Patent ID: 6826539
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
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.