Several methods are known to enable the matching of businesses, which provide various products and services, with potential buyers of such products and services. Most basically, an individual buyer may identify a product or service of interest that is offered for sale through an advertisement placed by a particular business in a newspaper or magazine.

In recent times, advances in data storage and retrieval methods and communications techniques have permitted more sophisticated approaches to performing at least the initial step of matching businesses with their potential customers. For example, many businesses now provide information and advertising material relating to their products and services at sites which are addressable from within the network of interconnected computers known as the Internet.

Search engine programs stored on various host computers within the Internet categorise many millions of such sites according to the goods or services provided by these companies, an enable users to navigate amongst these sites in order to locate those sites of particular relevance. Generally, such search engine programs enable potential customers to select relevant sites by the entry of appropriate key words or by the selection of an appropriate business category of interest.

In spite of the ability of such programs to manipulate very large numbers of sites, the manner in which the results of a user's inquiry are presented generally provides the user with little information with which to differentiate the various businesses identified in the retrieved list of sites. Similarly, businesses wishing to take advantage of the Internet as an advertising tool are currently able to have only a limited possibility of directing a potential customer to that business's site, since that site simply appears as part of an extensive list including many other sites which offer the same or similar products or services.

There therefore exists a need for a database management and navigation system for use in these types of applications which enable businesses to more easily distinguish their products and services from those of competitors. There also exists a need for a database management and navigation system which provides potential customers with a greater ability to distinguish amongst businesses having information accessible from the system.

With this in mind, one aspect of the present invention provides a database management and navigation system comprising: a central controller including processing means, program storage means and data storage means, said program storage means and data storage means being operatively connected to the processing means, said data storage means maintaining a plurality of virtual property records each representing a cell within a multi dimensional space, each virtual property record identifying a position within said space and visual representation information of each cell, and at least one terminal, adapted for communicating with the central control, for transmitting cell selection information identifying a selected region containing one or more adjacent cells to said controller, said program storage means in said controller containing a program, adapted to be executed by the processing means, for receiving said cell selection information from said terminal and for transmitting visual representation information of cells within said selected region for display at said terminal.

Conveniently, the multi dimensional space may be divided into a plurality of juxtaposed districts, each district grouping cells of like criteria. The cells within each district may be associated with a common business or leisure activity.

The visual representation information of each cell may enable the display of a two or three dimensional virtual structure. The visual representation information of each cell may further enable the display of one or more computerised program, action or display links.

The central controller may act to receive a transaction request from a transactor and upon successful processing of the transaction request, the central controller may update the visual representation information of that cell with information provided by the transactor. The transaction request may include a request from the transactor to purchase or rent the selected cell. The transaction request may also include a request from the transactor to provide at least a portion of the visual display information for the selected cell. The central controller may process transactions only for cells for which a transaction authorisation has been received from a current owner or agent.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of database management and navigation in a system comprising a central controller including processing means, program storage means and data storage means, said program storage means and data storage means being operatively connected to the processing means, said data storage means maintaining a plurality of virtual property records each representing a cell within a multi dimensional space, each virtual property record identifying position within said space and visual representation information of each cell, and at least one terminal, adapted for communicating with the central controller, a method including the steps of: transmitting cell selection information identifying a selected region containing one or more adjacent cells to the central controller, receiving said cell selection information at said central controller, and transmitting visual representation information of cells within said selected region for display at said terminal.

The method may further include the steps of: receiving at said central controller a transaction request from a transactor, and upon successful processing of the transaction request by the central controller, updating the visual representation information of that cell with information provided by said transactor.

The following description refers in more detail to the various features of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the database management and navigation system, and corresponding method of database management and navigation, is illustrated in a preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the present invention is not, however, limited to the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a database management and navigation system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a graphical illustration of a two dimensional space comprising cells grouped into juxtaposed districts, each cell corresponding to a virtual property record stored in the database management and navigation system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a graphical illustration of a three dimensional representation of the two dimensional space of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a graphical illustration of one of the cell districts of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a graphical illustration of one of the cell districts of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating entities established by the database management and navigation system of Figure 1; and Figures 7 to 10 are flow charts illustrating the method of operation of portions of the database management and navigation system of Figure 1.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a block diagram of the primary elements of one embodiments of a database management and navigation system according to the present invention. In this system, a central controller 2 exchanges data with a plurality of remote terminals 3 to 6 by means of data transmission across

telecommunications links 7 and 8 interconnected by a telecommunications network 9, such as the Internet. The central controller 2 comprises a host server 10, including processing means 11 and associated program storage means 12 for the storing of programming code and data required to operate the processing means 11, and data storage means 13 connected to the host server 10.

The data storage means maintains a plurality of virtual property records each representing a cell within a two dimensional space. An illustration of such a two dimensional space is shown in Figure 2. The two dimensional space 20 is divided into a plurality of juxtaposed districts 21 to 40, each grouping cells of like criteria. In the example illustrated, each of the districts 21 to 40 group cells that are associated with a common business or leisure activity, such as government/politics, business/finance, home and garden, travel, etc. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention, the number of districts or like zones may vary.

A two dimensional representation of the two dimensional space 20, as shown in Figure 2, may be displayed at the terminals 3 to 6 to enable a user to select a particular district or other zone in the two dimensional space within which to navigate. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, a three dimensional representation of the two dimensional space 20 may be displayed to the user at a terminal. Selection between the two dimensional view shown in Figure 2 or the three dimensional view shown in Figure 3 may be made by activation of virtual buttons 41 and 42 or other appropriate user operable selection means.

Typically, each of the terminals 3 to 6 would consist of a personal computer and associated keyboard and computer mouse, so that the virtual buttons 41 and 42 are activated by means of operation of the computer mouse.

Navigation within each of the districts 21 to 40 of the two dimensional space 20 may be performed by the selection of one of the districts 21 to 40, or group of cells within each of the districts by activation of the desired district or cell group via the computer mouse. Alternatively, selection of one of the districts 21 to 40 or other cell grouping may be made by means of a drop down window 43 displayed to the user of one of the terminals 3 to 6.

Selection of one of the districts or cell groupings results in the transmission of cell selection information identifying a selected region, such as a district or other cell grouping, containing one or more adjacent cells to the central controller 2. Upon receipt of the cell selection information, the program code stored in the program storage means 12 causes the processing means 11 to retrieve, and then transmit to the requesting terminal, visual representation information of cells within the selected zone. The visual representation information is then converted at the requesting terminal into a two dimensional or three dimensional representation of the selected zone of cells.

An example of this is illustrated in Figure 4, which shows a two dimensional visual representation of the district 21 within the two dimensional space 20. The district 21 is divided into three zones, referenced 50,51, and 52 in order of increasing radial distance from the centre of the two dimensional space 20. Each zone is then divided into a number of lots. In this case, zone 50 contains 12 lots, zone 51 contains 23 lots and zone 3 contains 18 lots. The dimensions and relative dispositions of the districts 21 to 40, the zones within each district and the lots within each zone are stored within the data storage means 13. A virtual property record is created within the data storage means 13 for each cell. To uniquely identify each cell, and its position within the two dimensional space 20, each cell is identified by a key comprising the zone, district and the cell. For example, the code"3Al0"specifies the tenth cell in zone 3 of district A (where district A corresponds to the district 21 illustrated in Figure 4).

The visual representation information of each cell transmitted to the terminal may enable the display of the business name or other identifying information, such as a business logo. The visual representation information of each cell may additionally include a URL or link to an information source, such as an Internet website. Upon activation of such a link, the user of one of the terminals 3 to 6 may be then directed to that information source. In addition, visual representation information to enable the display of a virtual building or structure at the location of the cell may be provided. The various categories of

visual display information may be stored in the data storage means 13 and identified in the virtual property record created for each cell. The foregoing visual display information may be provided by the owner or occupant of each cell. Alternatively, at least a portion of the visual display information for any selected cell may be provided by a third party. For example, URLs or other computerised links to programs, actions or display information may be provided by third parties that have purchased, traded or rented the right to provide such information from the owner or occupant of a cell.

As shown in Figure 5, a three dimensional representation of a selected grouping of adjacent cells within the two dimensional space 20 may also be provided to a user of one of the terminals 3 to 6. For example, VRML or like files of buildings or structures associated with the own or occupant of each cell may be stored in the data storage means 13 and transmitted to the terminals 3 to 6 to enable the user to navigate amongst the cells within the two dimensional space 20 by means of a 3D view. An example of such a three dimensional view, in this instance of the zone 50, is shown in Figure 5. In the example shown in both Figures 4 and 5, activation of either the two dimensional visual representation (Figure 4) or the three dimensional visual representation (Figure 5) of each cell causes the central controller 2 to transmit to the requesting terminal for display content associated with the occupant or owner of that cell.

This content may be provided from a website associated with that owner or occupant, or from VRML or other files stored in the data storage means 13 or other appropriate storage locations. The three dimensional representation may be supplemented by the inclusion of URLs or links to other information sources, programs or actions, as previously described. It will be appreciated that the number of links able to be displayed at any one time is greater in a three dimensional environment than in a two dimensional environment.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically various entities and modules created by the program code stored in the program storage means 12 of the central controller 2 which enable the operation of the database management and navigation system. The classes of entities include an administrator 60, a bidder

61, an owner 62, an agent 63 and occupant or tenant 64. In addition, the database management and navigation system enables private sales 65, auctions 66, settlement 67, payment 68, billing 69 and leasing 70 to be performed in relation to each of the cells in the two dimensional space 20. In order to be able to participate in transactions relating to the cells within the database management and navigation system, and thereby bid for a selected cell in a public auction, participate in a private sale of a cell or rent or lease occupancy of a cell or at least a portion of the visual display information associated with a cell, users must firstly register with the database management and navigation system. In so doing, users become authorised as transactors by the database management and navigation system. In addition to providing a user name, pass word and contact details, a valid credit card number may be required for bidding, leasing/renting and purchasing of cells. This information is stored in a registered user database table in the data storage means 13.

A registered user recorded as the owner 60 of one of the cells within the two dimensional space 20 may apply to the system administrator 60 to list that cell for private sale, auction or leasing. Alternatively, an owner 62 may request a registered agent 63 to lease or sell a cell by private sale or auction for a fee payable to the agent. An online form is required to prompt the owner 62 for relevant information and submit this information to the administrator 60 or an agent 63. Registered users are able to be informed of the purchase/rental price of selected cells by activating (via a computer mouse) cells that do not have any owner/tenant information displayed (Figure 4) or have no virtual structure displayed (Figure 5).

Upon application to the administrator 60, a registered user may become a registered agent 63. An agent 63 is authorised to represent an owner 62 to lease a cell, sell a cell for private sale and/or auction a cell. Accordingly, a registered agent is authorised by the administrator 60 to add, edit or remove tenant information associated with the virtual property record of each cell and modify ownership information associated with that virtual property record. The administrator 60 is authorised to add, remove or edit all users of the data

management and navigation system including owner 62, tenant 64, bidder 61 and agent 63.

Figure 7 describes the manner in which a private sale of a cell is conducted. The manager of the sale is either the agent 63 or the owner 62 if an agent is not used. At step 80, the vendor (initially the administrator 60) agrees on a list price with the sales manager. Details of the private sale are entered by the sales manager and stored in the data storage means 13. At step 81, the virtual property record of the cell in question is updated to indicate that the cell is being offered for sale and the visual representation information in both the two dimensional view (Figure 4) and three dimensional view (Figure 5) is updated. At step 82, any Internet user is able to contact the sales manager to request purchase of that cell.

At step 83, the sales manager ascertains that the bidder 61 meets the criteria to qualify as an owner of that cell (is associated with a business/leisure activity of the category required by the district in which the cell is located) the sales manager contacts the prospective buyer by email.

Following synchronisation of the data storage means 13, and the two and three dimensional views at step 84, a determination is made as to whether the sales manager has transferred funds for the purchase of the cell. If this does not occur within a specified time period, the cell is once again placed on the market at step 86. Otherwise, the private sale 65 proceeds to settlement 67.

As seen in Figure 9, the private sale is continued by a determination at step 90 as to whether the cell is being sold for the first time. If this is not the case, the sales manager is required to pay stamp duty to the administrator 60, at step 91. Otherwise, at step 92, a determination is made as to whether the sales manager is an agent representing the vendor. If this is the case, the vendor is paid at step 93, the purchase price for the cell less the commission of the agent.

At step 94, the sales manager contacts the buyer by email to confirm the sale of ownership of that cell. At step 95, the data storage means 13 and the two and three dimensional views of that cell are updated to indicate that the cell has been sold. Thereafter, the new owner of the cell is able to provide visual

representation information associated with his business for display to users navigating within the two dimensional space 20.

Figure 8 illustrates the process involved in conducting an auction of a cell within the two dimensional space 20. At step 100, the sales manager lists the auction sale details to advertise the site for auction. In this case, the sales manager is the agent representing the vendor in the sale of the cell in question.

At step 101, the data storage means 13 and two and three dimensional views of the cell are updated to indicate that this site is being auctioned. At step 102, bids are collected from registered users of the data management and navigation system until a predefined auction period has passed. At step 103, a determination is made as to whether any bids have been received. If none have, the site is again listed for auction or private sale at step 104. Otherwise, at step 105 the sales manager reserves the cell for sale and contacts the highest bidder by email. At step 106, the data storage means 13, and two and three dimensional views of the cell are updated to indicate that the cell has been reserved. At step 107, a determination is made as to whether payment for the site has been received within a specified time period. If not, at step 108, the next highest bidder is considered as the highest bidder and steps 103 to 107 are repeated. Otherwise, the auction 66 proceeds to settlement 67.

Finally, Figure 10 describes the process involved in renting or leasing a cell within the two dimensional space 20. At step 120, the rental manager advised that the cell is available for lease. At step 121, the data storage means 13 and the two and three dimensional views of that cell are updated to indicate to users navigating in the two dimensional space 20 that the cell is available for lease. At step 122, prospective tenants contact the rental manager. At step 123, the rental manager contacts the successful applicant, who once again must be associated with a business activity falling within the category of the district in which the cell is located, to make payment for the first rental period to the rental manager within a specified time period. At step 124, a determination is made as to whether the payment has been made within a specified time period. If not,

at steps 125 and 126 a further applicant is identified and contacted. If there are no further applicants, the site is readvertised for lease at step 127.

If payment is received by the successful applicant, the rental manager, at step 128, pays the owner the rental amount minus a rental management fee. At step 129, the rental manager contacts the new tenant by email confirming the lease arrangement and at step 130 contacts other unsuccessful applicants. At step 131 the data storage means 131 and the two and three dimensional views of that cell are now updated to indicate that that cell is leased by a new tenant.

Subsequently, that new tenant is able to provide new visual representation information to be associated with the virtual property record of that cell in order to enable the display of visual information associated with the tenants business for display to a user navigating in the two dimensional space 20.

It can be seen from the foregoing that the present invention enables cells within the two dimensional space 20 to be purchased, transacted and navigated through in such a way as to maximise the value of the virtual property records to both the virtual owners or occupants of cells and users or customers of the database navigation system.

It is to be appreciated that many variations and modifications of the above described embodiment may be envisaged which'are within the scope of the present invention. For example, registered users of the present invention may be visually represented by a graphical representation or"AVATAR"of themselves as they navigate through the two dimensional space 20. This facilitates interaction between users of the database management and navigation system and increases the value of the system to owners, tenants and other users of the system.

Moreover, rather than commencing navigation of the two dimensional space 20 shown in Figures 2 and 3 at a remote position, owners or occupants of cells within the two dimensional space may commence navigation at a cell that they own or rent. In this way, virtual communities of cell owners or tenants may be established, and commercial interactions between owners or tenants within the one area of the two dimensional space 20 may be facilitated.

Whilst the foregoing embodiment has been described in relation to a two dimensional space 20, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is also applicable to a three dimensional space in which cells are available for occupancy or sale, and may be navigated through, in a three dimensional space.

For example, individual cells may be"stacked"on the same two dimensional space. Each of these cells may be individually purchased or occupied. In this embodiment, however, navigation through the three dimensional space may be undertaken by means by three dimensional representations of the cells within the space.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing invention allows for commercial forces or planning regulations created by a central systems administrator to create complimentary, but otherwise non-related, information or application cell zones or groupings. In addition, a further embodiment of the invention may provide for cell groupings or zones to automatically form around a user based on a predetermined or gathered profile of that user. In so doing, that user may only be provided with access to a cell zone created solely for their use. Such cell zones may also be created or placed manually by arrangement on"desktop" of the users terminal.