U.S. patent application number 12/829069 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for comparing items using a displayed diagram.
Invention is credited to Scott T. Baker.
Application Number | 20120005045 12/829069 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45400414 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120005045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; Scott T. |
January 5, 2012 |
COMPARING ITEMS USING A DISPLAYED DIAGRAM
Abstract
Among other things, a user can view graphically how different
available items compare to one another, with respect to attributes
of the available items, by controlling what is shown in a displayed
diagram that identifies the items, in the context of indicators of
their attributes.
Inventors: |
Baker; Scott T.; (Hampton,
NH) |
Family ID: |
45400414 |
Appl. No.: |
12/829069 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/27.2 ;
707/758; 707/E17.014; 715/764; 715/833; 715/848 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/335 20190101;
G06Q 30/0643 20130101; G06F 3/04847 20130101; G06Q 30/08 20130101;
G06F 16/9535 20190101; G06F 3/04842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/27.2 ;
715/848; 707/758; 715/833; 715/764; 707/E17.014 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30; G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising enabling a user to view
graphically how different available items compare to one another,
with respect to attributes of the available items, by enabling the
user to control what is shown in a displayed diagram that
identifies the items, in the context of indicators of their
attributes.
2. The method of claim 1 in which the user controls what is shown
by defining criteria of a search, the diagram is displayed in
response to the search, and the items portray in the diagram are
controlled by the search.
3. The method of claim 2 in which the user controls what is shown
by refming an existing search, and the displayed diagram is altered
in response to the refming of the search, to include items
controlled by the refined search.
4. The method of claim 1 in which the user controls what is shown
to him using elements of the displayed diagram.
5. The method of claim 1 in which the different items are portrayed
by respective graphical identifiers that have positions in the
displayed diagram that correspond to the attributes for those
items.
6. The method of claim 5 in which the relative positions of the
graphical identifiers, in the displayed diagram, show how the
different items compare.
7. The method of claim 6 in which the graphical identifiers
comprise points or dots or x's or icons or images or other
markers.
8. The method of claim 1 in which the controlling includes changing
which items are represented in the displayed diagram.
9. The method of claim 1 in which the controlling includes changing
the number of items that are represented in the displayed
diagram.
10. The method of claim 1 in which the controlling includes
changing a range, of at least one of the attributes, that is met by
the items that are included in the displayed diagram.
11. The method of claim 1 in which the controlling includes
applying a filter that governs which items are represented in the
displayed diagram.
12. The method of claim 1 in which the controlling comprises
applying search criteria to a body of items to select items to be
portrayed in the displayed diagram.
13. The method of claim 12 in which the search criteria are
expressed with respect to the attributes.
14. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram portrays
the attributes in two or three dimensions.
15. The method of claim 1 in which the items are portrayed in the
displayed device along two or three dimensions that are associated
with two or three of the attributes.
16. The method of claim 1 in which at least one of the attributes
is quantitative.
17. The method of claim 1 in which at least one of the attributes
is non-quantitative.
18. The method of claim 1 in which at least one of the attributes
comprises a subjective quality of the items.
19. The method of claim 1 in which one of the attributes comprises
aging.
20. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram portrays a
statistical value that is based on the values of at least one of
the attributes for a set of the items.
21. The method of claim 20 in which the statistical value comprises
an average or median.
22. The method of claim 1 in which the items comprise unique
items.
23. The method of claim 1 in which the unique items are new or used
items.
24. The method of claim 1 in which the items are organized as
groups of items.
25. The method of claim 1 in which one of the attributes comprises
price.
26. The method of claim 1 including enabling the user to view an
image, data, or both related to each of the items by interacting
with the displayed diagram.
27. The method of claim 1 comprising enabling a user to interact
with the displayed diagram by pointing to identifiers of items.
28. The method of claim 27 in which the interacting causes
additional information about the items to be displayed on or in the
vicinity of the displayed diagram.
29. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram is
displayed in conjunction or alternately with a display of a text
list of the items.
30. The method of claim 1 in which the diagram is displayed on an
online commercial service.
31. The method of claim 1 in which the user can drag an interactive
display element to alter the number or identity or both, of the
items that are portrayed in the displayed diagram.
32. The method of claim 31 in which the element that is dragged
comprises a slider.
33. The method of claim 31 in which the element that is dragged
comprises a bounding box.
34. The method of claim 1 in which two dimensions of the displayed
diagram show ranges of two of the attributes for the items, and a
third conceptual dimension shows at least a third attribute.
35. The method of claim 34 in which the third conceptual dimension
is shown using color.
36. The method of claim 34 in which third conceptual dimension is
shown using multiple trend lines.
37. The method of claim 1 in which one of the attributes comprises
an indicator of age or wear other than time.
38. The method of claim 1 in which one of the attributes comprises
an indicator of worth other than money.
39. The method of claim 1 including identifying on or in the
vicinity of the displayed diagram two or more of the items that are
determined automatically to be relatively attractive to the
user.
40. The method of claim 1 in which the user is enabled to indicate
ranges of the attributes that are of interest to the user.
41. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram portrays
which items have prices that are above a book or appraised value or
below a book or appraised value for the items.
42. The method of claim 1 in which depreciation of value comprises
one of the attributes.
43. The method of claim 1 in which items belonging to different
groups are portrayed in a way to identify the groups to which they
belong.
44. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram shows
predictions of attributes associated with the items.
45. The method of claim 44 in which the predictions are of
depreciated values.
46. The method of claim 1 which the items comprise vehicles.
47. The method of claim 46 in which the attributes comprise at
least two of price, age, mileage, color, model, style, or
brand.
48. The method of claim 46 in which the items comprise at least one
of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats.
49. The method of claim 1 in which the items comprise items related
to travel.
50. The method of claim 49 in which the attributes comprise at
least two of mode of travel, departure location, arrival location,
departure time, arrival time, time of travel, one-way or round
trip, seating class, duration of travel, and price.
51. The method of claim 49 in which the mode of travel comprises at
least one of plane, train, bus, or boat.
52. The method of claim 49 in which one dimension of the displayed
diagram comprises times of departure, times of arrival, or
both.
53. The method of claim 1 in which the items comprise possible
relationships.
54. The method of claim 53 in which the items comprise
identifications of at least one other person or entity of interest
to the user.
55. The method of claim 53 in which the items comprise an
introduction of the user to another person for the purpose of
dating.
56. The method of claim 53 in which the attributes comprise at
least one of appearance, interests, background, values, sex,
location, amount of education, and age.
57. The method of claim 53 in which the displayed diagram shows age
along one dimension.
58. The method of claim 1 in which the items are portrayed in
clusters at intersections of values of two attributes.
59. The method of claim 53 in which the attributes include a
quantitative measurement of a quality of a match between the user
and other persons or entities.
60. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram comprises
statistics showing the number of items that are characterized by at
least one of the attributes.
61. The method of claim 53 in which the displayed diagram comprises
a map on which the items are portrayed at respective locations.
62. The method of claim 1 in which the items comprise real estate
for rental or sale or lodging rooms.
63. The method of claim 62 in which the attributes comprise size
and price.
64. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram comprises
a portrayal of a trend of the attributes.
65. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram includes a
histogram of values for an attribute.
66. The method of claim 62 in which the attributes comprise a
number of bedrooms.
67. The method of claim 62 in which the attributes include a
listing price.
68. The method of claim 62 in which the attributes include a
rating.
69. The method of claim 1 in which the items comprise food service
locations.
70. The method of claim 1 in which the items comprise boats and the
attributes include at least two of price, engine hours, length,
horsepower, maximum speed, and cruising range.
71. The method of claim 1 in which the items are available at
auction.
72. The method of claim 71 in which the attributes include a stage
of the auction.
73. The method of claim 1 in which the user can switch between the
displayed diagram and a list or gallery view.
74. The method of claim 1 in which the different available items
comprise services or vendors of services.
75. The method of claim 1 in which the attributes comprise distance
from the user.
76. The method of claim 1 in which the attributes comprise quality
rating for a vendor of services or a measure of user satisfaction
with a vendor of services.
77. The method of claim 1 in which the attributes comprise a
measure of how well a vendor of services matches the user.
78. The method of claim 1 in which the attributes comprise one or
more of scope of services, product lines offerings, reputation
ratings, or accreditations.
79. The method of claim 1 in which the attributes comprise a
measure of compatibility of the items with answers of the user to
questions.
80. A computer-implemented method comprising identifying for a user
items available to the user through an online site, enabling the
user to define a search for available items that have specified
attributes, listing available items that have the specified
attributes, and displaying to the user a diagram that portrays the
available items that have the specified attributes, in the context
of their attributes.
81. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise used
products and the online site lists used products that are for sale
to users.
82. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise used cars
and the attributes comprise price and mileage.
83. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise new cars and
the attributes comprise selling price and MSRP or dealer
invoice.
84. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise travel
arrangements.
85. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise travel
tickets and the attributes comprise at least two of time, price,
location, class, and supplier.
86. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise hotel
rooms.
87. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise
restaurants.
88. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise boats, and
the attributes comprise at least two of price, engine hours,
length, horsepower, maximum speed, and cruising range.
89. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise potential
relationships.
90. The method of claim 80 in which the online site comprises a
dating service and the attributes comprise at least two of age,
sex, appearance, education, location, and values.
91. The method of claim 80 in which the items comprise real estate
or lodging and the attributes comprise at least two of size, price,
location, number of bedrooms, and ratings.
92. The method of claim 80 in which the items are available at
auction and the attributes include price and a stage of the
auction.
93. A computer-implemented method comprising receiving, from a site
that identifies items that are available, information about
attributes of the items and information about searches done by
users of the site, and delivering to the site, in exchange for a
fee, information that enables the site to display, to the users,
diagrams that portray the items that meet the searches, in the
context of the attributes of those items.
94. A computer-implemented method comprising enabling users to view
graphically how different available items compare to one another,
with respect to attributes of the available items, by enabling the
users to control what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays
the items, in the context of indicators of their attributes,
measuring uses by the users of the displayed diagrams, and
assessing fees, based on the measured uses.
95. The method of claim 94 in which the fees are based on a
difference between conduct of, attitude towards, or awareness of
items of users who used the displayed diagrams and those who did
not.
96. The method of claim 94 also including measuring conduct,
attitude towards, or awareness of items related to the uses of the
displayed diagrams as a measure of their effectiveness and
assessing fees based on the effectiveness.
97. The method of claim 94 in which the users are members of a site
that identifies the available items.
98. A computer-implemented method comprising serving webpages that
identify used cars for sale, and in response to a user searching
for used cars that meet specified attributes, enabling the user to
view graphically how the different used cars that meet the
attributes compare to one another by enabling the user to control
what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the used cars in
the context of indicators of at least their prices and aging.
99. A computer-implemented method comprising serving webpages that
identify new cars for sale, and in response to a user searching for
new cars that meet specified attributes, enabling the user to view
graphically how the different new cars that meet the attributes
compare to one another by enabling the user to control what is
shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the new cars in the
context of indicators of at least their selling prices,
manufacturer's suggested retail prices, or dealer invoice
prices.
100. A computer-implemented method comprising serving webpages that
identify flights, boat rides, or trains that have available seats,
and in response to a user searching for flights, boat rides, or
trains that meet specified attributes, enabling the user to view
graphically how the different flights, boat rides, and trains that
meet the attributes compare to one another by enabling the user to
control what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the
flights, boat rides, or trains in the context of indicators of at
least their times and prices.
101. A computer-implemented method comprising serving webpages that
identify people who are available for relationships, in response to
a user searching for people that have specified attributes,
enabling the user to view graphically how the different people who
meet the attributes compare to one another by enabling the user to
control what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the
people in the context of indicators of at least their sex, age, and
location.
102. A computer-implemented method comprising serving web pages
that identify real properties that are available, in response to a
user searching for properties that have specified attributes,
enabling the user to view graphically how the different properties
that meet the attributes compare to one another by enabling the
user to control what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays
the properties in the context of indicators of at least their
price, size, and location.
103. A computer-implemented method comprising serving web pages
that identify boats that are available, in response to a user
searching for boats that have specified attributes, enabling the
user to view graphically how the different boats that meet the
attributes compare to one another by enabling the user to control
what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the boats in the
context of indicators of at least their price, size, and engine
hours.
104. A computer-implemented method comprising serving web pages
that identify items for sale at auction, in response to a user
searching for items for sale at auction that have specified
attributes, enabling the user to view graphically how the different
properties that meet the attributes compare to one another by
enabling the user to control what is shown in a displayed diagram
that portrays the auction items in the context of indicators of at
least their price, time to auction closing, and location.
105. A computer-implemented method comprising serving web pages
that identify restaurants, in response to a user searching for
restaurants that have specified attributes, enabling the user to
view graphically how the different restaurants compare to one
another by enabling the user to control what is shown in a
displayed diagram that portrays the restaurants in the context of
indicators of at least their quality ratings.
106. A computer-implemented method comprising enabling a user to
view graphically how different available items compare to one
another, with respect to attributes that include at least two of
price, size, location, timing, and rating, by enabling the user to
control what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the
items, in the context of indicators of their attributes.
107. The method of claim 1 in which the user controls what is shown
to him by zooming in on a region of the displayed diagram.
108. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram is
altered dynamically in response to the refining of the search.
109. The method of claim 1 including enabling a user to insert at
least one line to show suggested prices from third-party pricing
sources along a continuum of age or wear.
110. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram has
regions, where different regions are displayed using different
appearances or names based on their location within the displayed
diagram.
111. The method of claim 1 in which the user is enabled to control
what is shown by controlling data points or data subsets that are
included in the displayed diagram, based upon specific
criteria.
112. The method of claim 1 in which the displayed diagram portrays
an estimate of the future value of an item taking account of age or
aware of the item.
113. The method of claim 1 in which the user is enabled to control
what is shown in the displayed diagram by identifying an item with
respect to which at least some information should not be included
in the displayed diagram.
114. The method of claim 113 in which no information about the
identified item is shown in the displayed diagram.
115. The method of claim 1 in which the user is enabled to control
what is shown either by defining search criteria for items in a
search facility, or by interacting with the displayed diagram, or
both.
116. The method of claim 1 in which at least one of the attributes
comprises a non-quantitative attribute and the indicators of the
attributes are displayed in the diagram ordinally.
117. The method of claim 1 in which enabling the user to control
what is shown in the displayed diagram comprises enabling the user
to choose a number of items to be identified in the displayed
diagram.
118. The method of claim 117 in which one of the attributes
comprises distance and the items are identified in the displayed
diagram in order from smaller to larger distances.
119. The method of claim 118 in which the distance is determined
using at least one of an address, a venue, or an attraction.
120. The method of claim 1 including enabling the user to view
graphically and simultaneously two or more displayed diagrams that
identify items.
121. The method of claim 1 including normalizing values of one of
the attributes along a normalized line using available information
about the values and simultaneously identifying items in terms of
their values relative to the normalized line.
122. The method of claim 121 in which the attributes comprises
price and the items are identified in terms of their prices
relative to the normalized price line.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This description relates to comparing items using a
displayed diagram.
[0002] For the vast majority of websites that offer information on
products, services and people over the web, many allow users to
input filter criteria for the purpose of narrowing the scope of
their search. By using filter criteria, users can focus on the
specific product or service that they wish to view by eliminating
from a data set all of those products and services of which they
have no interest.
[0003] Once a user has established the data set he wishes to view,
and after entering and employing their filter criteria, the
products, services or people are commonly presented to the user in
a list or gallery format. These lists are generally very readable
and easy to understand, and they often allow users to interact with
the list by clicking on an item, providing the user with more
detailed information on that product, service or person. Also
common, is the user's ability to sort these lists by various data
criteria that help define their data set. In virtually all
instances, information can be sorted by only one variable at a
time; hence, items can only be measured against one another by one
variable in any given display, and the information is conveyed in a
text format. Information lists, whether in text or photographs, are
the standard to which most information-providing websites
ascribe.
SUMMARY
[0004] In general, a user can view graphically how different
available items compare to one another, with respect to attributes
of the available items, by controlling what is shown in a displayed
diagram that identifies the items, in the context of indicators of
their attributes.
[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The user controls what is shown by defining criteria of a
search, the diagram is displayed in response to the search, and the
items portray in the diagram are controlled by the search. The user
controls what is shown by refining an existing search, and the
displayed diagram is altered in response to the refining of the
search, to include items controlled by the refined search. The user
controls what is shown to him using elements of the displayed
diagram. The different items are portrayed by respective graphical
identifiers that have positions in the displayed diagram that
correspond to the attributes for those items. The relative
positions of the graphical identifiers, in the displayed diagram,
show how the different items compare. The graphical identifiers
include points or dots or x's or icons or images or other markers.
The controlling includes changing which items are represented in
the displayed diagram. The controlling includes changing the number
of items that are represented in the displayed diagram. The
controlling includes changing a range, of at least one of the
attributes, that is met by the items that are included in the
displayed diagram. The controlling includes applying a filter that
governs which items are represented in the displayed diagram.
[0006] The controlling includes applying search criteria to a body
of items to select items to be portrayed in the displayed diagram.
The search criteria are expressed with respect to the attributes.
The displayed diagram portrays the attributes in two or three
dimensions. The items are portrayed in the displayed device along
two or three dimensions that are associated with two or three of
the attributes. At least one of the attributes is quantitative. At
least one of the attributes is non-quantitative. At least one of
the attributes includes a subjective quality of the items. One of
the attributes includes aging.
[0007] The displayed diagram portrays a statistical value that is
based on the values of at least one of the attributes for a set of
the items. The statistical value includes an average or median. The
items include unique items. The unique items are new or used items.
The items are organized as groups of items. One of the attributes
includes price.
[0008] The user can view an image, data, or both related to each of
the items by interacting with the displayed diagram. The user can
interact with the displayed diagram by pointing to identifiers of
items. The interacting causes additional information about the
items to be displayed on or in the vicinity of the displayed
diagram. The displayed diagram is displayed in conjunction or
alternately with a display of a text list of the items. The diagram
is displayed on an online commercial service.
[0009] The user can drag an interactive display element to alter
the number or identity or both, of the items that are portrayed in
the displayed diagram. The element that is dragged includes a
slider. The element that is dragged includes a bounding box.
[0010] Two dimensions of the displayed diagram show ranges of two
of the attributes for the items, and a third conceptual dimension
shows at least a third attribute. The third conceptual dimension is
shown using color. The third conceptual dimension is shown using
multiple trend lines.
[0011] One of the attributes includes an indicator of age or wear
other than time. One of the attributes includes an indicator of
worth other than money. On or in the vicinity of the displayed
diagram, two or more of the items are identified that are
determined automatically to be relatively attractive to the user.
The user can indicate ranges of the attributes that are of interest
to the user. The displayed diagram portrays which items have prices
that are above a book or appraised value or below a book or
appraised value for the items. A depreciation of value includes one
of the attributes. Items belonging to different groups are
portrayed in a way to identify the groups to which they belong. The
displayed diagram shows predictions of attributes associated with
the items. The predictions are of depreciated values.
[0012] The items include vehicles. The attributes include at least
two of price, age, mileage, color, model, style, or brand. The
items include at least one of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats.
The items include items related to travel. The attributes include
at least two of mode of travel, departure location, arrival
location, departure time, arrival time, time of travel, one-way or
round trip, seating class, duration of travel, and price. The mode
of travel includes at least one of plane, train, bus, or boat. One
dimension of the displayed diagram includes times of departure,
times of arrival, or both. The items include possible
relationships. The items include identifications of at least one
other person or entity of interest to the user. The items include
an introduction of the user to another person for the purpose of
dating. The attributes include at least one of appearance,
interests, background, values, sex, location, amount of education,
and age. The displayed diagram shows age along one dimension.
[0013] The items are portrayed in clusters at intersections of
values of two attributes. The attributes include a quantitative
measurement of a quality of a match between the user and other
persons or entities. The displayed diagram includes statistics
showing the number of items that are characterized by at least one
of the attributes. The displayed diagram includes a map on which
the items are portrayed at respective locations. The items include
real estate for rental or sale or lodging rooms. The attributes
include size and price. The displayed diagram includes a portrayal
of a trend of the attributes. The displayed diagram includes a
histogram of values for an attribute. The attributes include a
number of bedrooms. The attributes include a listing price. The
attributes include a rating. The items include food service
locations. The items include boats and the attributes include at
least two of price, engine hours, length, horsepower, maximum
speed, and cruising range. The items are available at auction. The
attributes include a stage of the auction. The user can switch
between the displayed diagram and a list or gallery view. The
different available items include services or vendors of services.
The attributes include distance from the user. The attributes
include quality rating for a vendor of services or a measure of
user satisfaction with a vendor of services. The attributes include
a measure of how well a vendor of services matches the user. The
attributes include one or more of scope of services, product lines
offerings, reputation ratings, or accreditations. The attributes
include a measure of compatibility of the items with answers of the
user to questions.
[0014] In general, in an aspect, items are identified to a user
that are available to the user through an online site, the user can
define a search for available items that have specified attributes,
available items are listed that have the specified attributes, and
a diagram is displayed to the user that portrays the available
items that have the specified attributes, in the context of their
attributes.
[0015] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The items include used products and the online site lists
used products that are for sale to users. The items include used
cars and the attributes include price and mileage. The items
include new cars and the attributes include selling price and MSRP
or dealer invoice. The items include travel arrangements. The items
include travel tickets and the attributes include at least two of
time, price, location, class, and supplier. The items include hotel
rooms. The items include restaurants. The items include boats, and
the attributes include at least two of price, engine hours, length,
horsepower, maximum speed, and cruising range. The items include
potential relationships. The online site includes a dating service
and the attributes include at least two of age, sex, appearance,
education, location, and values. The items include real estate or
lodging and the attributes include at least two of size, price,
location, number of bedrooms, and ratings. The items are available
at auction and the attributes include price and a stage of the
auction.
[0016] In general, in an aspect, information is received, from a
site that identifies items that are available, about attributes of
the items and information about searches done by users of the site,
information is delivered to the site, in exchange for a fee, that
enables the site to display, to the users, diagrams that portray
the items that meet the searches, in the context of the attributes
of those items.
[0017] In general, in an aspect, users can view graphically how
different available items compare to one another, with respect to
attributes of the available items, by enabling the users to control
what is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the items, in
the context of indicators of their attributes, measuring uses by
the users of the displayed diagrams, and assessing fees, based on
the measured uses.
[0018] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The fees are based on a difference between conduct of,
attitude towards, or awareness of items of users who used the
displayed diagrams and those who did not. Conduct, attitude
towards, or awareness of items related to the uses of the displayed
diagrams are measured for effectiveness and fees are assessed based
on the effectiveness. The users are members of a site that
identifies the available items.
[0019] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
used cars for sale, and in response to a user searching for used
cars that meet specified attributes, the user can view graphically
how the different used cars that meet the attributes compare to one
another, by controlling what is shown in a displayed diagram that
portrays the used cars in the context of indicators of at least
their prices and aging.
[0020] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
new cars for sale, and in response to a user searching for new cars
that meet specified attributes, the user can view graphically how
the different new cars that meet the attributes compare to one
another, by controlling what is shown in a displayed diagram that
portrays the new cars in the context of indicators of at least
their selling prices, manufacturer's suggested retail prices, or
dealer invoice prices.
[0021] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
flights, boat rides, or trains that have available seats, and in
response to a user searching for flights, boat rides, or trains
that meet specified attributes, the user can view graphically how
the different flights, boat rides, and trains that meet the
attributes compare to one another, by controlling what is shown in
a displayed diagram that portrays the flights, boat rides, or
trains in the context of indicators of at least their times and
prices.
[0022] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
people who are available for relationships, in response to a user
searching for people that have specified attributes, the user can
view graphically how the different people who meet the attributes
compare to one another, by controlling what is shown in a displayed
diagram that portrays the people in the context of indicators of at
least their sex, age, and location.
[0023] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
real properties that are available, in response to a user searching
for properties that have specified attributes, the user can view
graphically how the different properties that meet the attributes
compare to one another, by controlling what is shown in a displayed
diagram that portrays the properties in the context of indicators
of at least their price, size, and location.
[0024] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
boats that are available, in response to a user searching for boats
that have specified attributes, the user can view graphically how
the different boats that meet the attributes compare to one
another, by controlling what is shown in a displayed diagram that
portrays the boats in the context of indicators of at least their
price, size, and engine hours.
[0025] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
items for sale at auction, in response to a user searching for
items for sale at auction that have specified attributes, the user
can view graphically how the different properties that meet the
attributes compare to one another, by controlling what is shown in
a displayed diagram that portrays the auction items in the context
of indicators of at least their price, time to auction closing, and
location.
[0026] In general, in an aspect, webpages are served that identify
restaurants, in response to a user searching for restaurants that
have specified attributes, the user can view graphically how the
different restaurants compare to one another, by controlling what
is shown in a displayed diagram that portrays the restaurants in
the context of indicators of at least their quality ratings.
[0027] In general, in an aspect, the user can view graphically how
different available items compare to one another, with respect to
attributes that include at least two of price, size, location,
timing, and rating, by controlling what is shown in a displayed
diagram that portrays the items, in the context of indicators of
their attributes.
[0028] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The user controls what is shown to him by zooming in on a
region of the displayed diagram. The displayed diagram is altered
dynamically in response to the refining of the search. The user can
insert at least one line to show suggested prices from third-party
pricing sources along a continuum of age or wear. The displayed
diagram has regions, where different regions are displayed using
different appearances or names based on their location within the
displayed diagram. The user can control what is shown by
controlling data points or data subsets that are included in the
displayed diagram, based upon specific criteria. The displayed
diagram portrays an estimate of the future value of an item taking
account of age or aware of the item. The user can control what is
shown in the displayed diagram by identifying an item with respect
to which at least some information should not be included in the
displayed diagram. No information about the identified item is
shown in the displayed diagram.
[0029] The user can control what is shown either by defining search
criteria for items in a search facility, or by interacting with the
displayed diagram, or both. At least one of the attributes includes
a non-quantitative attribute and the indicators of the attributes
are displayed in the diagram ordinally. The user can control what
is shown in the displayed diagram by choosing a number of items to
be identified in the displayed diagram. One of the attributes
includes distance and the items are identified in the displayed
diagram in order from smaller to larger distances. The distance is
determined using at least one of an address, a venue, or an
attraction. The user can view graphically and simultaneously two or
more displayed diagrams that identify items. Values of one of the
attributes are normalized along a normalized line using available
information about the values and simultaneously items are
identified in terms of their values relative to the normalized
line. The attributes include price and the items are identified in
terms of their prices relative to the normalized price line.
[0030] One benefit of the graphical view of a data set is that it
allows users to see how data points within the data set relate to
one another using more than one variable, and in a visual format.
It is this visualization of a comparison between data points that
allows users to easily see how products, services and people
compare or relate to one another, using criteria that they deem
important. By allowing users to see how all data points relate to
one another or to a common element, in just a single display, they
can more efficiently focus in on the data point(s) that are most
interesting to them, and hence, accelerate and improve the research
and selection process.
[0031] From users' point of view, they will find the graphical
displays helpful in their search, as these graphs show information
in an easy-to-comprehend format by providing a visual of the
relative attractiveness and/or relative value of one product versus
another. To the extent that users are better able to locate the
item in which they search, they will value this application. This
enhanced process can come in the form of a more informed selection,
as they are more knowledgeable about the relative value or
attractiveness of the item(s) in which they seek. This knowledge
can then be translated into cost savings, a greater likelihood of
making a good, informed decision, or simply more confidence in
making a selection. A better-informed consumer will make better
decisions, which will also result in a more satisfying selection
experience; at the point of selection, as well as after the
selection. Furthermore, to the extent that users are able to make
their search process more efficient by finding their desired item
more quickly, they will also value the time savings offered by a
more intuitive, more interactive search process. Web sites that
allow users to potentially save time and money, while making them
more knowledgeable and confident in their selection process, will
be attractive to users. When users have a better search experience
on a site, whether they are looking for a product, service or
person, they are more likely to frequent that site vis-a-vis
competitor sites. As a result, the sites that provide this better
user experience will end up with increased traffic, and increased
traffic generally leads to increased commerce. This increased
commerce can come in the form of additional product listing fees,
direct sales, referral sales, sales commissions, advertising
revenue and website memberships. Moreover, if users' confidence is
enhanced through increased knowledge, the probability of them
actually making a selection will be greater. As a result, websites
that employ this application will experience not only an increase
in the quantity of site traffic, but also in its quality, as
selection rates will be higher.
[0032] In viewing an online site for the purposes of buying or
researching a product, the user typically has the ability, from the
universe of products that are available on that website, to narrow
the scope of his search to identify the product that is most
consistent with the product that he wishes to investigate. The
narrowing of this scope can be done through the input of search
criteria, which are specific qualitative and quantitative
attributes associated with that product or product class. The
search process can be done in a single phase, where all criteria
are selected on a single display, or in a multi-phase process,
where consecutive narrowing of scope is carried out over multiple
displays.
[0033] Information about products and services has become more
readily available on web sites, the Internet, and other modern
information technology than ever before. Consumers can use this
information to make informed choices about which products and
services to purchase, but at the same time the sheer amount of
information now available can be overwhelming. The information can
be made more usable and manageable if it is presented in a way that
is visible, interactive, and easy to use.
[0034] These, and other advantages, features, and implementations,
and combinations of them, can be expressed as method, apparatus,
systems, program products, means and steps for performing
functions, components, and in other ways.
[0035] Other advantages, features, and implementations will become
apparent from the following description, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION
[0036] FIGS. 1-21 are screen shots of portions of a web site.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a data table.
[0038] FIGS. 23-30 are screen shots of portions of portions of a
travel web site.
[0039] FIGS. 31A-36 are screen shots of portions of portions of a
dating web site.
[0040] FIGS. 37-40 are screen shots of portions of a real estate
web site implementing a comparison display.
[0041] FIGS. 41-43 are screen shots of portions of a restaurant web
site.
[0042] FIGS. 44-45 are screen shots of portions of a boat web
site.
[0043] FIGS. 46-53 are screen shots of portions of an auction web
site.
[0044] FIGS. 54-56 are block diagrams
[0045] By (a) allowing a user (of a website, for example) to view
graphically how different available items (for example, used cars)
compare to one another, with respect to attributes of the available
items, and (b) enabling the user to control what is shown in a
displayed diagram that portrays the items, in the context of
indicators of their attributes, the user can more easily and
visually compare and pick products and services in terms of their
attributes.
[0046] By allowing the user to use interactive controls to change
the appearance of the visualization, including which attributes are
shown and in what manner they are presented in relation to each
other, the comparison display allows users to quickly and easily
visualize the relationship between different products, services,
and people, and come to a well-informed selection decision. Such a
visualization technique could be implemented on a wide variety of
web sites but many other media for interactive presentation and
visualization would also be possible. For example, hand-held
devices may have access not only to web sites but also to
customized applications ("apps") that also provide visual access to
data. An "app" could be used to present the comparison display or
visualization. Other custom applications could be used with
personal computers, public kiosks, or other kinds of electronic
information system. Thus, when we refer to a "web site," it is just
one example of a very wide range of possible implementations.
[0047] In the case of FIG. 1, we use the example of a web site that
offers vehicles for sale, and where the user has the ability to
select basic information regarding the vehicle in which he is
searching. In this case, the user can choose between "new" and
"used" vehicles 12, and he has chosen the Audi A4 as the vehicle's
make and model 14. Additionally, he (or she) has chosen to search
for A4's within a 5-mile radius of zip code 01234 16. With these
criteria chosen, the user then clicks on "Search" button 18.
[0048] Once the user chooses to search the site's database using
the basic search criteria, he is brought to a display similar to
FIG. 2. In this display, the vehicles that match the basic search
criteria are displayed 22 "historically, only visible in a list or
gallery format", along with the search criteria 24 and a
representation of the number of vehicles that meet the criteria 26.
Additionally, the user is often presented with the ability to
choose from additional search criteria 25, where he has the ability
to filter the site's database further, to further refine their
search (e.g. narrow the search, broaden the search, or perform a
combination of the two by narrowing some search criteria and
broadening others). Here, we introduce the notion of adding a
display alternative for the user. In this case, the user can select
from within a "View My Search" box 28, either a "list" view, a
historical standard, or a display alternative, the "graph" view,
which presents a visual diagram of product attributes or
characteristics and indicates how those attributes or
characteristics compare with one another.
[0049] If the user selects the "graph" view, he is brought to a
display that is represented by FIG. 3. In this display, instead of
seeing vehicles listed sequentially or in a gallery display, each
vehicle that meets the search criteria is displayed as a data point
on an X/Y graph 32. For this demonstration, the default display
shows vehicles plotted using their mileage 34 and their listing
price 36 as the X and Y coordinates, respectively. In instances
where three variables are chosen in which to view the data set, a
three-dimensional X/Y/Z graph, with three axes can be utilized.
[0050] In this instance shown in FIG. 3, the user sees the price
and mileage relationship between each vehicle. Price and mileage
have been used as default variables in this example, as vehicles'
mileage and price are key determinants in users' vehicle-purchasing
process. With this graphical display, the user can readily see the
relationship among all of the vehicles that meet his or her search
criteria, displayed relative to one another by the variables that
are important to him or her. In this demonstration, the vehicles
that resulted from applying the search criteria are priced roughly
between $8,000 and $26,000, and their mileage varies from a low of
24,000 miles, to a high of 118,000 miles. For example, vehicle 38
has a price of $15,000 and mileage of 50,000. Vehicle 39 has a
price of $22,000 and mileage of 45,000. The user might find this
interesting and might be attracted to vehicle 38 rather than the
vehicle 39, as it would show a significantly lower price for a
vehicle with similar mileage. In this example, vehicles 38 and 39
are represented by a graphical indicator, which here is a dot but
could be any other graphical element.
[0051] If the user wishes to modify, refine or narrow his search
criteria, he can do so from the search criteria options listed on
the display 24, 26. As these search criteria are modified while in
the "graph" viewing option, data points will appear and disappear
dynamically as the displayed data set reflects the new search
parameters. To the extent that the user feels that there are too
few or too many data points to review, he can modify his search to
expand or reduce the number of instances, or data points, on the
graph for a better visualization. Users will find that as the
search criteria is broadened to allow for more data to be included
in the search the graphical display will become more challenging to
view a single data point. However, by broadening the search
criteria, the user will be able to see a more pronounced trend to
the data, as the randomness of individual data points will succumb
to the overall relationship between the two axis variables. For
example, if the user narrowed their search criteria so that only
ten Audi A4s met those criteria and were displayed, the
relationship between the two variables, if any, may not be
apparent. However, if five hundred A4s met the search criteria and
were displayed, the relationship between mileage and price will
become much more pronounced and defined.
[0052] With this visual display, the relationship between data
points, e.g. vehicles or relative attractiveness, becomes
recognizable, as users are able to see how the price and mileage of
specific vehicles compare to one another. For practical purposes,
users interested in vehicles in specific price or mileage ranges
can easily view the alternatives that exist within those ranges and
how those vehicles compare to others that fall outside of those
ranges. In general, this feature can be described as showing data
points relative to one another in a graphic display. The
characteristics or attributes of a product (such as a vehicle),
service, or person are used to determine how the items are visually
represented in comparison to each other.
[0053] Within the display represented by FIG. 3, users have the
ability to choose the search criteria 24, 25 that are used as
variables along the axes of the X/Y graph 32. Utilizing drop-down
boxes 33 and 35, users can select from any of the search criteria
to determine the vertical criteria "Y axis" 36 and the horizontal
criteria "X axis" 34. FIG. 4 shows another example of the display
in which the user has chosen the criteria "price" and "color" as
the vertical and horizontal measurements, respectively, using the
drop-down boxes 33 and 35.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, a user can easily see the data set of
Audi A4s displayed with their price and respective colors on the
X/Y graph 42. By clicking on the "Show Averages" button 46, one
searching for an A4 can observe that black and silver A4s have on
average, higher listing prices 44 than those that are gray or green
46, and conclude that black and silver alternatives are more
valuable than those colored gray or green.
[0055] In FIG. 5, the user has chosen "Price" and "Model Year" as
the desired variables 52 for viewing. In this example, users can
see how the model years of different A4s are priced relative to one
another 54 and see the difference in average list price between
vehicles of the different model years. In this example, 2004 models
56a have an average list price $1,412 lower than 2005 models 56b
and $3,106 lower than 2006 models 56c.
[0056] Users that wish to interact with the data points displayed
have a number of different alternatives available in which to view
more detail of the data points, e.g. vehicles; some of these
alternatives are displayed in FIG. 6. A user that wishes to see
more information about a particular vehicle can simply move his
cursor over the data point and the basic information about the
vehicle, e.g. picture and summary info, will pop up while the
cursor is located over the data point 62. If the user wishes to
view a specific vehicle, he or she can click on the data point 62
to view the full listing details. If the user wishes to view a
number of selected data points, such as 64, he or she can perform a
function such as a "control/click" or another user interface action
upon each of the data points in order to view the full listing
details of just those selected. If the user wishes to view a range
of data points 66, he or she can click on an open location of the
graph and drag the cursor across the desired area to highlight the
relevant data points to be selected 66. If the user wishes to have
that data point removed from the display, a function such as a
right-click, followed by the selection of "remove" from a drop-down
menu, will allow the user to remove this data point from the
display. This is helpful in that if the user has viewed a data
point and determined that he has no interest in that selection, he
can then remove that selection from the field of view. Those data
points that have been selected or viewed can be noted by a
differing appearance from those that have not been viewed, for
example, the selected or viewed data points could have a different
color, a different size, a different shape, or another visual
characteristic that is distinct from the other data points. In all
instances, users have the ability to toggle between "list" view or
"graph" view with the selections that they have chosen by clicking
the appropriate option within the "View My Search" box 28.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, if the user wishes to eliminate a
portion of the data set, e.g. those vehicles with more than a
certain number of miles and/or with a list price above a certain
amount, the user could click on an "Add Limits" icon 72 to install
limit lines on the graph 74. With both horizontal and vertical
maximum and minimum limit lines displayed 74, the user could then
click on and drag these limit lines both horizontally and
vertically to alter the search range to be displayed. In this
example, the user selects 90,000 miles and $22,000 as the
respective maximum limits to put in place for new search criteria.
With the new limits established, the user clicks on the "Redraw"
button 76 to redraw the graph with the new parameters. This can be
useful, for example, when outlying data distorts the overall view
of the data set, and causes data points to congregate in one small
area of the graph. By establishing new limits, users can
essentially "stretch" the graph to view a new sub-set of the data
in an expanded view. Additionally, as the limit lines 76 are moved
left/right, up/down, a "Hit Counter" 78 will update real-time with
the number of data points that fall within the bounds of the limit
lines. As the maximum and minimum limit lines are brought closer
together, thus reducing the allowable data range, the Hit Counter
78 will display a decreasing number of instances of data within the
search parameters. For those users wishing to only view a finite
number of data points, e.g. 20 or 30 within a certain range, the
limit lines 74 can be dragged closer to one another until the
desired number of data points within the search area is
achieved.
[0058] An alternative to inserting and moving limit lines can be
found in FIG. 8. In this instance, "range bars" 82, are present on
the display, and users can drag the range limits 84 for each
variable, left and right to increase/decrease the viewable range of
data points. Under this alternative, a "Redraw" button 76 would not
be needed, as the graph axes would adjust to the new limits
dynamically, giving the effect of zooming in, as the range limits
are brought closer together. In this instance, the user can
determine a data range that is of interest to him and expand the
graph for that particular data range.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, other options exist for looking at a
region of the graph more closely, or "zooming in". One option is to
simply double-click on (or otherwise indicate) a vacant spot on the
graph 86 in the area to be viewed more closely. Double-clicking
will have the desired effect of zooming into that area of the graph
more closely so that data points within that area become more
dispersed and more easily viewed individually. Another option is to
click on a vacant spot on the graph, and drag across the area to be
more closely viewed, as shown in area 88. Once the area has been
highlighted, the user releases the mouse click, and the highlighted
area is immediately displayed as the new full graphical display.
Another option is to click on either the X or Y axis at a specified
point 87, 89, and then move the cursor along the axis to expand or
collapse the view, having the effect of increasing/decreasing the
numerical range of the axis. For example, if the user were
interested in A4s in the $19,000 range, he or she could click on
the $19,000 price on the Y axis 87, and move the cursor upward.
Doing so would have the effect of zooming into the $19,000 price
range, and expand the data points on and around that value. A
similar exercise could be done with the mileage on the X axis, such
that a user interested in lower-mileage vehicles could click on the
30,000 mileage value 89, for example, and move the cursor to the
right, also having the same desired zooming effect. Those vehicles
with much higher mileage values would fall off the graph display
because the zooming feature would cause those data points to be
outside the range of the display.
[0060] For all limit and zooming features, and for all other
alterations that are made to the original display from the original
search criteria, the graphical display can be reset to its original
view by clicking on the "Reset View" button 85.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 9, for graphical displays of vehicles
plotted using price and mileage as the X and Y variables or for any
other variables that are quantitative in nature, e.g. horsepower,
engine size, warranty period, a regression line or trend line 95
can be inserted onto the graph. In this example, the trend line is
a line drawn down the center of the data points reflecting the
average values of all the data points along a continuous line.
However, the trend line can also be calculated in other ways using
some operation or operations that are performed on the product or
service data. Here, the trend line is arrived at by performing a
mathematical analysis of the data, and determining the "best fit"
from among all of the data points being included in the analysis.
For visual purposes, the trend line is helpful in showing the user
any particular relationship between two variables such as price and
mileage of used vehicles. In FIG. 9, the user can see that there is
a significant downward trend in a vehicle's price as the vehicle
accumulates more mileage 95. Additionally, the user can see that as
the mileage increases the rate of decrease in prices diminishes. In
other words, in this example, the change in a vehicle's price given
a change in mileage is attenuated for high-mileage vehicles
compared to low-mileage vehicles. The trend line 95 is also helpful
in that it forms a line of comparison for all of the data points on
the graph. Those data points falling above the line can be
considered being "above-trend" and those below the line can be
considered "below trend". In the case of vehicle prices, they can
denote vehicles that are "premium-priced" (or priced higher than
average), versus those that are "value-priced" (or priced lower
than average), assuming that they are comparable vehicles. To
further enhance the user's interpretation of the graph, with a
trend line in place, the graph can be split into two ranges, an
area 92 above the line and an area 94 below the line. These
respective areas could be color-coded to reflect their position
relative to the line, and they can also have names associated with
them, such as "premium range" 96 and "value range" 98. A trend line
can be inserted onto a graph by clicking on the "Trend Line" button
99, with a standard mathematical regression analysis of the data
being performed on the data.
[0062] While in FIG. 9 a single trend line is used to regress all
of the data points within the data set a user can also insert
multiple trend lines to view the listing price relationship between
sub-sets of the data set. In the example in FIG. 10, the data set
consists of three model years 2004, 2005, 2006 of Audi A4s. Should
the user desire, trend lines 102 can be inserted for each of the
three model years to see the pricing relationship between the three
data sub-sets. These sub-sets are selected using the trend line
drop-down menus 104. In the case of used vehicles, other search
criteria could also be used to determine subsets, e.g. color or
trim level, where the user could see the variation in prices
between black cars and green cars, or 4-cylinder engines versus
6-cylinder engines.
[0063] In instances where the data set is not one specific model
(e.g. Audi A4), but instead one class of vehicles, e.g. pick-up
trucks or convertibles, data sub-sets can be established where each
sub-set is a different model. In the example of FIG. 11, the user
could be looking for a 4-door sedan, and is considering both the
Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Once the user has selected his or
her search criteria to determine the Accords and Camrys in which he
or she interested, the user can then draw trend lines 112
represented by the pricing data of each respective model. With the
trend lines 112 displayed, the user can see the pricing
relationship between the two models and determine whether that
relationship carries itself out as the mileage of the vehicles
increases. This can be helpful to users, as they can see the
pricing differential of the two vehicle models at both lower
mileage as well as higher mileage and thus have an indication as to
which model's value will fall faster with increasing mileage, for
example, or which model is a better value at a particular mileage.
As discussed previously, data sub-sets can be established for any
of the variables, whether considering one vehicle model, one type
of vehicle, sedans, wagons, SUVs, for example, or a broader class,
such as all certified pre-owned vehicles. Data sub-sets can also be
displayed using different characters or colors rather than a single
character or color. For example, in FIG. 12, in a user's search for
2004-2006 model year Audi, BMW and VW sedans, data can be
subdivided by the vehicles' make (or the model year or another
characteristic) such that each subset has its own distinct
character, e.g. triangle for BMW 123, square for Audi 125, and
circle for VW 121, with all characters and respective data sub-sets
shown in a legend 127. With each respective vehicle sub-set being
represented by a different character or color, a user is able to
more easily visualize the pricing relationship between the
sub-sets. Additionally, when trend lines are inserted onto the
graph for each of the data sub-sets, the user can see where a
character- or color-coded data point falls relative to its
respective trend line. This can be useful to the user when he is
considering a broader group of vehicles in which to choose, e.g.
sedans, minivans, or simply late-model hybrids. The data points can
also be differentiated by appearance, not only for their own
physical attributes, but also by other variables such as the party
offering the vehicle, e.g. for sale by owner or dealer, or the
vehicles' history, e.g. "one-owner" or "accident-free" or
"certified pre-owned". Vendors such as auto dealers that wish to
have their vehicles highlighted vis-a-vis other dealers' vehicles
can arrange through the host website to have their vehicles
displayed with a special attribute (for a price) that will draw
attention to their vehicle. For example, "preferred" vehicle
listings may be shown using a special color, a larger data point,
or a unique symbol such as a star. Any search criteria used to
filter the site's database can be used as a defining characteristic
of determining a sub-set of the data set. These sub-sets can then
be shown individually or simultaneously with other sub-sets with
the graphic display differentiating the data points within each of
the respective sub-sets.
[0064] In instances where a user has chosen to insert a trend line
95 onto their display the application can also identify the best
values relative to that trend line, i.e. those points that are
located the furthest below the trend line 132. When the user clicks
on the "Show Best Values" button 134, the site will highlight a
number of data points (e.g. five, as shown) that fall the furthest
below the trend line. "Best Values" can be determined by absolute
dollars, or by a percentage difference from the trend line, for
example. The data points 132 show the five Audi A4s that are priced
the lowest relative to what the trend line suggests is the average
list price at that amount of mileage. While the graphical display
should be relatively intuitive, highlighting other data points
based upon other criteria can also be incorporated, e.g. "show
lowest priced vehicles", or "show lowest mileage vehicles."
[0065] In some instances a user has a certain target of what he
wants to spend on a vehicle. The user may also have a target on the
maximum number of miles he would find acceptable on the vehicle,
e.g. for warranty entitlement considerations. In these instances,
the user can insert target lines 142 into the graph to show the
user those vehicles that fall above or below these targets. In FIG.
14, for example, the user has clicked on the "Show Targets" button
144 which creates both a horizontal and vertical line 142. The user
can then drag the target lines 142 left/right or up/down to
position the target lines over the value parameters in which he is
most focused. In this case, the user has set a price target at
$22,000 and a mileage target at 50,000 miles. Unlike the limit
lines that were established before (see FIG. 7), which had the
ability to change the search criteria with the movement in the
lines, these target lines are used for display purposes only, and
help the user determine which data points fall within their limits
versus those that fall outside the limits. This is useful in that
with the establishment of defined search criteria the user receives
a binary result; either the data point meets all of the search
criteria or it does not. If it does not it is not included in the
data set and the user will not be aware of data points that do not
meet the search criteria. With the establishment of targets, all
data points from the search criteria are displayed, and they are
displayed relative to reference points on the display.
[0066] With targets 142, users can state the attributes that are
most preferential such as vehicles less than $22,000. The data set
still displays those vehicles priced greater than $22,000. There
may be a vehicle that is priced slightly greater than $22,000 of
which the user would like to be aware. With the targets 142
positioned, the graphic display is segmented into four quadrants.
One quadrant represents an area that meets both target criteria Q1.
Two quadrants represent the areas that meet only one of the target
criteria Q2 and Q3. One quadrant represents the area that does not
meet either of the target criteria Q4. In this example, the
quadrants can be color-coded, for example, Q1 in green, Q2 and Q3
in yellow, and Q4 in red, representing the relative attractiveness
of the data points in those quadrants given the target criteria
set. As the target lines are moved up/down or left/right the
quadrants will adjust accordingly with data points entering and
exiting quadrants as the targets change. These quadrants, instead
of being color-coded, could also have specific names, for example
"target zone", "marginal zone" and "out-of-target zone".
[0067] Used vehicles have marketplace-specific characteristics in
that there are a number of firms that aggregate used vehicle
historical sales data to determine used vehicle market values.
These "aggregators" provide pricing values which are commonly
called the vehicles' "book value". These values are routinely used
by participants in the used car market for determining a basis for
a used vehicle's worth. With the exception of rare, exotic or
highly customized vehicles, all used vehicles have an implied book
value. Book value information is typically provided by one or more
of the aggregators either onto their own websites, or to those
sites that offer used vehicles for sale, and who compensate the
aggregators for the use of their data.
[0068] In the display of a particular vehicle, i.e. a specific
make, model and model year, for example a 2004 Audi A4, a book
value image can be incorporated into a graphical display. As shown
in FIG. 15, the user has the ability to add a book value line 155
that represents that vehicle's expected worth over varying mileage.
In doing so, the user would have the ability to select what data
source aggregator is used to provide the values 151, what value
level he is seeking, e.g. dealer retail, private party transaction,
or wholesale trade-in 152, and the general condition of the
vehicle, e.g. excellent, good, or fair 153. While the methodology
for determining book value is unique to each aggregator data source
it is common practice within the industry to differentiate between
the value level and condition of the vehicle to determine its
specific book value. In FIG. 15, the user has selected "Blue Book",
"Retail" and "Good" as the vehicle's principal book value
determinants. By clicking on the "Insert Book Value" button 156,
the book value line 155 is generated showing the value of the
chosen vehicle with the chosen valuation criteria along a continuum
of mileage, because a vehicle's mileage is also a large determinant
of its book value.
[0069] When a book value line 155 is inserted into a graphical
display such as that shown in FIG. 15, a user can see the
relationship of the data points on the display relative to
vehicles' book values. In contrast to the previously discussed
trend lines, which reflect a regression of the listing price data
for vehicles currently offered for sale, book value data represents
an aggregation of recent historical sales data for that vehicle. It
is a comparison of vehicles' actual historical sales prices versus
their listing prices.
[0070] The utility of a book value line is very similar to that of
a trend line and can be used for all of the purposes discussed in
the sections relating to trend lines (e.g. FIGS. 9-11). However,
users can compare a vehicle's listing price to that of what is
considered a fair market value for that vehicle, given the
valuation parameters 151, 152, 153 as shown on FIG. 15. As an
illustration, data point 157 has a listing price that is $3,000
below the stated book value for a 2004 Audi A4 with 91,000 miles.
Data point 158 has a listing price that is $5,500 above the stated
book value for an A4 with 42,000 miles. Given these relationships,
the user can reasonably conclude that data point 157 is offered at
a more attractive value than data point 158 and perhaps is worthy
of closer examination. Like the "Show Best Values" button 134
utilized with trend lines, this button can also be used to indicate
those data points that fall the furthest from the book value line
155; this is illustrated by 159. In this example, the user has the
ability to change any of the book value parameters 151, 152, 153,
should he wish to see other book values that he feels are also
relevant. While listing price does not necessarily suggest what the
final sales price will be for a particular vehicle, it does provide
a good indication of what the final sales price will be relative to
other like vehicles also offered for sale.
[0071] Every vehicle has its own book value, taking into
consideration not only the vehicle's basic criteria, such as make,
model and model year, but also such attributes as the vehicle's
geographic location, optional equipment and color. Given such, each
vehicle listed on a site can be compared to its own unique book
value in view of the specific attributes of that particular
vehicle. As shown in FIG. 16, vehicles within the data set can be
presented in not a scatter graph format, but in a bar chart or
histogram 165. In a histogram display 165, vehicles' book values
are normalized so that each vehicle's offering price is shown
relative to its own book value. In this display, each bar on the
histogram 162 represents an individual vehicle, and its height
represents the dollar difference (or percentage difference, for
example, or another type of difference) between its listing price
and its book value. For example, bar 164 represents an Audi A4
whose listing price is $2,400 below its book value, and bar 166
represents an A4 whose listing price is $1,900 above its book
value. In a manner helpful for users focused on finding vehicles
whose listing price is below book value, this display shows the
relationship between listing price and book value for the entire
data set. This display is also very helpful in allowing the user to
compare side-by-side the relative value of two vehicles of a
similar make and model, but perhaps having other differences, such
as optional equipment or differing physical and/or mechanical
conditions. By viewing each vehicle normalized against its
respective book value, users can efficiently determine value, not
against arbitrary listing prices, but against actual historical
sales data.
[0072] As added functionality for this display, the user has the
ability to sort the vehicles by different variables, such as "best
value", "listing price", "mileage", etc. by clicking on the "Sort"
button 168 and selecting the sort criteria from a drop-down menu
169. An example of the data set sorted by "best value" is shown in
FIG. 17, where the vehicle with a listing price most below its book
value 172 is shown on the far left, and the vehicle with the
listing price most above its book value 174 is shown on the far
right. In this view, a line of demarcation 176 can separate those
vehicles that are priced below book value from those priced above.
Additionally, these respective regions 178 of the display can have
names associated with them, or be color-coded to draw attention to
the difference between those vehicles to the left and right of the
line.
[0073] While book value is one criterion against which vehicles can
be judged, they can also be compared to their original MSRP or
invoice price, if known. In this capacity, vehicles' listing prices
can be compared to their original sticker price or dealer cost. For
this functionality, the user would enter a vehicle's VIN (vehicle
identification number) to determine the specific vehicle to be
viewed.
[0074] Similar to when vehicles are displayed on a scatter graph,
the same viewing capabilities are available with vehicles displayed
in a histogram. For example, moving the cursor over an individual
bar representing a single vehicle 179 will show a brief overview of
the vehicle, including a photo and basic vehicle information.
Clicking on the bar will bring up the full listing of the vehicle.
Control/clicking a number of bars 177 will highlight those bars,
which can then bring up full listings of all those selected.
Right-clicking on the bar and then selecting "remove" from a
drop-down menu can remove the data point from the display. Two
primary drivers of the depreciation of a vehicle are age and
mileage. As vehicles age and/or incur more mileage, their value
generally declines. The book value curve or depreciation curve 185
depicted in FIG. 18 represents the rate at which 2004 Audi A4s on
average lose value as their mileage increases. As one can see from
FIG. 18, the rate at which a vehicle loses value diminishes as the
vehicle incurs additional mileage; this is generally consistent
with all vehicle makes and models, as lower-mileage vehicles lose
value at a faster rate per mile than higher-mileage vehicles. It is
useful for users shopping for a particular vehicle to understand
the rate at which their vehicle will depreciate as additional
mileage is placed upon the vehicle; the depreciation curve 185
allows users to see this relationship. To assist users visualize
these conditions, the depreciation curve can be segmented into
three ranges 182, where vehicles fall into one of the three
depreciation rate ranges. The depreciation rate is calculated based
upon the loss of value for the vehicle for each mile driven, and
can be expressed in absolute dollars $ or percent % of vehicle
cost. In FIG. 18, the user enters the specified mileage 188 to be
used for determining the depreciation rate. In this case an Audi A4
with 30,000 miles falls at point 184 on the depreciation curve. At
that point, A4s lose on average $333 for every 1,000 miles driven,
calculated by observing the book value at -1,000 miles, and +1,000
miles, or stated differently, the slope of the depreciation curve
at that point 181. Using another example, an average A4 with 60,000
miles will fall at point 186 on the depreciation curve. At this
point, A4s lose on average $150 for every 1,000 miles driven. Users
can now conclude that on average, purchasing an A4 with 30,000
miles will depreciate initially at over twice the rate
($333/$150=2.22 times) that of an A4 with 60,000 miles. The user is
able to gather this information by entering the mileage of the
vehicle in question on the display 188, and then clicking on the
"Calculate Depreciation Rate" button 183. The result will show an
average value lost per 1,000 miles. The user can use this
information to weigh the benefits of a lower-mileage car against
its current mileage depreciation rate to make a better-informed
purchase decision.
[0075] Measuring the depreciation rates between similar models,
e.g. 2004 Audi A4s of FIG. 18 is helpful, but it can also be useful
to compare depreciation rates between different model years, e.g.
2004 vs. 2007, or perhaps even different models, e.g. Audi A4 vs.
BMW 325 vs. VW Passat. As shown in FIG. 19, the user can identify
three vehicles of interest 192, one BMW, one Audi and one VW. The
user can also see the rate of depreciation for each of the three
vehicles by clicking on the "Show Depreciation Rates" button 194.
The user is brought to a "Depreciation Rate Comparison" as
displayed in FIG. 20 that shows the mileage depreciation curves 205
of the three vehicles selected by the user. In viewing the graphic,
the user can see that the VW with 28,000 miles has the highest
depreciation rate at $240 per 1,000 miles, and the Audi and BMW
have $215 and $175 depreciation rates respectively 202.
[0076] In FIG. 20, the user has the ability to do a "what if"
analysis by entering the number of miles that he expects to drive
in the coming year or other timeframe. Using the "Expected New
Mileage" input box 206, the user can enter 10,000 miles, for
example. With this figure entered, each vehicle has 10,000 miles
added to its existing mileage and the vehicle data travels along
the mileage depreciation curve to points 204. Using the
depreciation curve data, expected depreciation rates, expected new
value and total depreciation can be calculated and displayed 208.
With this data, users can forecast how additional mileage can be
expected to affect their selections and provide some guidance into
the cost of ownership in the coming year or other timeframe.
[0077] As an alternative display to FIG. 20, the display screen can
be split into sections as shown on FIG. 21, depending upon # of
vehicles to be viewed, and in this case into 4 quadrants. In this
example, each section of the display shows the depreciation curve
of each vehicle being considered 215, and provides depreciation
analysis with each vehicle 212.
[0078] FIG. 22 shows the source data, "year, model, mileage, price"
for the Audi A4 examples included for the application.
[0079] Another use of the comparison display is in travel. For
example, a user may wish to take a trip on a commercial plane,
train, boat or other mode of transportation, where there is a
schedule of departure and arrival times. Sometimes the user will
consult an aggregator, which is a web site that offers trips from
multiple vendors. The aggregator may allow the use of search
criteria in the form of specific qualitative and quantitative
attributes of the trip (or another product/service type) that can
be used to differentiate one trip from the next. In this example,
we refer to "build your trip" criteria which is synonymous with
search criteria.
[0080] When accessing an online site for the purposes of
researching or buying a trip, the user typically has the ability
from the universe of trips that are available on that website to
narrow the scope of their search to identify the trip that is most
consistent with their needs. The narrowing of this scope can be
done through the input of search criteria. The search process can
be done in a single phase, where all criteria are selected on a
single display, or in a multi-phase process, where consecutive
narrowing of scope is carried out over multiple displays. Data is
accessed from the site's database, and data queries are made based
upon users' input. The data set that is produced is a function of
those trips that meet the search criteria specified by the
user.
[0081] In the case of FIG. 23, we use the example of a web site
that offers trips, e.g. plane, train and boat trips, and where the
user has the ability to populate basic search criteria for a trip
in which he is researching or are looking to purchase. In this
case, from the "build your trip" criteria 231, the user can choose
between "One Way" and "Roundtrip" 232, and he has chosen Boston at
the departure location 233 and Dallas as the arrival location 234.
The user also enters additional trip preferences such as preferred
travel dates and times 235-238. For this application, the user also
has the ability to click within the "View My Search" box 28 to
choose either a list or graphical display of their search results.
With these criteria chosen the user then clicks on "Search" button
18.
[0082] FIG. 24 shows an example of the user selecting "list" 2810
within the "View My Search" box 28. In this display, the trips that
match the "build your trip" criteria 231 are displayed in a list
format 245. In each entry 246 of the listing, trip details such as
price 241, departure 242 and arrival location 243 and time,
flight/train # 244 and trip duration 247 are displayed. The user
also has the ability to sort the listings by clicking on various
trip parameters, such as price, arrival or departure time, trip
duration or preferred departure time, within the sort menu bar 242.
Also in this view the user has the ability to alter his search
criteria by changing existing criteria or adding new criteria that
will refine or further narrow their search within the "build your
trip" criteria 231. For this application, the user can again select
the "graph" view 2811 within the "View My Search" box 28 which will
display the trip information in a graphical format.
[0083] FIG. 25 shows a result of the user selecting the graph view
2811. In this view, instead of seeing trips listed sequentially in
text, each trip that meets the "build your trip" criteria is
displayed as a data point on an X/Y graph 255. For this example,
the default display shows trips plotted using both their trip
duration 252 and their price 254 as the X and Y coordinates,
respectively.
[0084] In this instance, the user sees the relationship between the
price and trip duration of each trip versus one another. Price and
trip duration have been used as default variables in this example
as duration and price are often determinants in users'
trip-purchasing process. With this graphical view users can readily
see the relationship among all of the trips that meet their search
criteria relative to one another by the variables that are most
important to them. In this example, the trips that resulted from
applying the "build your trip" criteria are priced between $300 and
$1,300, and their duration varies from a low of five hours to a
high of twelve hours. For example, trip 256 has a price of $450 and
a duration of 5 hours, 20 minutes. Trip 258 has a price of $925 and
a duration of 5 hours, 10 minutes. The user might find this
interesting and might be more interested in trip 256 versus trip
258, as it is offered at a significantly lower price, despite very
similar trip durations.
[0085] If the user wishes to refine or narrow his search criteria,
he can do so from the "build your trip" options listed within
criteria display 231. As these search criteria are modified while
in the graph view 2811, data points will appear and disappear
dynamically as the displayed data set reflects the new search
parameters. For example, by clicking on the "Non-Stops Only" button
253 within the "build your trip" box 231, all trips which have one
or more stops would be eliminated from the data set, with only
those trips that are non-stops continuing to be displayed 251 in
graph 255. Additionally, to the extent that the user feels that
there are too few or too many data points to review, he can modify
their search to expand or reduce the number of instances, or data
points, on the graph for a better visualization of relative value
or attractiveness. For practical purposes, users interested in
trips within specific price or duration ranges can easily view the
alternatives that exist within those ranges, and conveniently view
how those specific trips compare to trips that fall outside of
their desired ranges.
[0086] To also enhance the user's viewing experience, data sub-sets
can also be displayed using different characters, colors or images
instead of all data points within the data set being represented as
a single character, e.g. a dot. Any search criteria used to filter
the site's database or any variable of which the data set can be
divided such as number of stops or vendor can ultimately be used as
a defining characteristic for determining a sub-set within the data
set. These sub-sets can then be shown individually or with other
sub-sets within the graphic display, each sub-set having a
differing appearance. In this example, non-stop flights are denoted
as stars, one-stop flights as circles, and two-stop flights as
triangles; these relationships are shown in a legend 259. A further
enhancement is that the airline carrier's logo 253 can appear next
to each trip in instances where more than one carrier's flights are
being offered in the display. Displaying the data set as more than
one data sub-sets allows users to not only see trips compared to
one another by two variables at the same time but also allows users
to see how the data sub-sets relate to one another by those same
variables.
[0087] Within the example shown in FIG. 25, users have the ability
to choose which search criteria are used as variables along the
axes of the X/Y graph. Using drop-downs 33 and 35, users can select
from any of the search criteria to determine the vertical criteria
254 and the horizontal criteria 252 for the X and Y axes
respectively.
[0088] As an alternative view to FIG. 25, users could see their
trip options displayed as either a horizontal or vertical bar chart
265. For example, FIG. 26 shows the horizontal bar alternative. In
this display, each bar 262 represents one trip alternative as
offered by either a single or multiple vendors. In the display,
time is measured along the X axis 264, with the length of each bar
262 determined by the duration of the trip, the left side of the
bar determined by the departure time, and the right side of the bar
determined by the arrival time. Within each bar 262, the trip
details are shown, e.g. departure time 2621, arrival time 2622,
trip duration 2623, flight/train #2624, # of stops 2625, and vendor
2626. For trips with multiple segments, verticals lines 267 denote
the ending of one trip segment, e.g. each flight, and the beginning
of the next segment. Alternatively, there can also be a different
color or pattern on the bar denoting the space where there is a
layover between segments.
[0089] In the example of FIG. 26, the user can select sort criteria
from the "Sort Menu Bar" 242, where each trip bar 262 will be
ranked vertically, either ascending or descending, based upon the
sort criteria. The default sort criteria is price 2421, with the
lowest priced alternative 269 at the top of the bar chart. Other
sort criteria are also available, such as departure time 2422, trip
duration 2423, and arrival time 2424. To the right of each bar 262,
the sort criteria 263, (in this example, price) is shown. If the
user were to choose trip duration 2423 as the sort criteria from
the sort menu bar 242 the display would be similar to that as shown
in FIG. 27. In this example, the, shortest trip duration would be
at the top of the bar chart 275, with the trip duration noted to
the right of each bar 262.
[0090] For bar chart displays, such as the examples in FIGS. 26 and
27, the appearance of each bar can be differed by various criteria.
For example, non-stop trips can be shown in green, one-stop trips
in yellow, and multi-stop trips in amber. Users would be able to
understand how each bar is color- or pattern-coded by viewing the
legend 127 shown in the display. Alternatively, the individual bar
appearance, i.e. color, pattern, etc., can be determined by other
attributes, such as the vendor provider, or passenger class, e.g.
first class, business class and coach.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 28, for users that select specific
preferred departure times or arrival times, vertical preferred
departure time 285 and/or preferred arrival time lines 281 can be
displayed on the graphic, providing reference points for how each
trip relates to those preferred times. With these lines present,
users have the ability to drag each line 285, 281 left or right to
change their preferred time(s). As these line(s) 285, 281 are
dragged to the left, e.g. earlier times, the hours of the day
displayed on the X axis 264 will change accordingly, e.g. show
earlier times in the display. To enhance usability, these preferred
time lines 285, 281 can also display the time 282 associated with
the position of the line on the X axis. As this occurs, the trip
options represented by each bar 262 dynamically change to reflect
those trip options that fall within the preferred time band 288. A
preferred time band 288 can be a default period, such as the
preferred time +/-2 hours, for example. Stated differently, as the
preferred departure time line 285 is dragged to the left, new trip
options with earlier departure times such as option 284 will
appear. Previously shown trip options with later departure times
such as option 286 will disappear as these respective trips fall
into and out of the preferred time band. By way of example, with a
4-hour preferred time band 288 and a preferred departure time of
8:00 AM, only those trips that depart between 6:00 AM and 10:00
will be displayed. Those trips falling outside this time band will
not be displayed unless the preferred departure time 285 or
preferred arrival time 281 lines are moved earlier or later, i.e.
left or right. If taken to an extreme, a preferred time line 285,
281 can be dragged into preceding or subsequent days until a
desired alternative is found on another date.
[0092] Users that wish to interact with the trip alternative bars
262 displayed will have a number of different alternatives
available to them. Users that wish to see more information about a
particular trip bar 262 can simply move their cursor over the bar
262 and the trip's information will pop up while the cursor is
located over that bar 262. Users wishing to actively interact with
a particular Trip bar 262 can perform the following actions (as one
example): double-click on that bar to select that alternative;
click/hold on a particular bar to drag that bar higher or lower in
the display, moving it adjacent to another bar that is also of
interest to compare the two side-by-side; control/click on multiple
bars to view only that sub-set selected; shift/click two different
bars to view those bars, and all bars in between those bars; right
click and choose "remove" from a drop-down menu to remove that bar
from the display. Another set of interactions could achieve the
same result depending on the particular interface. In all
instances, users have the ability to, once the bars are selected,
to toggle to the "list" view by clicking 2810 within the "View My
Search" box 28.
[0093] As shown on FIG. 29, filtering criteria can be added in
addition to search criteria to refine and narrow trip alternatives.
These filtering criteria or trip requirements 295 eliminate any
trip alternatives that fall outside of the bounds of acceptance.
Examples of these filter criteria are shown and can be a part of
the initial "build your trip" screen at the initiation of defining
the user's desired trip parameters. These filters can take into
consideration the following criteria, for example; the number of
allowable stops 2910 along the trip, total trip time duration 2911,
earliest departure time 2912, latest arrival time 2913, a specified
maximum price 2914, layovers less than a specified period 2915,
trips arriving and departing on different days, i.e. overnights,
trips 2916. A benefit of these filters is that with travel there
are often events that occur prior to, or after the planned travel
where time flexibility may not be possible. For example, if a user
is in NYC on business, and he has a meeting that lasts until 4:00
PM, he would not want to display any trips prior to 6:00 PM (for
example) as alternatives, as these trips would not be considered by
the user, and consequently, he would not want to view them.
Alternatively, if a user wants to attend a wedding at 1:00 PM on a
Saturday, he likely would not consider any flights that arrived
after 10:00 AM that day. Even though there may be flight with a
great low price that arrives at 1:30 PM, the user simply will not
be interested in seeing such an alternative, as his schedule will
not permit taking that flight. Eliminating unwanted trip
alternatives by using trip requirements 295 allows users to narrow
their search only to those trips that they would deem feasible.
Implementing trip requirements can take place alongside the
inputting of "build your trip" options or they can be entered
subsequent to the placing of the "build your trip" options. In
either case, trip requirements can be added or deleted following a
search to either narrow or expand the data set that is presented to
the user.
[0094] In FIG. 30, an example of a train trip from Boston to
Washington is shown, with the data set being sorted by departure
time and showing a preferred departure time of 8:00 AM. This
example is applicable to all forms of train travel, including
long-haul, commuter rail, and subway services, as well as other
modes of travel such as ferries and cruises. If the transportation
method has scheduled departure and arrival times, this application
can be utilized to view, manipulate and select from those travel
options provided.
[0095] Another use of the comparison display is in matchmaking, the
process of connecting one individual to another for the purpose of
establishing a relationship between the individuals. In some
examples, an online dating site may have members, or subscribers,
who are seeking a date, who is an individual with whom the user is
looking to establish a dialogue and/or relationship.
[0096] In viewing an online site for the purposes of establishing a
relationship, i.e. finding a date, users have the ability, from the
universe of members on the site, to search for individuals that
have the attributes that they are seeking in a date. This search is
often conducted through the input of search criteria, which are
specific qualitative and quantitative attributes that a person
possesses. The search process can be done in a single phase, where
all criteria are selected on a single display, or in a multi-phase
process, where consecutive narrowing of scope is carried out over
multiple displays.
[0097] In the example of FIG. 31A, we use the example of a
matchmaking web site that has members looking to establish a
relationship with another member, and where the user has the
ability to select basic information regarding the member in which
they are searching. In this case, the user can identify himself or
herself as either "male" or "female" 301, and can choose between
"male" and "female" 302 for the member in which he or she is
looking. Users can choose their age range preference 303 and
geographic proximity from a specified zip code 304. In this
example, the user has identified himself as a male seeking a
female, between the ages of 30 and 35, and within 50 miles of zip
code 01234. Furthermore, users have the ability to specify
additionally search criteria, generally falling within the
categories of "Appearance" 305, "Interests" 306, "Background" 307
and "Values" 308. With these criteria chosen, the user then clicks
on the "Search" button 18.
[0098] Once the user chooses to search the site's database using
the search criteria, he is brought to a display as shown in FIG. 31
B. In this display, the members that match the search criteria are
displayed in a list of pictures and text 311, along with the search
criteria 310. Within list 311, each member 312 that meets the
search criteria will be displayed with basic information on the
member, generally including age, location and other cursory
information.
[0099] Here, we introduce the notion of adding a new display
alternative for the user. In this case, the user can select from
within a "View My Search" box 28, either a list view 2810 or a
graph view 2811.
[0100] If the user selects the "graph" view 2811, he is brought to
a display that is represented by FIG. 32. In this display, instead
of seeing members listed sequentially in text, each member that
meets the search criteria is displayed as a data point on an X/Y
graph 320. For this demonstration, the default display shows
members plotted using both their age 321, and their distance away
from the user 322, as the X and Y coordinates, respectively. In
instances where three variables are chosen in which to view the
data set, a three-dimensional X/Y/Z graph with three axes can be
utilized.
[0101] In this instance, the user sees the age 321 and distance
away 322 relationships of the members that meet his search
criteria. Age and distance away have been used as default variables
in this example, as these attributes are often determinants in
users' date-searching process. With this graphical display, users
can readily see the relationship among all of the members that meet
their search criteria displayed relative to one another by the
variables that are important to them. In this demonstration, the
members that resulted from applying the search criteria range in
age between 30 and 35 and are located between 0 and 50 miles from
the user's zip code. For example, member 323 is thirty-three years
old and is located thirty miles from the user. Member 324 is also
thirty-three years old, but is only five miles from the user. Users
might find this view helpful as they can see how far away members
of different ages are located, and can also focus their viewing on
members that are located nearer to them.
[0102] If the user wishes to modify, refine or narrow their search
criteria, he can do so from the search criteria 301. As these
search criteria are modified while in the graph viewing option,
axes ranges will adjust accordingly and data points will appear and
disappear dynamically as the displayed data set reflects the new
search parameters. To the extent that the user feels that there are
too few or too many data points to review, he can modify his search
to expand or reduce the number of instances, or data points, on the
graph for better visualizations. Users will find that as the search
criteria is expanded to allow for more data to be included in the
search the graphical display will become unmanageable to view a
single data point. As with other X/Y graph applications,
interaction with and manipulation of the data set and the graph
itself can be performed as with other products and services.
[0103] Within the display of FIG. 32, users have the ability to
choose the search criteria 301 that are used as variables along the
axes of the X/Y graph 320. Utilizing drop-down boxes 33 and 35,
users can select from any of the search criteria to determine the
vertical criteria (Y axis) 321 and the horizontal criteria (X axis)
322. By way of example, if the user were to choose the criteria
"education level" and "age" as the vertical and horizontal
measurements, respectively, using 33 and 35, the output would be
displayed as represented by FIG. 33. In this example, "education
level" is not a quantitative quality, yet it can still be charted,
as the education levels can be rank ordered on the chart with
education levels increasing as you move higher on the graph. When
there are only a limited number of possible outcomes for the
age/education combination of members, there will likely be more
than one member that falls on the same point on the graph such as
those of age thirty-two with a graduate degree 335. In these
instances, data points can be displayed in clusters around the
appropriate area on the graph so that users can view the data
points individually.
[0104] While quantitative attributes, such as age, height and
weight are easily graphed, as are rank-ordered variables, such as
education level, a variable to be graphed can still be qualitative
in nature and still be represented graphically. We saw this with
the used car example (FIG. 4) in which the color of the car was
graphed relative to its price. In the case of matchmaking sites,
qualitative attributes such as a person's religion, hair color or
political party can also be graphed relative to other variables and
displayed on a site. As long as there are variables that are either
measurable or have a fixed number of responses, e.g. a drop down
menu as opposed to free-form text, the data set can be placed in a
graphical display.
[0105] For online dating sites, a feature that is common is to show
members' degrees of compatibility with the desired attributes
preferred by other members. In these cases, the members will range
from meeting none of the preferences of the other member, i.e. 0%
match, to meeting all of the preferences of the other member, i.e.
100% match. In these cases, the percentage of compatibility or
match can be used as a variable on a graphical display. An example
of such is shown in FIG. 34, where members are graphed using their
"% match" 342 and "distance away" 344. In this example, the user
may be more interested in viewing the upper, left-hand side of the
display where members have much in common with the user's
preferences and where the members are located closer to the
user.
[0106] In the X/Y graph views, the method of interacting with the
data points is the same as the example given in the used car
presentation (e.g. FIGS. 1-22). The features associated with
manipulating the data set and the graphical presentation can also
be used in the context of a matchmaking site.
[0107] An optional view to the X/Y graph is to display members that
meet users' search criteria in a histogram format, where the number
of users that meet specific criteria fall into one category, or
bar, on a histogram graph. An example of such is shown in FIG. 35
as graph 352 where the user chooses the "bar" option 355 from
within the "Graph Type" box 350. When the user chooses the "bar"
option 355, he is only asked to choose the horizontal or X axis
variable 35, since the vertical or Y axis variable is simply the
number of members that meet the X axis variable criteria. In this
example, the user has chosen to look at the data set graphed using
the height of the members.
[0108] A user viewing graph 352 has the option of interacting with
the data on the graph in a number of ways. If the user wishes to
view a single bar on the graph, such as all members of the data set
that were 5'4'', he could simply click on bar 356. Alternatively,
if he wishes to view a range of bars, he could shift/click on the
first bar of the range and then click on the second bar to view all
bars within that range. Another option is to control/click on
specific bars to view multiple bars, not necessarily adjacent to
one another. In these instances, by selecting one or more bars on
the graph, the user would be presented with a full profile
description of each of the members that were included on the bar(s)
selected. With a right click, and then choosing "remove" from a
drop-down menu, the user could remove the bar from the graph.
[0109] If the user wishes to view a bar graph using a different
variable, he could choose from drop-down menu 35 another variable
that was of interest to him Also, the search criteria could also be
changed to create a different data set for viewing.
[0110] In most online product/service/person searches, geographical
proximity is often an important factor when looking for an item, or
in this example, a date. While the insertion of a mileage radius
from a particular zip code is often included in the search
criteria, some sites may not allow for further manipulation of the
data set with regard to geographical location. Here, a user that
would like to see his search data set presented on a map can click
on the "map" button 360 within the "Graph Type" box 350 as shown in
FIG. 36. In doing so, he would be presented with a display where
the user during his initial entering of search criteria has used
area code 02540 as his own location 362 and has entered 50 miles as
the search radius.
[0111] With this map view, users can see where specific members are
located relative to their location, and with a radar screen display
overlay 361, they can also see how far each member of the data set
is located from them. Within this view, users can interact with
each of the data points on the display as they would in the X/Y
graphs. For example, to view a member, the user would simply click
on the data point. To select an area of the map in which the user
is interested, like with the X/Y graph, he can drag his cursor over
the area of interest to see only those data points that fall within
that selected range. As with other examples, all data points can be
uniform and have a similar appearance, or they can be denoted with
different shapes/colors/patterns, to suggest variances between
sub-sets of the data set.
[0112] As optional features for the map view, users can adjust the
radius of the search by clicking on the "Select Radius" box 363 and
choosing a mileage option within the drop-down menu. Alternatively,
the user could select the ideal number of members that he would
like to view, using "Target Population" input box 364, and the
search could radiate from the user's location until the desired
number of members are found. For example, if the user entered "30"
as their Target Population to view, the application would search
outwardly from the user's location in an increasingly greater
radius, until 30 members were found that met the user's search
criteria. The user would also have the ability to zoom into an area
on the map by simply double-clicking on the map at a specific
location; continued double-clicking would result in increasingly
closer zoom views.
[0113] This map view gives users a better sense as to where members
are located versus just a zip code or town name. The map view also
allows users to select data points from certain areas, using their
cursors, which can be helpful in isolating a certain area to
search. For example, in FIG. 36, there are two islands 365 near the
user's location, and members on those islands may fall within their
search radius, but the user may not want to view members that live
on those islands. He could then highlight that area of the map to
exclude those islands. This map view can be helpful for any search
where the location of the product/service/person is important to
the user for practical purposes, especially because all physical
distances are not traveled equally. For example, bodies of water,
mountain ranges, and other natural and man-made obstacles can
present themselves and make accessibility much more difficult than
what the physical distance between two points would suggest.
[0114] All of the features and functionality used for match making
sites, and other functionality and features, can also be used to
find services and vendors that are listed on online directory
sites. As with all of the categories listed in a traditional
"Yellow Pages", these same listings can be found on numerous online
sites that either any provide information for multiple categories
in a Yellow Pages format, or just a single service, such as a
specific profession or vendor category. These directory sites can
utilize the application in a number of ways, but most likely as a
way to identify service providers or vendors that are available
nearby, and that also match search criteria selected by the user.
For example, the application could plot service providers by the
distance away from the user on one axis, and on the other axis, the
satisfaction or quality rating of the provider. Alternatively, the
vendors or service providers' compatibility with the user's search
criteria could also be measured as a "percent of match," and that
could be the measurement on one of the axes.
[0115] Similar to products offered online, services and other
vendors that are also listed online, provided that they have
attributes that can be measured or categorized, can have their
attributes presented in a graphical display. While proximity will
likely be a common consideration for online searches, the vendor's
or service provider's scope of services, product lines offerings,
reputation ratings, accreditation, and other definable parameters,
can all be displayed graphically. Parameters could also be
displayed based upon the compatibility or compliance with the
answers responded to on an online questionnaire, where the degree
of compatibility or compliance is the basis of measurement. For
example, after taking a twenty-question survey, a website could
graphically display how the service providers met a percentage of
compatibility with the user's search criteria, in relation to the
distance away that those service providers were located. In this
case, it is not the attributes themselves that are plotted
graphically, but instead, the amount of "fit" or compatibility with
the requirements or parameters determined and entered by the
user.
[0116] The comparison display can also be used for property sales
and rentals. For example, an aggregator may list many residential
or commercial properties for sale or rent. Although a very
different product from used cars, property listings can be
displayed for comparison in a manner similar to that of used cars.
The search criteria and relevant data, however, are different. In a
search for property, attributes such as the size of the property
and its physical location are often determinants in the value of
the property.
[0117] As with many product search sites, the results of a search
can be displayed in a list format using text and a photo. For this
property example, users can be given the same option of choosing to
view the search results in a graphical format, and an example of a
display in this format is shown in FIG. 37. In this example "rental
price" 370 and "size" 371 as measured in square feet are used as
variables for an apartment search. The resultant data set that
meets the search criteria is shown within graph 372. Similar to
other applications, a trend line 95 shows a regression of all of
the data points within the data set and allows users to see whether
the price of specific properties fall above or below trend.
[0118] In this display, users would have the ability to interact
with and manipulate the data and the graph in accordance with the
features and optionality that has been discussed previously for
other applications. Similarly, properties with different
attributes, such as being offered by different realtors, can be
displayed with varying appearances. As one example, the realtors'
logos can be used as icons for each of the data points, and
featured properties can receive highlighting reflecting their
preferred listing status. The icons for each of the data points
could represent other characteristics, such as the type of property
(e.g. house or condominium).
[0119] Alternative displays of the data set can also be produced,
such as a bar graph, as represented in FIG. 38.
[0120] In this example, the user can view homes, using "# of
bedrooms" 381 as the variable. As above, users have the ability to
interact with and manipulate the data and the graph in accordance
with the features and optionality that has been discussed
previously for bar graphs.
[0121] A map view, similar to that discussed in the matchmaking
application can also be used, and would have similar features and
optionality as previously discussed.
[0122] As with used vehicle transactions, data is compiled for
residential property transactions that have taken place. Similar to
used car book values, this historical data can be used as a means
of comparison to properties currently listed for sale or rent. In
FIG. 39, the user can view a display that includes both vcurrent
property listing prices as well as previous sales prices 390. The
data set is also plotted according to the size of the residence
391. To assist the user in seeing the difference between property
listings and property sales, the data points for the two sub-sets
have a differing appearance, where listings are denoted as Os, and
sales are denoted at Xs. This relationship is highlighted in legend
127. Also added to the graph is a listings trend line 392 and a
sales trend line 393 which provide regression lines for each of the
data sub-sets. In this view, users can see the relationship between
the trend lines as well as how the individual data points relate to
the trend lines. For example, users can see that data point 394 is
priced below the Listing Trend Line 392, suggesting that it is a
better relative value, based on property size only, than other
listings. However, at its current listing price, it is priced above
trend for similarly sized homes that have sold recently in the
area. =Users looking for a home in the 4,000 square foot range may
be more attracted to data point 395 than to data point 396, as
these homes are similar in size but have substantially different
prices. It should be noted that a home size alone does not
determine its value. However, this application gives viewers the
ability to view the relationship between the home prices visually.
This can be helpful in allowing users to see the difference in how
homes are priced relative to one another, as well as relative to
other homes that have sold such as data point 397.
[0123] In FIG. 40, the user has plotted home listing prices 400
against the number of bedrooms in the home 401; the data set is
represented in X/Y graph 402. In this display users can see the
prices of homes with similar bedroom quantities as well as the
average listing price 404 and average sale price 403 for each
bedroom quantity.
[0124] As with other uses of the comparison display, as the filter
criteria are changed by the user, the graphical display will change
dynamically, reflecting the new search criteria parameters.
[0125] The comparison display can also be used for establishments
that provide overnight lodging, e.g. hotels, motels, inns,
B&Bs, which usually have a room rate that determines the price
of a night's stay at the lodging. Overnight lodging options are
commonly offered by online aggregators, which are sites that
provide lodging options from a number of different providers. Users
looking for lodging generally look for availability, location,
price and quality/amenities as the key selection criteria in their
lodging search. With respect to quality/amenities in the lodging,
most providers have star ratings, generally between 1 and 5 stars,
which are assigned to them by either former guests, the aggregators
themselves, or by a third-party travel company. The higher the star
rating, the implied higher quality and amenity level of the
lodging.
[0126] In FIG. 41, the user has chosen to view room rates 410
plotted against the star ratings 411 of lodgings in a particular
area. A user looking for lodgings with at least four stars can
easily see what options are available and how their relative prices
compare to one another. While this same information is available in
a list format, the graphical display allows users to see in one
image all of the options that are available given their search
criteria. The ability to see all data points placed relative to one
another in one display provides a more efficient selection process
to users. In this example, should the user decide that he does not
wish to spend more than $250 per night, he can easily see that he
can choose from any of the options rated 31/2 stars or less, or
that he can also choose from a handful of lodgings with 4
stars.
[0127] Location is also an important factor for travelers, as often
they have a particular place they want to visit, either for
business or pleasure purposes, and it can be helpful to see how far
a lodging establishment is from a particular address or attraction.
While some aggregator sites list this information, a graphical
form, e.g. FIG. 42, can be helpful to travelers. In FIG. 42, the
user has chosen to view room rates 410 compared to the distance
from Disney World 420 for lodgings 3-star and above. Additionally,
the user has chosen to insert limit lines 74 to narrow his search
using a graphical interface. As the user moves the limit lines
lower or to the left the data set will be reduced, reflecting the
tighter search parameters. As this is done, hit counter 78
continues to reflect the number of data points that fall within the
limit lines, in this case, area 421. As with previously discussed
features, options and graph types are also available in the lodging
application. The comparison display can also be used for
restaurants. Akin to the lodging industry, restaurants receive
ratings from both customers and third parties. These ratings often
come in the form of "stars", generally from 1 to 5, or from
numerical scores that rate restaurants on variables such as "food",
"service", "decor" and "price".
[0128] In FIG. 43, we show an example of a three-dimensional
scatter graph 430 in which data is plotted along three axes. These
three axes are commonly known as the X-, Y- and Z-axis. In this
example, the user is viewing restaurants in their area, plotting
the following ratings attributes for each restaurant: food 431,
service 432, and decor 433. For example, data point 433 has a food
rating of "20", a service rating of "21", and a decor rating of
"24". In a three-dimensional display, viewers have the ability to
see how data points relate to each other across three variables at
the same time. In this example, the user can see that data point
433 has higher ratings than data point 434 across all three
variables. The three-dimensional display is useful when users have
more than two variables that they would like measure a data set
against.
[0129] The features and optionality of three-dimensional graphs are
the same as two-dimensional X/Y graphs, but the user has three axes
in which to manipulate instead of just two.
[0130] As an alternative to entering search criteria to find the
restaurant of choice, users have the ability to alter their
criteria using a sliding scale for each of the attributes being
measured. In the example of FIG. 43, the user can use his cursor to
raise and lower a limit bar 435 located within a scale 436 to raise
or lower the parameters of that search criteria. In this case,
moving limit bar 435 downward with the cursor eliminates those
restaurants that are priced above that limit bar from the data set
and consequently from the display. In the case of scale 436, the
limit bar 435 sets a maximum value such that data points with
values higher than the limit are eliminated. In the case of the
food, service, and decor scales 437, the limit bars set minimum
limits such that data points falling below the line are eliminated
from the data set and the display. A distance scale 438 is also
present in which the user has the ability to select restaurants
that are no further than a desired distance away.
[0131] As with previously-discussed two-dimensional graphs, changes
to the search criteria have the effect of changing the data set
dynamically and consequently change the data points that are on the
display. As the limits are relaxed, the number of data points
within the data set increases. Conversely, as the limits are
tightened, fewer data points will match the search criteria and the
display will become less populated.
[0132] As with the two-dimensional examples, regions of the graph
can be sub-divided to represent different value ranges along the
three axes. For example, data point 439 could fall within a region
of the graph that has the following descriptors: "poor food", "poor
service", "po he or decor." This region of the graph could have a
different appearance than other areas of the graph or data points
within the region could be displayed differently than data points
falling outside that region. The comparison display could also be
used for boats. The application for boats is very similar to that
of automobiles, as both are available by model and by model year,
both have optional equipment that can act as variables for search
criteria, and both have active and deep pre-owned markets. Boats,
however, have different boat-specific variables than automobiles
that users would utilize in their search criteria. Boat length,
displacement, hull material, etc. are all variables that
differentiate a boat search from that of an automobile. Another
difference is that motorboats do not accumulate mileage with use;
motorboats accumulate "engine hours" which reflect the number of
hours in which the boat's engines have been in use.
[0133] If one were to plot the price of a boat model versus engine
hours, one would observe a relationship very similar to that of
automobiles with miles. In FIG. 44, a user has graphed a particular
boat model using engine hours 440 and price 441 as the X-axis and
Y-axis variables. As indicated by trend line 95, as the number of
engine hours increases, the value of the boat falls. The rate of
decline in boats' prices decreases as the number of engine hours
increases. This is the case, as one can see that low-engine hour
boats lose value at a faster pace than high-engine hour boats. This
relationship between engine hours and price is analogous to
automobiles with regard to mileage and price.
[0134] Another display option is a split-screen feature in which a
data set can be viewed using two search variables for each quadrant
of the display. In the example shown in FIG. 45 the user can view a
data set in four different ways. In quadrant 450, the user is
measuring price 451 versus boat length 452. In quadrant 453, for
example, the user is also viewing the data set, measuring the
boat's cruising range 454 versus fuel capacity 455.
[0135] Apart from differences in search criteria, all of the
features, optionality and data set and graphical manipulation can
be utilized with a boat application as they are used with the
automobile application.
[0136] For the various applications described above, e.g. vehicles
and boats, the application of the comparison display is appropriate
for not only sites that sell these products only but also for sites
that auction these products and many others. To the extent that
products have particular attributes that can be broken down into
categories or have certain features that are definable, the
products' prices can be charted against these categories or
attributes. For example, in the case of auction items for which
geographical proximately is a determining factor in the bidding
process, price can be charted versus the distance between the
product and the bidder. Generally, all products can be graphed
across some variable which compares one product to others. Given
this concept, all features and functionality of the previously
discussed applications of the comparison display are relevant for
auction sites as well.
[0137] However, auction sites are different in that instead of
offering a product at a distinct price, the sites hold an auction
process, where the highest bidder typically purchases the product
at the conclusion of the auction period, provided that the highest
bid price is acceptable to the seller.
[0138] In the example of auction sites such as eBay, users have the
ability to select the search criteria for the product for which
they are seeking. As with other sites, this search process can take
place over multiple iterations in which the search is iteratively
narrowed by choosing increasingly defined product lines or product
features until the desired product or product set is found.
[0139] As with other sites that offer products and services for
sale, the resultant data set that is established after the search
criteria are entered is typically presented to the user in a list
format similar to that as shown in FIG. 46, where the search
criteria 460 are displayed as well as a list 461 of the products
that meet those search criteria. Each product 462 is represented in
the list with a photo and text describing the product. The user
sees this display as a default view or by clicking within the "View
My Search" box 28 on the "List" option 2810.
[0140] An alternative view is the "picture" view in which the user
clicks on the "picture" option 2812 within box 28. In this
instance, the user will see a display similar to the one shown in
FIG. 47. In this display, the product set is shown as a picture
gallery 471, and each product is represented by a single picture
472.
[0141] For this application, the user can choose the "graph" option
2811 from within box 28 which allows the user to choose which
variables that he wishes to graph. These variables can be taken
from any of the search criteria 460 that are used in the search
process or even those that are not, such as the price at which the
user can buy the product now. Once the user clicks on the "graph"
option 2811, drop-down boxes 33 and 35 are displayed, which allow
the user to choose which variables will be used for the graphical
display. In this example, the user, who is viewing motorboats,
chooses "boat length" as the vertical criteria 33, and "horsepower"
as the horizontal criteria 35. The results of these selections are
used to generate a display similar to that shown in FIG. 48, where
the data set is displayed within graph 480, and "horsepower" 481
and "boat length" 482 are represented on the X and Y axes
respectively. Each boat within the data set is represented as a
point 483 within graph 480. In this view, users can easily see what
boats are available to them within the length criteria and
horsepower criteria that they have chosen. If the user, for
example, were interested in boats in and around the 17' length, he
could quickly see that there are five boat options available to him
484, each with different horsepower.
[0142] As with other applications of the comparison display shown
previously, users can interact with and manipulate the data set and
graph in varying degrees to customize their view, as well as select
those date points in which they have further interest.
[0143] Users who have found a product in which they have an
interest and in which they would like to place a bid often will
have a bid input screen in which they can input a dollar price bid
for that product. Once that bid has been placed, the users can keep
track of that product and its auction status through a text and
numerical display as seen in FIG. 49.
[0144] As an alternative display, users could choose to see their
chosen product's auction status in a graphical display. This can
occur by the user clicking on the "View Bid Chart" button 490 on
the bid input screen as shown on FIG. 49. By clicking on button
490, users are be brought to a display such as the one shown in
FIG. 50, showing various product and auction information about the
item in a graphical format. For example, users see a pricing bar
500, which displays a price range for that product along its side
501. Within the pricing bar, at differing points, users are able to
see bidding information for that product, including the reserve bid
502, the user's bid 503, the current bid 504, the user's
self-imposed bid limit 505, and a price in which they could buy the
product now 506.
[0145] These pricing levels, which are depicted in 502-506, can
adjust dynamically with changes to bidding conditions so that users
could graphically see as conditions change and conveniently view
how these changes relate to their own bid and those of others. In
addition to the standard manual entry of placing a bid through
input box 507, users also have the ability to change their bid by
clicking on "My Bid" line 503 and dragging it upward to a level
where they would place an updated bid. In doing so, the user is
able to see the price level on the bar change to reflect the line's
location on the bar. Once the user moved the "My Bid" line to the
new preferred bid level, he releases the click. Upon doing so, a
pop-up box displays the new bid level and queries whether the user
wishes to make a new bid at that new price. If confirmed, the "My
Bid" line moves from its prior position to the new level, located
above the previous "Current Bid" line 504.
[0146] The user also has the ability to adjust the "My Bid Limit"
line, which is used simply as a reference for the user. This line
gives the user a guide as to where he feels his top bid should be.
This line can be moved up or down by the user but will have no
impact on the auction status.
[0147] The display of pricing bar 500 can have a varied appearance
among sections of itself. For example, the area below the reserve
bid line 502 can be shaded out, or the area above the user's bid
limit 505 could have a red background, both denoting a space in
which the user does not want to participate. As another example, a
green-shaded area could represent the area between the current bid
504 and the user's bid limit 505.
[0148] An alternative version of pricing bar 501 can be viewed for
products for which there is a known book value, appraised value or
accepted fair market value. For example, in the case of used
vehicles, where there are book values that relate to that
particular vehicle, book value lines can be included as part of the
display. This is shown in FIG. 51, where bar 501 has lines (in
addition to bid lines 502-506) that show one or more book values
510 for that particular vehicle. In the case of new vehicles, lines
reflecting manufacturer's list price and dealer invoice cost 511
could also be included.
[0149] In instances where the user wishes to keep track of more
than one product auction simultaneously, the user has the ability,
by selecting from a "Split Screen" drop-down menu 520 as
represented in FIG. 52, to see more than one product of which they
are have an interest. In this display, multiple pricing bars 500
for multiple products can be viewed on the same screen. For users
that want to compare the auction status of products in which they
have an interest, this viewpoint offers them a convenient and
effective way to track their status.
[0150] Users that are interested in and are monitoring multiple
products in the auction process can be given an option of entering
a "fair market price" for each of the products that they are
following. With these fair market prices established, users can
then view the status of each auction relative to their inputted
fair price. In FIG. 53, the user is monitoring the auctions of six
different iPhones of which they have previously entered what they
believe to be a reasonable price for each. These "fair market
values" are normalized on "fair market value" line 530, and their
current bid price is reflected as a percentage of the products'
"fair market value". For example, iPhone selection one 531 has a
current bid that is at present 86% below what the user feels is its
fair price. Selections three 532, five 533, and six 534 all have
current bids above what the user feels are fair prices. Given such,
unless the user is willing to bid above what he feels is a fair
price, he will likely lose interest in selections three 532, five
533 and six 534, and instead, focus their attention on those items
531, 535, 536, still bid below their fair prices.
[0151] A user can interact with these product bars 531-536 in a
similar fashion as the bar charts discussed in the previous
sections of this description. For example, to see the product
listing in detail, one simply clicks on the bar. Alternatively, if
the user is no longer interested in the product, and did not wish
to view its auction information any longer, he could right-click on
the bar, and choose "remove" from a drop-down menu.
[0152] In general, the comparison display can be used with a
variety of user interfaces. For example, a touch screen can be
used. In the illustrations provided above, all user interactions
with the data sets and graphs are described based upon users
utilizing a mouse or keyboard to interact with and manipulate the
graphic display. In all of the examples above, a touch screen
interface can also be utilized to have the same desired outcomes
using a finger(s) or stylus. For example, in a scatter graph, where
the user wishes to see further information on a data point within
the display, the user can simply tap that data point to see a full
description of the item, in contrast to a mouse-based interface in
which a click or "control/click" might be used. If the user wishes
to see multiple data points, he could tap on multiple items in a
generic "select items" mode. The same can be done for a bar chart
or other graphic display. If a user wishes to see a subset of data
points within a scatter graph, he can simply run his finger or a
stylus around the preferred data points to outline and select those
data points. Likewise, for general cursor operations such as
selecting from drop-down menus, clicking on buttons, etc., a
finger(s) or stylus can also be utilized to perform the same
functions. For example, if the user wishes to move an inserted line
within the graphic display, he can simply drag the line with their
finger or stylus. For functions such as zooming or panning on a
display, the same standard touch screen operations will also apply.
Referring to FIG. 54, the comparison display functionality could be
licensed by a variety of source entities for a fee to a variety of
target entities such as application providers 1501 (e.g web site
designers 1503), and software developers 1505. The fee could
include a full turn-key solution where the licensor provides all
the tools necessary to implement the application into the
licensee's site, for example, or the fee could include a basic
license where the licensee simply licenses the idea and where the
licensee is responsible for the implementation of the application.
Ultimately, the licensee can select the nature of whether he would
have the application implemented on an in-house or outsourced basis
and the licensing fee would be reflective of the effort involved on
the part of the licensor.
[0153] Host sites 1507 that charge a listing or placement fee for
others to list products on their sites, can offer their users 1509
a more robust search process using the comparison display. This
enhanced process, which provides increased user tools and increased
search efficiency, should drive incremental traffic to these sites.
As a result, product/service providers 1511 that list their
products or services may be willing to pay increased listing and/or
placement fees that correspond to the increased site traffic and
resultant increase in sales potential. A site that employs the
comparison display can justify an increased listing fee by
demonstrating to listing vendors an increase in site traffic as
well as other metrics that the vendor would find interesting such
as users' average length of time on the site, the amount of
click-throughs to vendors' sites, and changes in attitudinal data
of users' intent to purchase and/or brand recognition.
[0154] Advertisers 1513, too, may be interested in these metrics,
because like the listing vendors, they may be interested in the
quantity and quality of traffic 1515 that is drawn to a site. With
this application, metrics in this area will likely improve, and as
a result, advertisers will see a greater value in placing ads on
the site. As with any advertising medium, advertisers may be
willing to pay higher ad fees to place ads on sites that employ the
comparison display, as traffic quantity and quality would both
improve. These higher advertising rates can result not only from
increased traffic but also from the fact that users 1509 will
likely conduct more in-depth searches, viewing varying custom
displays 1517 of their data set, as well as interfacing with it.
Furthermore, those that make the effort to view their data set in
graphical views may be more likely to make a selection on the site
since the users are exhibiting a greater degree of interest in the
item(s) in which they are researching. Users 1509 that utilize the
comparison display will become more informed consumers, and as a
result, have greater confidence during their selection process.
This increased confidence will generate higher selection rates, and
higher post-selection satisfaction rates, which will create
benefits for both users 1509 and vendors 1519.
[0155] For both listing vendors 1519 and for advertisers 1513, site
traffic, click-throughs, attitudinal data, web page views, length
of time on the site, resultant sales, and other consumer metrics
1521 are all measurable through Web-based cookie technology, for
example, or other technologies used to maintain state and store
data, and the application's involvement in the changes to these
metrics can be easily determined by comparing those that utilize
the application versus those that do not. The metrics could be used
in determining fees assessed by the application provider. For
example, sites that have users who heavily use the comparison
display could be charged higher fees based on that heavy use, as
compared to sites that have users who use the comparison display
lightly or infrequently based on the metrics.
[0156] Data aggregators 1523 that aggregate products and services
available for sale that are ultimately provided by others can
easily determine whether users have utilized the application and
viewed its various displays. For users that subsequently make a
selection or purchase, sites can once again use consumer metrics
1521 to measure the purchase habits of those that have utilized the
application versus those that have not. To the extent that there is
a meaningful difference between the two constituencies, the
application licensor can demonstrate the incremental value that the
application provides, and charge a licensing fee that is reflective
of this value added.
[0157] In the case of sites that offer their own products and
services, the metrics of those that utilize the application on
their site can be readily measured. Consequently, sites can measure
the effectiveness of the application versus historical trends, and
by observing the behavior of those that have used the application,
and determine the incremental value created by the use of the
application.
[0158] In the case of sites that have a membership base, and where
members pay an access fee to the site, those sites will be able to
observe the extent of the application's use by its membership base.
To the extent that the sites utilize the comparison display
application, and they find its members make strong use of the
application, and find it helpful, they can potentially increase
their market share in their sector, and/or potentially raise the
price of membership. To the extent that users find the application
to be helpful in educated them, providing them a more robust search
process, or simply allowing them to find what they are looking for
in a more streamlined manner, the users may be willing to spend
more on that membership compared to other sites.
[0159] In all instances, regardless of the nature of the site,
online surveying can take place to judge users' receptivity to the
application on a particular site. This surveying can take place as
a result of a beta test of the application on a site, for example,
or in the form of a simple mock-up that is created for a site which
is not currently in use. In either case, users can respond as to
how useful they would find the application, how much they would
anticipate using it, which products and/or services they would find
most relevant for it, and how valuable they believe it would be for
their search process.
[0160] There are numerous possible beneficiaries of the comparison
display. As stated above, any site that derives revenue from
web-based transactions, or simply advertising revenue, would
benefit from increased traffic on their site. In addition, firms
that create these graphical displays 1523, as well as those that
manipulate databases (e.g., database firms 1525 and data storage
providers 1527) can garner additional revenue by providing services
to the host websites. Advertisers on these sites can benefit as
well, as they would be able to better target their advertising to
users that chose specific views of the data set. For example, if a
user chose to view the data set, using characteristics X and Y as
the variables in the graphical display, then vendors whose business
relate to characteristics X and Y could opt to advertise when those
variables are chosen. The number of users interacting with the data
set, through the selection of display variables, and the manner in
which they interact with the display can demonstrate to advertisers
the features or attributes users feel are important in their
selection criteria. The comparison display application can provide
a much more targeted approach to advertising, making advertising
expenditures more productive. As a result, the more a user
interacts with the data set through the graphical displays, the
more insights the user can gain from the data set. At the same
time, the more the application is used, the more the site will
learn from that user through their search behavior and subsequent
data set interaction and manipulation.
[0161] Throughout this description, a number of different product
and service sites are used to demonstrate examples of how this
application could be applied. There are, however, countless more
that are not mentioned. Practically any product, service or
individual that is displayed in a list on a website and that has
specific descriptors that can define that item are eligible to be
graphed in the comparison display. Consumer and commercial products
of all kinds can be represented, as can numerous
services--everything from medical services to insurance policies to
vacation packages. Additionally, individuals have attributes that
can be defined in a graphical format, whether for the purpose of
finding someone on a matchmaking site or for the purpose of trying
to find the right doctor based upon qualifications or location.
Provided that the information on the item can be placed in a
database, with definable criteria, whether quantitative or
qualitative, the item's attributes can be plotted on a graph along
with items that share similar characteristics.
[0162] Revenue for the application of the comparison display may
come principally from those firms that wish to utilize this
application on their websites. In an effort to increase traffic,
they may be willing to pay for those applications that increase the
site metrics that are important to them, whether they be direct
sales, referrals to others, listing fees, membership fees or
increased advertising revenue. If the application meaningfully
helps on one or more of these metrics, they may be willing to pay
for this application, as they see a favorable cost/benefit
ratio.
[0163] In summary, through the techniques described here, users
have a greater likelihood of finding the specific item that they
are looking for in a more efficient manner, and those users will be
drawn to those sites that can provide this enhanced search and
selection process. This increased site traffic, which will lead to
increased site awareness, sales, referrals, listings, memberships
and advertising, can be monetized in that there is value being
created, and businesses and consumers will be willing to pay for
this added value.
[0164] The relevant parties that could be involved in this
application may consist of the following examples: web site users
1509, product and service providers 1511, online data aggregators
1523, database firms 1525, software developers 1505, data storage
providers 1527, website design firms 1503, data storage providers
1527, advertising agencies 1529, advertisers 1513, market research
firms 1531, product manufacturers and distributors 1551,
statisticians and actuaries 1533, academics 1547, economists 1535,
financial analysts 1537, governmental agencies 1549, logistics
coordinators 1539, product development firms 1541, shipping firms
1543 and marketing firms 1545. Any number of other types of
individuals, organizations, and services may also find uses of the
comparison display.
[0165] FIGS. 55A and 55B show ways in which the users 1509, host
sites 1507, and application providers 1501 can interact. FIG. 55A
represents an initial setup interaction that occurs when users
begin comparison sessions. One of the users 1509 provides search
criteria 1561 to the host site 1507, which performs the search and
provides the results in the form of tabular data 1563 to the
comparison display application provider 1501. The application
provider 1501 sends back a graphical display 1565 based on the data
defined by the user's search query. The host site 1507 then sends
the user-defined graphical display 1565 (with possible cosmetic
modifications or other additions specific to the host site).
[0166] As shown in FIG. 55B, when one of the users 1509 interacts
with the comparison display, he may manipulate the data set and
graphical representation 1567 provided by the host site 1507. In
this case, the host site sends the revised data set graphical
attributes 1569 to the application provider 1501. The provider
returns a revised graphical display 1571 which is also returned to
the user. Thus, any of the users 1509 can interact with data
provided by the host 1507 site using the comparison display
interface and functionality as provided by the application provider
1501.
[0167] The revenue model for the application of the comparison
display varies based upon the constituency involved. In most cases,
however, it will be web sites on the Internet (or another
user-accessible network) that choose to license the application
that will be the chief contributors to application revenues. The
web sites' rationale for paying for this application is contingent
upon their own revenue model and the metrics that drive that
revenue. In general, increased site traffic and the resultant
commerce that ensues will generally be the chief determinant of the
value of the application for the website. Whether it is from
increased listing fees, membership fees, sales commissions,
referral fees, direct sales, or advertising revenues, the change in
the quality and quantity of site traffic will be the principal
attribute that will determine the application's commercial
viability. Additional meaningful revenue can be garnered through
the aggregation and dissemination of consumer metrics captured as a
result of users' graphical interactions. By providing graphical
displays to numerous firms within numerous product/service sectors,
the application provider can to aggregate and market consumer data
to host sites and other constituencies that would have an interest
in consumer metrics and behavior patterns.
[0168] The comparison display described above can be implemented
using software for execution on a computer. For example, FIG. 56
shows a schematic diagram of a generic computer system 1000. The
system 1000 can be used for the operations described in association
with any of the computer-implemented methods described previously,
according to one implementation. For example, the server 130 could
take the form of the system 1000 described here. The system 1000
includes a processor 1010, a memory 1020, a storage device 1030,
and an input/output device 1040. Each of the components 1010, 1020,
1030, and 1040 are interconnected using a system bus 1050. The
processor 1010 is capable of processing instructions for execution
within the system 1000. In one implementation, the processor 1010
is a single-threaded processor. In another implementation, the
processor 1010 is a multi-threaded processor. The processor 1010 is
capable of processing instructions stored in the memory 1020 or on
the storage device 1030 to display graphical information for a user
interface on the input/output device 1040.
[0169] The memory 1020 stores information within the system 1000.
In some implementations, the memory 1020 is a computer-readable
medium. The memory 1020 is a volatile memory unit in some
implementations and is a non-volatile memory unit in other
implementations.
[0170] The storage device 1030 is capable of providing mass storage
for the system 800. In one implementation, the storage device 1030
is a computer-readable medium. In various different
implementations, the storage device 1030 may be a floppy disk
device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape
device.
[0171] The input/output device 1040 provides input/output
operations for the system 1000. In one implementation, the
input/output device 1040 includes a keyboard and/or pointing
device. In another implementation, the input/output device 1040
includes a display unit for displaying graphical user
interfaces.
[0172] The features described can be implemented in digital
electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software,
or in combinations of them. The apparatus can be implemented in a
computer program product tangibly embodied in an information
carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, for execution
by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a
programmable processor executing a program of instructions to
perform functions of the described implementations by operating on
input data and generating output. The described features can be
implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that
are executable on a programmable system including at least one
programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions
from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage
system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.
A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used,
directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity
or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written
in any form of programming language, including compiled or
interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form,
including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,
subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing
environment.
[0173] Suitable processors for the execution of a program of
instructions include, by way of example, both general and special
purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple
processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will
receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random
access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a
processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for
storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also
include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more
mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include
magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks;
magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable
for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data
include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of
example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and
flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks
and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or
incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated
circuits).
[0174] To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be
implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT
(cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for
displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing
device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide
input to the computer.
[0175] The features can be implemented in a computer system that
includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that
includes a middleware component, such as an application server or
an Internet server, or that includes a front-end component, such as
a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet
browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system
can be connected by any form or medium of digital data
communication such as a communication network. Examples of
communication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the
computers and networks forming the Internet.
[0176] The computer system can include clients and servers. A
client and server are generally remote from each other and
typically interact through a network, such as the described one.
The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer
programs running on the respective computers and having a
client-server relationship to each other.
[0177] Other implementations are also within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *