Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Controlling the condition of display elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-11-27
Bayerl, Raymond J. (Department: 2173)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Controlling the condition of display elements
C345S960000, C345S215000, C345S215000, C340S990000, C340S995190, C705S027200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06323885
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to computer systems and more particularly to a computer system for creating and providing a map image of real estate values.
Currently, data indicating sale prices of homes or other real estate is available from several on-line sources. This data is typically displayed in text format, wherein each entry displays the address, sales price, sales date, etc. Although these databases provide information to potential home buyers regarding sale prices in selected areas, the textual display of such information is inefficient. Further, the textual display does not provide the observer with an indication of how sale prices vary generally across geographic areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and computer system for creating and displaying a map image including symbols which quickly and efficiently convey information regarding real estate values in numerous geographic locations in a selected geographic area simultaneously.
Preferably, the computer system of the present invention includes a database including a sale price for each of a plurality of real estate parcels in selected geographic areas. The computer system further includes a map program which associates each of the plurality of real estate parcels to a map image location. The computer system associates each of a plurality of symbols with a range of sales prices. Preferably each symbol includes a color and a shape. Each color is associated with a different range of sales prices. Each range is further divided in to subranges, with each shape within each color associated with one of the sub-ranges. Thus, the color of a symbol indicates the range of sales prices, while the shape further defines the sub-range of sales prices.
The computer associates one of the plurality of symbols with each of the real estate parcels based upon the sales price from the value database. Each symbol is then displayed on a map image based upon the association between the real estate parcel and the map image location.
The resulting map image of the geographic area includes the plurality of symbols displayed on the map image at locations corresponding to the real estate parcels. Each symbol indicates the sale price (within the sub-range) of the real estate parcel with which it is associated.
Since each range of real estate prices is associated with a color, an observer can quickly perceive larger variations in real estate values by observing differences in color between different geographic locations. By looking further, the observer can discriminate smaller variations in real estate values indicated by the different shapes of the symbols.
Preferably, the computer system is implemented on a network, such as the Internet. The computer system provides a user with the ability to select a geographic area. Upon selection of the geographic area, the computer system displays a map image with the symbols as described above for that area. Preferably, an advertisement associated with the selected geographic area is also displayed either alongside of the map image or in a display screen prior to the map image. The advertisement would ideally be for a realtor or mortgage broker or other service or product related to the purchase and sale of homes or other real estate.
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patent: 6219053 (2001-04-01), Tachibana et al.
Bayerl Raymond J.
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Vu Kieu D.
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