications, and / or the like.

[0134] As used herein, the term “server” may refer to or include one or more computing devices that are operated by or facilitate communication and processing for multiple parties in a network environment, such as the Internet, although it will be appreciated that communication may be facilitated over one or more public or private network environments and that various other arrangements are possible. Further, multiple computing devices (e.g., servers, point-of-sale (POS) devices, mobile devices, etc.) directly or indirectly communicating in the network environment may constitute a “system.”

[0135] As used herein, the term “system” may refer to one or more computing devices or combinations of computing devices (e.g., processors, servers, client devices, software applications, components of such, and / or the like). Reference to “a device,” “a server,” “a processor,” and / or the like, as used herein, may refer to a previously-recited device, server, or processor that is recited as performing a previous step or function, a different device, server, or processor, and / or a combination of devices, servers, and / or processors. For example, as used in the specification and the claims, a first device, a first server, or a first processor that is recited as performing a66V6007.DOCX Page 25 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) first step or a first function may refer to the same or different device, server, or processor recited as performing a second step or a second function.

[0136] As used herein, the term “transaction service provider” may refer to an entity that receives transaction authorization requests from merchants or other entities and provides guarantees of payment, in some cases through an agreement between the transaction service provider and an issuer institution. For example, a transaction service provider may include a payment network such as Visa® or any other entity that processes transactions. The term “transaction processing system” may refer to one or more computer systems operated by or on behalf of a transaction service provider, such as a transaction processing server executing one or more software applications. A transaction processing server may include one or more processors and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, may be operated by or on behalf of a transaction service provider.

[0137] As used herein, the term “virtual environment” may refer to an environment not existing in the physical world but made to appear by executing specialized software, such as any virtual reality (VR) and / or augmented reality (AR) environment, including but not limited to a “metaverse” environment, a gaming environment, and / or the like. The virtual environment may be accessed by a user through one or more computing devices, such as a VR or AR headset, mobile device, wearable device, VR or AR kiosk and / or the like. In some examples, the user may be represented by a pseudo-identity. The pseudo-identity may include an avatar, such as a graphical representation (e.g., an icon, image, picture, photograph, three-dimensional model, and / or the like) of a user or a representative and / or associate thereof in the virtual environment. In some examples, the avatar may move within and interact with the virtual environment. The pseudo-identity may include a pseudonym, such as a handle, username, or the like.

[0138] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for improving the generation of virtual environments. Non-limiting embodiments or aspects may launch a virtual environment on a computing device. The virtual environment may be configured to interact with the user via a displayed interactive graphical user interface configured to receive user selection inputs. The virtual environment may enhance the user experience associated with shopping in a virtual environment.66V6007.DOCX Page 26 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0139] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects may launch the virtual environment using a VR computing device that provides the user an immersive experience in the virtual environment. In the virtual environment, the user may interact with the user interface to make a plurality of user selections associated with various aspects of a virtual shopping experience, such the generation of an avatar representing the user, the navigation through a virtual shopping environment, the inspection of virtual products within the virtual shopping environment, the engagement in dialog with one or more virtual merchant avatars, the request and / or review of one or more product recommendations, the initiation of an electronic payment transaction for a real product corresponding to a virtual product, the selection of a payment device, the initiation of a return protocol, among other virtual tasks having a real-world counterpart.

[0140] Upon completion of the user interaction with the virtual environment, the user may be automatically redirected to interact with an electronic payment processing network to process a transaction initiated in the virtual environment to purchase a real product corresponding to a virtual product. Generation of the virtual environment and interaction of the user therewith may allow for a high level of customization of the user’s virtual experience, and the interactions with the virtual environment may enable users to seamlessly and more efficiently navigate within the virtual environment. Further, non-limiting embodiments help retain users and keep users engaged in a process that is often interrupted or disrupted when being completed in a web browser, or requires significant time expenditure in person, or the like.

[0141] In the interactive virtual environment, the user may may engage in dialog with one more avatar generated in the virtual environment. User dialog input may be input to a model (e.g., an LLM), and LLM may generate an output response to be provided to the user. As such, user may engage in dialog with at least one language processing model, which may improve the user’s virtual shopping experience, such as by the generation of recommendations for products relevant to the user, by the efficiency with which virtual products relevant to the user are displayed within the virtual environment, by the efficiency with which a user is transitioned between different virtual shopping environments, and the like. User and / or merchant data input to the model may enable the model to generate relevant recommendations for the user and / or engage in dialog with the user that is relevant to displaying products relevant to user preferences.66V6007.DOCX Page 27 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0142] Each of the systems (e.g., the user system, the first machine learning model, the second machine learning model, the generative Al system, the merchant system, and / or the transaction processing system) may interact with one another to generate and execute the virtual environment and may be integral in launching and executing the virtual environment and in generating an improved virtual environment to provide an improved user experience within the virtual environment (e.g., generating, by first machine learning model, the avatar associated with the user, and generating, by the second machine learning model, the virtual shopping environment and / or the second avatar associated with the merchant, and the interaction therebetween are integral) that is customized to a user’s unique preferences.

[0143] As used herein “product” may refer to a product and / or service offering of a merchant.

[0144] Referring now to FIG. 1 , shown is system 100 for generating a virtual environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. System 100 may include user system 102, user database 104, generative artificial intelligence (Al) system 106, first machine learning model (MLM) 108, second MLM 1 10, merchant system 1 12, merchant database 1 14, and / or transaction processing system 1 16.

[0145] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user system 102 may include at least one computing device, which may include at least one of the following: a smartphone, a wearable device, a VR computing device, a kiosk, and / or any combination thereof. The user system 102 may comprise a plugin configured to launch a virtual environment as described herein. The VR computing device may be any suitable computing device configured to display a partially or fully immersive virtual environment for the user, such as a VR computing device that comprises a VR headset component configured to be worn over the eyes of the user and / or a VR controller component configured to be worn and / or controlled by a body part of the user, such as the user’s hand, arm, foot, leg, torso, and the like. A VR computing device may include an AR device, which combines a virtual environment with a real-world environment from the perspective of the user. A VR computing device may include a VR headset, such as glasses, goggles, full headsets, and / or the like, and a computing device that is connected to the VR headset and / or embedded therein. For example, a VR computing device may include a smartphone positioned within a viewing device, a display within a viewing device that is controlled by an external computing device, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user system 102 may66V6007.DOCX Page 28 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) be in communication with user database 104. For example, user system 102 may send data to and / or receive data from user database 104.

[0146] User database 104 may be separate and / or part of user system 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user database 104 may include at least one computing device, as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user database 104 may store data records. The data records may comprise user data as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user database 104 may store historical transaction data associated with electronic payment transactions (e.g., between consumers and merchants) processed over an electronic payment processing network by transaction processing system 1 16. In some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, user database 104 may include one or more databases. For example, user database 104 may include a database associated with an issuer, a database associated with a merchant, and / or a database associated with a transaction service provider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user database 104 may be in communication with generative Al system 106 and / or first MLM 108.

[0147] Generative Al system 106 may include at least one computing device as described herein. For example, generative Al system 106 may include a computer (e.g., portable computer, non-mobile computer, and / or the like), a server (e.g., a single server), a group of servers, and / or other like devices of a user. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may include at least one processor (e.g., a multi-core processor) such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may include memory, one or more storage components, one or more input components, one or more output components, and / or one or more communication interfaces, as described herein.

[0148] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may include one or more machine learning models. For example, generative Al system 106 may include first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 are separate models. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 are the same model.66V6007.DOCX Page 29 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0149] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may generate (e.g., train, validate, and / or re-train), store, and / or implement the one or more machine learning models. The one or more machine learning models may be trained to perform at least one task (e.g., a language processing task, a recommendation generation task, a virtual environment generation and / or display task, and / or the like). Each of the one or more machine learning models may include an input layer, an output layer, and at least one hidden layer.

[0150] First MLM 108 may include at least one computing device as described herein. For example, first MLM 108 may include a computer (e.g., portable computer, non-mobile computer, and / or the like), a server (e.g., a single server), a group of servers, and / or other like devices of a user. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may include at least one processor (e.g., a multi-core processor), such as a GPU, a CPU, an APU, a microprocessor, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may include memory, one or more storage components, one or more input components, one or more output components, and / or one or more communication interfaces, as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may include one or more machine learning models. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may be a trained model. First MLM 108 may comprise a natural language processing system. First MLM 108 may be configured to simulate how a human would behave as a conversational partner. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may include a large language model (LLM). Non-limiting examples of LLMs include CHATGPT, GEMINI, CLAUDE, LLAMA, and the like.

[0151] Second MLM 1 10 may include at least one computing device as described herein. For example, second MLM 1 10 may include a computer (e.g., portable computer, non-mobile computer, and / or the like), a server (e.g., a single server), a group of servers, and / or other like devices of a user. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 1 10 may include at least one processor (e.g., a multi-core processor), such as a GPU, a CPU, an APU, a microprocessor, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 1 10 may include memory, one or more storage components, one or more input components, one or more output components, and / or one or more communication interfaces, as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 1 10 may include one or more machine learning models. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects,66V6007.DOCX Page 30 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) second MLM 1 10 may be a trained MLM. Second MLM 1 10 may include a natural language processing system. Second MLM 1 10 may be configured to simulate how a human would behave as a conversational partner. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 1 10 may include an LLM, as described herein.

[0152] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 1 10 may be the same as, similar to, and / or part of first MLM 108. Alternatively, first MLM 108 may be a first machine learning model and second MLM 1 10 may be a second machine learning model, where the first machine learning model is separate from the second machine learning model.

[0153] Merchant system 1 12 may include a device including at least one computing device as described herein. For example, the merchant device may include a computer (e.g., portable computer, non-mobile computer, and / or the like), a server (e.g., a single server), a group of servers, and / or other like devices of a user. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant device may include at least one processor (e.g., a multi-core processor), such as a GPU, a CPU, an APU, a microprocessor, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant system 112 may include memory, one or more storage components, one or more input components, one or more output components, and / or one or more communication interfaces, as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant system 1 12 may be in communication with merchant database 1 14. For example, merchant system 1 12 may send data to and / or receive data from merchant database 1 14.

[0154] Merchant database 1 14 may be separate from and / or part of merchant system 112. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant database 114 may include at least one computing device, as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant database 1 14 may store data records. The data records may comprise merchant data as described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant database 1 14 may store historical transaction data associated with electronic payment transactions (e.g., between consumers and merchants) processed over an electronic payment processing network by transaction processing system 1 16. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant database 1 14 may include one or more databases. For example, merchant database 1 14 may include a database associated with a merchant. In some non-limiting66V6007.DOCX Page 31 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) embodiments or aspects, merchant database 114 may be in communication with generative Al system 106 and / or second MLM 1 10.

[0155] Transaction processing system 1 16 (see e.g., transaction processing system 1 101 from FIG. 1 1 ) may include at least one computing device as described herein. For example, transaction processing system 1 16 may include a computer (e.g., portable computer, non-mobile computer, and / or the like), a server (e.g., a single server), a group of servers, and / or other like devices of a user. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, transaction processing system 116 may include at least one processor (e.g., a multi-core processor), such as a GPU, a CPU, an APU, a microprocessor, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, transaction processing system 116 may include memory, one or more storage components, one or more input components, one or more output components, and / or one or more communication interfaces, as described herein. Transaction processing system 1 16 may be a component of a transaction service provider. Transaction processing system 1 16 may be a component of an electronic payment processing network configured to process (e.g. authorize, clear, and / or settle) electronic payment transactions.

[0156] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may be the same as, similar to, and / or part of transaction processing system 1 16. For example, generative Al system 106 may be a component of transaction processing system 1 16.

[0157] The number and arrangement of systems and devices shown in FIG. 1 are provided as an example. There may be additional systems and / or devices, fewer systems and / or devices, different systems and / or devices, and / or differently arranged systems and / or devices than those shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, two or more systems or devices shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented within a single system or device, or a single system or device shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented as multiple, distributed systems or devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of systems (e.g., one or more systems) or a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of system 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of systems or another set of devices of system 100.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 2, a user 218 is shown interacting with a VR computing device 220, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. VR computing device 220 may correspond to user system 102 from FIG. 1 . User 218 may interact66V6007.DOCX Page 32 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) with a virtual environment using VR computing device 220. For example, the virtual environment may be displayed on a graphical user interface of VR computing device 220, thus enabling user 218 to be immersed in (e.g., in a three-dimensions) the virtual environment. VR computing device 220 may provide user 218 a partially or fully immersive virtual environment, such as by a VR headset component of VR computing device 220 being worn over the eyes of user 218. VR computing device 220 may comprise a VR controller configured to be worn and / or controlled by a body part of user 218, such as the user’s hand, arm, foot, leg, torso, and the like, which allows user movements to control the virtual environment, move through the virtual environment, input user selections, and the like.

[0159] VR computing device 220 may be configured to receive at least one user selection input. For example, user 218 may interact with at least one component of VR computing device 220 by touching a component thereof to make a user selection (e.g., pressing a button, selecting a selectable option, typing into a keyboard, executing a motion, and the like). User 218 may audibly interact with at least one component of VR computing device 220 by an audio component of VR computing device 220 (e.g. a microphone) detecting an audible input from the user 218. User 218 may visually interact with at least one component of VR computing device 220 by a visual component of VR computing device 220 (e.g., a camera) detecting a visual input from the user 218. User 218 may interact with at least one component of VR computing device 220 using at least one motion by a component of VR computing device 220 detecting a motion-based input from user 218.

[0160] While FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of a VR computing device 220, it will be appreciated that other types of VR computing devices may be used by user 218 to engage in the virtual environment shown and described in the present disclosure. Moreover, other types of computing devices may be used by user 218 to interact with the virtual environment. For example, user 218 may interact with the virtual environment by user 218 engaging with one or more mobile and / or web-based applications displayed on a graphical user interface of a computing device of user 218, such as a smartphone, laptop, desktop, and / or the like of user 218.

[0161] Referring again to FIG. 1 , generative Al system 106 may receive an instruction to launch a virtual environment from user system 102. For example, user may select a selectable option displayed on user system 102 configured to cause the virtual environment to be launched by generative Al system 106.66V6007.DOCX Page 33 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0162] In response to receiving the instruction, generative Al system 106 may launch the virtual environment on user system 102. The launched virtual environment may be configured to interact with the user via user system 102 (e.g., such as via VR computing device 220). The virtual environment may comprise an interactive graphical user interface (e.g., displayed on user system 102) configured to receive at least one user selection as an input. The virtual environment may be experienced by senses of the user, such as the user experiencing the virtual environment via visual and / or auditory senses.

[0163] The user may interact in the virtual environment as described hereinafter.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in the virtual environment, first MLM 108 of generative Al system 106 may generate a user avatar 322 representing the user. User avatar 322 may be generated by first MLM 108 based on user data.

[0165] For example, the user data may comprise user selections associated with the design of the user for user avatar 322, such as selections associated with user gender, user height, user weight, user skin tone, user hair color, user facial features, user clothing, user accessories, and the like.

[0166] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user data may comprise at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user (e.g., associated with payment transactions of the user), user preference data of the user (e.g., survey data, questionnaire data, user-provided preference data, and the like), a product request from the user (e.g., a user request for one or more product), historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user (e.g., associated with payment transactions of a population of users), historical dialog data (e.g., chat dialog data associated with chats of the user), historical user search data (e.g., associated with a browser search history of the user), user dimension data (e.g., associated with a size and / or dimension of the user), user demographics data (e.g., associated with a demographic of the user), user social media data (e.g., associated with a social media account of the user), and / or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user data may include user preferences (e.g., preferred brands, sizing information, preferred materials, a budget range, preferred payment card details, etc.). The user data may be stored in user database 104.

[0167] The user data stored in user database 104 may be input to first MLM 108, and first MLM 108 may automatically generate user avatar 322 based thereon. For example, first MLM 108 may generate the user avatar representing a likeness of the66V6007.DOCX Page 34 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) user, such as a visual likeness of the user and / or a likeness reflecting one or more interest of the user, as reflected by the user data. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user avatar 322 may be automatically generated by first MLM 108 receiving an input of a photograph, a video, and / or other visual data corresponding to the user and generating an output of user avatar 322. User avatar 322 generated from this visual data of the user may look similar to the user.

[0168] FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a user avatar 322 that can be generated by first MLM 108 to represent a user. User avatar 322 may interact in the virtual environment as shown and described herein. For example, user avatar 322 may move through the virtual environment, further investigate components thereof (e.g., virtual products therein), converse with the user and / or other avatars therein, make selections based on options provided, and the like.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4A-4B, in the virtual environment, second MLM 1 10 of generative Al system 106 may generate a merchant avatar 424 representing the merchant. Merchant avatar 424 may be generated by second MLM 1 10 based on merchant data. Merchant avatar 424 may represent a single merchant. Merchant avatar 424 may represent a plurality of merchants, such as a general shopping advisor avatar assigned to guide the user’s interactive shopping experience in a plurality of different virtual shopping environments.

[0170] Merchant data may comprise merchant selections associated with a design selected (e.g., by the merchant) to represent the merchant, such as selections associated with gender, height, weight, skin tone, hair color, facial features, clothing, accessories, and the like.

[0171] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant data may comprise at least one of the following: merchant product data (e.g., associated with product offerings of the merchant), merchant preference data (e.g., associated with products offerings to be recommended), historical transaction data of the merchant (e.g., associated with payment transactions of the merchant), merchant inventory data (e.g., associated with the inventory of at least one merchant product), merchant social media data (e.g., associated at least one social media account of the merchant), merchant store appearance data (e.g., associated with the appearance of store locations of the merchant), and / or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant data may include data associated with a store layout and / or look, data associated with a merchant product inventory, data associated66V6007.DOCX Page 35 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) with merchant preferences, data associated with merchant shipping methods, etc. The merchant data may be stored in merchant database 1 14.

[0172] The merchant data stored in merchant database 1 14 may be input to second MLM 1 10, and second MLM 1 10 may automatically generate the merchant avatar based thereon. For example, second MLM 1 10 may generate the merchant avatar representing a likeness of one or more aspects of the merchant, such as a visual likeness of an aspect of the merchant and / or a likeness reflecting one or more product offering of the merchant, as reflected by the merchant data.

[0173] FIGS. 4A-4B show a non-limiting example of merchant avatar 424 that can be generated by second MLM 1 10 to represent a merchant. Merchant avatar 424 may interact in the virtual environment as shown and described herein. For example, merchant avatar 424 may move through the virtual environment, further investigate components thereof (e.g., virtual products therein), converse with the user and / or other avatars therein (e.g., user avatar 322), make selections based on options provided, and the like.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 4A, user may interact with the virtual environment (e.g., via user avatar 322) from first-person perspective (1 PP). For example, user may view the virtual environment (e.g., including environment, merchant avatar 424) as if they were looking through the eyes of user avatar 322 (not shown).

[0175] Referring to FIG. 4B, user may interact with the virtual environment (e.g., via user avatar 322) from third-person perspective (3PP). For example, user may view the virtual environment (e.g., including environment, user avatar 322, merchant avatar 424) from an external viewpoint (e.g., external to user avatar 322).

[0176] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, in the virtual environment, second MLM 1 10 of generative Al system 106 may generate a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants. Second MLM 1 10 may generate a virtual shopping environment for a merchant based on the merchant data of the merchant. For example, the merchant data stored in merchant database 1 14 may be input to second MLM 110, and second MLM 110 may, in response, generate the virtual shopping environment representing the merchant.

[0177] The virtual shopping environment generated by second MLM 1 10 may comprise a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the merchant. Each virtual product may correspond to an actual product available to a user from the merchant.66V6007.DOCX Page 36 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0178] The virtual store location may be generated to exhibit a likeness to at least one characteristic of an actual store of the merchant, based on the merchant data. For example, the virtual store location may have a merchant store appearance similar to an actual merchant location, such as a store layout; a look and feel of the store; store colors merchant trademark, tradename, service mark, trade dress, and the like; and / or other visual and / or audio characteristics of an actual merchant location. The virtual store location may comprise virtual products of the merchant that correspond to actual products of the merchant. The virtual products may exhibit a likeness to the corresponding actual product such that the user interacting with the virtual product may provide the user with data associated with the actual product. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, virtual store location and / or virtual products may be automatically generated by second MLM 110 receiving an input of a photograph, a video, and / or other visual data (e.g., CAD model, engineering drawing, blueprint, and the like) corresponding to an actual store location of the merchant and / or an actual product and generating an output of the virtual store location and / or virtual products. Virtual store location and / or virtual products generated from this visual data of the user may look similar to the to the actual store location and / or actual products.

[0179] User avatar 322 (e.g., from FIG. 3) may move in the virtual environment through the virtual store location. User avatar 322 may interact in the virtual environment with virtual products arranged in the virtual store location.

[0180] A plurality of virtual store locations 528a-528b for a plurality of merchants are shown. Each merchant associated with the virtual environment may have a different virtual store location 528a-528b customized for the merchant. For example, generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to second MLM 1 10 may comprise generating first virtual store location 528a associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants and generating second virtual store location 528b associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants. First virtual store location 528a may comprise a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant. Second virtual store location 528b may comprise a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

[0181] User may be prompted in the virtual environment to select a virtual store location from a plurality of virtual store locations 528a-528b, and the user’s selection thereof may cause the virtual environment to display the selected virtual store location66V6007.DOCX Page 37 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) for which user avatar 322 can interact. For example, the interactive GUI of the virtual environment may receive a user selection input comprising selection of first virtual store location 528a. In response, first virtual store location 528a may be generated and displayed in the interactive GUI of the virtual environment. User may interact (e.g., via user avatar 322) with first virtual store location 528a in the interactive GUI of the virtual environment. User avatar 322 may interact with a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within first virtual store location 528a.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 6, a virtual shopping environment comprising a first virtual store location 528a is shown according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. First virtual store location 528a may display a plurality of virtual products 630 that correspond to actual products. In this non-limiting example, the virtual products 630 comprise virtual shoe products that correspond with actual shoe products offered by a first merchant. However, it will be appreciated that the virtual products displayed in the virtual store location may comprise any product offering of a merchant.

[0183] In the virtual store location, user (e.g., user avatar 322) may interact with virtual product 630. Interacting with virtual product 630 may comprise user avatar 322 engaging with virtual product 630 in a way that enables user to obtain further data associated with virtual product 630. For example, user avatar 322 may virtually touch virtual product 630 so as to enable user to visually inspect virtual product 630. Virtual product 630 may be rotated in different directions so that user can inspect virtual product 630 from various angles.

[0184] Interacting with virtual product 630 may comprise user avatar 322 virtually selecting virtual product 630, and, in response, data associated with virtual product 630 may be displayed or read to user. The data associated with virtual product 630 may comprise any suitable data associated with a product, such as a price, a description, dimensions, features, discounts, payment options, return policy, and the like.

[0185] Interacting with virtual product 630 may comprise user avatar 322 engaging in a dialog 426 with merchant avatar 424. User avatar 322 may initiate a dialog with merchant avatar 424 in response to a user input requesting further data associated with virtual product 630. In response to receiving a prompt (e.g., a question, a request, a command, and the like) from user avatar 322, merchant avatar 424 may generate and provide (e.g., display and / or emit audio) a response. Dialog 426 between user avatar 322 and merchant avatar 424 may comprise at least one prompt and at least66V6007.DOCX Page 38 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) one response thereto. Dialog 426 may comprise a back-and-forth comprising a plurality of prompts and responses between user avatar 322 and merchant avatar 424. User avatar 322 may initiate dialog 426 with merchant avatar 424. Merchant avatar 424 may initiate dialog 426 with user avatar 322.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, dialog 426 between user avatar 322 and merchant avatar 424 may be generated using first MLM 108 and second MLM 1 10. First MLM 108 may generate a first message of user avatar 322 and may communicate the first message to second MLM 1 10. In response to first message, second MLM 1 10 may generate a second message based on the received first message and may communicate the second message to first MLM 108. Thus, first MLM 108 and second MLM 1 10 may converse back-and-forth, mimicking a human dialog. The dialog generated and communicated therebetween may be displayed for user to read or may be audibly emitted for user to hear in the virtual environment.

[0187] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user system 102 may engage in dialog directly with second MLM 1 10 (e.g., with merchant avatar 424). For example, user may input a first message to user system 102, which may communicate the first message to second MLM 1 10. In response to first message, second MLM 1 10 may generate a second message based on the received first message and may communicate the second message to user system 102. Thus, user and second MLM 1 10 may converse back-and-forth mimicking a human dialog. The dialog generated and communicated therebetween may be displayed for user to read or may be audibly emitted for user to hear in the virtual environment.

[0188] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user system 102 may engage in dialog directly with first MLM 108 (e.g., with user avatar 322). For example, user may input a first message to user system 102, which may communicate the first message to first MLM 108. In response to first message, first MLM 108 may generate a second message based on the received first message and may communicate the second message to user system 102. Thus, user and first MLM 108 may converse back-and-forth mimicking a human dialog. The dialog generated and communicated therebetween may be displayed for user to read or may be audibly emitted for user to hear in the virtual environment. Based on this dialog between user system 102 and first MLM 108, user avatar 322 (e.g., using first MLM 108) may engage in further dialog with merchant avatar 424, which communicates via second MLM 1 10. For example,66V6007.DOCX Page 39 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) user may communicate with user avatar 322 to provide user avatar 322 with a request and / or an instruction for engaging in a dialog with merchant avatar 424.

[0189] With continued reference to FIG. 6, dialog 426 between user avatar 322 and merchant avatar 424 may comprise user avatar 322 specifying at least one parameter, which user avatar 322 may receive from user. The parameter may comprise at least one characteristic and / or property of a product or service. For example, the parameter may comprise a type of product or service (e.g., a shoe, a hammer, a cleaning service, a tree removal service, etc.). The parameter may comprise a characteristic and / or property of a product or service (e.g., a color, a size, a capability, etc.). For example, in dialog 426 in FIG. 6, user avatar 322 specifies a parameter of “white” and “dress shoes.”

[0190] In response to user avatar 322 specifying a parameter, merchant avatar 424 may generate dialog 426 that comprises a response to the request comprising the parameter. The response of merchant avatar 424 may comprise a product recommendation 632 of at least one virtual product or service corresponding to a product or service of the merchant associated with the parameter. Product recommendation 632 may be generated by second MLM 1 10 (see FIG. 1 ) based on the parameter. For example, in FIG. 6, product recommendation 632 of a virtual product 630 corresponding to a white dress shoe offered by the merchant is displayed in the virtual environment. Product recommendation 632 may emphasize the recommended virtual product 630 in the virtual environment. User may further interact with virtual product 630 of product recommendation 632, such as via user avatar 322, to collect further information about the characteristics and / or properties of virtual product 630.

[0191] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, based upon the interaction of user avatar 322 with virtual product 630, the interactive GUI of the virtual environment may receive a user selection input from user. The user selection input may comprise a selection to purchase the actual product associated with virtual product 630.

[0192] In response to receiving the user selection input, a transaction may be initiated to purchase the actual product associated with virtual product 630. Initiating the transaction may comprise generating a transaction request associated with the actual product. The transaction request may be submitted to transaction processing system 1 16. For example, transaction request may be generated and transmitted by66V6007.DOCX Page 40 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) at least one of the following: user system 102, generative Al system 106, merchant system 1 12, and / or any combination thereof. In response to receiving the transaction request, transaction processing system 1 16 may process an electronic payment transaction to completion (e.g., authorizing, clearing, and settling). Transaction processing system 1 16 may engage the electronic payment processing network (see e.g., FIG. 1 1 ), in order to process the transaction request generated from interaction between the user and the virtual environment. The actual product may be provided to the user in response to the payment transaction being completed. For example, the actual product may be automatically shipped to the user, or the actual product may otherwise be made available to the user, such as being available for pickup, access credentials being provided to the user, and the like.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the transaction request may be processed as a card-not-present and / or electronic commerce (e-commerce) electronic payment transaction. A payment device of the user may be used to process the electronic payment transaction. As shown in FIG. 8, the payment device to be used may be selected in the virtual environment, although it will be appreciated that other non-limiting embodiments or aspects may involve selection of the payment device outside of the virtual environment.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 8, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one virtual payment device 834 of the user may be displayed in the virtual environment. Each virtual payment device 834 displayed may exhibit a likeness to the actual payment device of the user and / or have a design that enables the user to identify the actual payment device corresponding to the virtual payment device 834. User (e.g., user avatar 322 thereof) may select at least one of the displayed virtual payment devices 834 to be used in processing the electronic payment transaction. For example, user may select a selectable option associated with virtual payment device 834 to use in processing the electronic payment transaction. The transaction request may be generated based on the selected virtual payment device 834, such as containing an identifier of the actual payment device corresponding to virtual payment device 834. For example, the transaction request may comprise the PAN, expiration date, and / or cvv code of the actual payment device.

[0195] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may generate a recommendation 836 of virtual payment device 834 from among a plurality of virtual payment devices of the66V6007.DOCX Page 41 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) user based on the user data. Recommendation 836 may represent the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction. Recommendation 836 may be displayed on the interactive GUI. Recommendation 836 may be generated based on any suitable user data, such as historical transaction data including the payment devices used in other and / or similar transactions, user preferences associated with using payment devices, payment device reward data including the reward each payment device offers for payment transactions, and the like.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 7, user avatar 322 transitioning in the virtual environment from first virtual shopping environment 528a to second virtual shopping environment 528b is shown according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects. A user selection input may be received (e.g., by VR computing device 220 of FIG. 2) that, in response, causes user avatar 322 to transition in the virtual environment from first virtual shopping environment 528a to second virtual shopping environment 528b. For example, user may select a selectable element displayed in the virtual environment that corresponds to second virtual shopping environment 528b to cause second virtual shopping environment 528b to be displayed in the virtual environment and / or to cause user avatar 322 to move into second virtual shopping environment 528b. For example, physical movement of user (e.g., as detected by VR computing device 220) may cause movement of user avatar 322 from its initial location in first virtual shopping environment 528a to second virtual shopping environment 528b. User avatar 322 may interact with second virtual shopping environment 528b in the same manner as was described in connection with first virtual shopping environment 528a. User avatar 322 may transition between a plurality of virtual shopping environments, e.g., a third virtual shopping environment, back to the first virtual shopping environment 528a, etc. as described herein. Each virtual shopping environment may comprise a different merchant avatar, or the merchant avatar may be the same in each virtual shopping environment.

[0197] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant avatar 424 in a virtual shopping environment may be specific to a user (e.g., as a virtual shopping assistant customized to guide user avatar 322 through multiple virtual shopping environments, regardless of the merchant corresponding thereto). For example, user avatar 322 may interact with a first merchant avatar in first virtual shopping environment 528a, and, in response to transitioning from the first virtual shopping66V6007.DOCX Page 42 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) environment 528a to the second virtual shopping environment 528b, user avatar 322 may interact with the same first merchant avatar.

[0198] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant avatar 424 may be specific to a merchant (e.g., merchant avatar 424 is a virtual shopping assistant for users interacting with that merchant’s virtual shopping environment). For example, user avatar 322 may interact with a first merchant avatar in first virtual shopping environment 528a, and, in response to transitioning from first virtual shopping environment 528a to second virtual shopping environment 528b, user avatar 322 may interact with a second, different merchant avatar. The second merchant avatar may be generated to represent the second merchant associated with second virtual shopping environment 528b, and the second merchant avatar may be configured to interact with user avatar 322 in second virtual shopping environment 528b. The second avatar may be generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location, such that second avatar may know about previous relevant interactions (e.g., previous user selection inputs, and the like), in order to better interact with user avatar 322. Better interactions may include more relevant dialog and / or product recommendations for the user based on historical user data.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 9, an aspect of a virtual environment in which a user initiates a return protocol is shown according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects. A user may have previously initiated a transaction for a product of a merchant. For example, the transaction may have been processed to completion, and user may have optionally received the actual product. User, such as via user avatar 322, may again interact in the virtual environment to initiate return of the actual product. User may relaunch the virtual environment as previously described herein. User may interact in the virtual environment to initiate a return of the actual product. For example, user may select a selectable option in the virtual environment that is configured to initiate the return. For example, user avatar 322 may engage in a dialog 426 with merchant avatar 424 to initiate the return. For example, user and / or first MLM 108 (see FIG. 1 ) may generate dialog 426 for user avatar 322 to transmit to merchant avatar 424, and second MLM 1 10 (see FIG. 1 ) may generate dialog 426 for merchant avatar 424 to transmit to user avatar 322. User avatar 322 and merchant avatar 424 may conduct an at least partially automated dialog 426 to initiate the return. Merchant avatar 424 may automatically provide, in its response, a return protocol to effect the return of the actual product. For example, verbal and / or displayed instructions for the return may66V6007.DOCX Page 43 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) be provided. A user selectable link, a barcode, a QR code, and / or the like may be displayed in the virtual environment with which user (e.g., user avatar 322) may interact to effect the return of the actual product. As a result of the completion of the return protocol, the purchased product may be returned to the merchant, and user may receive a refund.

[0200] Referring again to FIG. 1 , as has been described in the present disclosure, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may generate at least one output in response to receiving at least one input. For example, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may generate dialog, a recommendation, a protocol, and / or the like based on the input. First MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may be trained machine learning models, which have been trained to generate the outputs as described herein. For example, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may have been trained on user data (general user data and / or user-specific user data) and / or merchant data.

[0201] In response to at least one of the user interactions with the virtual environment as described herein, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may be retrained, with data associated with those user interactions functioning as re-training data for first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10. For example, user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment may generate re-training data on which first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 110 are re-trained.

[0202] The user selection inputs may comprise dialog input by user to the virtual environment to interact therewith. The dialog may express implicit and / or explicit preference for one or more product and / or characteristic or property thereof, in order for first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 to make better recommendations and / or more relevant dialog with the user. The dialog may express a preferred communication style that may be mimicked by first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 when interacting in a future dialog with the user. The dialog may provide insights into a question, concern, and / or desire of the user, in order for first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 to make better recommendations and / or more relevant dialog with the user.

[0203] The user selection inputs may comprise a user selection of a product. The user selection of a product may be a selection of a product to further investigate in the virtual environment. The user selection of a product may be a selection of a product to purchase. The user selection inputs may comprise a user rejection of a product, such as a rejection of a recommendation or an action to not purchase a product after investigation thereof in the virtual environment.66V6007.DOCX Page 44 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0204] First MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may be re-trained based on at least one user interaction with the virtual environment. Retrained first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may be used in future interactions with the user (or other users), in order to generate further outputs in response to receiving further inputs. Retrained first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may provide more relevant recommendations and / or more relevant dialog for user compared to previous iterations of first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 (e.g., before the retraining).

[0205] Referring now to FIG. 10, shown is a flow diagram of a method for generating a virtual environment, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. The steps shown in FIG. 10 are for example purposes only. It will be appreciated that additional, fewer, different, and / or a different order of steps may be used in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a step may be automatically performed in response to performance and / or completion of a prior step.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1002, process 1000 may include receiving instructions to launch a virtual environment. For example, user system 102 (e.g., at least one computing device of user system 102) may receive instructions to launch a virtual environment (e.g., from a user). The at least one computing device may include a display configured to display an interactive GUI including an option (e.g., a selectable option) including instructions to launch the virtual environment, which may be selected by the user.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1004, process 1000 may include launching the virtual environment. For example, in response to receiving the instruction, user system 102 (e.g., at least one computing device of user system 102) may launch the virtual environment.

[0208] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the virtual environment may be configured to interact with the user. For example, the virtual environment may include an interactive GUI configured to receive at least one input from the user. The inputs may include selections (e.g., a selection of a selectable input button), text (e.g., text input to a text box), and / or other inputs (e.g., gaze-based inputs, voice commands, gestures, parametric information, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the interactive GUI may be configured to update based on receiving the at least one input from the user. For example, a user may navigate throughout the virtual environment based on at least one input (e.g., input and / or movement) of the user,66V6007.DOCX Page 45 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) with the display of the virtual environment being updated based on the at least one input and / or movement of the user.

[0209] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, once the virtual environment is launched, one or more steps of process 1000 may be performed within the virtual environment. For example, steps 1006-1014 may be performed by one or more computing devices and / or one or more systems within the virtual environment. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, steps 1006-1016 may be performed by one or more computing devices and / or one or more systems within the virtual environment.

[0210] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user database 104 may send and / or enable access to user data associated with the user to generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may receive and / or retrieve (e.g., from user database 104) the user data as an input. The user data may include historical transaction data of the user (e.g., associated with payment transactions of the user), user preference data of the user (e.g., survey data, questionnaire data, user-provided preference data, and the like), a product request from the user (e.g., a user request for one or more product), historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user (e.g., associated with payment transactions of a population of users), historical dialog data (e.g., chat dialog data associated with chats associated with the user), historical user search data (e.g., associated with a browser search history of the user), user dimension data (e.g., associated with a size and / or dimension of the user), user demographics data (e.g., associated with a demographic of the user), user social media data (e.g., associated with a social media account of the user), and / or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user data may include user preferences (e.g., preferred brands, sizing information, preferred materials, a budget range, preferred payment card details, etc.).

[0211] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1006, process 1000 may include generating an avatar representing the user. For example, generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108) may generate an avatar representing the user based on the user data associated with the user. The avatar may be generated to visually resemble the user. The avatar may be generated to have a visual appearance based on parameters from user selections. The avatar may embody a persona generated based on the user data, which persona includes a knowledge of the user data and conclusions that can66V6007.DOCX Page 46 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) be derived therefrom, such as user preferences, user needs, recommendations for the user, and the like.

[0212] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the avatar and the user may conduct a dialog in the virtual environment. The dialog between the avatar and the user may include dialog generated by the user that is input to the at least one computing device. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may generate the dialog generated for the avatar.

[0213] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108) may interact the avatar with the user. For example, first MLM 108 may conduct a dialog between the avatar and the user. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the avatar may prompt the user with questions to learn at least one user preference. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 may receive at least one input from the user in response to prompting the user with a question. The avatar may provide the user with at least one product recommendation based on the user data, such as by displaying the product recommendation in the virtual environment.

[0214] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merchant database 1 14 may send and / or enable access to merchant data associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants to generative Al system 106 (e.g., second MLM 1 10). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 1 10 may receive and / or retrieve (e.g., from merchant database 1 14) the merchant data as an input. The merchant data may include merchant product data (e.g., associated with product offerings of the merchant), merchant preference data (e.g., associated with products offerings to be recommended), historical transaction data of the merchant (e.g., associated with payment transactions of the merchant), merchant inventory data (e.g., associated with the inventory of at least one merchant product), merchant social media data (e.g., associated at least one social media account of the merchant), merchant store appearance data (e.g., associated with the appearance of store locations of the merchant), and / or any combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the merchant may include data associated with a store layout, data associated with a merchant product inventory, data associated with merchant preferences, data associated with merchant shipping methods, etc.).

[0215] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1008, process 1000 may include generating a virtual shopping environment. For example, generative Al system 106 (e.g., second66V6007.DOCX Page 47 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)MLM 1 10) may generate a virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to second MLM 1 10. The visual appearance of the virtual shopping environment in the virtual environment may resemble a real-life merchant location and / or an appearance according to merchant selections.

[0216] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the virtual shopping environment may include at least one virtual store location. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the at least one store location may be associated with a merchant of a plurality of merchants. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a virtual store location may include at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the at least one virtual product may be associated with (e.g., correspond to) an actual product (e.g., a product for sale by the merchant).

[0217] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generating the virtual shopping environment may include generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants. For example, generative Al system 106 (e.g., second MLM 1 10) may generate the first virtual store location associated with the first merchant. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first virtual store location may include the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product of the first merchant.

[0218] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generating the virtual shopping environment may include generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants. For example, generative Al system 106 (e.g., second MLM 1 10) may generate the second virtual store location associated with the second merchant. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second virtual store location may include a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant, each of the second plurality of virtual products associated with an actual product of the second merchant.

[0219] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user system 102 may receive a user selection input from the user. For example, user system 102 may receive, via the interactive GUI, a user selection input including a selection of the first virtual store location.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1010, process 1000 may include generating a second avatar representing the merchant. For example, generative Al system 10666V6007.DOCX Page 48 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)(e.g., second MLM 110) may generate a second avatar representing the merchant based on the merchant data. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second MLM 110 may generate a second avatar for each merchant of the plurality of merchants and / or each virtual store location of the at least one store location based on the merchant data. The second avatar may be generated to have a visual appearance based on parameters from merchant selections. The second avatar may embody a persona generated based on the merchant data, which persona includes a knowledge of the merchant data and conclusions that can be derived therefrom, such as merchant preferences, merchant products, merchant pricing, merchant policies, merchant discounts / offers / rewards, and the like.

[0221] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second avatar may be configured to interact with the avatar representing the user in the virtual environment. For example, the avatar representing the user may send prompts to and / or receive prompts from the second avatar. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the avatar may send / receive responses and / or commands from the second avatar. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the interaction between the avatar and the second avatar may simulate how two humans would behave in a conversation. For example, the avatar representing the user may simulate how a shopper would behave when interacting with a sales associate in a store and / or the second avatar may simulate how the sales associate would behave when interacting with the shopper.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1012, process 1000 may include interacting the avatar with virtual products of the merchant within the virtual shopping environment. For example, user system 102 (e.g., at least one computing device of user system 102) may interact the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment via the interactive GUI. Interacting with the virtual product may include selecting to purchase the product, inspecting the visual appearance of the product in the virtual environment, reviewing a product description and / or feature of the product, inquiring about the product, and the like.

[0223] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, user system 102 may interact the avatar with the first plurality of the virtual product of the first merchant within the first virtual store location in response to receiving the second user selection input including the selection of the first virtual store location.66V6007.DOCX Page 49 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)

[0224] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product may include conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment. The dialog may be generated by generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10). For example, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may generate at least one message. First MLM 108 may send at least one message to and / or receive at least one message from second MLM 1 10. Second MLM 1 10 may send at least one message to and / or receive at least one message from first MLM 108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the dialog may represent a conversation between the avatar (e.g., a consumer) and the second avatar (e.g., a merchant and / or a sales associate).

[0225] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, interacting the avatar with the virtual product may include viewing the virtual product, viewing data associated with the virtual product, such as a size of the virtual product, a dimension of the virtual product, a color of the virtual product, a price of the virtual product, an availability of the virtual product, material(s) of the virtual product, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, interacting the avatar with the virtual product may include selecting the virtual product and / or adding and / or removing the virtual product to / from a virtual shopping cart.

[0226] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may be trained MLMs. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 may be re-trained based on user selection inputs within the virtual shopping environment. For example, user selection inputs may be input to first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 as re-training data that may modify at least one output generated by first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10 in response to receiving input data (e.g., associated with a request, a dialog, and / or the like).

[0227] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1014, process 1000 may include receiving a user selection input. For example, user system 102 (e.g., at least one computing device of user system 102) may receive a user selection input from a user via the interactive GUI. The user selection input may include a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 10, at step 1016, process 1000 may include initiating a transaction. For example, one of user system 102 (e.g., at least one computing device of user system 102) and / or generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10) may initiate a transaction with the at least one merchant to purchase66V6007.DOCX Page 50 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product in response to receiving the user selection input.

[0229] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108) may generate a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the recommended payment device may represent the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may display the recommended payment device and / or data associated with the recommended payment device via the interactive GUI. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 may receive a selection of the recommended payment device via the interactive GUI.

[0230] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, after initiating the transaction, generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108) may interact with the avatar to initiate a return of the actual product via the interactive GUI. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, generative Al system 106 (e.g., first MLM 108 and / or second MLM 1 10) may provide a return protocol for the actual product via the interactive GUI.

[0231] Referring now to FIG. 1 1 , shown is electronic payment processing network 1 100, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Electronic payment processing network 1 100 may be used in conjunction with the methods and systems described herein. It will be appreciated that the particular arrangement of electronic payment processing network 1 100 shown is for example purposes only, and that various arrangements are possible. Transaction processing system 1 101 (e.g., a transaction handler) is shown to be in communication with at least one issuer system (e.g., such as issuer system 1 106) and at least one acquirer system (e.g., such as acquirer system 1 108). Although only a single issuer system 1 106 and single acquirer system 1 108 are shown, it will be appreciated that transaction processing system 1 101 may be in communication with a plurality of issuer systems and / or acquirer systems. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, transaction processing system 1 101 may also operate as an issuer system, such that both transaction processing system 1 101 and issuer system 1 106 are a single system and / or controlled by a single entity.

[0232] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, transaction processing system 1 101 may communicate with merchant system 1 104 directly through a public or private network connection. Additionally or alternatively, transaction processing66V6007.DOCX Page 51 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) system 1 101 may communicate with merchant system 1 104 through payment gateway 1 102 and / or acquirer system 1 108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, acquirer system 1 108 associated with merchant system 1104 may operate as payment gateway 1 102 to facilitate the communication of transaction requests from merchant system 1 104 to transaction processing system 1 101. Merchant system 1 104 may communicate with payment gateway 1 102 through a public or private network connection. For example, merchant system 1104 that includes a physical POS device may communicate with payment gateway 1 102 through a public or private network to conduct card-present transactions. As another example, merchant system 1 104 that includes a server (e.g., a web server) may communicate with payment gateway 1 102 through a public or private network, such as a public Internet connection, to conduct card-not-present transactions.

[0233] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, transaction processing system 1 101 , after receiving a transaction request from merchant system 1 104 that identifies an account identifier of a payor (e.g., such as an account holder) associated with an issued payment device 11 10 (e.g., a consumer device), may generate an authorization request message to be communicated to issuer system 1 106 that issued the payment device 1 1 10 and / or account identifier. Issuer system 1 106 may then approve or decline the authorization request and, based on the approval or denial, generate an authorization response message that is communicated to transaction processing system 1 101. Transaction processing system 1 101 may communicate an approval or denial to merchant system 1 104. When issuer system 1 106 approves the authorization request message, it may then clear and settle the payment transaction between issuer system 1 106 and acquirer system 1 108.

[0234] Electronic payment processing network 1100 may be invoked in response to receiving (e.g., via generative Al system 106) a user selection input in the virtual environment to initiate a payment transaction for the user-selected product.

[0235] Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is a diagram of example components of device 1200, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Device 1200 may correspond to user system 102, user database 104, generative Al system 106, first MLM 108, second MLM 1 10, merchant system 112, merchant database 1 14, transaction processing system 116, VR computing device 220, transaction processing system 1 101 , payment gateway 1 102, merchant system 1 104, issuer system 1 106, acquirer system 1 108, and / or payment device 1 1 10, as an example. In some non-66V6007.DOCX Page 52 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) limiting embodiments or aspects, such systems or devices may include at least one device 1200 and / or at least one component of device 1200. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, device 1200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 1200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 1200.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 12, device 1200 may include bus 1202, processor 1204, memory 1206, storage component 1208, input component 1210, output component 1212, and communication interface 1214. Bus 1202 may include a component that permits communication among the components of device 1200. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processor 1204 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 1204 may include a processor (e.g., a CPU, a GPU, an APU, etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform a function. Memory 1206 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 1204.

[0237] With continued reference to FIG. 12, storage component 1208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of device 1200. For example, storage component 1208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid-state disk, etc.) and / or another type of computer-readable medium. Input component 1210 may include a component that permits device 1200 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, input component 1210 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output component 1212 may include a component that provides output information from device 1200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.). Communication interface 1214 may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter,66V6007.DOCX Page 53 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) etc.) that enables device 1200 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface 1214 may permit device 1200 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface 1214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi® interface, a cellular network interface, and / or the like.

[0238] Device 1200 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device 1200 may perform these processes based on processor 1204 executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as memory 1206 and / or storage component 1208. A computer-readable medium may include any non- transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space located inside of a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices. Software instructions may be read into memory 1206 and / or storage component 1208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 1214. When executed, software instructions stored in memory 1206 and / or storage component 1208 may cause processor 1204 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. The term “configured to,” as used herein, may refer to an arrangement of software, device(s), and / or hardware for performing and / or enabling one or more functions (e.g., actions, processes, steps of a process, and / or the like). For example, “a processor configured to” may refer to a processor that executes software instructions (e.g., program code) that cause the processor to perform one or more functions.

[0239] Although embodiments have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of66V6007.DOCX Page 54 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.66V6007.DOCX Page 55 of 63

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, with at least one computing device of a user, an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launching, with the at least one computing device, the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment comprising an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generating, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generating, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment comprising a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generating, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interacting, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receiving, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input comprising a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiating, with the at least one computing device, a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.66V6007.DOCX Page 56 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product comprises conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein generating the virtual shopping environment associated with the at least one merchant of the plurality of merchants based on the merchant data input to the second machine learning model comprises: generating a first virtual store location associated with a first merchant of the plurality of merchants, the first virtual store location comprising a first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant; and generating a second virtual store location associated with a second merchant of the plurality of merchants, the second virtual store location comprising a second plurality of virtual products of the second merchant.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising: receiving, with the interactive GUI, a second user selection input comprising a selection of the first virtual store location; and in response to receiving the second user selection input, interacting, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the first plurality of virtual products of the first merchant within the first virtual store location.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model are trained machine learning models, the computer-implemented method further comprising: re-training, with the at least one computing device, the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model based on user selection inputs of the user within the virtual shopping environment.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first machine learning model is separate from the second machine learning model.66V6007.DOCX Page 57 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first machine learning model and the second machine learning model are the same machine learning model.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: generating, with the first machine learning model, a recommendation of a recommended payment device of a plurality of payment devices of the user based on the user data, the recommended payment device representing the payment device recommended for the user for initiating the transaction; and displaying, with the interactive GUI, the recommended payment device.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the user data comprises at least one of the following: historical transaction data of the user, user preference data of the user, a product request from the user, historical transaction data of a plurality of users different from the user, historical dialog data of the user, historical user search data, user dimension data, user demographics data, user social media data, and / or any combination thereof.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the merchant data comprises at least one of the following: merchant product data, merchant preference data, historical transaction data of the merchant, merchant inventory data, merchant social media data, merchant store appearance data, and / or any combination thereof.1 1 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising conducting a dialog between the avatar and the user.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 1 , wherein the dialog between the avatar and the user comprises: dialog generated by the user input to the at least one computing device; and / or dialog generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar.66V6007.DOCX Page 58 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)13. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein after initiating the transaction, the computer-implemented method further comprises: interacting the avatar with the interactive GUI to initiate a return of the actual product; and providing, with the interactive GUI, a return protocol for the actual product.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment comprises: a first message generated by the first machine learning model for the avatar, the first message comprising a request, the request comprising at least one parameter; a second message generated by the second machine learning model for the second avatar, the second message comprises a recommendation in response to the request, the recommendation comprising the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, the recommendation generated by the second machine learning model based on the at least one parameter.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising: in response to receiving a third user selection input comprising a selection of the second virtual store location, transitioning, in the virtual environment, from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, further comprising: in response to transitioning from the first virtual store location to the second virtual store location, generating, with the second machine learning model, a third avatar representing the second merchant, the third avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment, the third avatar different from the second avatar associated with the first merchant, the third avatar generated based on at least one user interaction at the first virtual store location.66V6007.DOCX Page 59 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)17. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one computing device of the user comprises a virtual reality computing device.

18. A system comprising at least one processor of at least one computing device of a user, configured to: receive an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launch the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment comprising an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generate, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generate, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment comprising a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generate, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and receive, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input comprising a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiate a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.66V6007.DOCX Page 60 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01)19. The system of claim 18, wherein interacting the avatar with the at least one virtual product comprises conducting a dialog between the avatar and the second avatar in the virtual environment, the dialog generated by the first machine learning model and / or the second machine learning model.

20. A computer program product comprising at least one non- transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of at least one computing device of a user, cause the at least one processor to: receive an instruction to launch a virtual environment; in response to receiving the instruction, launch the virtual environment configured to interact with the user, the virtual environment comprising an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) configured to receive at least one user selection as input; in the virtual environment: generate, with a first machine learning model, an avatar representing the user, the first machine learning model generating the avatar based on user data associated with the user, the user data input to the first machine learning model from a first database; generate, with a second machine learning model, a virtual shopping environment associated with at least one merchant of a plurality of merchants, the second machine learning model generating the virtual shopping environment based on merchant data input to the second machine learning model from a second database, the virtual shopping environment comprising a virtual store location comprising at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant, each virtual product associated with an actual product; generate, with the second machine learning model, a second avatar representing the at least one merchant based on the merchant data, the second avatar configured to interact with the avatar in the virtual environment; interact, with the interactive GUI, the avatar with the at least one virtual product of the at least one merchant within the virtual shopping environment; and66V6007.DOCX Page 61 of 63Attorney Docket No. 08223-2502307 (8582WO01) receive, with the interactive GUI, a user selection input, the user selection input comprising a selection to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product; and in response to receiving the user selection input, initiate a transaction to purchase the actual product associated with the at least one virtual product.66V6007.DOCX Page 62 of 63

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