Method for Displaying Search Results for Items with Geographic Attributes

• US 20080229225A1
• Filed: 08/30/2007
• Published: 09/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Evan J. Kaye
• Original Assignee: Evan J. Kaye
• Inventors: Kaye, Evan J.
• Application Number:
  US11/847,827
• Publication Number:
  US 20080229225A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/771
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9537 Spatial or temporal dependent retrieval, e.g. spatiotemporal queries

Abstract

A method for superimposing items on a map in an aggregated manner by the use of multicolored symbols, and thereby preventing overlap. The method provides a mechanism for a user to appreciate the price distribution of items represented by the symbol by means of a dynamic control that can be changed on the display by the user while watching the appearance of the symbols.

Claims

1. A method for representing an aggregated georeferenced search result set, comprising the steps of:

a) displaying a symbol that is proportional in size to the number of search results in said aggregated georeferenced search result set, said symbol superimposed on a map in a position that geographically corresponds to a position attribute of said aggregated georeferenced search result set, said symbol comprising at least two areas that are essentially proportional in size to the number of results that have a price attribute value within price ranges that correspond to said at least two areas;

b) enabling a user to dynamically modify parameters that define the limits of said price ranges through a price range modification mechanism;

c) updating said at least two areas as the user manipulates said price range modification mechanism.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism whereby a user can select said symbol to obtain details of the search results that are members of said aggregated georeferenced search result set.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least two areas are two areas.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said limits of said price ranges share a common value between the two price ranges corresponding to said two areas.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said price range modification mechanism modifies said common value.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said price range modification mechanism comprises a price range continuum.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said price range modification mechanism is a slider.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said map is a seating layout.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said aggregated georeferenced search result set comprises seat availability data.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said seat availability data comprises seat availabilities for multiple performances.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said map is a geographic map.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said aggregated georeferenced search result set comprises real estate data.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said aggregated georeferenced search result set comprises hotel room availability data.