METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTION AND VIEWING REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES
First Claim
1. A method of generating visual representations of a real estate property enabling a user to select and view particular representations thereof, comprising the steps of:
- recording a set of panoramic visual images for each of a plurality of real estate properties to be selected and viewed, each panoramic visual image being recorded from a particular perspective and each real estate property being identified by a unique designation;
storing the sets of panoramic/visual images and accompanying unique designations in a centralized computer database along with an index of selection criteria, such criteria including the geographical location and physical features of each real estate property;
providing a user terminal having input means and a display device, the user terminal remote from and in electrical communication with the centralized computer database;
entering, through the input means of the user terminal, one or more of the criteria;
displaying the unique designations of the real estate properties indexed to the entered criteria;
selecting, through the input means, one of the properties indexed to the entered criteria for the purpose of viewing that property;
displaying one of the panoramic visual images stored for the selected property on the display device;
receiving a change perspective command through the input means of the user terminal; and
displaying an additional panoramic visual image for the selected property in accordance with the change perspective command.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for selecting and viewing real estate properties are disclosed which enables a buyer to conveniently “view” a real estate property without physically visiting the actual real estate property. A set of panoramic visual images is recorded for each of a plurality of real estate properties and the images are stored in a centralized computer database along with an index of selection criteria. A prospective buyer inputs, through a user terminal having input means and display means, selection criteria. A central processing unit (“CPU”) selects those real estate properties which satisfy the selection criteria. The selected properties are displayed, and the user selects for viewing one of the properties displayed. The CPU then displays the panoramic visual images stored for the selected property. The user, while viewing a panoramic visual image, may input a change perspective command, such as “look left” or “go to living room” causing the CPU to display an additional panoramic visual image in accordance with the change perspective command. The change perspective command permits the user to view the full panoramic visual representation of the real estate property.
-
Citations
31 Claims
-
1. A method of generating visual representations of a real estate property enabling a user to select and view particular representations thereof, comprising the steps of:
-
recording a set of panoramic visual images for each of a plurality of real estate properties to be selected and viewed, each panoramic visual image being recorded from a particular perspective and each real estate property being identified by a unique designation;
storing the sets of panoramic/visual images and accompanying unique designations in a centralized computer database along with an index of selection criteria, such criteria including the geographical location and physical features of each real estate property;
providing a user terminal having input means and a display device, the user terminal remote from and in electrical communication with the centralized computer database;
entering, through the input means of the user terminal, one or more of the criteria;
displaying the unique designations of the real estate properties indexed to the entered criteria;
selecting, through the input means, one of the properties indexed to the entered criteria for the purpose of viewing that property;
displaying one of the panoramic visual images stored for the selected property on the display device;
receiving a change perspective command through the input means of the user terminal; and
displaying an additional panoramic visual image for the selected property in accordance with the change perspective command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of generating visual representations of a home enabling user to select and view particular representations thereof, comprising the steps of:
-
recording a set of panoramic visual images for each of a plurality of homes to be selected and viewed, each panoramic visual image being recorded from a particular perspective and each home being identified by a unique on;
storing the sets of panoramic visual images and accompanying unique designations in a centralized computer database along with an index of selection criteria, such criteria including the geographical location and physical features of each home;
providing a user terminal having input means and a display device, the user terminal remote from and in electrical communication with the centralized computer database;
entering, through the input means of the user terminal, one or more of the criteria;
displaying the unique designations of the homes indexed to the entered criteria;
selecting, through the input means, one of the homes indexed to the entered criteria for the purpose of viewing that home;
displaying one of the panoramic visual images stored for the selected home on the display device;
receiving a change perspective command through the input means of the user terminal; and
displaying an additional panoramic visual image for the selected home in accordance with the change perspective command. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A virtual reality real estate viewing system for allowing a user to visualize a real estate property, the system comprising:
-
a centralized computer database having stored therein;
a set of panoramic visual images for a plurality of real estate properties, each panoramic visual image being recorded from a particular perspective, a unique designation by which each real estate property is identified, and an index of selection criteria of each real estate property, including the geographic location and physical features of each real estate property;
a user terminal having input means for entering information such as real estate property designations, criteria and a change perspective command, and display means for displaying the information and panoramic visual images; and
a centralized processing unit in electronic communication with the user terminal and the centralized computer database, the centralized processing unit being programmed to perform the following functions;
monitor the input means for selection criteria, select those real estate properties and accompanying panoramic visual images satisfying the criteria, display information representative of the real estate properties indexed to the/entered criteria, monitor the input means for input which selects a particular real estate property and accompanying set of panoramic visual images, display the selected panoramic visual image on the display means, and, display, upon input by the user of a change perspective command, an additional panoramic visual image corresponding to the change perspective command. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
-
-
28. A virtual reality re estate viewing system for allowing a user to visualize a home, the system comprising:
-
a centralized computer database having stored therein;
a set of panoramic visual images for a plurality of homes, each panoramic visual image being recorded from a particular perspective, a unique designation by which each home is identified, and an index of selection criteria of each home, including the geographic location and physical features of each home;
a user terminal having input means for entering information such as home designations, criteria and a change perspective command, an display means for displaying the formation and panoramic visual images; and
a centralized processing unit in electronic communication with the user terminal and the centralized computer database, the centralized processing unit being programmed to perform the following functions;
monitor the input means for selection criteria, select those home and accompanying panoramic visual images satisfying the criteria, display information representative of the real estate properties indexed to the entered criteria, monitor the input means for input which selects a particular real estate property and accompanying set of panoramic visual images, display the selected panoramic visual image on the display means, and, upon input by the user of a change perspective command, display an additional panoramic visual image corresponding to the change perspective command. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31)
-
Specification