CA2174934A1 - Interactive multimedia communications system which accesses industry-specific information - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing system for acquiring and displaying information relating to a specific industry or interest, the example herein being real estate and related goods and services. The system comprises a server (400) which has an input/output device (410) for receiving and transmitting data, database files, and database storage (412). A media terminal (100) for producing files, including digitized property descriptions, is provided. The media terminal has a digitizer (108) for analog/digital signal converting, an I/O device (104) for transmitting, and a data entry device (102). An end user terminal (100) provides the ability to enter, transmit, receive and display data to and from the file server. An agent's terminal is equipped to enter and display data, as well as transmit information to and from the file server. The system is configured such that real estate information is received at the media terminal (100) edited, and, once approved, stored at the file server (400). The information is accessible from either the agent's or end user's terminals (100). The compilation of information in the databases includes demographic statistics which are usable by advertisers and various industry-related entities.

Description

Wo 95112176 2 1 7 4 3 4 PCT/US94112646 INTERACTIVE ~ CO~IMUNICATIONS SYSTEM VVHICH
ACCESSES INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC INI I ^T10 I~ACI~GROUND OF THE tNV~llVN
13RTFF DF-~t`R~ oN OF'1~F INVENl'lON
The instamt mvention relates to a method of accessirlg imdustry specific information, such as real estate properties for sale, through multimedia personal computers. The disclosed imvcntinn mcludes am mteradive multimedia ~ system for the produdionl digitization, com-pressiorl and ' , i and retrieval of real property data ~md related in-formation. The access providcs detailed information 04 a particular property, community, fmanc-mg, ;' ~ ,- ~ amd related information. The information c~m be accessed on demand by Real Estate Agents as well as by End Users wherever their multimedia device is located. The irlstant system preserlts a new advertising medium for mdustry-specific adwrtisers or even gerleral adver-tisers as the case may be. The instarlt system is a rG~ ' , full service, real-time advertis-mg medium capable of generating direct response vehides (i.e., coupons, reply amd order mecbanisms, etc.) to viewers. l~or illustrative purposes, the real estate mdustry is used as an ex-ample herem, however, the dGsclosed system earl be used for other appGcations, i.e., travel, employ-ment . ,, auctiorls, amtique or rare articles for sale, automobiles, boats, aircraft, elc Be-cause each property profile and ' regardless of sponsor has its owrl ;.~ ,T;. A~,l", code and each user of the disclosed system has their ow~ access code, the instant mvention providcs detailed data on all aspeds of viewership ~md resporlse. When, where, amd how often an .id~_, i- amd/or profile is viewed is instar~tly recorded by the disdosed system. The instan imvention is a measurable advertising medGum which measures advertismg m terms of exposure, response, amd level of imterest. Viewership amd response patterns ca~ be retrieved by advertisers, agents, amd subscribers via the dGsdosed system's ' ~ . ' retrieval databases.
EtRlEF l)P:i~.~rll~J.. OF 7i~1E PRIOR ART

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~7 ~34 Each year large Dumbers of the populatioD moYc, requirmg property purchasmg, leasing, seUmg aDd relsted services. In the resideDtial marl:et, real estate agents aDd homeowDers seUing their OWD properties spend coDsiderable time matchiDg seOer to buyer aDd vice-versa. In thc agent's case, buyers review property hstings from a Multiple Listing Service at the agent's office, makiDg judgmeDts based OD photographs amd hmited DlformatioD. The details are geDerally on a siDgle sheet at best, amd include the Dumber of rooms, occasioDally size of rooms, Dumber of bathrooms, laDd size, aDd aDy out-buildiDgs such as barDs. The properties choseD for review mus~
then be physicaOy shown, so Real Estate AgeDts then drive poteDtial buyers arouDd showiDg properties, which wastes both tnme aDd moDey. PoteDtial purchasers ofteD need to take tim~ Orr from work and speDd maDy hours ridDng arouDd lookiDg at properties.
The prior art system is, at best, tnme eoDsmmiDg amd mefficieDt. EveryoDe nnvolved iD the house hUDt must be prepared to devote a subst~mtial amoumt of time to viewing properties.
OD the other side of the traDsactioD, seUers ofteD have poteDtial buyers lookmg at Iheir homes who are Dot nDterested iD makiDg a purehase or worre yet, Dot fimaDciaOy qualified. Fre-queDtly a property is iDaccessible wheD a poteDtial purchaser waDts to view it or a "Do-show oc-curs after the ageDt aDd/or seOer weDt to coDsiderable thme aDd effort to preseDt the property.
Likewise, the ageDt aDd seller have a sigDific~mt mvestmeDt of time, effort aDd moDey at stake if the buyer fails to qualify for fiDamcing or the closnDg doesD't occur as scheduled.
The commercial real estate market is almost identical to the residential market im regard to how properties are reviewed and chosen. One primary differenee is, however, the dne diligence performed by both users and mvestors of commercial real estate. Typically, users and real estate iuvestors will seek the fmancial data on a property prior to even physicaOy seeiDg it. ExteDsivc information regarding comparable rents, vac;mcy rates, and sDnilar properties is ofteD tDe Dorm.
Obtaining this mformatioD is ofteD difficult amd oDce received, it is hmited in scope. ID addi-tion, l~mdlords typieally disDke disturbDDg existing teDamts with the showing of thenr property to a potential pnrchaser or new ten~mt.

2~ 74934 At present, rcai estate agents from around the United States employ various forms of a property hstmg system often referred to as the Muitdpie il_isting Service (MLS). These systems are usuaUy not accessible by agcnts outside the locai system amd provide httie information on properties eisewhere or amy networic for referrais. in addd~don, amy type of mari~et data generated by the MLS is locai in natmre and caumot be easiiy transiated imto state, regionai, or national trends. In most instamces the current iisting system provides smaD opportunity for an agent lo h2mdle the saie of a ciient's property amd the purchase of a new property for the same client un-less the move is locai.
The majority of real estate advertismg today is tbrough locai newspapers amd trade publi-cations. These ~d~_li- are hmited to space and produedon deadimes and readership is cer-tainly hoped for, but im nearly every case unaccommted for. If ch2mges in price, terms, or availabiiity occur, the new information is restricted to production deadiines amd such. In short, ti. aditional advertising mediums used for reai estate advertising are usuaDy non ' ' ijmited im choice, fairly expensive amd often non-exciusive im nature.
Another major marketing tool employed by both agents and seDers aiii~e is "open houses."
Due to accers, convenience, and wori~ scheduies, ~open houses~ have been confmed to weeicends amd I ' '~ Sumday afternoons. The ~open honse~ continues to be a vaiuable mari~eting tool but is limited to time constraints.
Often reai estate agents are restricted for ethicai amd/or legal re21sons from informing clients about locai schoois, churches amd civic i ~ As a resuit, newcomers to an area have to investigate these facilities themselves amd often umder the pressure of time amd con-venience.
liliquidity in the real estate marl~etplace often creates transactions whereim the seUer will fmamce aU or a portion of the purchase priee. While presently, there are numerons entities thal purchase these notes, there is no eommon medinm for note-holders to advertise these security in-struments for saie or exchange. Iilcewiae, no medimm exists which eompiies data on these mstru-ments WO 95/12176 PCT/US94/126~6 ~7 4q34 Traditionally, the real estate industry has faeed illiquidity, high ~ (and the costs thereof), amd cyclical trends. The ~boom" decade of the 80's created am abnmd~mce of real estate and agents who marlcet it. The cmrent reeession has produced a large correction m real es-tate prices which brings am already over supply of agents chasing fewer closmgs and smaller com-missions. Having already noted the eychcal nature of the real estate mdnstry, it still is important to realize that most agents even m good times or bad don't get both sides of a transaction. In other words, the sale of their client's eurrent home amd the purehase of their new property. Bridg-mg this mefflciency as well as the others covered herem wonld yield greater productivity in thc real estate marl:etplace amd better use of persomtel.
Therefore, the desire of all parties is a eost effective, efflcient, amd eonvenient meams of retrieving detailed property information. With the system of the cmrent apphcation, consumers can view real property ' ' mcluding digitized pietorial f$raphica amd audio informa-tion, mortgage qualification programs amd gtudehines, mortgage rates, amd different eommunity profiles at their convenience and in the comfort of their own homes through use of the instan~ Sy5-tem. Once the End Users have narrowed down their ehoiees, they meet with a Real Estate Agen~
at his or her offlce and access the Real Estate Agent's exclusive system. The Real Estate Agent's system details more about the property such as the Seller's name, property address, amd hsting agent information. In essence, anyone mvolved m a real estate transaction can readily retrieve amd view all types of properties and related goods amd serviees without the meffieiencies of ~he prior art system.
BRIEF L 1;~ )N OF TflE DR~WINGS
The advamtages of the instant disclosure will beeome more apparent when read with the r ~ and the drawmgs, wherem:
FIGURE 1 is a schematic of the major eomponents aeeording to the present mvention;
FIGURE 2 is a schematic showing the flow of raw data in production to digitization, edit-ing, t , amd storage according to the present mvention;

21 7~34 FIGURE 3 is a schematic showing the fiow of data beimg compressed amd ' . G~DGd, transmitted, and proofed between the modia compamy and the Real Estate Agent according lo the instamt mvention;
FIGURE 4 is a schematic which represGnts the fiow of data from storage at the Sener's central location to the Real Estate Agent accordimg to ~he present mvention;
F/GURE 5 is a schematic which repres~nts the fiow of data from storage at the Sener's central location to the End User for viewing accordimg to the instant invention;
FIGURE 6 is a fiow chart composite of figures two through five according to the presen~
invention, ( ' ~ ~ ' amd advertising rotrieval devices would be similar to 200 or 300) FIGURE 7 is an example of one possible multimedia graphieal ' screen accord-ing to the present invention, FIGURE 8 is an example of one possible graphieal screen used by Real Es-tate Agents accordirlg to the instant invention; amd ~GURE 9 is am example of one possible graphicai I screen used by Demographic Retrieval Users according to the instant mvention.

WO 9~/12176 PCT/US94J12646 ~7 4934 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is directed at am hlformation processmg system for acqurrmg and displaying real estate, ~' v . ' and industry related mformation. The system inciudes a Servet having an i/o (input/output device) through which data is received amd transmitted, and database storage for storing digital real estate information. P,referably the database storage in-cludes the capability of storing scanned graphic images, vide4 amd sommd, as weii as standard data.
The system further imcludes media termn~ais for production of fiies, mcluding digitized property descriptions. The media termmal has digitizing capabilities to digitize analog imput and i/o for receivmg and tramsmittmg the digitized n~formation.
End users enter and receive information, inciudmg property descriptions, at the End User termirai. The end user termimal has means for mputting and displaying data, such as a rable tdevision converter, and a . and cither an mternal or external i/o for rereiving and transmittmg data.
The Real Estate Agent terminals are used for entering aDd reiving information and arc equipped with a means for inputting and displaying data and i/o for rereivmg and transmittnng data The i/o of the system components are ronfignred to ' between the Media, End User, Real Estate Agent amd Demographic information Subscriber amd Sener. Reai estate infor-mation, consisting of property descriptions, '( v . ' fm~mcial, amd advertising information, is received by the Sener from aii mput somrces via the i/o of the media terminal. The received information is then stored in the Sener's database. Viewer selected portions of n~formation are transmitted to the end user terminai, where they are displayed for viewing.
The Media, End User, Reai Estate Agent amd D ~ Subscriber terminais have compression/ ' , capabiiities for flie storage amd/or i Aiso, optionally and preferabiy, the Server stores information regarding property profiies, reai estate professionais, commmlity profies, reai es tate fmamcmg, locai busmesses and senices, and - v .

., .. . .. . . .. . ... _ _ .. _ . : ... . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ : _ .

~1 7~q34 rctrievals, aD of which c;m be received amd displayed by the viewer. The inst~mt system is con-figured to prevent access to certain real estate information, but configured to mako that same in-formation available to other users.
The instant imvention is a method of acquiring and displaying real estate information, the system utitizes an information processmg system containing a Sener with i/o for receiving and providing data and database storage. Analog property descriptions of real estate properties are digitr~ed and entered along with additional information, and edited at terminals. The proofed in-formation is stored in the database im a malmer in which the data can be selectively accessed. The End User enters data at their termmal specific to their real estate needs or services. This data is then sent to the Server, where the properq profiles are selected amd sent to the End User. Real Estate Agents c~m access the Server's databases through entry at their terminals amd retrieve infor-mation The system has the ability to access ar~d transmit selected files, dependmg upon the re-quests of the user In all cases, viewer selections are captured amd stored by the Server.
DETAILED IJ~ VN OF TIIE INV~ VN
The instant invention discloses a net vork system wbich aDows the users to interactively access and retrieve on demand extensive information on databases throughout the world regard-less of time zone differences Tl e apptication oE the instant disctosme described hereim applies to the reat estate amd related imdustry, however the disclosed system c~m be used for other applica-tions. For use within this disctosure, the foDowing terminology is used for consistency and should in no way timit the scope of the mvention.
End User - The party viewing the database files. TypicaDy an End User of reat estate loolcing to lease and/or purchase reat property. The End User generaDy has access to onty limited files and can optionaDy have mput capabitity to alter the files they are viewmg. The End User can inctude viewers seeking ideas for home buitding, decoratmg or remodetmg. In addition, relocation companies or departments m rorpnr~tinnc, architects, etc., are also mcluded.

~1 4~3~ 8 Real Estate Companies and Agents - The sales agent or facilitator of a real estate transac-tion and the prunary user of the instant system. The Real Estate Agent has access to the instant system regardless of where the system is accessed.
Media - The primary party responsible for production of property files and possibly all other advertising displayed on the system. The Media has access to aD files on the Sener and, al-ternatively, may be part of the Sener's system. The Media can imclude multnmedia communica-tions, ~ ~' or local media entities.
Sener - The computer system which stores aU f~es. Input facilities for raw data may be located at the Server's location.
Mnltimedia device- A device and/or system which nncludes, but is not limited to, video and audio-graphic conferencing and multimedia messagmg with electronic amd voice mail system so ~i and other text-based material and voice . can occm rapidly and without time zone imterference. This m~it is capable of storing, transmittin6 reeeivmg, compress-ing, ." . ~ and error correcting, digital information for displaying text, graphies, audio and video Advertiser - An entity promotmg goods and/or senices related to a specific imdustry. The advertismg can be directed to amy of the users in the inst~mt system and direct response vehicles (I.e., coupons, reply and order mechanisms, etc.) are made available to viewers.
Demographic Information Subscriber - The recipient of demographic information which is generated by the instant system. Throughout the instant invention certain portions of ;' ~ . ' information can remain proprietary, but the ' ~ . ' flow of the populace is available to Subscribers and indnstry-related advertisers.
It should be noted that a company or imdividual can faU into two or more of the foregoing categories. A moving company, for example, can be am Industry Related Advertiser and also a Suh-scriber retrievmg .' ~ . ' information for marlceting pmposes. In another example, an ar-chitect could be an advertiser of their senices and, at the same time, be an End User accessing the disclosed system to monitor design trends, new housmg d~ amd competitive practices.

21 ~93~

Flgure I is an oveniew of the major system components which wouid be required to com-plete the disclosed system. The media's multimedia device 100 wouid proforably consist of a digitizer 108, compress/docompress unit 106, modem 104, amd muitimedia PC 102. The roai ostate agont's muitimedia device 200 wouid preforabiy comprise tho muitimedia PC 202, tho modem 206 and the compress/decompress unit 204. The End User's, or Subscriber's, muitunedia dovice 300 preforably consists of a multimodia unit 302 amd a viowing device 304. Tho viowing devico 304 can bo tho End Usor's telovision, a monitor, or othor apparatus which aliows for muitimodia view-ing. The multimodda unit 302 cam bo a computer system or a cable television converter with a , u~ ~" or other techmology which provides for compression or ~ u-l~ error cor-recting, i , amd storage. Aitornativoly, tho muitimedia unit 302 can be mado part of the End User's viowmg dovice 304. The Senor's Prossor, or mlit 400, preferably comprisos a modem 410, a Senor's computor 412 and databasos 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, 442, 444, 445, 448, 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, amd 462. Tho Senor's computer 412 aiternatively can be a workstation, . or . or other device. Aithough roforence horem is mado to information transfor via modem, it shouid bo notod tbat cablo, satoiiito, fiber optics, or other means for transforring information c~m aiso bo utihzed. Tho method of tramsforring the in-formation is based on tho cmront avaiiabiiity v ithm tho In the drawmgs horoim tho Sonor's computer 412 is at a separate location from the media's muitimodia dovice 100, amd aii is conducted through the use of modems 104, 206, and 410. Alternatively, tho Sonor's computor 412 can bo imciuded m the same location as the media's muitimedia dovico 100 v~ith a hardwire bnk up between the two. If the Soner's Proces-sor 400 is not hardwired to the modia's muitimedia device 100, means for directly entering infor-mation imto tho Sener's computor 412 other tham through media's muitimedia device 100 may be desired. This c~m be through am additionai PC wired to the Sener's computer 412, scalmer, per-sonai digitai assistant, or any other method known im the art.

~7 4934 The For Sale By Owncr (FSBO) Property Profiles Database 420 could include any type of real property offermgs marketed by owners. The AucLion Property Profiles Database 422 could include any type of real property offerings marketed via audions. The Agent Property Profiles Database 424 could include any type of real property offerings marketed by real estate agents.
The Agent Referral Database 426 could include any real estate agents and their comparlies who market property via the disclosed system. The Transaction ProOEssing Database 428 generates and confums r, . and significant dates for aU parties rnvolved in a real estate transaction.
This same database eontains a general aceoumting file for Real Estate Companies which can be exported to their primary accounting program. The Agent Leads Database 430 is a compila~ion o~
inquiries generated when an End User or other interested party views a particular property profile the Agent has advertised/listed on the disclosed system. The Agent Market Data Databasc 432 is a compilation of files such as inventory reports, sales-to-date, expired listings and contracts pending. The GoYernment and Civic (1 v DaLabase 434 is a compilation of government and civic _ on a local, state, regional, and national basis that the viewer can access to obtain information on particular issues such as zoning laws or hnvolvement in a civic . ~
The Community Profiles Database 436 contahns video vignettes on communities where properties are aYailable for purchase, lease, or exchange. The Events amd Attractions Database 438 could have files such as Arts & r - t, Armual Events, Sports, amd Special Attractions. The Educational Facilities Database 440 could consist of public, private, and trade schools, as well as coUeges and libraries. The Real Estate Related Services Dahbase 442 eould comprise the following files: real estate companies, real estate agents, banks, mortgage companies, attorneys, insurance eompanies, moving companies, home inspectors, builders, property ~ t, appraisers, ar-chitects, title companies, and aDy other type of real estate related service. The Home Services Database 444 is a compilation of files such as decorators, furniture and antique dealers, appliance dealers, building supply centers, remodehng serviees, home security serviees, and amy other type of home service business or entity. The Restauramts and Lodging Database 446 could consist of hotel and motel files or bed and breakfast files as weU as restauramt files. The Mortgage Programs 21 7~q34 Database 448 is a compilation of all available mortgage programs such as rnnV~n~in~ fn~ed, or adjustable rate m~rtgage programs. The Personal Mortgage Analysis Datab~ - 450 is a compilation of information derived from viewer input in regard to finarlcing the purchase of any of the properties viewed. The Mortgage Rates Database 452 is a compilation of various mortgage rates offered by lenders on a local, state, ref~ional, or national basis. The Real EsLate Notes Database 454 is a compilation of real estate baclced notes and securities offered for sale, servicin6 or ex-change on a local, state, regional, or national basis. The Property Inquiry Database 456 consists of all qualitative inquiries generated by viewers seeking more information on specific property profiles viewed on the disclosed system. The Property Retrieval Database 458 is generatod by viewership of any property profiles wherein the viewer may or may not be mterested in pursuing the transaction but has viewed the property. The Advertising Inquiries Database 460 comprises all quahtative inquiries generated by viewers seeking more information on specific goods or serv-ices advertised on the disclosed invention. The Advertiser Retrieval Database 462 is generated by viewership of any advertising message wherein the viewer may or may not be interested nn obtain-mg more mformation about the advertiser's goods and/or services. All files are stored on their respective databases, providing easy access amd , ' The databases are continnally up-dated to ensure accurate, up-to-date information at all times. The foregoing files and databases are used as examples only, and should not in amy way hmit the scope of the mstant disclosure.
Flgure ~ illustrates the mformation flow to amd from the Media's multimedia device 100 to the Server~s Processor 400. The raw data is either gathered from outside somces, generally in the form of analog mformatioD 110, or entered directly at the Media's multnmedia PC 10~ Any analog information 110, albeit audio, video, photos, tcxt, or graphics, must be digitized by Media's dif~itizer 108 to be read by the PCs used herenL The digitized mformation is sent directly to the Media's multimedia PC 102. Information from Rcal Estate Agents and other sources is received via the Media's modem 104, or by any other means, for entry mto thc Media's mnltimedia device ~7~934 ~
100. Data produced by the Media's persomnel is directly entered onto the multimedia PC 102.
Once entered, the information is edited at the media's multimedia PC 102, as iUustrated im Figure 3.
In Flgure 3, the edited information is placed m a file which corresponds to its esisting database and compressed at the Media's compress/decompress unit 106. For example, the agent property profile is sent via Media's modem 104 to the Real Eshte Agent's modem 200. The new ftie is received via the Real Estate Agent's modem 206 where it is sent to the Real Estate Agent's compress/decompress unit 204. After , . the file is sent to tho Agent's multimedia PC
202 for review and proofmg. The Real Estate Agent enters either approval or proofung instruc-tions at this point.
After proofmg, the file is sent baci~ to the Media's multimedia device 100 with mstructions for changes. When funal approval has been gramted by the Agent, the flie is sent, as shown in FiBre 2, via the Media's modem 104 to the Server's modem 410. Each fiie sent to the Server's com-puter 412 is doeignated a location, ensuring it wiii be stored with other similar fiies on the database m the Sener's computer 412.
Flgure 4 depicts the information flow from the Server's Processor 400 directly to the Real Estate Agent's multimedia device 200. The request for specific files is comprossed at the l~eal Es-tate Agent's compress/decompress unit 204 and sent, via Agent's modem 206, to the Server's modem 410 where it is trar~smitted to the Server's computer 412. The requested fles are then transmitted via modems 410 and 206, ." , ' 204, and accessible on the Agent's PC 202. Thc Agent Referral Database 426 contains information on ali agents and thehr compamies located at the Server's computer 412 for the purposes of ~ ~ amy changes at the central location.
In the event an Agent procures a transaction on a property iisted by amother Agent, the mforma-tion for referral . , ~ wonld be accessible in this database. The Agent Referral Datahase 426 aiso croates an np-to-date directory of Agents and their respective Brokers/companies.

WO 95/12176 PCTNS94J1~646 21 /~4 The disclosed system allows Agcnts access to privileged informatioD not available to the geDeral public, such as the Seller's name, phoDc number, address, listiDg expiration date, and any notatioDs entered mto the file by the hsting agent. Tbe Agents would also have access to For Sale By OwDer (FSBO) and Anction Profiles.
The TraDsaction Processmg Database 428 generates aDd confums ~, amd sig-nificaDt dates for all parties mvolved jD a real estate transaetion. Speeific information such as contracts pendiDg amd closiDg dates are ~ ' to the Agent Market Data Database 432 for compilation aDd mventory roports. The TraDsaetion Processmg Database 428 caD also be used in conjunction, for example, with the Real Estate Related Services Database 442 to schedule ap-pomtments with attorDeys, builders, homc inspectors, baDkers, or ~my other real estate related serv-ice needed to facilitate the real estate transactioD.
The Real Estate Agent c,m retricve leads generated by their OWD specific Agent Property Profile - ' via the Agent Leads Database 430. The A~ents caD also retrieve qnantita-tive data on general viewership of amy type of real property offerings on the diselosed system via Property Retrieval Database 458 (see Fgnre 1). l he t~se of the two: ' ' Databases in eonjunction with the Agent Market Data Database 43Z or amy other combination of databases will provide exteDsive market research for the AgeDt.
Fgure S illustrates how the EDd Users acccss the r~staDt system m their OWD homes, or of-fices, with the use of the End User's multimedia deviG 300. The EDd User chooses a desired com-munity amd enters ccrtaiD parameters, such as type of property aDd priG ramge. Utihzing the entry device on, or part of the EDd User's mnltimedia unit 30Z, one or all of the databases avail-able to the EDd User can be accessed m aDy combmation. The EDd Uscr's multnmedia umit 302 can ' - various mputs such as remote control or preferably VoiG recognition. Howover, a keyboard, mouse or other form of entry based on the EDd User's choiec can be utilized. The End User's request is sent to Server's modem 410, then to the Server's computer 41Z. The requested in-formation is then transmitted, via modem 410, to be vicwed on demaDd. The End User's multi-media device 300 is provided with software eoding or hardware which prevents the End User WO 9S/12176 PCT/US94~12646 ~l74934 from eDtering restricted databases. Software coding can be the access number submitted nn response to a computer prompt or other methods, such as computer recog~ution and capture of originating phone numbers. Hardware hmitations can be snniiar to the cabie television converter box nn that oniy certain switches are set to activate the WIIC r '' " databases.
The preferred systems according to the instant disciosure are iiiustrated in Figure 6. i_xter-nai information, such as mortgage rates, graphics and/or other ' any audio script recordings, stiil &ames and/or videos, and mortgage . "' wouid be digitized by the Media's muitimedia device 100. The information is edited through nse of the Media's keyboard, compressed at Media's compress/decompress unit, and sent to the Media's modem for transmission.
The information is then sent to the Reai i-state Agent's device 200, ' . ' at Reai Estate Agent's compress/deconnpress unit, and sent to the Reai Estate Agent's muitimedia PC. The Real Estate Agent rcvicws and edits the mformation through the Reai i state Agent's keyboard and returns the information through the compress/decompress unit, and transmits via the Reai i~state Agent's modem back to the Media's device. The approved information is sent from the Media's device to the Sener's processor 4ao. From there, fiies are sent to the Server's computer where thoy are stored in their appropriate databases. Reai Estate Agents access informatioD stored in the Sener's processor 400 by entering an access number. When the Reai Estate Agent's system is ac-cessed, the Reai Estate Agent enters his/her password, thereby tymg the Reai Estate Agent's device 200 into the Server's processor 400 and aDowing access to the Server's computer and stored fiies. Reai Estate Agents subscribing to the instant system can have access to aii files or be ex-cluded from certain fiies. Agent access to the End User database can be restricted to those par-ticuiar End User fiies generated by the iisting agent.
End Users can access the fiies by entering a designated access number or by other means currentiy avaiiable. When the mstant system is aeeessed, the End Users enter their mdividual ac-cess code. The End User's multimedia device 300 aecesses the Server's proeessor 400 and subse-quently the Server's computer and stored fiies.

W095/12176 2 1 ~4 ~3 PCTIUS94/12646 Flgure 7 is an example of how an End User may view properties listed on the disclosed sys-tem. This screen 700, shows the End User receiving audio aDd video iDformation on a property listed with a Real Estate Agent. In all cases, the property profile; ~ - number is prommently displayed as is th~ contact person, regardless of how the property is bemg marketed (i.e., FSBO or Auction). The End User cim directb ~ ' with the responsible party's of-fice, home, mobile, or voice-mail telephone system through the Call Feature. The Fax IDformation Feature aDd Video CoDference Feature can also be used as direct . ' ' devices. In fact, the Video Conference Feature has real-time, "open house~ capabilities. This fea-ture would allow aD End User to participate in aD ~open house" with an agent amywhere, anytime, without leaving home. Agents, or owDcrs, showiDg the home plug a video camora mto the audio/video mput jack located on their multimedia device for ' The End User com-muDicates directly with the Agent through the audio portion of tbe Agent's multimedDa device, requestiDg specific areas of the home to bc showD by the Agent for viewiDg by the EDd user.
The Main Menu Feature aDows the End User to return to the main menu of the disclosed system. Under the View Feature, the End User could fast forward, reverse, pause, zoom in/out, free~e frame, or resume play of the property or amy other type of profile being viewed. Future advances m virtual reality would also be avi~ilable umder the View Feature. With the Options Fea-ture, End Users could search and/or save property prof~ or delete property profiles previously viewed. The TraDsaction ProcessiDg Database 428 which provides calendar scheduliDg could also be accessed umder the Options Feature.
The disclosed system would eDable End Users to shop for properties of afl types as well as ideas of ail kinds. As an example, an End User could view numerous property profiles to gather kitchen remodehDg ideas. Under the View Feature on screen 7~0, the End User could manipulate the kitcheDs to their bkmg, save these alteratioDs umder the Options Feature and use the Local BusiDesses Feature to access the Real Estate Services Rdated Database 44~ and/or the Home Serv-ices Database 444. These two databases would allow the End IJser to do comparative shopping for buildiDg supplies, architects, decorators, remodehmg contractors, appliance dealers, or any Wo 9~112~76 PCT/US94/12646 ~ 7 4934 other type of goods ot sctvice providers needed to complete the project. On estimates, plans, and scheduiing (via the Optiorls Featute accessing the Transaction Processing Database) were final-ized, the End User wouid obtam detaiied infotmatioD on financing the new icitchen via the Mortgage Quaiification Feature. The Mottgage Quahfication Feature on scteen 700 accesses the Mortgage Programs Database 448, Personal Mortgage Anaiysis Database 450, and the Mortgage Rates Database 45~ Using these databases to compate loan terms ~md conditions, the End User could directly with the iendmg institution of theit choice. Rettieving the property profile with the desired icitcheD or the aitered version as the case may be, the End User ran provide a complete project loan request to the lender through theit muitimedia device and the dis-dosed system.
When acressimg the Community Information Featute on screen 700, a video vignette of the rommunity chosen is aired. In addition, the Cor~nmlity Information Feature provides entry into Community Infotmation Databases iiice Events and Atttactions 438 which contains detaiis on arts amd ~,~lt-,l i t, a~mual events, sportS, amd speciai events. Two other databases, Government and Civic tt " 434 and the Educationai Faciiities Database 440, pro~ide the End I Isers with infotmation on schoois, civic . ~ and chutches which often Agents ate not per-mitted by ethics or law to discuss.
Figure 8 is an example of how a Reai Estate Agent may view and rettieve mformation in the disciosed system. Features specific to the Agents scteen 800, mciude am Edit Feature which al-lows Agents to proof the data produced by the Media and am Eiecttonic Maii (E-Mail) Feature which transfers ptiviieged amd proptietaty infotmation to odher Agents who ate users of the in-stant invention. The sample screen im Fignre 8 aiso displays fomt ptimaty databases the Agent would utiiize ftequently. They ate the Referrai Networic Database, Transaction Processmg Database, Agent Leads Database (Leads), amd Maticet Data Database.
As one example, the instant invention gives Agents extensive information which can be used when obtaming property listings ftom owners. To get new hstings, Agents could provide the owners with mfotmation regatdmg the length of time it cmtendy taices to maticet their type of WO 95/12176 PCT/US941126~6 ~ 2 1 74 934 property, obtain a bona fide contract, and dose on a property similar to the owners'. This infor-mation is derived from contracts pendmg, contracts closing, amd sales-to-date data available in the Transaction Processing Database and the imventory reports available from the Market Data Database which compiles qnantitative property profile data from the FSBO, Auction, amd Agent Listing Property Profiles Databases. The property profile databases (FSBO, Auction, and Agent Listmgs) oollectively provide the Agent and Owner with how many similar type properties are cur-rently on the market amd marketed via the disclosed system.
By accessing the Agent Leads Database (Leads Feature, screen 800), the level of market in-terest in similar properties could also be obtained. This information would be available for last week, prior month, previous quarter, or even last year. Because the disclosed invention is not hmited to locality or geographic boundaries, the instamt mvention enables the Agent to market the property wherever the disclosed system is avr~lable. Utihzing the Referral Network Database, the Agent can provide the owner with other Agents on the disclosed system who c~m assist them v/ith their real estate needs elsewhere.
Figure 9 is a sample display screen 900 of D ~ . ' Retrievals. Because each property profile and ' regardless of sponsor has its own ' ~ code amd cach user of the discloscd system has their own ao~ess code, the instant mvention provides detailed data on all aspects of viewership amd response. When, where, and how often am ' and/or profile is viewed is inst;mtly recorded by the disclosed system. The instamt mvention is a measurable ad-vertising medium which measures advertising im tcrms of exposure, response, amd level of imterest.
Viewership amd response patterns can be retrieved by advertisers, agents, and subscribers via the disclosed system's !' " , ' ' retrieval databases: Property Inquiry, Property Retrieval, Adver-tiser Inqur,y, amd Advertiser Retrieval. As the scrcen 900 example illr~strates, viewership and ex-posmres as well as inquiries amd/or resporse c~m be retrieved on a National, Regional, State, or Lo-cal basis. Custom retrievals as a result of testmg various advertising appeals/offers is also avail-able. The disclosed system could provide levels of interest and ~ ,' profiles by question-ing viewers at various pomts.

2l74934 The instant system supphes advertisers, ageDts, amd subscribers with a daily picture of the local, state, regional, amd national real estate market. Property mquiries from one geographic loca-tion to another are recorded so movmg patterns c~m be traeed n .' data compiled, merged, and sorted from the present mvention c m be used for a variety of purposes, but market trends and research as well as targetmg advertismg messages would be the primary use. As an ex-ample, a bank which advertises its mortgage programs amd rates m the Mortgage Programs Database and Mortgage Rates Database could use the instant mverl~ion's ' _ . ' retrievals to determme if there was an increasing demand for housmg m their area which could bring new deposit account relationships as well as the opportm ity to book new mortgages. If housing demands were increasing as revealed by information retrieved on the disclosed system, the bank could rationahze the approval of a new development loam to a developer and subsequent credit Iine extensions to area builders, general contractors, excavation companies, paving contractors, and any other type of related business or service provider needed to fult-lll the forecasted demand.
To generate the ' ' business, the barlk could then advertise exclusively to these en-tities via the disclosed system.
Another example of advertising to advertisers within the instant system is a window mtroducmg a new wmdow design amd production technique. The window mamufac-turer could access the Home Services amd/or Real Estate Related Services databases and target their advertising message to builders, architects, buildmg supply centers, amd remodeling contrac-tors. Through the instamt invention, product ' amd the ' _ process could be shown to the target audience amd product acceptamce, mquiries, amd orders could be monitored amd obtamed. At the same pomt, the disclosed system would allow the wmdow r ' to advertise their new window desig~ and production technique to the End User who could receive an electronic coupon redeemable at the local building supply center, thus generating store traffic for the retailer amd providing ' "~ for the advertising message from ' Gl to wholesaler, to retailer, to the End User, and all through the hlstamt mvention.

2 1 7~ ~34 Users of the ' " . ' generated by the mst~mt invention can increase business to exist-ing customers, generate new customers, and target potential customers early in therr decision process.
The mternctive advertising medium(s) provide a daily pieture of America's real estate of ferings amd contain " for related products amd services. The present invention is a response tracking amd retrieval system for interactive ~d provides detailed marlcet data such as housing trends, purchase patterns, market cyeles, ' _ , ' , amd from inquiries amd responses to information posed in the mteractive advertising medimm(s). Thi~ information can be used by mdustry-rdated businesses amd serYices as weU as marketers m gen~ral to define marketmg programs amd target audiences with information they are interested m receiving. The present mvention is a real-time, lI,a~ di;._., I ' g~
tracking system capable of generating drrect response vehicles (i.e., ooupons, reply and order mechanisms, etc). In the present invention, because each property proftle, I ' t, fimam eial institution, etc has its own; ~ code arld each user of the mteractive advertising medium(s) has therr own access code, the present invention can provide detailed data on aU
aspects of viewershi.- amd response. When, where, amd how often an: ' and/or profile is viewed is mstantb recorded by the present mventdon. As a resnlt, viewership amd response pat-terns can be retrieved by advertisers, real estate agents, amd ~' _ . ' subscribers to the present mvention.
The interactive advertismg medium(s) consists of mteractive directories ~vhich communi-cate with each other in a synergistic manner. Except for restricted data, each drrectory has the ability to exch mge data with the other, in one or more r~stamo s amd '~. The interac-tive advertismg medium(s) are ..- ' to, amd used in oonjumcdon with the present inven-tion. As a result of the interactive advertising medium(s), the present invention provides the most _ d~-base of housing trends, - , hfestyles, purchase patterns, market cycles, and ~D~. ,, ~ to entities seeking marketing research.

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~7 4934 Consumers can access the interactive advertismg medium(s) amd view properties according to location, typc (home, farm, cstate, etc.), or price. Each selection will have full motion video with stereo soumd plus grapbic display featmes. The mteractive advertising medium(s) will have information consisting of a property's interior/exterior scenes, maps, surveys, plats, and the propertrs ~ code. In addition, the listing agent's name amd telephone number will also be displayed (closed-captioning for the hearing impaired is also available). With a touch of tbe screen, a remote control, or by voice commamd, the viewer c,m direct commect to the agent for more information. Assummg desktop video capabilities are m place m the mteractive advertismg medium(s) one can access the video-conferencing system for visual contact between the viewer and listmg agent. Video-conferencing is am mtegral part of the mteractive advertismg medimm(s) amd one specific use is reviewing renderings and monitoring progress during different building phases by the I . contractors, architects, construction loam officers, and building inspectors.
Both electronic and voice mail also exist within the interactive advertising medium(s) so specifica-tions amd other text-based material amd voice ~ c~m occur rapidly and without time ~one interference.
Once the consumer chooses the property eriteria they're mterested in on am absolute or ramge basis, (for example, number of bedrooms, baths, price ramge, style of house, square footage, year of construction or age of house, etc) a complete listmg of properties matching that criteria is displayed on the screen so individual property selections c~m be viewed amd considered. A useful checklist of items often overlooked when evaluating property is also available in the interactive advertising medium(s). The checklist provides am easy way to record information on the properties viewed m the response traeking amd retrieval system for nnteractive or the present mvention.
With the mteracdve advertismg medimm(s) anyone mvolYed m the leasnng, sale, pmchase, or exchange of real estate can have a eost effective, efficient, amd convenient means of retrieving detailed information on real estate anywhere m America, 24 homs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at their convenience and in the privacy of their own home.

WO 9~/12176 PCT/US94112646 ~ 2~ 74934 A consumer can vi~v, via their multimedia device properties listed OD the interactive adver-tising medium(s). This seen shows the consumer receivmg audio amd video n~formation on a proporty listed with am Agent. In aD cases, the property profile ~ ' number is prominontly displayed as is the contact person, regardless of how tho property is bemg marl~eted Q.e., FSBO, Auction, or Agent). The consumer can directly ' with the responsible parys off ce, home, mobile, or voice-mail telephone system through the Call Feature shown on the sample seen. The Fax Information Feature amd Video Cor~fercnce Feature can also be used as direct ~ ' devices.
In fact, the Video Conference Featwe has real-time, ~open house" capabilities, This feature enables a corlsumer to participate m am "open house" with am agent or seller amywhere, amytime, without leaving their home. Interested parties csm use a borrowed, rcnted, or their own video camera plugged mto an audio/video input iack located on their multimedia device for communica-tion. The Mam Menu Feature puts the consumer back to the main menu of the advertismg medium(s). Within the imteractive advertismg medimm(s), the consumer or sales agent c~m high-light a certain portion of the home amd zoom m to get a more detailed vicw. Future advances in virtual reality c~m also be available umder the View Featme. With the Options Feature, consumers can search amd/or save properq profiles, or delete property profiles previously viewed. The Trans-action Processmg sub-directory which provides calendar scheduhng can also be accessed umder the Options Feature. With the response tracking amd retrieval system for mteractive ' '' the present invention records all responses and inquiries to define the scope amd level of mtercst the user has for a property offering or related prodnet or service.
The mteractiYo adYertising medium(s) enables oonsumers to shop for properties of al types as well as ideas of all kimds. As an example, a consumer can view numerous property profiles to gather kitchen remodeling ideas and then save those Icitchens that peak their imtcrest.
Usulg various features as illustrated at the top of the seen m the figure, the consumer can manipulate the l~itchens to their hlfing, saYe these alterations umder the Options Peatnre and use the Loeal Busmesses Feature to access the Real Estate Related SerYieDS sub-directory and/or the .
?~149~4 22 Home ServicK sub-directory. With these t vo sub-directories, comparative shopping for bnilding supplies, architects, decorators, remodelnng contractors, apphance dealers, or any other type of goods or services needed to complete their kitchGn dreams is a breeze. Once estimates, plans, and scheduling (scheduhng is handled via Transaction Processing) were finahzed, the consumer can obtain detailed information on fmancing the nevv kitchen via the Mortgage Quahfication Feature.
The system of the present mvention records all of thGse actions, and imqniries are recorded to dcflne the scope and level of mterest the user has for the property offering or related product or service. The Mortgage Qualification Feature as shovin in the figure accesses the Mortgage Programs sub-directory, Personr,l Mortgagc Analysis sub-directory, and the Mortgage Rates sub-directory. Using these sub-directories to compare loan terms and conditions, the consumer can directly v~ith the lending hlstitution of thehr choice via the interactive advertising medium(s) Call Feature(s). Retrieving the property profilc ~vith the desired kitchen or the altered version as the case may be, the consumer c;m provide a complete project loan request to the lender through their multimedia device. Of course, the present mvention c~m be used by thG varjous in-formation providers to keep the consumer abreast of new offerings or changes in the requests pending.
The interactive advertising medium(s) mamLain a nationwide agent dirGctory with agents' addresses, brokerage affiliation, phone numbers and area(s) of experdse and this information is used im a special segment of the present mvention known as the Referral Network. Sin the im-teractive advertising medium(s) have a nadonwide database of aD types of property, the agent can now bccomG a "fuU-sorvice" facilitator of thoir client's real estate needs. The interactive advertis-mg medium(s) enh~mces the opportunity for an agent to not only mGase their commissions but expamd their market area. The tracking system of the present mvention can be used for seiectmg aU ,. ~, on the imteractive advGrdsing medimm(s). ThereforG, the market knowledge ob-tained by agents inaeased market presence will aGate a more informed agent. An agent market-mg a client's home m Albuquerque can provide market data amd property profiles for the client to review if, for instance, the client was moving to Boston. By analy~ing the market inventory of a WO 95112171i PCTtUS9~tl2646 ~ 21 74q34 certain price range and type of home in Boston through the present invontion, the agent Gm then search for agents (who speciaGze or have a signific~mt market i~nowiedge based on other rnforma-tion avaiiable rn the present invention to assist therr cGent in the Boston area. The referrai is "~ registered to protect the referrrng agent and this provides additionai income for thetwo agents and their companies. Of course the traeicing system is perpetuated by this new inf orma-tion amd tilis new information provides addGtionai marketing research data for advertisers using the rnteractive advertising medGum(s).
Real estate ~Jl. ' ' usrng the present rnvention cim have reports on a local, state, regionai, or nationai forlnat in mrnutes. For example, in the present rnvention, information regarding saies-to-date, exprred Gstrngs, iisting inventory by price, property type or location, eon-tracts pendmg, amd aged Gsting rnventory on a monthiy, quarterly, or a~muai basis is stored. Data from one report, for example price, can be used in conjunction with a particuiar property type fiie, say ' to provide pricing and rnventory anaiysis for that specific maricet. It shouid be noted the response trac'xing amd retrievai system used by Gcensed reai estate agents wili contain rnformation proprietary to just agents whose Gsting was viewed in the mteractive adver-tismg medium(s).
The response and retrievai system for tbe mteractive advertising medGum(s) wiii have personai access codes used for .~ ~, .' information proprietary to just them amd tbese personai access codes wiii be used for biiling purposes as weii as secnrity measures.
r ' ~ Services generates and confums ~,, and signific~mt dates for aii parties involved in a reai estate transaction. Specific information such as contracts pending and ciosmg dates are J to Agent Market Data for compiiation and mventory reports.
~ ' ~ Services c~m aiso be used m conjumction, for example, with Reai Estate Related Serv-ices to scheduie ,, . ~ with attorneys, buiiders, home inspectors, banicers, or any other real estate reiated service needed to complete the reai estate transaction. Tbe present rnvention c~p-tures tbis data as weii and stores it aii to track the actuai ciosing time frame for reai estate trans-actions in any given market. As a resuit, when a homeowner asics how long it does it taice on WO 95112176 PCT/US94~12646 .
~74934 average to eomplete the sale of my home, the real estate sales agent can provide a substantive answer. This same seenario cim be used by a home builder to aeerlrately accoumt for the time it takes to build a particular home thus minimizing penalties tied to eompletion date promises.
Agents continually attend eourses to better themselves im the practices and IG-r of their profession. Courses available to Agents for various eertifications are plentiful amd highly sought after. As can be expected, attendmg these classes requires time, monoy, and often travel-mg. With the imteraetive advertismg medium(s), Agents c~m participate m eourses designed to advanee their careers. The use of interactive multimedia deviees will create a "remote" classroom which will greatly enhance the professional agent. In this example, the present invention, or the response tracking amd retrieval system used, provides educators with appropriate eurrieulum offer-imgs for professional agents.
The Real Estate Agent c~m retricve leads generated by their own specific Agent Property Profiles via Agent Leads in the mteraetive advertismg medium(s). The Agents can also retrieve quantitative data on general viewership of any type of real property offerings seen on the imterac-tive advertismg medium(s) via the present mvention. The present imventiom has the capability to segment and defme just loolcing types from real bona fide buyers by categorizing the responses captured when the viewer was usmg the imteraetive advertismg " 'c) In nGarly every case, this ir,formation is available on-demand, for last week, prior month, previous quarter, or even last year. Because the imteractive advertismg medium(s) are not limited to locality or geographic botmdaries, the mteractive advertismg medium(s), enable the Agent to obtam market data wherever the interactive advertising medium(s), are employed. The use of various directories amd/or w. , " v sub-directories in one eombination or another within the present invention will provide extensive market data and research for the Agent.
As one example, the present invention f~ives Agents extensive information which can be used when obtaining property listings from owners. To get new hstings, Agents c;m provide the owners with irlformation regardimg the length of vme it currently takes to market their type of property, obtain a bona fide eontract, amd close on a property similar to the owners'. This infor-WO 95112176 PCT~US94/12646 2 1 74~34 25mation is derived from contracts pendmgL contracts closing, and sales-to-date data available m ~ ' _ Services amd mventory reports available from Agent Market Data which compiles quantihtive property profile data from the FSBO, Auction, amd Agent Listing PROPERTY
PROFILES While accessing PROPERTY PROFILES (FSBO, Auction, and Agent Listings) collec-tively provides the Agent amd Ownor with how mamy similar type properties are currently on the market and marketed via the mteractive advertising medium(s). As the premier mteractive adver-tising response system, the present mvention provides accurate L_..D;.I._ data through m-tegrity driven checkpoints posed m the form of viewers using the interactive advertising medium(s).
The mteractive advertismg medium(s), COMMUNITY INFORMATION Directory contams:
Community Profiles (a video vignette of ); Government amd Civic 11 _ (a grapbical display of the community's government amd eivic _ ), Events and Attractions (such as sports, recreational facilities, arts amd ~ t, special attractions (amuscment parks), and annual events; and am extensive list of Educational Facilities which provide End Users with information on schools. the interactive advertising medium(s) COMMUNITY INFOR-MATION Directory c~n provide information on schools, civic, ~ ~ . and churches which often Agents are not permitted by ethies or law to discuss. Inquhies mto these direaories are re-corded by the present invention amd used by sponsors of the message seen m the mteractive adver-tising medium(s) for additional follow-up, cross-sell amd promotion as to other products or serv-ices.
The mteractive advertismg medium(s), LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SERVICES directory also has sub-directories. All of these sub-directories contain paid infomercials from advertisers and the present mvention accurately records amd determmes viewership in terms of length of view-ing pattern, any inquiry into a particular product or service offered during the course of the in-fomercial and, most importantly, provides this data to the sponsor.
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WO 9S/i2176 PCT/US94/12646 .
~17493 in the imteractive advertismg medium(s), Real Estate Related Services Diredory one wiii fmd information on attorneys, mortgage companies, architects, builders, moving companies, and property Any imquiry or viewership of information foumd wiii be recorded and stored for the sponsor to retrieve amd use. From an mvention pomt-of-view, data regarding serv-ices offered by the ' ' advertisers c~m be used by the sponsors as weii as third parties such as property insuramce, ' ...it~ , buildmg supply centers, apphance dealers, amd ap-praisers of real property.
In the interactive advertising medium(s), Home Services Directory, consumers can fmd a decorator, lawn arld garden purveyor, painter, and/or do some comparison shopping for furniture, apphances, draperies, waii coverings, floorings, or buildimg supphes aii im the comfort of their home. Marketers of such goods c~m evaiuate competitive practices and determme market demamd to assist in imventory selection, ~mticipate purchases for related items and target viewers with coupons or other store-traffic generation devices as a result of the present imvention.
If a trip to the community viewed is forthcommg, consumers c~m fmd a motel, hotel, or even a bed and breakfast when they access the imteraetive advertismg medium(s), Local Res-taurants and Lodgmg Directory. With a touch of the screen, a remote controi, or a simple voice commamd, the viewer can direct commect to the locai lodging or restaurant of their choice and make reservations. The present imvention wiii track the request for ' and provide participating restaurants with information regarding the user s destination, estimated time of ar-rivai amd departure so the restaurant owner can promote bis eatery to the viewer im bis hotd room through the interactive advertising medium(s).
The interactive advertising medium(s), REAL ESTATE FiNANClNG system enables both real estate tl - f~ and consumers to retrieve data on fJnamcmg options via four sub-directories: Reai i_state Notes, Mortgage Programs, Personai Mortgage Anaiysis, and Mortgage Rates. Reai Estate Notes contaims a compiiation of reai estate notes offered for saie, servicmg, or exchange on a locai, state, regionai, or nationai basis. Note-holders advertismg notes on the system can include information regardimg face vaiue, issue amd maturity dates, yield, coiiaterai descrip-WO 95/12176 Pcr/uss.J/I2646 21 749~
27tion, and pricing. The prcsent imvention can identify market trends in each of these r,lforma-tional categories and provide imvcstors m these instruments v/ith valuable irsight as to marlcet con-ditions.
In the imteractive advertising medium(s), Mortgage Programs, vicwers vill find dctailcd m-formation about VA, E:HA, and r. ~ mortgagc programs a vvcll as Jumb4 Adjustable Rates, Fb~ed Rate, amd hybrid programs. Under Mortgage Ratcs, a timely compilation of morlgage rates is maintained and kcpt on a local, statc, regional, amd national basis for comparison amd availability. Thc prcscnt mvcntion can idcntify trcnds in cach of thesc r '- ~ catcgories amd provide mvestors in these ulstruments v/ith valuable rnsight as to market conditions Lending inStitutions c,m also usc thc trackmg systcm of thc prcscnt mvcntion for ~ompetitive pricmg amalvsis amd determine product demands. Additionally, the system c~m be uscd by traders in mortgage-backed ~ rities to spot markct trcnds and ,, Thc ir)~ --ivc advcrtismg mcdium(s), Personal Mortgagc Analysis Sub-Dircctory cnablcs a user to cnter ~ onal data m regards to mortgage quahficatdon parameters (obtained im the Mortgage Program Sub-Directory amd discussed abovc) and prc-quahfy for a mortgagc bascd on information obtaincd from thc Mortgagc Rates Sub Dircctory. Thesc sub-dircctorics c,m mtcrface with the property profilcs thc end uscr prcviously vicwed and produce an on-screen fmamcing program for each property viewed - complctc with monthly paymcnt, escrow, down paymcnt and closing cost ~ 1" (fax-back capability is also prescnt). Thc mtcractivc advertismf~
mcdimm(s), also works in rcverse, once a property profilc has bcen played, thc vieV/er will have thc option of vicwing fnancing alternativcs. Advcrtiscrs such as banks amd mortgagc companies found m REAL ESTATE FINANCING can supply thcir various mortgagc programs to thc databasc. Thcsc sub-drrcctories mtcrface with one another amd c~m bc utihzed to compare loan terms offered by various lenders. Here again, the present imvention can identify trends m each of thcsc ' ' catcgories amd providc mvestors m thesc instruments with valnablc insight as to markct conditions. Thc prescnt mvcntion c;m also bc used by tradcrs m mortgagc-backcd securities to spot market trcnds and ,~

.
2~ ~ ~934 In regard to propertieS offered, Advertisers, Real Estate Agents, and Subscribers to the in-teractive advertising medium(s), response tracking and retrieval system can retrieve viewership response patterns via four sub-directories: Property Inquiries, Property Retrievals, Advertiser In-quiries, and Advertiser Retrievals. Property Inquiries consists of all qualitative inquiries genera-ted by viewers seeldng more information on specific property profiles viewed on the interactive advertising medium(s). Property Retrievals is generated by viewership of any property profiles wherein the viewer may or may not be interested in pursuing the transaction but has viewed the property. Advertising Inquiries comprises all qualitative inquiries generated by viewers seeking more information on specifc goods or services advertised on the interactive advertising medium(s). Advertiser Retrievals is generated by viewership of any advertising message wherein the viewer may or may not be interested in obtaining more information about the advertiser's goods and/or services. All viewership and responses thereto, are captured and stored providing easy access and . ' for subscribers to the tracking system of the present invention. Data is continually updated to ensure accurate, up-to-date information at all times so viewership and exposures as well as inquiries and/or responses can be retrieved on a NationaL Regional, State, or Local basis. Custom retrievals as a result of testing various advertising appeals/offers are also available. The present invention can also provide levels of interest and ~ ,' profiles by questioning viewers at various points while ~iewing any property or advertising message As an example, a bank which advertises its mortgage programs and rates in the interactive advertising medium(s) can use the present hnvention to determine if there was an increasing demand for housing in their area which can bring new deposit account relationships as well as the opportunity to book new mortgages. If housing demands were increashng as revealed by informa-tion retrieved on the interactive advertising medium(s), the bank can rationahze the approval of a new development loan to a developer and subsequent credit line extensions to area builders, general contractors, cavation companies, paving contractors, building supply centers, plumbing and painting compalues, apphance dealers, and any other type of related business or service provider needed to fulfill the anticipated demand. To generate the new business, the bank can WO 95111176 PCTI~JS94/12646 2 1 ~q34 then target their advertising exclusively to those entities via the mteractive advertising medium(s) and, in turn, each of the _' ' bank customers and primariiy the real estate developer, can advertise tbe new development on the mteractive advertising medimm(s) to end users. Viewer-sbip patterns amd mquiries c~m help monitor tbe opening of new pbases m tbe devdopment and level supply with demand througb the present mvention. Builders as well as eaeh of tbe aforemen-tioned product or service entities can use tbe present invention to determme market conditions.
Thus speculation as to market demands and supply is defined aod ' ' versus narrowly forecasted as mmder the prior art.
In the pubhc sr ~,r, both local and state govermnents c~m use the present mvention to forecast demamd for public goods amd ser~ices sucb as new roads, scboois, parks, and utility re quirements. As a side note, this same sector of tbe economy can sponsor the information contained m Commurlity Profiles. In most cases, an advertiser of any type of goods or services can be a user of tbe present mvention since it accounts for their advertising doliar tbrougb measurable trackmg and identifies where to concentrate futurG advertising , " Accordingly, an advertisers message in terms of effectiveness ir. ' ' throngh the present mvention. Tbe present in-vention enables customized reports of all types to businesses and ser~ices wbich can use tbe data to determine market conditions and trends and generate forecasting modules.
An exaunple of the use of the tracking information provide by the tracl;ing system of the present mvention to promote business to busmess reiationships witbin tbe mteractive advertismg medium(s) is a window ' introducing a new wmdow design amd production techmique.
The window ' can access the intoractive advertising medimm(s) ~ome Sen~ices amd/or Reai Estate Related Services and target their advertising message to buiiders, arcbitects, buiidmg supply centers, and remodehng contractors. Product ' and the manufactur-iog process c m be shown to the target audience amd product acceptamce, mquiries, amd orders, can be monitored and obtained. The present invention eschews wasted circnlation of follow up coliaterai materiais from advertisers by using the data produced by the present invention. At the same time, the mteractive advertisiog medimm(s) enable the window ' to advertise WO 95/12176 PCT/US94~12646 ~7 4q34 30 their Dew window design and production tecbnique to the end user who can receive am elearonic coupon redeemable at the local building supply center, thus generating store traffic for the retailer amd providing ' "~y for the advertismg message from ' to wholesaler, to the end user, to retailer, and aU through the interaetive advertising medium(s).
In the end, tbe present imvention supplies advertisers, real estate agents, and ' ~ , ' subscribers with a daily picture of the local, state, regional, and national real estate market.
Property imquiries from one geographic location to another are recorded so moving patterns C?m be traced. Demographic data compiled, merged, and sorted can be used for a variety of purposes, bnt market trends amd research as well as targetmg advertising messages is the primary use.
Users of imteractive advertismg medimms can beneflt from the present system's response tracking and retrieval system database of marketing research files to imcrease business to e~dsting customers, generate new customers, amd target potential customers early in their decision process.
In the pubhc sector, both local amd state goverDments can use the iDstant system to forecast demand for pubhc goods and services such as new roads, schools, parks, and utility , c As a side note, this same sector of the economy could sponsor the informatioD contained iD the Community Profiles Database. In most cases, an advertiser of amy type of goods or services on the disclosed system would be a user of the ' _ ,' retrievals smce it accoumts for their advertis-ing doUar aDd identifies where to concentrate futnre advertising expenditnres.
The maimframe, or computer used as a Server, c~m be amy one of mamy l nown computers, such as an 173M /370 rmrniDg MVS and VTAM and amy of mamy available database and support programs, or a Sun workstation runDing UNIX aDd any of many database programs available.
The specific property profiles of iDdividual properdes are preferably stored as individual records of a database file contaiDing aU such records, or some portion thereo Preferably the records con-tain relevant information located im appropriate fields, mcludimg fields containing the digitized images amd audio, or an address where the digiti~ed images are located. Preferably the Server has a system with appropriate password entry amd protection abilities. The software on the Server has codes present for blocking out certain f~elds of the specific property file records, or certain infor-Wo 95/~2176 PCT/US94/12646 ~ 2t 7'~934 31mation for the property files which contah~s specific information r~tended for the Real Estate Agent's accoss, but not tho End User's or Subscriber's accoss. This fimction c~m alternatively be performed at the End User's or Subscriber's terminal.
The &play portion of the foregoing multimedia device 300 c~m be a television, computer monitor, high density television or virtual reality device. Although the current virtual reality devicos are expensive and havo not yet reached their fuD potential, they would provide enharced viewmg of the property. As &play teclmology improves, enhancod viewer mvolvement with properties will also occur. The instamt system allows the flexibility to irlcorporate amy of the cur-rent, as weD as the future, technologies.
The software for conflguring the system is easily built using stamdard database develop-ment techmiques well known to those skiUed in the art, based on the ~1~, ' described hereim and the selection of the desired options. The multimedia termmals may be common per-sonal computers, such as an IBM or compatlble with a 38~ ,., appropriate video for &playirlg graphics, amd a soumd card for audio. Software for controDing the ~ ' ' with the Sener cim be Wimdows based, and rs easily built using known teclmiques based on the con-f~gurations described hereim. An alterrlative End User system utilizing a cable television network amd dccoder box can also be , ' ' using known techniques.
Due to the versatility im l ~ ~ different categories of access codes c~m be imple-m~nted depeodmg on a user's rl ~ifir~inn Aecess codes c~m also determme the biDirlg rate for the user. Prospeetive home purchasers could pay for the service viewed m their home on a time nsage basis and biDing could occur throngh their loeal cable company or other entity.
The followmg is an example of a system of the instimt imvention. This eYample is for il-lustration purposes and should not be viewed as hmiting the scope of the invention. The Sener's proceSsor is presently at a centrahzed location, and all Agent, Media, Subscriber, Advertiser and End User units tie into this centrahzed unit. The Media multimedia devices imclude an image scamner which digitr~es I ' v , ' am A/D converter, and microphone for audio scrjpts. At the Medja's location, ' for property are produced which contain a digitized pictme or ~7 4~34 scries of pictures, and a YOioe description of aesthetic elements of the property. Information describmg the important features of the property, mclndmg acreage, rooms and room sizes, ad-dress, owner, the listing Agent and other relev~mt information are entered by a computer l~eyboard present in the Media's multimedia deYioe. The assembled hlformation on a giYen property is com-pressed amd sent Yia modem over tdephone Iines to a eomputer, where a file m a database is produoed containing all releY~mt information. Before being sent to the computer, the assembled information may be sent to a Real Estate Agent for aRroYal and ' -An End User imterested im pnrchasmg a propetty has a . with the requiredmultimedia capability and installed software enabhng an imteractive session to be established with the computer Yia a modem amd telephone Iines. The End User begins by loggmg onto the system and giYing an identifier which enables the system to giYe End User leYel acoess. The End User enters information abont their needs which imclndes intended purchase price r;mge, property type, geographical imterests, and the lil~e. A menu is presented throuf~h which the End User can select from seYeral options inclnding mortgage information, community hlformation, property informa-tion and imdustry-related goods and/or servioes from AdYertisers. Based on the End User's infor-mation, a set of property or .~, files are sent Yia the compress/decompress units and modems to the End User. The End User can then browse tkrough the property profiles, viewing the digitized pictures wkile hstenmg to detailed propert,Y descriptions.
If the End Users fnd properties wkich they arc imteresLed in, the End Users can then go to a Real Estate Agent to have the property shown. At the Real Estate Agent's of fice, an Agent's multimedia system, imduding a compress/decompress unit, a modem, and multimedia computer, is present. The Agent cam gain access to information on properties to wkich the End Users were prevented acoess, sndl as the precise address and owner's telephone number, and, through tkis addi-tional information, arrange to show the property to the imterested party.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. An information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion comprising:
a) file server means for serving files;
said file server means having:
i) i/o means for receiving and transmitting data, ii) database storage means for storing information in database files, wherein said database files are configured for storing digital real estate information;
b) media terminal means for producing files, including digitized property information, said media terminal means having i) digitizing means for producing digitized real estate property information by digitizing analog signals, and ii) i/o means for receiving and transmitting digitized property information;
c) end user terminal means for entering data, transmitting said data to said file server means, and receiving and displaying data received from said file server means including said digitized properly information;
said end user terminal means having:
i) data entry/display means for inputting and displaying data, and ii) i/o means for receiving and transmitting data;
d) Agent terminal means for entering data, transmitting information to said file server means, receiving and displaying data received from said file server means, said Real Estate Agent terminal having:
i) data input/display means for inputting and displaying data, ii) i/o means for receiving and transmitting data;

said i/o means of said file server means being configured to enable information transfer with the i/o means of said media, said end user, and said agent terminals;
wherein said system is configured such that digital real estate information, including said digitized property information, is received at said file server means, transmitted from the i/o means of said media terminal means; said received digital real estate information being stored in said file server database storage means; portions of said digital real estate infor-mation is transmitted to said end user terminal means; and digitized property descriptions received at said end user terminal means is displayed for viewing.

2. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1 wherein:
said media terminal means, end user terminal means, and agent terminal means each fur-ther comprises compression/decompression means for compressing and decompress-ing files for storage and/or transmission.

3. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1 wherein:
said data base storage means of said file server means further comprises means for storing demographic information; and said end user terminal means and said agent terminal means are configured to select from, receive, and display said demographic information for display.

4. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1 wherein:
said data base storage means of said file server means further comprises means for storing advertising information; and wherein said end user terminal means and said agent terminal means are configured to select from, receive, and display said advertising information for display.

5. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1 wherein:
said data base storage means of said file server means further comprises means for storing financial information; and wherein said end user terminal means is configured to select from, receive, and display said financial information for display.

6. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1, wherein:
said file server means further includes information lock-out means, whereby said file server means is configured to prevent certain information from being accessed or sent to said End User terminal means, and configured to make available said certain information to said Agent terminal means.

7. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1, wherein:
said end user terminal means further comprises a cable television converter.

8. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1 wherein:
said end user terminal means further comprises a microcomputer.

9. The information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion of claim 1 wherein:

said data base storage means for storing digitized property descriptions further comprises means for storing scanned graphics images; and wherein said digitization means of said media terminal means includes an image scanner.

10. A method of acquiring and displaying real estate related information utilizing an informa-tion processing system containing file server means for serving files, said file server means having i/o means for receiving and transmitting data, and database storage means for stor-ing information in database files, the method comprising the steps of:
a) digitizing analog property descriptions of real estate properties to produce digitized property descriptions;
b) entering real estate information on said real estate properties;
c) storing said digitized property descriptions and said real estate information as property records in said database storage means of said file server means in a manner in which data can be selectively accessed;
d) receiving digital electronic end user information from an end user relating to the end user's real estate needs;
e) selectively providing digital electronic information of portions of said property records based on said digital electronic end user information, and not providing a portion of the real estate information of said property records which is made unavailable to said first end user; and f) providing said digitized property descriptions and real estate information to a agent in a form in which it can be viewed, based on information given by the agent, wherein said portion of the real estate information which was not available to said end user is provided to said agent.

11. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, further com-prising the steps of:
a) entering advertising information in real estate related areas;
b) storing said advertising information as advertising records in said database storage means of said file server means in a manner in which data can be selectively accessed;
c) receiving digital electronic end user information from an end user relating to the end user's purchasing needs;
d) selectively providing digital electronic information of portions of said advertising records based on said digital electronic end user information, e) providing said advertising information to a agent in a form in which it can be viewed, based on information given by the agent 12. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, wherein the steps of digitizing analog property information, receiving digital electronic end user information, providing digital electronic information to an end user and providing digitized property descrip-tions and digital real estate information to a agent further include:
the steps of compressing and decompressing said electronic information.

13. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, further includ-ing the steps of:
a) storing demographic information in said database storage means of said file server means; and b) providing a second end user with demographic information, in accordance with selec-tions made by said end user.

14. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, further includ-ing the steps of:

a) storing financial information in said data base storage means of said file server means;
and b) providing an end user with financial information, in accordance with selections made by said end user.

15. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, further includ-ing the steps of:
a) storing community information in said data base storage means of said file server means; and b) providing an end user with community information, in accordance with selections made by said end user.

16. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, wherein:
the step of selectively providing digital electronic information to said end user comprises sending a signal through a cable television line to a cable television converter.

17. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 10, wherein:
the step of selectively providing digital electronic information to said end user comprises sending a signal through a modem to a digital computer.

18. The method of acquiring and displaying real estate information of claim 11, wherein:
the step of digitization comprises image scanning of an image or set of images.

19. An information processing system for acquiring and displaying real estate related informa-tion comprising:
file server means for serving files, said file server means having a modem for receiving and transmitting data;

database storage means for storing information in database files;
said database files having digitized property information, community information, advertising information, mortgage information;
media terminal means for producing files including digitized property descriptions, said media terminal means having:
digitizing means for producing digitized property descriptions by digitizing analog signals, said digitizing means having an image scanner;
a modem for receiving and transmitting data;
compression means for compressing and decompressing files;
end user terminal means for entering data, transmitting said data to said file server means, and receiving and displaying data received from said file server means including said digitized property descriptions, said end user terminal means having:
data input/graphics display means for inputting data and displaying graphics;
a modem for receiving and transmitting data;
compression means for compressing and decompressing files;
Real Estate Agent terminal means for entering data, transmitting information to said file server means, receiving and displaying data received form said file server means, including said digitized property information, said Real Estate Agent terminal having:

data input/graphics display means for inputting data and displaying graphics;
a modem for receiving and transmitting data;
compression means for compressing and decompressing files;
said i/o means of said file server means configured to enable information transfer with the i/o means of said media, end user, and agent terminals;
wherein said system is configured such that digital real estate information including said digitized property descriptions is received in said file server means from said i/o means of said media terminal means; said received digital real estate information is stored in said file server database storage means; portions of said digital real estate information is transmitted to said end user terminal means; and digitized property descriptions received at said end user terminal means is displayed for viewing.

20. A system of tracking information using a computer network comprising:
a media's unit, said media's unit having:
a multimedia personal computer;
a digitizer, said digitizer being in communication with databases outside said network system and with said multimedia personal computer;
a compress/decompress unit, said compress/decompress unit being in with said multimedia personal computer;
a modem, said modem being in communication with said compress/decompress unit:
a server's unit, said server's unit having:
a computer, said computer having storage capabilities;
a modem, said modem being in communication with said computer;
database files, said database files being stored in said computer;
an agent's unit, said agent's unit having:
a computer, said computer having display means and input means;

a compress/decompress unit, said compress/decompress unit being in with said computer;
a modem, said modem being in communication with said compress/decompress unit:
a subscriber's unit, said subscriber's unit having:
converter means, said converter means having the capabilities of compression/decompression, transmission;
a viewing screen;
entry means;
a plurality of databases, said plurality of databases being stored in said Server's computer and accessible through said Server's modem.

Claim 21. The system of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 20 wherein said databases further comprise access software, said access software having access codes, said access codes corresponding to each of said databases.

Claim 22. The system of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 20 wherein said agent's computer further comprises storage capabilities.

Claim 23. The system of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 21 wherein said access codes allow transmission of data from corresponding databases.

Claim 24. The system of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 20 wherein the data from said databases is in the form of video.

Claim 25. The system of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 20 wherein the data from said databases is in the form of graphics.

Claim 26. The system of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 20 wherein the data from said databases is in the form of text information.

Claim 27. The method of tracking information using a computer network comprising the steps of:
receiving data, transmitting said data to a media's computer, displaying said data on said media's computer for editing by a media user, transmitting said edited data from said media's computer to a media's compress/decompress unit, compressing said data at said media's compress/decompress unit, transmitting said compressed data to a media's modem, transmitting said compressed data through said media's modem to an agent's modem, transmitting said compressed data from said agent's modem to an agent's compress/decompress unit, decompressing said data at said agent's compress/decompress unit, transmitting said decompressed data to an agent's multimedia device, displaying said data on said agent's multimedia device for editing by an agent user, transmitting said edited data to said agent's compress/decompress unit, compressing said data at said compress/decompress unit, sending said compressed data to said agent's modem, transmitting said compressed data from said agent's modem to said media's modem, transmitting said compressed data from said media's modem to said media's compress/decompress unit, decompressing said data at said compress/decompress unit, transmitting said decompressed data to said media's multimedia device, displaying said data on said media's multimedia for editing by an media user, transmitting said data from said media's multimedia device to said media's compress/decompress unit, compressing said data at said media's compress/decompress unit, transmitting said compressed data from said compress/decompress unit to said media's modem.
transmitting said compressed data from said media's modem to said server's modem.
transmitting said compressed data from said server's modem to said server's computer for storage.

Claim 28. The method of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 27 wherein said data is received from an external source.

Claim 29. The method of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 28 wherein said external source is a modem.

Claim 30. The method of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 28 wherein said external source is a personal computer.

Claim 31. The method of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 28 wherein said external source transmits analog data.

Claim 32. The method of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 21 wherein said analog data is transmitted through a digitizer, said digitizer converting said data to computer readable format.

Claim 33. The method tracking information using a computer network system wherein an agent user gains access to a plurality of databases through the steps of:

a. requesting data from said databases through an agent's computer, b. transmitting the data request from agent's computer to an agent's compress/decompress unit, c. transmitting said compressed data request from said compress/decompress unit to an agent's modem, d. transmitting said compressed data request from said agent's modem to a server's modem, e. transmitting said compressed data request from said server's modem to a server's com-puter, f. activating the databases to provide the requested data, g. retrieving said requested data from storage, and returning said data to said agent user through the steps of h. transmitting said compressed requested data from said server's computer to said server's modem, i. transmitting said compressed requested data from said server's modem to said agent's modem, j. transmitting said compressed requested data from said agent's modem to said compress/decompress unit, k. decompressing said requested data, l. transmitting said decompressed data to said agent's personal computer for display.

Claim 34. The method tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 33 wherein an agent user gains access to databases through use of an access code, said access code cor-responding to at least one of said plurality of databases.

Claim 35. The method tracking information using a computer network system wherein a user gains access to a plurality of databases through the steps of:
a. entering a data request from said databases through a user's entry means, b. comprising said data request being transmitted from said user's entry means to user's converter means, c. transmitting said compressed data request from said converter means to a file server's modem, d. transmitting said compressed data request from said server's modem to said file server's computer, e. activating the databases to provide the requested data, f. retrieving said requested data from storage, and returning said data to said user through the steps of:
g. transmitting said compressed requested data from said server's computer to said server's modem, h. transmitting said compressed requested data from said server's modem to said user's con-verter means, i. decompressing said requested data in said user's converter means, j. displaying said requested data on user's viewing means.

Claim 36. The method of tracking information using a computer network system of Claim 35 wherein an subscriber user gains access to databases through use of an access code, said access code corresponding to at least one of said plurality of databases.

37. The method of tracking demographic information by producing a compilation of data, com-prising the steps of:
entering a plurality of inquiring from a first user into a computer, coding said first user inquiries, storing said coded inquiries in a computer file, entering a plurality of inquiring from at least a second user into said computer, coding said plurality of inquiries from said at least a second user, each inquiry code representing as inquiry category, storing said second user inquiry codes in said computer file, retrieving inquiries by inquiry codes, calculating parameters relating to retrieved inquiry, displaying on a display terminal, said parameter relating to said inquiries.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said retrieved inquiries correspond to the number of in-quiries relating to a particular code.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising the steps of a user entering a series of responses corresponding to said series of predetermined inquiries, and analyzing said series of responses and providing selected information, said information being selected by matching user responses to predetermined categories of information, and displaying selected information on user terminal.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein as inquiry relates to an advertisement for a product or service.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein said user inquiry is for information relating to real estate within a predetermined cost range, and further comprising the steps of retrieving codes cor-responding to real estate construction companies which construct buildings within said predeter-mined cost range, storing said list in the memory of a computer data bank, and displaying said list on a display terminal.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein said user inquiry is for information relating to real estate within a predetermined cost range, and said information is mortgage rates for real estate within said predetermined cost range, further comprising the steps of retrieving codes corresponding to financial institutions financial institution which are currently providing loans for the acquisition of real property in the user's price range, and displaying on user's display terminal a list of financial institutions which are providing loans for the acquisition of real property in the user's price range.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein said user inquiry is additionally for information relating to structures by type, price range and age, displaying on user's terminal a list of companies which provide remodeling services for structures of the type, price range and age of the structure identified by user in user's inquiries.

44. The method of claim 37, wherein at least a plurality of said codes represent a real estate property characteristic.

45. The method of claim 37, said user inquiries represent a plurality of units of demographic information, each of said predetermined units being assigned a particular identification code, each of said predetermined units being stored in a database in a manner to be accessible by said identification codes, wherein demographic information is stored in said database and is retrieved by identifica-tion codes. said retrieved information being displayed on a terminal in the form of statistical demographic information.
40. The method of claim 42, wherein the demographic information includes the length of time it currently takes to market a specific type of property, obtain a sales contract, and complete the sale of said property 47. The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of recording the time period during which a real estate property profile is viewed by a user, assigning a code to said viewing time period, storing said code, collecting the plurality of codes relating to viewing time periods for a particular real estate property profiles, and converting said plurality of codes into a second code which represents viewer interest value in a particular property, displaying on a terminal, the viewer interest value corresponding to said second code.

48. The method of claim 37, comprising the step of storing in a computer memory, a code cor-responding to at least one of the time period and number of advertiser information retrievals by users, 49. The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of assigning a code to said viewing time period and said number of retrievals, storing said code, collecting the plurality of codes relat-ing to said advertiser information retrievals, and converting said plurality of codes into a second code which represents viewer interest value in a particular advertiser information, displaying on a terminal, the viewer interest value corresponding to said second code.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein said computer memory is a magnetic storage medium.

51. The method of claim 45, wherein said demographic information includes property inquiries from one geographic location, for property in another geographic location, said geographic loca-tions are recorded and moving patterns are tracked.