Virtual structure data repository and directory

• US 6,826,539 B2
• Filed: 04/06/2000
• Issued: 11/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Xactware Solutions, Inc. (Verisk Analytics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Xactware
• Inventors: Loveland, James B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Diaz, Susanna M.
• Application Number:
  US09/544,367
• Publication Number:
  US 20020161608A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,699 Days
• Field of Search: 705/1, 705/4, 705/7, 705/26, 705/38, 345/619
• US Class Current: 705/4
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/20 of structured data, e.g. relational data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06313 Resource planning in a project environment
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06314 Calendaring for a resource
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06315 Needs-based resource requirements planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0637 Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisation; Planning actions based on goals; Analysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/02 Banking, e.g. interest calculation or account maintenance credit or loans G06Q40/03
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer accessible system for electronically storing a model which communicates the physical attributes of a structure along with warranty, insurance and other information relative to that structure. The system of the present invention integrates physical information in a model which is displayed as a physical representation of the structure with other non-physical information. Selecting specific areas of the model provides access to data regarding physical or non-physical characteristics of that area of the structure and the contents thereof. Data relevant to warranties, insurance, maintenance or other information can be accessed by selecting portions of the model or indices attached or related to that portion. Equipment, appliances and other items within the structure may also be controlled by access through the computer model. Systems of the present invention allow multiple users to remotely access the information and model via a computer network, such as the Internet, in order to make informed decisions regarding the structure and its characteristics.

Claims

1. A dynamic electronic model and data storage system for electronically storing, maintaining and selectively providing information relating to a building, said system comprising:

a networked computer system for use by one or more users to access and input information relating to a structure, wherein the users access the information according to their access rights;

a database on the networked system for storing information regarding construction materials and details of construction for specific portions of the structure;

a graphical user interface on the networked computer system linked to said database, wherein the graphical user interface is a physically and dimensionally accurate 3-dimensional scaled electronic model of the current state of the structure;

links located on said electronic model linking the relevant information in said database concerning specific construction details and materials to the location on the electronic model corresponding to the actual location on the structure, wherein the physically accurate electronic model provides users with the information directly by selecting on the electronic model graphical user interface with an input device, including a mouse or touchscreen, a portion of the structure corresponding to the information, including the materials and construction details for that specific portion of the structure, said information accessed by users to obtain details of the structure, the users then using the accessed information to create estimates, formulate bids, and adjust claims without having to travel to the actual structure;

an associated data repository coupled to the networked computer system to preserve information relating to objects including appliances and furnishings inside the structure and warranties associated with those objects;

a data vault for depositing completed bids, estimates, aud responses for review by the structure owner and others with access rights to evaluate the information corresponding to the construction materials and details, appliances, furnishings, and warranties; and

a database of digitized photographs of portions of the structure linked to corresponding locations on the graphical user interface available for viewing when the user selects a location on the graphical user interface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said graphical user interface is changed periodically to demonstrate actual progress during construction or remodeling.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the associated data repository further stores at least one of:

(i) depreciation data;

(ii) maintenance information;

(iii) insurance coverage; and

(iv) inventory of the physical contents of said structure.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface also depicts sponsor advertising next to the electronic model of the structure.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the associated data repository contains scheduling information and estimated times of completion for construction and remodeling projects relating to the structure.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the networked computer system further comprises a private documents vault.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the data vault is further accessible by insurance agents to provide quotes for a required insurance coverage or premium.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the data vault is further accessible by an insurance or warranty claim adjuster to provide a claim or settlement.