Interactive, remote, computer interface system

An interactive, remote, computer interface system having a remote server assembly including a quantity of primary site data and at least one primary site address that contains at least a portion of the primary site data and is distinct so as to identify a location thereof on a computer network. The system further includes a local processor assembly coupled in data transmitting and receiving communication with the remote server assembly and structured to access the primary site address so as to achieve the data transmitting and receiving communication with the remote server assembly. At least one data storage assembly is associated with the local processor assembly and contains a quantity of auxiliary site data thereon, the auxiliary site data being associated with the primary site data. Further the data storage assembly including a compact, portable and interchangeable computer readable medium having a plurality of remotely accessible, auxiliary site addresses encoded therein, each of said remotely accessible, auxiliary site addresses including select portions of the quantity of auxiliary site data, and being structured to be remotely accessed by the remote server assembly so as to initiate utilization of select portions of the auxiliary site data by the local processor assembly in conjunction with the primary site data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an interactive, remote, computer interface 
system preferably used with a real estate display system structured to 
permit the remote exhibition of a real estate space, whether the real 
estate space if fully constructed or in a planning stage, and in a manner 
which gives a substantially realistic and comprehensive demonstration of 
the real estate space, either for prospective purchase purposes or for 
directional and guiding purposes. 
Further, the system provides selectivity between self-contained, on-site 
display and program generation, and remotely accessed display, the system 
being structured such that even in a remotely accessed display 
substantially real time, continuous movement, inter-activity and image 
generation is achieved through the utilization of a specific interactive, 
remote computer interface system. The interface system itself relates to a 
system of substantially enhancing the effectiveness of interactive 
"online" capabilities, especially as they relate to video and audio. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Real estate sales and development is a multi-million dollar industry based 
on the impact and appealability of a particular real estate space to a 
prospective consumer. While in many circumstances, an actual real estate 
space which is being offered is physically available for a preferred, 
personal "walk-through" by a prospective purchaser or investor, sometimes 
such circumstances are not available or are not practical. For example, if 
a purchaser or investor is at a location remote from the precise real 
estate space, it may be inconvenient and time consuming for that 
individual to make a special trip just to view one or more specific real 
estate spaces. Along these lines, if a number of real estate spaces are to 
be viewed, a substantial amount of time is spent merely travelling from 
one location to another, and a viewer is never truly able to make a 
comparison while the images are fresh in his/her mind. Moreover, and 
perhaps of even more significant, especially in the field of real estate 
development, a particular real estate space may not be physically 
available for viewing because it is still under construction or is in the 
developmental stages. In such a circumstance, prospective purchasers or 
investors must rely on static artist sketches of a particular real estate 
space, or must view a similar real estate space. Unfortunately, these 
methods and existing systems do not truly provide a prospective purchaser 
or investor with a realistic perspective of a specific real estate space. 
For example, even with existing video systems, a prospective purchaser or 
investor is not truly able to capture the feel of user controlled, 
independent movement from one room to another or of exploring the 
surrounding environment of the real estate space, such as examining a 
specific view from a window or balcony, and exploring options relating to 
elevation and orientation changes of a particular real estate space. As 
such, it would be highly beneficial to provide a system which can provide 
a prospective purchaser or investor a complete and highly realistic view 
of a specific real estate space, even when direct viewing of the real 
estate space is not available for any of a variety of reasons. 
With the advent of technology, more and more individuals have sought to 
develop technical systems to provide some sort of representation of the 
view of real estate space. While a depiction of floor plans and artist 
drawings may sometimes be available, most systems which claim to be 
interactive merely provide a series of fixed dimension and orientation, 
static images strung together. Indeed, any systems which claim to provide 
a user with a "walk-through" type viewing environment are typically very 
limited in the views which they provide, are substantially erratic, as 
they do not seek to provide any image continuity beyond merely stringing 
static images together, and typically only provide a moving reference 
point for viewing the same image rather than providing a user with an 
actual feel for a specific real estate space. In fact, these systems are 
truly linear displays of files on a video tape or laser disc, and provide 
no user interactivity, indeed, a user of conventional systems is merely 
permitted to "sit and watch" without control, beyond conventional forward, 
rewind and/or selection of a file to be displayed. 
As such, it would be highly beneficial to provide a real estate display 
system which can provide a user with a highly interactive, first person 
perspective, "walk-through" type experience, giving the user complete 
freedom of mobility so as to turn around, look up, down or at any location 
desired, substantially giving that user the impression of an actual 
presence in the real estate space. Moreover, such a system should be 
capable of interlacing audio and video information regarding the specific 
real estate space, such as views from a balcony or a window, and/or 
presentations regarding options, such as different flooring or wall 
coverings, or other amenities so as to anticipate views a user at the 
actual space would normally seek to see, and indeed, providing some views 
and information which could not be as readily available in a standard, 
physical "walk-through". 
In addition to the needs associated with the sale and demonstration of a 
specific real estate space to prospective purchasers, it is also seen that 
significant needs are associated with the requirements of individuals 
attempting to navigate large, complex real estate spaces, such as office 
buildings, cruise ships, collage campuses, recreational facilities, 
hospital facilities, convention centers and the like. In such 
circumstances, and often because of the generally limited display space 
available for directional/navigational information, individuals seeking to 
navigate a specific real estate space must generally rely upon two 
dimensional maps to provide some maneuvering guidance. Such maps, however, 
do not provide any true frame of reference for an individual attempting to 
navigate a specific area, such as by pointing out landmarks and generally 
providing an individual with the knowledge of "what they are looking for" 
as they actually proceed through the real estate space. Along these lines, 
it would be highly beneficial to have a system for the display of real 
estate space which can effectively and realistically guide an individual 
through a large complex real estate space, providing that individual with 
substantially realistic and accurate representations of what that 
individual will see as they seek to arrive from one location to another. 
Moreover, such a system should be capable of providing additional and 
immediate information regarding particular locations, sites, or points of 
interest along the way, thereby further assisting the individual in their 
navigation through the real estate space. Although a typical map display 
should also be available for such a system, it would be beneficial to 
provide some reference between that typical map display and an actual 
first person image of what will be seen as certain areas are navigated, 
allowing the user complete control and freedom of movement in order select 
a location to which they would seek to go and a manner in which they would 
like to arrive at that location, while still providing a complete and 
accurate representation of the navigation course. Unfortunately, the prior 
art is deficient in providing such a system capable of achieving such 
result and providing such effective information to an individual seeking 
to navigate or otherwise view a real estate space. Moreover, such system 
are pre-set in the guided path and do not let an individual explore and/or 
select their own path that guides them by other desired locations and can 
provide information regarding unfamiliar locations at the users option. 
Indeed, the system of the present invention uniquely seeks to provide an 
effective, accurate and easy to use solution to the problems which remain 
in the related art. 
Furthermore, it is noted that with the advent of on-line technology, such 
as internet navigation, it is often desirous for various types of 
information, including real estate space display information, to be 
accessed through a remote on-line connection. Such types of connections 
are indeed quite valuable as they enable large quantities of information 
to be stored on dedicated remote server assemblies, permitting 
individuals, with perhaps less powerful computer systems to access the 
vast array of information. A significant problem associated with the use 
of such on-line technology, however, involves the substantial amount of 
time required to down-load various images and information. Such is 
particularly the case with any kind of animated three dimensional images 
or with video and/or audio information. Typically, the down-load time for 
such types of information is in the range of many minutes, making any kind 
of seamless and/or continuous presentation of an animated nature 
substantially impossible. Indeed, even with the advent of broadband 
technology and higher speed computers, substantial limitations still exist 
with regard to the speed in which video and audio is provided in an 
accessible and effectively utilizable means for a person at a local access 
site. Accordingly, it would be highly beneficial to provide a system which 
is capable of substantially, easily and economically, but significantly 
enhancing the interactive capabilities of an on-line "web" site, 
especially in the field of continuous motion video or graphical displays, 
and extensive audio signals associated with those displays. Furthermore, 
such a system should not violate the security requirements commonly 
associate with internet technology by unnecessarily accessing information 
stored on a user's computer hard-drive and/or other sensitive areas. The 
system should also be capable of seamlessly and quickly providing a 
variety of supplemental and auxiliary information, which can significantly 
enhance the on-line experience, by achieving sophisticated and generally 
lengthy audio and video segments without the requisite, extended down-load 
times, and in a manner which can be effectively interactive and modifiable 
during display. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is directed towards a real estate display system for 
the remote exhibition of real estate space, such as for purposes of 
display and purchase, or for purposes of assisting navigation and/or 
demonstration of the physical space to one or more individuals. 
Specifically, the display system of the present invention includes a 
display assembly structured to visually display a three-dimensional image 
thereon, and having the capabilities to display continuous motion images 
such as video or continuous three dimensional graphics, audio and animated 
files. 
Further, the display system of the present invention includes a data 
storage assembly. The data storage assembly is structured to store a 
quantity of data corresponding the plurality of three dimensional images 
which may be displayed on the display assembly. Of course, the plurality 
of three dimensional images are preferably directly associated with the 
real estate space to be displayed by the display system. To be used at 
least partially in conjunction with the data storage assembly, the display 
system also includes a data entry assembly. Specifically, the data entry 
assembly of the present display system is structured to at least partially 
input the quantity of data corresponding the three dimensional images into 
the data storage assembly. 
The system of the present invention further includes a processor assembly, 
the processor assembly including preferably both an overlay processor and 
a direct view processor as a part thereof. In particular, the overlay 
processor is structured to generate a floor plan display of the three 
dimensional/real estate space. This floor plan display is generated from 
the quantity of data contained at least in part by the data storage 
assembly, with the floor plan display being structured for display on the 
display assembly in preferably complete form. Conversely, the direct view 
processor is structured to generate a three dimensional, walk-through 
display of the three dimensional space. The three dimensional walk through 
display is generated by the direct view processor from the quantity of 
data corresponding the plurality of three dimensional images and is 
structured to generate and provide a substantially realistic, first person 
illustration of the real estate space to be displayed on the display 
assembly. While both the three dimensional, walk-through display and the 
floor plan display may be shown on the display assembly at the same time, 
the display system preferably includes a display selection means. The 
display selection means are structured to selectively display the three 
dimensional display and/or the floor plan display on the display assembly 
according to the specific needs of the user. As such, the display 
selection means is structured to control the switching between displays, 
preferably at any time desired by the user. 
In order to facilitate maneuvering and movement throughout one or more of 
the various displays, the present system further includes a reference 
beacon. The reference beacon is structured to be recognized by the 
processor assembly and to thereby direct the processor assembly to 
generate and display a particular portion of a selected one of the 
displays. That particular portion of the selected display is structured to 
specifically correspond a spacial position and spacial attitude of the 
reference beacon, thereby allowing control and modification of the spacial 
position and attitude of the reference beacon to likewise control the 
display generated for depiction on the display assembly. To assist this 
function, the present display system includes an attitude control 
assembly. The attitude control assembly is structured to selectively 
change the spacial attitude of the reference beacon generally along 
vertical and horizontal plains, thereby allowing a user to effectively 
"look" up and down, left and right, and/or any combination thereof. 
Similarly, a position control assembly is provided. The position control 
assembly is structured to selectively change the spacial position of the 
reference beacon relation to the portion of the display being generated by 
the processor assembly and being shown on the display assembly. Such a 
position control assembly effectively provides for movement throughout a 
specific, select display being generated and shown. Along these lines, the 
processor assembly is specifically structured to substantially 
continuously and seamlessly modify the portion of the display being 
generated thereby and being displayed on the display assembly. These 
continuous modifications correspond those changes in the spacial position 
and spacial attitude of the reference beacon and thereby provide realistic 
transitions between the viewing of a particular area to the viewing of 
another particular area as directed by the user. Also, the processor 
assembly is structured to continuously correlate the spacial position of 
the reference beacon in the three dimensional walk-through display with 
its spacial position in the floor plan display, and vise-a-versa. As such, 
by coordinating the spacial positions with one another and also preferably 
by coordinating a horizontal spacial attitude, when the display selection 
means switch between the displays, the portion of the display being shown 
on the display assembly, whether the three dimensional, walk-through 
display or the floor plan display will always remain consistent. Such 
correlation allows effectively toggling between the various displays, 
and/or permits simultaneous illustration of both displays in order to 
provide a more effective overall picture of a specific real estate space 
being viewed thereby. 
Additionally, the present invention relates to an interactive, remote 
computer interface system which enables the utilization of the real estate 
display system through an "online" medium. Preferably, the interface 
system of the present invention includes a remote server assembly which 
contains quantities of primary site data. Moreover, the remote server 
assembly also includes at least one primary site address in which at least 
a portion of the primary site data is stored. Preferably, that primary 
site address is distinct and unique, thereby identifying a particular 
location thereof on a computer network, and allowing remote access to that 
primary site address from another location. 
Additionally, the interface system includes a local processor assembly, 
such as the processor assembly of the real estate display system. The 
local processor assembly and the remote server assembly are connected in 
data transmitting and receiving communication with one another, such as 
through a typical on-line connection. Moreover, the local processor 
assembly is structured to access the primary site address in order to 
achieve the data transmitting and receiving communication with the remote 
server assembly, and in particular, so as to be able to access the primary 
site data contained at the primary site address. 
The local processor assembly further includes at least one data storage 
assembly associated therewith. While the data storage assembly may include 
only a fixed/hard drive of the local processor assembly, preferably the 
data storage assembly of the interface system includes at least one 
compact, portable and interchangeable computer readable medium. This 
interchangeable computer readable medium is structured to contain a 
quantity of auxiliary site data thereon, that auxiliary site data being 
associated with the primary site data. Furthermore, the interchangeable 
computer readable medium preferably includes a plurality of remotely 
accessible, auxiliary site addresses encoded therein. Each of the 
auxiliary site addresses includes a select portion of the quantity of 
auxiliary site data and is structured to be remotely accessed by the 
remote server assembly. The remote access by the remote server assembly is 
structured to initiate utilization of the select portions of the auxiliary 
site data by the local processor assembly, preferably in conjunction with 
the primary site data and in a manner which is continuous and well 
integrated. In this regard, and relating to the preferred embodiment 
wherein the local processor assembly is utilized as part of a real estate 
space display system, the auxiliary site data may include a plurality of 
operating instructions which will work in conjunction with a quantity of 
data, such as the auxiliary site data stored on the interchangeable 
computer readable medium or other stored data, in order to instruct the 
local processor assembly to generate various display images, such as a 
three dimensional display or overlay display. In this manner, a user at 
the local processor assembly need not wait for the downloading of 
substantial quantities of information and images in order to provide a 
substantially interactive, continuous and effective display on the display 
assembly associated therewith. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a display system 
capable of giving a user a true and complete perspective of a specific 
three dimensional space, such as a real estate space. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a display system 
wherein a display image is continuously updated to provide seamless 
movement in a three dimensional environment. 
Also an object of the present invention is to provide a display system 
which is structured to have various quantities of video and audio 
information readily available for immediate utilization so as to enhance 
the display experience and provide further information to a user. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display system 
capable of effectively and interactively guiding a user through a large 
real estate space, such as a cruise ship, a college campus, a factory, an 
office complex, a hospital, a recreational facility, and the like. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a display 
system capable of guiding a user through a large real estate space in a 
manner which permits the user to define a desired path as they are being 
guided through the space, and which makes additional information regarding 
specific areas readily available to the user in an effective format such 
as full motion video. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a display system 
capable of providing furnished and unfurnished images of an area being 
displayed, and selective elevations and corresponding views from the 
selected elevations. 
An added object of the present invention is to provide a display system 
capable of permitting a user to selectively choose a variety of options, 
such as different floor and wall coverings, and thereby obtain a more 
complete image of their preferred version of the real estate space. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a display system 
which can be utilized through an on-line connection, in connection with a 
remove server assembly, so as to provide substantially updated information 
and an interactive display without excessive down-load time delays. 
An added object of the present invention is to provide an interface system 
wherein a user is able to access a remote server assembly and can view and 
utilize graphical images, video images and audio signals of substantially 
volumes, in a rapid, real-time basis without extensive down-load times, 
but in a manner which is substantially interactive with the information 
provided at the remote server assembly. 
Also another object of the present invention is to provide a computer 
interface system which substantially enhances the capability of a website 
by permitting the effective, coordinated utilization of high content data 
such as full motion video. 
Also an object of the present invention is to provide a computer interface 
system which is capable of being remotely upgraded, either through an 
on-line connection or other transmission type connection, and can contain 
a substantial quantity of information in a readily and effectively usable 
manner. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a computer 
interface system which substantially enhances the display capabilities of 
a remote site, but which does not violate security protocols regarding 
remote access to a local processor assembly. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer interface 
system which substantially enhances the display capabilities of a remote 
site in a substantially seamless and continuous manner regardless of the 
remote or local location of the data being utilized and or displayed. 
These and other objects will become apparent upon reviewing the following 
detailed description and recited claims.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of 
the drawings. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Shown in schematic throughout the Figures, the present invention is 
directed towards a system for the display of a three dimensional space, 
generally 10, and preferably, a real estate display system 10 structured 
to provide for the remote exhibition of real estate space. Specifically, 
the real estate space may be any physical space such as a home, apartment, 
resort, university, cruise ship, office, retail plaza, stadium, arena or 
any other physical space wherein it would be beneficial for a user to view 
and/or identify and locate various areas from a single location. Indeed, 
such a display system 10 is structured to effectuate the display of a real 
estate space, even before it is built and at any remote location near or 
far from the actual location of the real estate space, all in a 
substantially clear, interactive, precise and effective manner. 
The display system 10 of the present invention includes a display assembly 
20. The display assembly 20 may include a computer monitor, television 
monitor, or any other type of video or graphic display type assembly. 
Moreover, the display assembly 20 will preferably have substantially high 
color resolution so as to significantly enhance the realism and clarity of 
three dimensional images which the display assembly 20 is structured to 
visually display thereon. 
Further includes as part of the display system 10 is at least one data 
storage assembly 30. Preferably, the data storage assembly 30 includes a 
computer readable medium, and in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 
preferably includes a computer hard drive or other fixed data storage 
assembly wherein a large quantity of data may be stored and contained. As 
will be described in further detail subsequently, however, the data 
storage assembly may also include portable and/or interchangeable 
assemblies such as compact discs or other such writable and non-writable 
assemblies and the accompanying drives. Preferably, the data storage 
assembly 30 is structured to store a substantial quantity of data 
corresponding a plurality of the three dimensional images which the 
display assembly 20 is capable of visually displaying thereon. 
Furthermore, those three dimensional images associated with that quantity 
of data are preferably also associated with the real estate space to be 
exhibited by the display system 10. Along these lines, it is noted that a 
variety of different real estate spaces may be visually exhibited by the 
same display system 10, however, for purposes of clarity, the following 
discussion will focus on a display system including only a single real 
estate space to be displayed thereby. 
In order to at least partially input the quantity of data corresponding the 
plurality of three dimensional images of the real estate space into the 
data storage assembly 30, the display system further includes a data entry 
assembly. Indeed, the data entry assembly can take on any of a number of 
conventional configurations such as a computer keyboard 42, a 
down-loadable computer readable medium 36, such as a compact disk or tape, 
and indeed may include a transmitter/receiver type connection 60 wherein 
data is down-loaded utilizing the data entry assembly into the data 
storage assembly 30 from a remote site. 
The display system 10 of the present invention further includes a processor 
assembly, generally 25. The processor assembly 25 preferably includes a 
computer CPU capable of manipulating a quantity of data and 
generating/rendering the necessary displays. Of course, a generally higher 
power, high speed computer is preferred, as such will enhance the 
effectiveness of the display system 10 of the present invention. In the 
display system 10 of the present invention, the processor assembly 25 is 
seen to incorporate at least a direct view processor, but preferably both 
a direct view processor and an overlay processor, each of which is 
structured to generate separate and distinct images for display on the 
display assembly 20. Of course, it is noted that a single processor 
assembly 25 is preferably utilized and is structured to perform the 
function of both the overlay and the direct view processor. 
Looking first to the overlay processor, it is structured to generate a 
floor plan display of the three dimensional space utilizing the quantity 
of data stored in the data storage assembly 30. The floor plan display 
will preferably be a conventional map-type display of a specific real 
estate space, thereby substantially easily providing a user with an 
overall perspective of their viewing location relative to other locations 
of the real estate space being displayed. Conversely, the direct view 
processor is structured to generate a three dimensional, walk-through 
display of the three dimensional space utilizing the quantity of data that 
corresponds the three dimensional images. Specifically, the direct view 
processor incorporates a series of three dimensional images and provides 
for continuous updating and modification and seamless transitions from a 
particular portion of the three dimensional display to other portions of 
the three dimensional display. Such a direct view processor typically 
incorporates a three dimensional, graphic image build engine, such as that 
which may be utilized in some of the more modern three dimensional gaming 
technology, with the added enhancements of inter-activity with the floor 
plan display and various other informational and accessory items as will 
be subsequently described. 
Although both the floor plan display and the three-dimensional 
"walk-through" display may be simultaneously illustrated and depicted on 
the display assembly 20, such as through an allocation of available screen 
space, it is preferred that only a single one of the displays be shown at 
one time on the display assembly 20. In that regard, the display system 10 
of the present invention further includes display selection means. 
Specifically, the display selection means are structured to direct the 
processor assembly to selective display the three dimensional display or 
the floor plan display on the display assembly 20, providing any necessary 
and desired switching therebetween. Along these lines, the display 
selection means may include any effective means so as to indicate to the 
processor assembly 25 that either or both of the displays should be 
generated and shown on the display assembly 20. As such, the display 
selection means may incorporate a computer keyboard 42, mouse 40, joy 
stick, voice activated control assembly, touch screen, or any other 
available switching indicator that permits a user to effectively select 
the display options provided by the display selection means for use by the 
processor assembly. 
In order to effectuate movement through the depicted real estate space, the 
display system 10 of the present invention further includes a reference 
beacon. The referenced beacon may be a computer generated character or 
condition, and is specifically structured to be recognized by the 
processor assembly 25 in order to direct the processor assembly 25 to 
generate and display a specific, selection portion of a selected one of 
the displays to be shown on the display assembly 20. For example, in the 
three dimensional display, the reference beacon is preferably not visible 
and provides a first person perspective that is structured to control the 
portion of the display being shown on the display assembly 20 to 
correspond a specific spacial position and spacial attitude thereof. In 
other words, the reference beacon enables a user to specifically select 
where they are "looking" and to accordingly modify the portion of the 
display being generated by the processor assembly 25 and displayed on the 
display assembly 20 to correspond that portion. In the case of the floor 
plan display, it is noted that the reference beacon is preferably visible 
as a generated character on the display assembly 20 and may provide some 
sort of directional indication, such as an arrow or the like, to indicate 
specifically the spacial position and horizontal spacial attitude thereof. 
Moreover, in this regard, as it is preferred that the entire floor plan 
display be viewed at one time so as to provide an overall view of the real 
estate space, it is also noted that for larger real estate spaces only 
portions thereof may be shown at one time, those portions also 
corresponding and being directed by the reference beacon. 
In order to selectively change the spacial attitude of the referenced 
beacon, the display system 10 preferably includes an attitude control 
assembly. In particular, the attitude control assembly preferably modifies 
the spacial attitude of the reference beacon along both vertical and 
horizontal planes, thereby effectively permitting a user to look up, down, 
left, right or any combination thereof, as desired, by correspondingly 
changing the portion of the three dimensional display being shown to 
correspond those modifications in the spacial attitude of the reference 
beacon. While the attitude control assembly may take on any of a variety 
of different configurations, and may indeed be a single control item, 
depending upon its capabilities, in a preferred embodiment, it is seen 
that the attitude control assembly includes a mouse 40 or keyboard 
assembly 42 for modifications along the horizontal plain, and a keyboard 
42 or joy-stick to indicate adjustment along a vertical plain. Of course, 
any combination of such control assemblies may be effectively utilized so 
as to incorporate a full range of spacial attitude modification and 
re-orientation. 
Similarly, the display system 10 includes a position control assembly. The 
position control assembly is structured to selective change the spacial 
position of the reference beacon relative to the portion of the display 
being generated by the processor assembly 25 and being displayed on the 
display assembly 20. In this regard, the position control assembly 
generally controls movement through the display and may include specific 
directional controls so as to provide for movement in any select 
direction, or may merely provide for forward or reverse movement 
corresponding the spacial attitude of the reference beacon. From the 
foregoing, however, it is noted that the processor assembly 25 is 
specifically structured to substantially continuously modify the portion 
of the display being generated thereby and being displayed on the display 
assembly 20 to correspond even small changes in the spacial position and 
the spacial attitude of the reference beacon, which are being dictated 
through the attitude control assembly and position control assembly by a 
user. As a result, a user is able to effectively "move" through the 
displayed real estate space, can look at any specific location as desired, 
and is not limited merely to static and select displays and vantage points 
"scrolling" by. Indeed, if desired, the processor assembly 25 may be 
specifically structured to provide one or more elevated or modified room 
displays of a particular room of the real estate space being displayed if 
the user desires an alternative look or an elevated complete room 
perspective rather than the first person perspective which is preferably 
displayed and generated by the direct view processor assembly. Moreover, 
it is also noted that so as to facilitate interchangeability between the 
floor plan display and the three dimensional display, the processor 
assembly 25 is further structured to correlate the spacial position of the 
reference beacon in the three dimensional display with the spacial 
position of the reference beacon in the floor plan display, thereby always 
ensuring that the precise spacial position and attitude is maintained 
whether or not the display is switched between the varying displays to be 
shown on a display assembly 20 and no matter what portion of the real 
estate space is being shown. 
The processor assembly 25 of the display system 10 of the present 
invention, and especially the direct view processor, is also preferably 
structured to selectively generate and display three dimensional 
furnishing depictions and other fixture type items in preferred and/or 
modifiable locations of the depicted real estate space. For example, in 
the case of an interior real estate space being shown for prospective 
purchase, it may be beneficial to illustrate to a user what the specific 
real estate space looks like empty and/or to incorporate one or more 
select furnishing depictions to provide an idea of upgrades or a complete 
look. In this regard, the display system 10 of the present invention is 
preferably structured to selectively display those furnishing depictions, 
thereby allowing a user complete choices as to specific preferences. 
Moreover, if desired, specific dimensions of rooms or particular areas can 
be indicated, either when the furnishing depictions are not being 
displayed, or at all times in the floor plan display, depending on the 
particular needs of a user. Further, it is noted that the processor 
assembly 25 in addition to displaying the three dimensional furnishing 
depictions in association with a particular portion of the three 
dimensional display being generated and shown on a display assembly, also 
functions to maintain those furnishings and depictions in a fixed relative 
position upon the continuous modification of the portion of the display 
being generated by the processor assembly 25 and shown as a result of 
movement of the reference beacon. In this regard, the furnishing 
depictions are also substantially three-dimensional depictions as a 
reference perspective to those furnishing depictions will also be modified 
when a new portion of the display is generated and shown on the display 
assembly 20 in accordance with movements of the reference beacon. Also, if 
desired, the furnishing depictions may also include a variety of different 
types and styles of floor coverings (i.e. tile, wood floors, carpet, etc.) 
and wall coverings (i.e. wall paper, paint, curtains, blinds, etc.) in one 
or more select colors and patterns. This will allow a user to truly tailor 
the look to their needs or preferences. 
As yet another feature of the present invention, the direct view processor 
assembly is also preferably structured to render window view images 
associated with the portion of the three dimensional display being 
generated by the processor assembly 25 and being displayed on the display 
assembly 20. Indeed, as a particular interior real estate space is being 
shown, windows, such as conventional windows or sliding glass doors, or 
even balcony areas have exterior views associated therewith. The processor 
assembly 25 of the present invention is structured to render and indicate 
those exterior views associated with that portion of the display being 
shown, and to correspondingly change the appearance of the exterior view 
in accordance with changes in perspective, as dictated by movement of the 
reference beacon and depiction of a new portion of the display on the 
display assembly 20. Along these lines, and especially for multi-story 
real estate spaces, the processor assembly 25 is preferably structured to 
selectively modify the window view image to correspond a selected 
elevation or location of the three dimensional space. As such, a person 
viewing, for example, a condominium, is able to effectively view a 
particular real estate space and the expected views to be achieved 
therefrom depending upon a particular location of that area within the 
overall real estate space, such as at higher or lower elevations or facing 
north, south, east or west. 
Upon the generation and display of the window view areas, but also in a 
variety of other different circumstances, the display system 10 of the 
present invention further includes at least one actuatable control 
assembly structured to permit the selective actuation of at least one 
selectively available interface link. In the preferred embodiment, the 
selectively available interface link includes both a video link which can 
control a video play-back assembly and an audio link structured to control 
an audio play-back assembly. As indicated, these interface links are 
preferably always selectively available and are preferably structured to 
become available only when a particular portion of the display being 
generated by the processor assembly 25 corresponds with and/or calls for a 
particular interface link. Indeed, along these lines, the selectively 
available interface link may include an icon, audio-signal or other 
indicator that such a link is available, with the actuatable control 
assembly including any of a variety of indicators, such as a voice 
control, a keyboard 42 or mouse 40 command, or any similar type of 
indication to initiate operation of the interface link. In the case of the 
video link, the video play-back assembly may include a separate assembly 
such as video tape player, video signal receiver or other medium, however, 
it is preferred that the video playback assembly include the computer and 
indeed the processor assembly 25 itself such that the video images can be 
shown directly on the display assembly 20 when it becomes available. As 
such, as a user moves through a specific real estate space and certain 
added information may be available, such as through real time video, a 
user can be prompted to actuate the specific available interface link and 
view the video image which is stored on the data storage assembly. 
Likewise, in the case of the audio link, preferably the audio signal is 
also contained in the data-storage assembly and the audio play-back 
assembly includes the processor assembly 25 of the display system such 
that those audio signals may be audibly transmitted through a connected 
speaker 22. Along these lines, it is often noted that both the video link 
and audio link may be combined to provide or the video link may itself 
include a video image having both video and audio at a particular link 
site. Also, continuous background music, or a narrative and/or 
automatically triggered audio signal may be provided throughout a display, 
as desired by a user. 
From the foregoing, it is noted that an individual is able to effectively 
navigate a specific real estate space in an effective, interactive manner 
which can give the user a substantially close approximation to actual 
passage through a particular real estate space. Such passage further, is 
completely interactive and is not limited by the conventions of an 
ordinary video display, but truly provides an accurate and preferably 
first person view. 
The display system 10 of the present invention as described in its 
preferred embodiment is preferably structured to be utilized on a 
completely isolated processor assembly 25, containing all necessary 
information and operational controls on the data storage assembly, whether 
it be a chip, a fixed drive or some other removable computer readable 
medium. In an alternative embodiment, however, the display system 10 of 
the present invention is further structured to be utilized as part of an 
interactive, remote, computer interface system 11. Specifically, the 
interactive remote computer interface system 11 is structured to enable 
the display system 10 of the present invention to be initiated and 
operated via a remote, on-line type connection. Typically, individuals at 
remote user locations are able to interface and access a remote server 
assembly through a variety of on-line connections, such as conventional 
telephone lines using a modem or more sophisticated broadband connections. 
A substantial drawback to such on-line connections, however, is a 
substantially slow download time associated with downloading even short 
segments of video, audio or animated graphical displays from the remote 
server assembly to the local processor assembly. Utilizing the 
interactive, remote computer interface system of the present invention, 
the above-described three-dimensional space display system 10 can be 
effectively utilized through an on-line connection without sacrificing the 
continuous and substantially seamless maneuvering it provides through 
various visual images. As such, a user is able to access a "web site" 
associated with a particular real estate space, and can view the real 
estate space as desired. 
In the preferred embodiment, the interactive, remote computer interface 
system 11 includes a remote server assembly 50, such as a large mainframe 
computer or other typical remote server assembly type configuration 
including one or more computer processors. Furthermore, the remote server 
assembly 50 is structured to include a quantity of primary site data. In 
this regard, the primary site data substantially includes operating 
instructions and information which is to be accessed by an on-line 
connection. Preferably, however, the remote server assembly 50 includes at 
least one primary site address. The primary site address includes at least 
a portion of the primary site data, and is distinct so as to identify its 
location on a computer network and allow remote access thereto when 
desired. For example, typical site addresses are URL addresses which are 
accessible through internet connections and are specific so as to 
appropriately direct an internet connection and access the primary site 
address desired by the user on the computer network. 
Furthermore, the interface system includes a local processor assembly 25', 
such as the processor assembly of the display system 10, previously 
described. The local processor assembly 25' is coupled, preferably through 
a conventional on-line type connection, iii data transmitting and 
receiving communication with the remote server assembly 50. Along these 
lines, that coupled, data transmitting and receiving communication can 
take on any of a number of configurations such as a conventional telephone 
line, a dedicated data line, a broadband transmission line, a fiber-optic 
line, an airwave transmission or any other known or contemplated assembly 
to provide for data transmitting and receiving communication between two 
remote sites. As such, the local processor assembly 25' is structured to 
access the primary site address and thereby achieve the data transmitting 
and receiving communication with the remote server assembly 50 and 
especially with the primary site address which contains the primary site 
data sought to be accessed and interfaced by a user of the local processor 
assembly 25'. 
The local processor assembly 25' further includes at least one data storage 
assembly associated therewith and structured to contain a quantity of 
auxiliary site data thereon. Preferably, the auxiliary site data is 
associated with the primary site data for use in conjunction with one 
another as will be described in further detail subsequently. Moreover, 
while the data storage assembly may include a computer hard-drive of the 
local processor assembly 25', in the preferred embodiment and potentially 
in addition to the computer hard-drive associated with the local processor 
assembly 25', the data storage assembly will include a compact, portable 
and interchangeable computer readable medium 36 and its associated 
external or internal drive 35, which can be configured to merely read data 
or to both read and write data. The compact, portable and interchangeable 
computer readable medium 36 may be a computer disk or any other known 
computer readable medium, and preferably will include a CD-ROM or DVD 
medium. Indeed, for reason which will become apparent, it is further 
preferred that the CD ROM or DVD technology be writable so as to permit 
further auxiliary site data to be entered thereon. Along these lines, it 
is specifically noted that DVD technology is ultimately to be preferred 
because of its substantially greater data storing capabilities in a 
compact source. Using DVD technology, a substantial quantity of video 
images, audio signals, processor controls and other data can be contained 
in an accessible format. 
Additionally, the compact, portable, interchangeable computer readable 
medium 36 also includes a plurality of remotely accessible, auxiliary site 
addresses encoded thereon. Each of the auxiliary site addresses is 
preferably distinct so as to identify a particular location on the 
interchangeable computer readable medium 36 associated with the auxiliary 
site address and wherein select portions of the quantity of auxiliary site 
data is included. As such, select portions of the auxiliary site data can 
be segregated and maintained in a readily accessible, identifiable and 
located state. Along these lines, the remotely accessible, auxiliary site 
addresses are preferably structured to be remotely accessed by the remote 
server assembly 50 in order to initiate utilization of the select portions 
of the auxiliary site data contained in that auxiliary site address by the 
local processor assembly. Moreover, interchangeable computer readable 
medium 36 is preferably structured such that only the remote server 
assembly 50 can access the auxiliary site data at the auxiliary site 
addresses. Such a structure ensures the preferred utilization of the 
auxiliary site data only in conjunction with the primary site data, 
whether simultaneously or otherwise. Such may be of particular use if the 
interchangeable computer readable medium 36 is distributed as a free or 
low cost promotional item to promote visits to a particular web site. 
Preferably, the compact, portable interchangeable computer readable medium 
36 is structured to contain a plurality of separate and distinct video 
images, audio signals, graphical displays, etc. and various combinations 
thereof. Indeed, it is seen that the auxiliary site data contained on the 
compact, portable and interchangeable computer readable medium 36 
primarily includes data types which are substantially difficult to quickly 
and effectively download from a remote server assembly 50 utilizing 
conventionally available data transmission systems, and/or data or 
executable programs which can more conveniently and quickly be maintained 
and accessed at the local site. As such, a user at the local processor 
assembly 25' is able to access a particular primary site address or "web 
site" utilizing normal means so as to interact with the data at the 
primary site address. When, however, utilization of the primary site 
address calls for interactive video and/or graphical displays with 
associated audio, downloading need not take place, but rather the remote 
server assembly 50 accesses the interchangeable computer readable medium 
36 and initiates utilization of the auxiliary site data stored thereon by 
the local processor assembly 25' so as to significantly enhance the 
on-line experience with added information, graphical display, and 
advertising clips, if desired. Also, all of this information is utilized 
without any excessive download times or the need to download specified 
drivers and the like. Furthermore, when utilized with the display system 
10 of the present invention, the auxiliary site data preferably includes 
the quantity of data associated with the three-dimensional space being 
displayed, along with a variety of operating instructions which instruct 
the local processor assembly 25' regarding the images to be generated from 
the auxiliary site data. 
As indicated, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the 
remotely accessible, auxiliary site addresses are specifically encoded so 
as to restrict access by the local processor assembly 25' unless the 
access is directed by the remote server assembly 50. Such encoded 
restriction thereby prevents a user from utilizing the auxiliary site data 
unless it is in conjunction with the primary site data and therefore a 
"visit" to the particular primary site address. Moreover, because various 
"web searching engines" have built-in security systems to prevent remote 
server assembly 50 access to the local processor assembly 25', thereby 
protecting sensitive information contained by the data storage assembly 
associated with the local processor assembly 25', the interface system 11 
of the present invention further includes a security protocol system which 
limits the remote server assembly's 50 access to the local processor 
assembly 25'. Specifically, the security protocol system preferably only 
permits access to the compact portable, interchangeable computer readable 
medium 36 associated with the local processor assembly 25'. Along these 
lines, the security protocol system of the preferred embodiment does not 
permit the remote server assembly 50 to actually access data or access the 
local processor assembly 25', but rather allows the remote server assembly 
50 only to "check" for external devices, such as disk drives 35 and the 
like until the compact portable, interchangeable computer readable medium 
36 containing the appropriate auxiliary site address are present, of 
course, with more complex security protocol systems, the auxiliary site 
data present on the interchangeable computer readable medium may be 
downloaded directly onto a fixed drive of the local processor assembly, or 
security clearance may be provided to the remote server assembly 50 so as 
to allow access. Still, however, maintaining the auxiliary site data on 
the interchangeable computer readable medium 36 is preferred, thereby 
minimizing space that is taken up by the auxiliary site data on the local 
processor assembly 25' and associated, permanent data storage assemblies. 
I accordance with the previously recited security measures, the interface 
system 11 preferably includes a specific applet or "cookie" structured to 
direct the remote server assembly 50 to specifically look for and identify 
the internal site address of the compact, portable, interchange computer 
readable medium 36 relative to the local processor assembly 25', so that 
the auxiliary site addresses thereon can be searched. For example, in a 
variety of computer systems, a drive which contains the compact portable 
and interchangeable computer readable medium 36 may have one of a variety 
of different internal site addresses such as a:, b:, c:, d:, etc. The 
applet or cookie of the present invention directs the remote server 
assembly 50 to only look for and identify the internal site address of the 
interchangeable computer readable medium 36, and not to search any 
internal site address for specific data or for a specific auxiliary site 
address. Accordingly, unauthorized access by the remote server assembly 50 
onto the data storage assembly of the local processor assembly 25' is 
prevented. Also, the remote server assembly 50 is preferably structured to 
signal a non-presence of the compact portable interchangeable computer 
readable medium 36, such as if an internal sight address for such a medium 
is located and when accessed no interchangeable computer readable medium 
36 is physically present or an incorrect interchangeable computer readable 
medium is present. Such signaling may take on any conventional form, and 
may even be accompanied with an order request so that an appropriate 
interchangeable computer readable medium 36 may be ordered and forwarded 
to the user for future use in the local processor assembly 25'. 
Alternatively, the interchangeable computer readable medium itself 36, for 
example once placed in communication with a local processor assembly 25' 
can be structured to identify itself and identify its internal site 
address relative to the local processor assembly 25' so as to facilitate 
identification thereof by the remote server assembly 50. From the 
foregoing, it is seen that only once the remote server assembly 50 
identifies where it is suppose to look for the interchangeable computer 
readable medium 36, will any actual access to the auxiliary site data be 
achieved. Of course, in some circumstances such security measures need not 
be invoked. 
In a preferred embodiment of the interface system 11 of the present 
invention, the local processor assembly 25' further includes a data entry 
assembly associated therewith and structured to provide for an input of at 
least a portion of the auxiliary site data into a corresponding auxiliary 
site address of the interchangeable computer readable medium 36. In 
particular, it is understandable that after some period of time, the 
auxiliary site data contained on a specific interchangeable computer 
readable medium 36 may become outdated or may otherwise need some sort of 
updating. While it may be preferred to merely provide a user with a new 
interchangeable computer readable medium having the updated information, 
it is also contemplated that in some circumstances, especially where the 
interchangeable computer readable medium 36 can be written upon, the 
interchangeable computer readable medium 36 may be effectively updated by 
the remote server assembly 50 or the user at the local processor assembly 
25'. Preferably, the data entry assembly is structured to include a 
receiver assembly 60 that receives a remotely transmitted signal 
containing at least some of auxiliary site data from a transmitter 
assembly 65 for preferably immediate storage on the data storage assembly. 
The receiver assembly 60 may be connected with the local processor 
assembly 25' or may be a special dedicated receiver assembly merely 
associated therewith but into which the interchangeable computer readable 
medium 36 to be updated is specifically inserted. Of course, it will be 
preferred for the local processor assembly 25' to be specifically 
programmed, such as through a specific logic chip, to provide for control 
of the receiver assembly 65, thereby eliminating the need for excessive, 
separate and distinct articles which must be incorporated as part of the 
interface system 11. Along these lines, the remotely transmitted signal 
may include any of a variety of types of signals such as a full band 
broadcast signal, an interlaced broadcast signal or any other known data 
type signal. Furthermore, the remotely transmitted signal may be 
transmitted to the receiver assembly 60 by a variety of compatible 
transmitter assemblies 65, such as a satellite transmitter, a radio 
transmitter, or a cabled transmitter, such as a telephone line, broadband 
cable, fiber-optic cable and the like, so long as the remotely transmitted 
signal can be transmitted in substantially complete integrity to the 
receiver assembly 60. Also, so as to maximize the quantity of the 
auxiliary site data which can be stored and entered by the data entry 
assembly onto the interchangeable computer readable medium 36, the 
interface system 11 also preferably includes a compression assembly that 
compresses the auxiliary site data into either a usable compressed form, 
or into a form which can be readily decompressed when actual use is 
necessitated. Accordingly, it is noted that updating of the auxiliary site 
data may be continuous, such as while access to the remote server assembly 
50 is being attained, or separate as an independent step through any of a 
variety of data transmitting structures. 
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to 
the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that 
all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying 
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, 
the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and 
their legal equivalents. 
Now that the invention has been described,