US 8468464

US Patent 8468464, titled "Interactive electronically presented map," was issued to Activemap LLC on June 18, 2013, from an application filed on May 29, 2009. The inventors listed are Michael Abramson, Erika Jakubassa, Michael Grisham, and Geoff Atkin. The patent's legal status is "Expired - Fee Related," with an anticipated expiration on April 30, 2022.

The abstract describes computerized systems and methods for interactive electronic area representations, such as maps, with associated information. Users can select information on the map (text, imagery) to view related details like contact information or hyperlinks. Conversely, users can query or select information to highlight its location on the map. The patent also features a "magnifier" for internal navigation within the map, allowing for a smoothly movable, magnified view of a map portion. Additionally, animated images can move over the map, including within magnified presentations.

Here is a plain-language overview of the independent claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Method Claim): This claim describes a method for providing interactive map information. It involves displaying an electronic map (area representation), with specific items marked on it. The system links the location of these items to additional information, which includes a hyperlink to a website. If a user selects an item on the map, the system displays its associated additional information. Conversely, if a user selects the additional information, the system indicates the item's location on the map. The map, the item's representation, and the additional information are all displayed simultaneously.

• Independent Claim 11 (System Claim): This claim describes a computer system that performs the interactive map functionality. It includes a display, a first database for item information (with items displayed on the map), and a second database for additional information linked to the item locations and including a hyperlink. A processor in the system is configured to manage the display of items, show additional information when an item is selected, indicate an item's location when its additional information is selected, and simultaneously display the map, item, and additional information.

• Claim 18 is a dependent claim, stating a computer-readable medium stores program code that causes a computer to perform the method described in Claim 1.

Litigation Information:
As of April 26, 2026, the patent family has ongoing litigation. Several cases related to US8468464 were filed in the Texas Eastern District Court in 2026, including cases 2:26-cv-00159, 2:26-cv-00160, 2:26-cv-00161, 2:26-cv-00162, 2:26-cv-00163, 2:26-cv-00165, 2:26-cv-00166, 2:26-cv-00167, 2:26-cv-00168, 2:26-cv-00169, 2:26-cv-00170, and 2:26-cv-00171. No records indicating a docketed case for US8468464 in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) for 2026 were found at this time.

As of April 26, 2026, there are known litigation cases involving US Patent 8468464. The patent family has ongoing litigation, with several cases filed in the Texas Eastern District Court in 2026.

Here's a summary of the known litigation:

• Plaintiff(s): Activemap LLC (implied, as they are the assignee and patent owner).
• Defendant(s): Not explicitly named in the provided information, but the cases are filed in the Texas Eastern District Court.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court.
• Case Numbers:
  • 2:26-cv-00159
  • 2:26-cv-00160
  • 2:26-cv-00161
  • 2:26-cv-00162
  • 2:26-cv-00163
  • 2:26-cv-00165
  • 2:26-cv-00166
  • 2:26-cv-00167
  • 2:26-cv-00168
  • 2:26-cv-00169
  • 2:26-cv-00170
  • 2:26-cv-00171
• Filing Date: All listed cases were filed in 2026.
• Outcome or Current Status: Ongoing litigation.

No records were found indicating a docketed case for US8468464 in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) for 2026 at this time.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings found on file for US Patent 8468464. This indicates that the patent has not been challenged through Inter Partes Review (IPR), Post-Grant Review (PGR), or Covered Business Method (CBM) review at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). For a defendant, this means all claims of the patent remain untested by the PTAB's validity challenges.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US8468464 are UNTESTED by PTAB proceedings. No claims have been canceled or sustained through IPR, PGR, or CBM. The absence of PTAB challenges means there is no estoppel landscape established under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) for any potential petitioner or their privies regarding grounds raised or that reasonably could have been raised. All prior-art grounds remain available for a defendant facing assertion of this patent. The lack of PTAB activity could signal that the patent owner has not aggressively asserted the patent in a way that typically provokes IPR filings, or that potential challengers have not yet identified strong grounds for invalidity that would justify the cost of a PTAB trial.

Recommended next steps

Since there is no PTAB activity, any defendant currently facing assertion of US8468446 has the full range of prior art challenges available should they choose to pursue an IPR. The absence of PTAB activity is a notable signal; well-asserted patents often become targets for IPRs, especially given the various ongoing litigations related to this patent family in the Texas Eastern District Court.

Inventors

• Michael Abramson (Activemap LLC)
• Erika Jakubassa (Activemap LLC)
• Michael Grisham (Activemap LLC)
• Geoff Atkin (Activemap LLC)

All inventors were associated with the original assignee, Activemap LLC, at the time of filing. There is no immediate indication of all inventors departing the original assignee within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee is Activemap LLC. Based on the patent description, Activemap LLC's primary line of business appears to be developing and providing computerized systems and methods for interactive electronic area representations, such as maps, with associated information and features like a magnifier and animated images. It is unclear from the patent text alone whether Activemap LLC shipped a product embodying the claims. The current status of Activemap LLC (operating, acquired, dissolved, in bankruptcy) is not determinable from the patent document itself.

Assignment timeline

A search of the USPTO Assignment Center for US patent 8468464 reveals the following recorded assignment:

• 2009-05-29 (executed) / recorded 2009-05-29 — Reel 022797/0861
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: ABRAMSON, MICHAEL; ATKIN, GEOFF; GRISHAM, MICHAEL; JAKUBASSA, ERIKA
  • Assignee: ACTIVEMAP LLC
  • Correspondent: MICHAEL ABRAMSON, 260 W 72ND ST APT 9D, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10023
  • Context: Original assignment from inventors to the filing entity.

As of the current date, no further assignments for US8468464 are publicly recorded in the USPTO Assignment Center. While Activemap LLC has partnered with Vectis IP Ltd for global licensing of its intellectual property portfolio, this arrangement is a licensing partnership and not a recorded assignment of ownership of the patent itself.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8468464
    2009 : Assigned to Activemap LLC
    2013 : Patent Issued
    2022 : Anticipated expiration
    2026 : Litigation initiated (multiple cases)

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The only recorded assignment is from the individual inventors to Activemap LLC, which appears to be the operating entity responsible for the invention. Activemap LLC states on its website that it was founded by the invention team and is run by the original inventors.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. Activemap LLC is not on the provided list of known asserters. While Activemap LLC has partnered with Vectis IP Ltd, an IP and technology licensing company, for a global licensing program, Vectis IP Ltd is an exclusive licensing partner and not an assignee of record for US8468464.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Unclear. Michael Abramson is listed as the correspondent for the initial assignment from the inventors to Activemap LLC (Reel 022797/0861). With only one recorded assignment, it is not possible to determine if this correspondent recurs across a chain for this specific patent.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There is only one recorded assignment for this patent.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. The initial assignment occurred in 2009, significantly before the 2026 litigation.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no information to suggest that Activemap LLC has filed for bankruptcy.
7. Privateering — Unclear. While Activemap LLC has engaged Vectis IP Ltd for a global licensing program and has initiated infringement actions in Germany through Activemap Europe GmbH, it is not definitively clear from the provided information if this constitutes privateering in the sense of an operating company transferring to an NPE to assert on its behalf against competitors. Activemap LLC is run by the original inventors and appears to be actively managing its patent portfolio through licensing and enforcement, rather than solely existing as a shell for another operating company.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The patent is currently held by Activemap LLC, which is asserting the patent.

Verdict

NPE — moderate confidence. While Activemap LLC appears to be run by the original inventors and actively licenses its portfolio, the engagement of Vectis IP Ltd, an IP and technology licensing company, for a "global licensing program" and the numerous recent infringement lawsuits in the Texas Eastern District Court (e.g., cases 2:26-cv-00159 through 2:26-cv-00171) suggest an assertion-focused strategy. Although Activemap LLC may have developed products embodying the claims in the past, its current activities, particularly the extensive litigation and partnership with a dedicated IP licensing firm, align with a patent assertion entity model, even if it originated as an operating company. The patent has not been acquired by a known defensive aggregator.

Verification: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 8468464, I will search the USPTO patent database for citations made by and against this patent. Prior art refers to any publicly available information that predates the effective filing date of a patent application and can show that an invention is not novel or would have been obvious (35 U.S.C. § 102 and § 103). This includes previously patented inventions, descriptions in printed or electronic publications, or inventions in public use or on sale.

Based on the patent text of US8468464, the "BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION" section explicitly cites several prior art references:

• U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,170

  • Publication/Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but its publication date would precede the priority date of US8468464 (April 30, 2001).
  • Brief Description: This patent is cited as an example of electronically presented maps available over the Internet.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1 and Claim 11 related to "displaying an electronic area representation" or "displaying an electronic map." It demonstrates that electronically presented maps were known prior to US8468464.

• U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,525

  • Publication/Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but its publication date would precede the priority date of US8468464 (April 30, 2001).
  • Brief Description: This patent is cited as an example of electronically presented maps available over the Internet.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US Pat. No. 4,974,170, this patent potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1 and Claim 11 related to "displaying an electronic area representation" or "displaying an electronic map."

• U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,260

  • Publication/Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but its publication date would precede the priority date of US8468464 (April 30, 2001).
  • Brief Description: This patent is cited as an example of electronically presented maps available over the Internet.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1 and Claim 11 related to "displaying an electronic area representation" or "displaying an electronic map."

• U.S. Pat. No. 5,818,455

  • Publication/Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but its publication date would precede the priority date of US8468464 (April 30, 2001).
  • Brief Description: This patent is specifically cited for disclosing a "magnifier feature that facilitates use of an electronically presented map."
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of US8468464 related to the "magnifier feature," as mentioned in the abstract and described throughout the patent. This could include aspects of claims that involve displaying a magnified portion of the map.

• U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,379

  • Publication/Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text, but its publication date would precede the priority date of US8468464 (April 30, 2001).
  • Brief Description: This patent is cited for disclosing the "use of a magnifier in connection with display of an image."
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US Pat. No. 5,818,455, this patent potentially anticipates aspects of US8468464 related to the "magnifier feature" in a broader sense of image display, which could be relevant to claims involving a magnified view of an area representation.

The patent also mentions several websites as examples of electronically presented maps available over the Internet, including www.mapquest.com, www.mapsonus.com, www.maps.expedia.com, www.maps.yahoo.com, www.maps.com, www.maps.excite.com, and www.mapblast.com, and www.zip2.com. While these are not patent documents, they could constitute "prior art" as "printed publications" or "otherwise available to the public" under 35 U.S.C. § 102, as they were publicly accessible prior to the priority date. They collectively demonstrate the existence of electronic map displays and could potentially anticipate the broad concept of displaying an electronic map as described in Claim 1 and Claim 11.

Obviousness Analysis Under 35 U.S.C. § 103

This analysis addresses the obviousness of US Patent 8468464, titled "Interactive electronically presented map," under 35 U.S.C. § 103, by identifying combinations of prior art references that would render the independent claims obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA) as of the priority date of April 30, 2001. A PHOSITA in this field would possess expertise in web development, database management, graphical user interfaces, and online mapping or directory services.

The patent itself identifies several prior art references in its "BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION" section, indicating what was known in the art prior to the invention. These include popular online mapping services and specific U.S. patents:

• Online Mapping Services: www.mapquest.com, www.mapsonus.com, www.maps.expedia.com, www.maps.yahoo.com, www.maps.com, www.maps.excite.com, www.mapblast.com, and www.zip2.com. The patent states that "Electronically presented maps are available over the Internet" through these services.
• General Map/Image Patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,974,170, 5,682,525, and 6,148,260.
• Magnifier Features: U.S. Pat. No. 5,818,455 (magnifier for electronic maps) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,379 (magnifier for image display).

The independent claims of US8468464 are Claim 1 (method) and Claim 11 (system). Claim 18, a computer-readable medium claim, is dependent on Claim 1.

Analysis of Independent Claim 1 (Method Claim)

Claim 1 describes a method for providing interactive map information, comprising:

1. Displaying an electronic map (area representation) with at least one item at a location.
2. Associating item information for the item with the location, the item information including additional information and a hyperlink for accessing a related website.
3. In response to user input selecting the item information, providing an indication of the item's location on the map.
4. In response to user input selecting the item on the map, providing the item information.
5. Displaying the map, the item representation, and the item information simultaneously.

Prior Art Combination for Obviousness of Claim 1:
A combination of existing online mapping services (e.g., MapQuest or Yahoo Maps) with common online business directory functionalities would render Claim 1 obvious.

Motivation for Combination:
A PHOSITA would be motivated to combine these elements to create a more integrated, user-friendly, and comprehensive online mapping and directory experience. The objective would be to enhance the utility of online maps by seamlessly connecting geographic locations with detailed business or point-of-interest information, including external web resources.

Explanation of Obviousness:

• Displaying an electronic area representation with an item at a location: This element was widely known and implemented by the priority date. Services like MapQuest and Yahoo Maps allowed users to view electronic maps and search for businesses or points of interest, which were then displayed on the map.
• Associating item information with the location, including additional information and a hyperlink: Online business directories and Yellow Pages services were prevalent by 2001 and routinely provided item information (e.g., name, address, phone number, business description) for specific locations, often including hyperlinks to the businesses' websites. Integrating this type of comprehensive business information, including hyperlinks, directly with map data was a natural extension for online mapping services.
• Two-way interactivity (selecting item information indicates location, selecting item on map provides information):
  • Selecting item information to indicate location: It was common for online directories that integrated with maps to allow users to search for a business, click on its listing (item information), and have its location highlighted or displayed on an accompanying map.
  • Selecting item on map to provide item information: Conversely, online mapping services often allowed users to click on an icon or representation of a business or point of interest on the map to display associated details (item information) in a pop-up or a dedicated information panel.
    The motivation to implement both directions of this interaction (fully "two-way") would be to improve user navigation and experience, ensuring a cohesive interface whether the user starts from the map or a text listing.
• Simultaneous display of map, item representation, and item information: Presenting a map alongside a related information panel or text area was a common graphical user interface (GUI) design pattern for web applications by the priority date. This approach allowed users to view related visual and textual content concurrently without constant page reloads, thereby improving workflow and user experience.

Therefore, a PHOSITA, seeking to improve the interactivity and informational value of online maps, would have been motivated to combine the known functionalities of web-based mapping services (displaying maps, showing points of interest) with the established features of online business directories (providing detailed information and hyperlinks, and linking text listings to map locations). This combination would result in the method described in Claim 1, rendering it obvious.

Analysis of Independent Claim 11 (System Claim)

Claim 11 describes a computer system for providing interactive map information, comprising:

1. A display.
2. A first database for storing item information (to be displayed on a map at a location).
3. A second database for storing additional information relating to the item, including a hyperlink, and a link between the item's location and the additional information.
4. A processor configured to:
   • Cause the display of the item on the map.
   • Cause the display of additional information upon user selection of the item on the map.
   • Cause the display of an indication of the item's location upon user selection of the additional information.
   • Cause the simultaneous display of the map, the item representation, and the additional information.

Prior Art Combination for Obviousness of Claim 11:
A standard computer system, utilizing common web server architecture, databases, and programming techniques available by 2001, in conjunction with the functionalities found in online mapping and directory services, would render Claim 11 obvious.

Motivation for Combination:
The motivation for assembling such a system would be the same as for Claim 1: to practically implement an integrated, interactive online mapping and directory service that delivers comprehensive, location-based information, including external web links, in a user-friendly manner.

Explanation of Obviousness:

• A computer system comprising a display: This is a fundamental component of any computer system and was universally known.
• First and second databases: Databases were standard components of web applications by 2001, used to store various types of information. A PHOSITA would routinely use databases to store map data (e.g., geographic coordinates for items) and associated textual information (e.g., business details, addresses, phone numbers). Structuring these databases to include links (e.g., foreign keys or coordinate matching) between map locations and detailed item information, including fields for hyperlinks, was a common database design practice.
• A processor configured to perform the claimed functions:
  • Cause display of item on map: Processors in web servers and client devices were routinely configured to render map graphics and overlay points of interest based on stored data.
  • Cause display of additional information on item selection: This function is a direct implementation of the interactive elements discussed for Claim 1, using standard GUI event handling and database retrieval techniques. When a user clicks an item on a map, the client-side script or server-side application would query the database for associated item information and display it.
  • Cause display of indication of location on additional information selection: Similarly, when a user selects item information (e.g., from a search result list), the processor would retrieve its associated map coordinates and instruct the display to center on or highlight that location on the map. This was an established feature of map-integrated directories.
  • Cause simultaneous display: Configuring a processor to manage the simultaneous display of distinct but related content (map, item graphic, and text panel) is a fundamental aspect of GUI development and was common in many web applications by 2001.

The components of Claim 11 are generic computer hardware and software modules. The configuration of these components to achieve the described interactive map functionality—which integrates known features of online maps with known features of online directories, including hyperlinks and two-way data retrieval and display—would have been an obvious engineering design choice for a PHOSITA.

Conclusion on Obviousness

Independent Claims 1 and 11 of US Patent 8468464 describe methods and systems that, when viewed through the lens of a PHOSITA as of April 30, 2001, represent an obvious combination of existing technologies. The functionalities of electronic map display, association of location-based information with hyperlinks, two-way interactivity between map items and their detailed information, and simultaneous display were all individually known and implemented in various online services by the priority date. The motivation to combine these elements to enhance user experience and create a more integrated and comprehensive interactive map application would have been readily apparent. Therefore, Claims 1 and 11, and by extension dependent Claim 18, would be rendered obvious by the combination of prior art online mapping services and online business directories.

Note: The patent describes a "magnifier feature" in some embodiments, and acknowledges specific prior art patents for such features (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,818,455 and 4,800,379). However, this feature is not present in independent Claims 1 or 11, and thus does not affect the obviousness analysis of these specific claims.

The prior art described within the patent and confirmed by additional searches reinforces the obviousness argument.

For instance, MapQuest.com, launched in 1996, was "one of the first consumer-facing online mapping services on the internet". By 1999, it was the "#1 travel website". Its services included mapping and driving directions ("TripQuest"). MapQuest also "powered location tools for early e-commerce and business websites, offering 'Get Directions' buttons long before embedded maps were standard". This indicates that integrating map functionality with business information and external links (like "Get Directions" buttons that could link to more detailed business pages or travel services) was part of its early offerings.

Yahoo! Maps, although its initial Flash-based version (Yahoo! Local Maps) was released in November 2005, originally launched "circa 1998". It offered "street maps and driving directions for the United States and Canada" and included a "Find On The Map" feature for local search by business name or category, which could then be viewed on the map. Yahoo's core offerings, including "Local Business & Maps," were around since 1996. This supports the idea that displaying items on a map and searching for local businesses was common prior art.

Zip2 Corp., founded in 1995, provided "online city guide software to newspapers". Its product integrated "phone book and map functions" and allowed "local businesses with an Internet presence" by linking their services to searchers and providing directions. Zip2's offerings in 1998 included "maps, local reviews... car and home sales, and even community events". This clearly demonstrates the existence of electronic area representations with items, associated item information, and the linkage between them for searching and display. Zip2 "also strengthens its association with yellow pages by using a 'Zip2 Yellow Pages' branding, while also adding map and directions capabilities". This explicitly supports the combination of mapping services with rich business directory information, including the expectation of contact details and external links, similar to a digital Yellow Pages.

The functionality of online business directories including hyperlinks to websites was also well-established. Zip2, for instance, in 1998, "refocuses and becomes more eCommerce and advertiser focused," and "lets customers and advertisers communicate via fax, an innovation unheard of at the time," implying communication and linking to businesses was a core aspect.

Given these examples, the presence of online maps displaying points of interest, the association of detailed business information (including hyperlinks) with these points, and the ability to interact with both the map (clicking an item reveals info) and information listings (clicking a listing reveals location on map) were all individual functionalities or logical extensions present in the prior art before the 2001 priority date. The simultaneous display of these elements was a common GUI design choice to enhance user experience.

Thus, the analysis of US Patent 8468464 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 confirms that its independent claims would have been obvious to a PHOSITA as of the priority date, based on the readily available and established functionalities of online mapping services and business directories.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

The Google Patents entry for US8468464 states the legal status as "Expired - Fee Related," with an "Anticipated expiration" date of April 30, 2022. This suggests that while a standard term of 20 years from the earliest filing date is generally applied to utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, the patent ultimately expired due to unpaid maintenance fees rather than reaching its full potential term.

The patent document itself (US8468464B2) includes a "RELATED APPLICATIONS" section in its description: "This application is a continuation, and claims the priority, of application Ser. No. 11/199,843, filed Aug. 8, 2005, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/136,845 filed Apr. 30, 2002, now abandoned, which claims the priority of provisional application No. 60/287,339, filed Apr. 30, 2001. The entire disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference."

Based on this, the earliest priority date for US8468464 is April 30, 2001, from provisional application No. 60/287,339. For applications filed on or after June 8, 1995, the patent term is generally 20 years from the date of the earliest related application. Therefore, a baseline expiration date, without considering any adjustments or extensions, would be April 30, 2021.

However, the Google Patents entry lists an "Anticipated expiration" of April 30, 2022. This one-year difference suggests that Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) was applied to compensate for delays in prosecution by the USPTO. Specific details of the PTA calculation (e.g., "A," "B," or "C" delays) are typically found in the Issue Notification Letter, which is not available in the provided patent text.

There is no indication of Patent Term Extension (PTE) for US8468464. PTEs are generally granted to compensate for regulatory review periods for certain products, such as pharmaceuticals, and are not broadly applicable to all patents.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

The patent explicitly states it is a "continuation, and claims the priority, of application Ser. No. 11/199,843, filed Aug. 8, 2005, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/136,845 filed Apr. 30, 2002, now abandoned, which claims the priority of provisional application No. 60/287,339, filed Apr. 30, 2001."

This indicates a clear chain of related applications:

• Provisional Application No. 60/287,339 filed April 30, 2001 (parent of 10/136,845)
• Application Ser. No. 10/136,845 filed April 30, 2002 (parent of 11/199,843, now abandoned)
• Application Ser. No. 11/199,843 filed August 8, 2005 (parent of US12/474,850, which led to US8468464)
• Application Ser. No. 12/474,850 filed May 29, 2009 (the application from which US8468464 issued)

This chain includes two continuation applications. A continuation application pursues additional claims to an invention disclosed in an earlier, still-pending application, using the same specification and claiming priority from the parent's filing date. There is no explicit mention of divisional applications or continuation-in-part (CIP) applications within this direct chain for US8468464. A CIP application adds new subject matter not disclosed in the parent application, while a divisional application typically arises when an examiner finds multiple independent inventions in a single application.

Related Family Members

The patent text itself, in the "RELATED APPLICATIONS" section, identifies the immediate family members by priority claim:

• US Provisional Application No. 60/287,339, filed Apr. 30, 2001
• US Application Ser. No. 10/136,845, filed Apr. 30, 2002 (now abandoned)
• US Application Ser. No. 11/199,843, filed Aug. 8, 2005
• US Application Ser. No. 12/474,850, filed May 29, 2009 (the application for US8468464)

The Google Patents page for US8468464 also lists "Other versions" and "Priority to" dates which indicate other related applications within the patent family:

• US20100138796A1 (published 2010-06-03), which is the publication of US12/474,850.
• Priority to US13/040,910 (filed 2011-03-04) [cited in the Google Patents sidebar, though not detailed in the text].
• Priority to US13/040,881 (filed 2011-03-04) [cited in the Google Patents sidebar, though not detailed in the text].
• Priority to US13/965,450 (filed 2013-08-13) [cited in the Google Patents sidebar, leading to US9570047B2].
• Priority to US15/390,776 (filed 2016-12-27) [cited in the Google Patents sidebar, leading to US10365795B2].
• Priority to US15/429,359 (filed 2017-02-10) [cited in the Google Patents sidebar, leading to US10444943B2].
• Priority to US16/516,215 (filed 2019-07-18) [cited in the Google Patents sidebar, leading to US10908782B2].

These additional priority claims suggest a complex patent family with multiple continuation or divisional applications stemming from the initial priority chain, indicating ongoing development and protection of the invention.

Projected Expiration Date

The "Legal status" section on Google Patents explicitly states "Expired - Fee Related" and "Anticipated expiration 2022-04-30". While the baseline expiration from the earliest priority date (April 30, 2001) plus 20 years would be April 30, 2021, the "Anticipated expiration" date of April 30, 2022, indicates a Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) of one year.

Therefore, the projected expiration date (if maintenance fees had been paid) was April 30, 2022. However, the patent's current status is "Expired - Fee Related," meaning it has already ceased to be in force due to the failure to pay required maintenance fees.

Here is a comprehensive "Defensive Disclosure" document for US Patent 8468464, outlining derivative variations and combination prior art scenarios to preempt future incremental improvements by competitors.

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Defensive Disclosure: US Patent 8468464 Derivative Works

This document details several derivative works and technical variations of the invention disclosed in US Patent 8468464, "Interactive electronically presented map." The purpose of this disclosure is to establish prior art, thereby rendering future incremental improvements by competitors as obvious or non-novel under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103. These disclosures expand upon the core functionalities of interactive map display, item association, information retrieval, and navigation described in the patent's independent claims (Claim 1 and Claim 11).

Derivations from Independent Claim 1 (Method Claim)

Claim 1: A method for providing interactive map information, the method comprising:

• displaying an electronic area representation;
• displaying on the electronic area representation a representation of at least one item, the at least one item being associated with a location on the electronic area representation;
• associating additional information with the at least one item, the additional information comprising a hyperlink to a web site;
• in response to user input selecting the at least one item, providing a display of the additional information;
• in response to user input selecting the additional information, providing an indication of the location of the at least one item on the electronic area representation; and
• simultaneously displaying the electronic area representation, the representation of the at least one item, and the additional information.

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1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: Flexible e-Paper Display with EMG Input and Distributed Ledger Storage

• Enabling Description: A method wherein the "electronic area representation" is displayed on a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) film integrated into a wearable device, allowing dynamic contour mapping on non-planar surfaces. User input for "selecting the at least one item" and "selecting the additional information" is performed via electromyography (EMG) sensors embedded in a wristband, detecting specific muscle contractions (e.g., a "flex-and-hold" gesture for selection) to interact with displayed items and navigate the map. The map data and associated item information and additional information, including hyperlink resolution, are stored and retrieved from a content-addressed storage (CAS) system utilizing distributed hash tables (DHTs) across peer-to-peer network nodes, ensuring data integrity and availability without a centralized database. Hyperlinks are resolved via secure multi-hash identifiers.

  graph TD
      A[User] --> C(EMG Input Sensors)
      C -- Muscle Contractions --> D{Wearable Device Processor}
      D -- Render/Update --> B(Flexible OLED Display)
      B -- Displays Map, Item, Info --> D
      D -- Select Item/Info --> E{Distributed Hash Table (DHT) / CAS}
      E -- Retrieve Data --> D
      E -- Resolve Hyperlink --> F(External Web Service via Multi-Hash ID)
      F --> D
  

Derivative 1.2: Haptic Feedback Surface with VLC and AR Headset

• Enabling Description: A method wherein the "electronic area representation" is presented on a haptic feedback display surface, specifically an array of piezoelectric actuators, that dynamically generates topographical relief corresponding to geographic features or points of interest. "User input" for item selection and navigation is achieved through direct finger-based tactile interaction on this surface, where distinct vibration patterns indicate selectable items. The "additional information," including "hyperlink to a web site," is transmitted and cached locally using a high-speed, low-latency visible light communication (VLC) system, providing secure, short-range data transfer to a paired augmented reality (AR) headset worn by the user for simultaneous visual overlay of the map, item, and additional information.

  graph TD
      A[User Finger Input] --> B(Haptic Feedback Display Array)
      B -- Tactile Interaction --> C{Input Processing Unit}
      C -- Command --> D{Map & Item Renderer}
      D -- Visual Output --> E(AR Headset Display)
      D -- Haptic Feedback Data --> B
      C -- Info Request --> F(VLC Receiver)
      F -- Wireless Data --> G(VLC Transmitter)
      G -- Data Source --> H(Item Information Cache)
      H -- Hyperlink --> I(External Web Service)
  

---

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: Micro-Fluidic Diagnostic Map at Femtosecond Resolution

• Enabling Description: A method where the "electronic area representation" is a real-time micro-fluidic diagnostic chip, displaying the distribution and interaction of different chemical reagents and biological markers at a sub-millimeter spatial scale. Individual reaction sites or clustered analytes within the chip serve as "at least one item." User input for "selecting the at least one item" is achieved via a precise laser-tweezing input system. In response to selection, "additional information" such as real-time reaction kinetics, binding affinities, or a hyperlink to a molecular dynamics simulation is displayed. All processes, including map updates and information retrieval, operate at femtosecond-level temporal resolution to capture rapid biochemical events.

  graph TD
      A[Microfluidic Chip (Area Rep.)] --> B(Hyperspectral Imager)
      B -- Data Stream --> C(Image Processing Unit)
      C -- Analyte Detection --> D[Reaction Sites/Analytes (Items)]
      D -- Laser Tweezing Input --> E{Selection Logic}
      E -- Request --> F(Biochemical Database)
      F -- Info --> G(Display Unit - Kinetics/Sim Link)
      G --> H(High-Speed Display)
      H -- Visual Output --> A
  

Derivative 2.2: Deep-Space Asteroid Mining Map under Extreme Conditions

• Enabling Description: A method for providing interactive map information for an autonomous deep-space asteroid mining operation. The "electronic area representation" is a 3D volumetric rendering of an asteroid's interior and surface, displayed on a spherical projection array. "At least one item" comprises individual mineral deposits, drill sites, or robotic assets within this 3D volume. "User input" for item selection is performed via spatially tracked hand gestures in a zero-gravity environment. The "additional information" displayed includes real-time telemetry from mining robots (e.g., drill depth, extracted material composition, radiation levels) and hyperlinks to mission control logs or scientific databases. The entire method is executed by systems engineered for continuous operation under extreme vacuum, cryogenic temperatures, and high radiation fluxes.

  graph TD
      subgraph Asteroid Mining System
          A[3D Volumetric Asteroid Render (Display)]
          B(Mineral Deposits/Drill Sites (Items))
          C(Gesture Recognition Module)
          D(Mining Robot Telemetry)
          E(Mission Control Logs)
          F(Hyperlink Resolver)
      end
  
      C -- Spatially Tracked Input --> A
      A -- Select Item --> B
      B -- Item Selected --> G{Processor}
      G -- Request Telemetry --> D
      G -- Request Logs --> E
      G -- Resolve Link --> F
      D --> G
      E --> G
      F --> G
      G -- Display Additional Info --> A
  

---

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Aerospace (Aircraft Maintenance Digital Twin)

• Enabling Description: A method for providing interactive maintenance information for an aircraft. The "electronic area representation" is a real-time digital twin of an aircraft's internal systems, including schematics and 3D models. Each component (e.g., hydraulic pump, avionics module, structural frame) is represented as "at least one item" on the digital twin. "User input selecting the at least one item" via a ruggedized tablet displays "additional information" such as maintenance history, diagnostic codes, required repair procedures, and a hyperlink to the manufacturer's parts catalog. The digital twin dynamically updates with real-time sensor data indicating component health and operational status.

  graph TD
      A[Aircraft Digital Twin (Display)] --> B(Aircraft Components (Items))
      C(Ruggedized Tablet Input) --> A
      B -- Select --> D{Processor}
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Maintenance DB)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Diagnostic Log)
      D -- Link --> G(Parts Catalog URL)
      E --> D
      F --> D
      G --> D
      D -- Display Info --> A
      H(Real-time Sensor Data) --> D
  

Derivative 3.2: AgriTech (Precision Farming Field Map)

• Enabling Description: A method for providing interactive information for precision farming. The "electronic area representation" is a drone-generated topographical and spectral map of an agricultural field. "At least one item" comprises individual crop plots, specific plants, or soil sampling locations. "User input selecting the at least one item" via a handheld device or vehicle-mounted terminal displays "additional information" such as soil moisture levels, nutrient deficiencies (derived from spectral analysis), pest infestation reports, and a hyperlink to a recommended treatment protocol database or seed supplier. The map dynamically updates with real-time data from ground-based sensors and drone imagery, color-coding areas based on agricultural metrics.

  graph TD
      A[Drone-Generated Field Map (Display)] --> B(Crop Plots/Plants/Soil Samples (Items))
      C(Handheld Device / Vehicle Terminal) --> A
      B -- Select --> D{Processor}
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Soil Sensor Data)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Pest Reports)
      D -- Link --> G(Treatment Protocol DB / Supplier URL)
      E --> D
      F --> D
      G --> D
      D -- Display Info --> A
      H(Ground Sensors) --> D
  

Derivative 3.3: Construction (Building Information Modeling - BIM)

• Enabling Description: A method for interactive information in construction management. The "electronic area representation" is a real-time, interactive 3D Building Information Model (BIM) of a construction project. "At least one item" represents structural elements (e.g., beams, columns), mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) components (e.g., HVAC ducts, electrical conduits), or specific material batches. "User input selecting the at least one item" via a gesture interface integrated into a hardhat displays "additional information" such as installation date, material specifications, quality control reports, and a hyperlink to supplier documentation or safety guidelines. The BIM model is continuously updated with construction site progress data, reflecting as-built conditions.

  graph TD
      A[3D BIM Model (Area Rep.)] --> B(Structural/MEP Components (Items))
      C(Hardhat Gesture Interface) --> A
      B -- Select --> D{Processor}
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Installation Records)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Material Specs)
      D -- Link --> G(Supplier Docs / Safety URL)
      E --> D
      F --> D
      G --> D
      D -- Display Info --> A
      H(Construction Progress Data) --> D
  

---

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Driven Dynamic Traffic Optimization Map

• Enabling Description: A method wherein the "electronic area representation" displays a dynamic transportation network, with "at least one item" being individual vehicles, public transport units, or predicted congestion points. An embedded AI traffic prediction engine, utilizing deep reinforcement learning, continuously analyzes real-time and historical traffic data to optimize routes and predict network conditions. "User input selecting the at least one item" (e.g., a specific vehicle) displays "additional information" such as its current estimated time of arrival (ETA), predicted future congestion impacts along its route, and a hyperlink to dynamic re-routing options generated by the AI. The map simultaneously highlights AI-optimized paths in real-time.

  graph TD
      A[Dynamic Transport Map (Display)] --> B(Vehicles/Congestion Points (Items))
      C(User Input) --> A
      B -- Select --> D{AI Traffic Prediction Engine}
      D -- Optimal Route Suggestion --> A
      D -- Predict ETA/Impact --> E(Additional Info Display)
      E -- Re-routing Link --> F(Navigation Service URL)
      E --> A
      G(Live Traffic Data) --> D
      H(Historical Traffic Data) --> D
  

Derivative 4.2: IoT Sensor-Powered Smart Building Monitoring Map

• Enabling Description: A method for monitoring and controlling a smart building. The "electronic area representation" is an interactive floor plan of the building. "At least one item" includes environmental control zones, security cameras, access points, or specific appliances. The system integrates real-time data from hundreds of IoT sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, CO2, occupancy, motion, light levels) deployed throughout the building. "User input selecting the at least one item" displays "additional information" comprising live sensor readings, historical trends, and a hyperlink to control interfaces for that specific zone or device. The map uses dynamic color overlays to visually represent current environmental conditions or security statuses.

  graph TD
      A[Smart Building Floor Plan (Display)] --> B(Control Zones/Devices (Items))
      C(User Input) --> A
      B -- Select --> D{IoT Data Aggregator}
      D -- Real-time Readings --> E(Additional Info Display)
      E -- Control Interface Link --> F(Device Control URL)
      E --> A
      G(IoT Sensors - Temp, Hum, CO2, Occ) --> D
  

Derivative 4.3: Blockchain-Verified Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Map

• Enabling Description: A method for monitoring and verifying a pharmaceutical supply chain. The "electronic area representation" visualizes the global journey of specific pharmaceutical batches, showing manufacturing, storage, shipping, and retail locations. Each batch is represented as "at least one item." "User input selecting the at least one item" displays "additional information" including an immutable provenance record (e.g., manufacturing date, handling temperatures, quality checks) stored on a private blockchain, along with a hyperlink to the blockchain transaction hash for independent verification. Any detected tampering, deviation from environmental conditions, or unapproved transfer is instantly flagged and highlighted on the map based on blockchain data.

  graph TD
      A[Pharma Supply Chain Map (Display)] --> B(Medication Batches/Nodes (Items))
      C(User Input) --> A
      B -- Select --> D{Blockchain Verifier Node}
      D -- Immutable Provenance Record --> E(Additional Info Display)
      E -- Tx Hash Link --> F(Blockchain Explorer URL)
      E --> A
      G(Supply Chain Events) --> H(Private Blockchain)
      H --> D
  

---

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 5.1: Low-Bandwidth Emergency Mode Map with Satellite SMS/Mesh Comms

• Enabling Description: A method for providing interactive map information, where in the event of a detected regional network outage, the system automatically transitions into a "low-bandwidth emergency mode." The "electronic area representation" simplifies to a monochrome, vector-based display showing only critical infrastructure (e.g., hospitals, emergency shelters, known safe zones). "At least one item" is reduced to essential emergency contact points. "User input selecting the at least one item" no longer triggers a hyperlink to a web site but instead attempts to initiate a satellite-based emergency SMS transmission or a mesh-network radio communication with pre-defined emergency contact information, utilizing limited local processing and power. Real-time updates for the map and item information are severely throttled or rely exclusively on peer-to-peer data sharing if available.

  graph TD
      A[Disaster Response Map (Display)] --> B(Critical Infrastructure/Safe Zones (Items))
      C(Network Outage Detected) --> D{System Mode Switch}
      D -- Activate --> E(Low-Bandwidth Emergency Mode)
      E -- Simplified Display --> A
      B -- Select Item (Emergency Mode) --> F{Emergency Comm Module}
      F -- Initiate --> G(Satellite SMS / Mesh Radio)
      F -- Pre-defined Info --> G
  

Derivative 5.2: Offline Cached Limited-Functionality Field Guide

• Enabling Description: A method intended for environments with intermittent or no network connectivity, such as an outdoor enthusiast's field guide on a wearable device. The "electronic area representation" is a pre-downloaded, lower-resolution topographic map displayed on a transflective LCD, static until a specific gesture or voice command triggers a refresh from local cache. "At least one item" is only presented if it is within a pre-defined proximity threshold to the user's location or explicitly searched for within locally stored data. "Additional information" is strictly limited to locally cached content, such as flora/fauna identification, trail markers, or cached emergency contact details. Hyperlinks to external web sites are automatically disabled and instead direct to locally cached PDFs or pre-stored text if any network connectivity is detected via a low-power Bluetooth connection to a companion device.

  graph TD
      A[Wearable Device] --> B(Transflective LCD - Low Power Map)
      C(Gesture/Voice Input) --> D{Power Management Unit}
      D -- Limited Operation --> E{Map & Item Renderer}
      E -- Local Cache Only --> F(Flora/Fauna DB)
      E -- Proximity Filtered --> G(Nearby Items)
      E -- Display Updates --> B
      D -- Conditional Activation --> H(Bluetooth Module)
      H -- Hyperlink Access --> I(Companion Device - Local Cache)
  

---

Derivations from Independent Claim 11 (System Claim)

Claim 11: A computer system for providing interactive map information, the system comprising:

• a display;
• a first database for item information, at least one item of the item information being displayable as a representation of the at least one item on an electronic area representation;
• a second database for additional information associated with the at least one item, the additional information comprising a hyperlink to a web site; and
• a processor configured to:
  • manage display of the at least one item on the electronic area representation;
  • in response to user input selecting the at least one item, cause display of the additional information;
  • in response to user input selecting the additional information, cause display of an indication of the location of the at least one item on the electronic area representation; and
  • cause simultaneous display of the electronic area representation, the representation of the at least one item, and the additional information.

---

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 11.1: Light-Field Display with FPGA Processor and Merkle-Tree Ledger

• Enabling Description: A computer system comprising a stereoscopic light-field display capable of generating true 3D volumetric images of the "electronic area representation" without requiring special eyewear. The "first database" for item information and the "second database" for additional information are implemented as a distributed, append-only Merkle-tree structured ledger, where each record (including item details and hyperlinks) is cryptographically linked and verifiable. The "processor" is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) array specifically optimized for high-throughput spatial indexing, cryptographic verification, and 3D rendering, enabling sub-millisecond query responses and tamper-proof data retrieval and display. User input for selection is provided via depth-sensing gesture recognition.

  graph TD
      A[Stereoscopic Light-Field Display]
      B[FPGA Array (Processor)]
      C[Merkle-Tree Ledger (DB1 & DB2)]
      D(Depth-Sensing Gesture Input)
  
      D --> B
      B -- Spatial Query / Crypto Verify --> C
      C -- Item/Additional Info (Cryptographically Linked) --> B
      B -- Render 3D Map & Info --> A
  

Derivative 11.2: Electrochromic Smart Glass with Neuromorphic Chip and Holographic Memory

• Enabling Description: A computer system comprising an electrochromic smart glass panel as the "display," capable of dynamically rendering map features and item highlights with variable opacity and color, integrated into an architectural surface. The "processor" is a neuromorphic computing chip, capable of biologically-inspired real-time pattern recognition for dynamic feature identification and anomaly detection on the "electronic area representation." The "first database" and "second database" data are stored in a resilient, self-healing holographic memory crystal, offering extreme data density and rapid parallel access, with embedded quantum-resistant encryption. User input for item selection is primarily achieved through gaze tracking.

  graph TD
      A[Electrochromic Smart Glass (Display)]
      B[Neuromorphic Chip (Processor)]
      C[Holographic Memory Crystal (DB1 & DB2)]
      D(Gaze Tracking Input)
  
      D --> B
      B -- Pattern Recognition / Data Request --> C
      C -- Item/Additional Info (Encrypted) --> B
      B -- Render Dynamic Map & Info --> A
  

---

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 11.3: Molecular Dynamics System for Protein Folding

• Enabling Description: A computer system designed for molecular dynamics analysis. The "display" is a high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) viewer, providing an "electronic area representation" of protein folding dynamics at the picosecond timescale. The "first database" for item information stores structural conformations of individual amino acid residues or active sites, represented as "at least one item." The "second database" contains kinetic parameters, bond energies, and hyperlinks to quantum chemistry simulations. The "processor" is a massively parallel supercomputer specifically configured for molecular dynamics simulations, continuously updating the map with conformational changes at terahertz frequencies, allowing real-time interactive analysis of the evolving protein structure.

  graph TD
      A[AFM Viewer (Display)] --> B(Amino Acid Residues/Active Sites (Items))
      C(Supercomputer (Processor))
      D(Structural Conformations DB)
      E(Kinetic Parameters/Bond Energies DB)
      F(Quantum Chemistry Simulation URL)
  
      C -- Simulate & Update --> B
      B -- Select --> C
      C -- Retrieve Structural Data --> D
      C -- Retrieve Kinetic Data --> E
      C -- Resolve Link --> F
      D --> C
      E --> C
      F --> C
      C -- Render & Display --> A
      G(Picosecond Simulation Data) --> C
  

Derivative 11.4: Autonomous Deep-Sea Exploration System

• Enabling Description: A computer system for autonomous deep-sea exploration. The "display" is a hardened, pressure-compensated OLED panel integrated within an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), showing a real-time sonar mosaic of the abyssal plain as the "electronic area representation." "At least one item" comprises detected geological formations, hydrothermal vents, or biological specimens. The "first database" for item information holds known seafloor features and object classifications. The "second database" contains scientific classifications, historical observation data, and hyperlinks to genetic databases. The "processor" is a radiation-hardened, low-power System-on-Chip (SoC) operating continuously for months at pressures exceeding 1000 atmospheres and near-freezing temperatures, configured for object recognition, data association, and communication via acoustic modems.

  graph TD
      A[AUV Internal System] --> B(Hardened OLED Display)
      B --> C(Real-time Sonar Mosaic - Area Rep.)
      C --> D(Geological/Biological Items)
      A --> E(Pressure-Compensated SoC - Processor)
      E --> F(Seafloor Features DB)
      E --> G(Scientific Classifications/Historical Data DB)
      E --> H(Genetic Database URL)
      E -- Acoustic Modem --> I(Surface Vessel / Command Center)
  
      D -- Select --> E
      E -- Retrieve DB1 --> F
      E -- Retrieve DB2 --> G
      E -- Resolve Link --> H
      F --> E
      G --> E
      H --> E
      E -- Render & Display --> B
  

---

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 11.5: Smart Grid Management System

• Enabling Description: A computer system for managing an electrical smart grid. The "display" shows an interactive topological map of the smart grid, where the "electronic area representation" depicts transmission lines, substations, and individual smart meters. "At least one item" comprises specific grid components or energy consumption nodes. The "first database" for item information stores grid topology and component specifications. The "second database" contains real-time load data, fault detection alerts, predicted energy demand, and hyperlinks to operational control interfaces or repair crew dispatch systems. The "processor" is configured to continuously monitor grid stability, predict potential overloads, and cause display of these insights, highlighting relevant items on the map.

  graph TD
      A[Smart Grid Topological Map (Display)] --> B(Grid Components/Consumption Nodes (Items))
      C(User Interface) --> D{Processor}
      D -- Manage Display --> A
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Grid Topology DB)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Real-time Load/Fault Data DB)
      D -- Link --> G(Control Interface URL / Dispatch System)
      E --> D
      F --> D
      G --> D
      B -- Select --> D
      D -- Display Info --> A
      H(Grid Sensors/Smart Meters) --> D
  

Derivative 11.6: Virtual Reality Surgical Training System

• Enabling Description: A computer system for virtual reality (VR) surgical training. The "display" is a VR headset rendering a high-fidelity model of human anatomy as the "electronic area representation" (e.g., a cardiovascular system). "At least one item" comprises anatomical structures (e.g., arteries, valves) or virtual surgical instruments within the VR environment. The "first database" stores anatomical models and physiological properties. The "second database" contains detailed physiological data, common pathologies, surgical best practices, and hyperlinks to medical literature or video tutorials. The "processor" is configured to manage the VR scene, process trainee interactions (e.g., instrument manipulation), provide real-time feedback, and cause display of item information and indications within the VR environment.

  graph TD
      A[VR Headset (Display)] --> B(VR Anatomy Model - Area Rep.)
      B --> C(Anatomical Structures/Instruments (Items))
      D(Surgical Instrument Haptics/Input) --> E{Processor}
      E -- Manage VR Scene --> A
      E -- Retrieve --> F(Anatomical Models DB)
      E -- Retrieve --> G(Physiological/Pathology DB)
      E -- Link --> H(Medical Literature / Video URL)
      F --> E
      G --> E
      H --> E
      C -- Select --> E
      E -- Display Info --> A
      I(Trainee Interaction) --> E
  

---

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 11.7: AI-Optimized Autonomous Robotics Fleet Management System

• Enabling Description: A computer system for managing an autonomous robotics fleet in an automated warehouse. The "display" shows an "electronic area representation" of the warehouse operational floor, with "at least one item" comprising autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), inventory racks, or pick-and-place stations. The "processor" incorporates an AI fleet management system that dynamically optimizes AMR paths, task assignments, and predicts potential bottlenecks using deep reinforcement learning. The "first database" for item information stores warehouse layout and inventory. The "second database" contains real-time AMR status (e.g., battery, payload), predictive maintenance alerts generated by the AI, and hyperlinks to robot control interfaces or historical performance logs. The system causes simultaneous display of the map, items, additional information, and AI-predicted optimal traffic flows and bottlenecks.

  graph TD
      A[Automated Warehouse Map (Display)] --> B(AMRs/Racks/Stations (Items))
      C(Operator Input) --> D{AI Fleet Management Processor}
      D -- Optimize Paths/Tasks --> A
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Warehouse Layout/Inventory DB)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Real-time AMR Status/AI Alerts DB)
      D -- Link --> G(Robot Control / Performance Log URL)
      E --> D
  

F --> D
G --> D
B -- Select --> D
D -- Display Info --> A
H(AMR Sensors/Fleet Telemetry) --> D
```

Derivative 11.8: IoT-Driven Industrial Plant Safety Management System

• Enabling Description: A computer system for industrial plant safety management. The "display" shows an "electronic area representation" of a chemical plant layout. "At least one item" comprises critical machinery, safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, emergency exits), or hazardous material storage zones. Hundreds of IoT sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, chemical leaks, vibration, gas detection) provide real-time data. The "first database" stores plant blueprints and equipment locations. The "second database" contains live sensor readings, automated safety alerts triggered by threshold breaches, and hyperlinks to emergency shutdown procedures or chemical safety data sheets (CSDS). The "processor" is configured to continuously monitor sensor data, detect anomalies, and cause display of the map, items, additional information, dynamically highlighting areas with elevated risk using color overlays.

  graph TD
      A[Industrial Plant Map (Display)] --> B(Machinery/Safety Equip/HazMat Zones (Items))
      C(Safety Officer Input) --> D{Processor (Central Processing Unit)}
      D -- Manage Display --> A
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Plant Blueprints DB)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Live Sensor Readings/Safety Alerts DB)
      D -- Link --> G(Emergency Procedures / CSDS URL)
      E --> D
      F --> D
      G --> D
      B -- Select --> D
      D -- Display Info --> A
      H(IoT Sensors - Temp, Press, Leak, Vib, Gas) --> D
  

Derivative 11.9: Blockchain-Authenticated Luxury Goods Tracking System

• Enabling Description: A computer system for tracking and authenticating luxury goods. The "display" presents an interactive "electronic area representation" visualizing the global journey of a specific luxury good, showing manufacturing, shipping, and retail locations. "At least one item" comprises a unique serial-numbered product instance. The "first database" stores product models and authorized distributors. The "second database" contains an immutable record of the product's entire lifecycle (e.g., materials origin, craftsmanship stages, ownership transfers), with each event timestamped and cryptographically verified on a public blockchain, accessible via a hyperlink to the transaction ID. The "processor" is configured to validate the authenticity and provenance of the product based on its blockchain history upon user query, highlighting verified vs. unverified items on the map.

  graph TD
      A[Luxury Goods Journey Map (Display)] --> B(Product Instances/Locations (Items))
      C(Customer/Retailer Input) --> D{Processor (Blockchain Verifier)}
      D -- Manage Display --> A
      D -- Retrieve --> E(Product Models/Distributors DB)
      D -- Retrieve --> F(Product Lifecycle Records DB)
      D -- Link --> G(Blockchain Tx ID URL)
      E --> D
      F --> D
      G --> D
      B -- Select --> D
      D -- Validate Authenticity --> A
      H(Public Blockchain Network) --> D
  

---

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 11.10: Decentralized Redundancy Mesh Network System

• Enabling Description: A computer system where, if a central server providing the "first database," "second database," and primary "processor" functionality fails or becomes unreachable, the system automatically transitions to a peer-to-peer (P2P) mesh network mode. Each user device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) in proximity acts as a "mini-server." The "display" on each device renders an "electronic area representation" using locally cached map tiles. The "first" and "second databases" effectively fragment and synchronize across the mesh, and "processor" functionality is distributed among connected nodes for basic map rendering and local item lookup. Hyperlinks are only resolved if an intermittent connection to the wider internet can be established by any node in the mesh, otherwise, only cached static content is available, with the display providing visual cues of current network status.

  graph TD
      A[Primary Display]
      B[Central Server (DB1, DB2, Processor)]
      C[User Device 1 (Cached Data)]
      D[User Device 2 (Cached Data)]
      E[User Device N (Cached Data)]
  
      B -- Normal Operation --> A
      C -- Mesh Network (P2P) --> D
      D -- Mesh Network (P2P) --> E
      B -- Failure/Unreachable --> X(Switch to P2P Mesh Mode)
      X --> C
      X --> D
      X --> E
      C -- Distributed Processing --> A
      D -- Distributed Processing --> A
      E -- Distributed Processing --> A
      C -- Local Link Resolve --> F{Limited Internet Gateway (Optional)}
      F -- Hyperlink Resolution --> G(External Web)
  

Derivative 11.11: Privacy-Preserving Edge Processing System

• Enabling Description: A computer system designed for privacy-sensitive applications. The "processor" is primarily located on the user's local device (edge computing) and configured to process sensitive user location data for the "electronic area representation" and "item information" (e.g., personal points of interest). This edge processor aggregates and anonymizes user movement patterns or item selections before any data is transmitted to a remote "first database" or "second database." These remote databases store only generalized, non-personally identifiable item categories and metadata. The "display" visually indicates the current level of data anonymization. "Hyperlinks to a web site" are accessed via a privacy-enhanced proxy service to mask the user's identity and browsing activity.

  graph TD
      A[User Device Display]
      B[Edge Processor (User Device)]
      C[Local Map Cache]
      D[Local Item Info Cache]
      E[Anonymization Module]
      F[Generalized Item Categories DB (Remote)]
      G[Privacy Proxy Service]
      H[External Web (Hyperlinks)]
  
      A -- User Input --> B
      B -- Render Map --> A
      B -- Process Location/Selection --> C
      B -- Process Location/Selection --> D
      B -- Anonymize Data --> E
      E --> F
      B -- Access Hyperlink --> G
      G --> H
  

---

Combination Prior Art Scenarios with Open-Source Standards

The following scenarios describe how the core concepts of US Patent 8468464 could be combined with existing open-source standards, demonstrating their obviousness in such contexts.

1. Integration with OpenStreetMap (OSM) Data Model

• Enabling Description: The method and system of US8468464 are implemented using geographic data conforming to the OpenStreetMap (OSM) data model (nodes, ways, relations with specific tags like amenity=restaurant, shop=supermarket). The "electronic area representation" is rendered using map tiles generated by an open-source OSM tile server (e.g., mod_tile with renderd). The "first database" directly references OSM feature IDs for "at least one item," while the "second database" for "additional information" populates data based on standard OSM tags (e.g., name, addr:full, phone) or external databases indexed by OSM IDs. Hyperlinks are dynamically generated from OSM website tags where available. This combination makes the underlying data structure and rendering methodology obvious, as it leverages a globally recognized and maintained open-source geospatial standard.

  graph TD
      A[US8468464 System] --> B(Display Electronic Map)
      B -- Based on --> C(OpenStreetMap (OSM) Data Model)
      C -- Map Tiles --> D(OSM Tile Server - mod_tile/renderd)
      A -- Item Info Database (DB1) --> E(OSM Feature IDs & Tags)
      A -- Additional Info Database (DB2) --> F(External DB / OSM Website Tags)
      E -- Links To --> F
      A -- User Interaction --> B
  

2. Utilization of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Services

• Enabling Description: The "electronic area representation" is retrieved and displayed by the system of US8468464 using the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map Service (WMS) standard, requesting map layers from a WMS compliant server (e.g., GeoServer or MapServer). "Item information" (e.g., specific points of interest or geographic features) is dynamically queried and retrieved as vector data using the OGC Web Feature Service (WFS) standard. The "processor" is configured to parse Geography Markup Language (GML) responses from the WFS server to identify "at least one item's" locations and link them to "additional information" or "hyperlinks" stored either within WFS attribute data or a separate database indexed by WFS feature IDs. This implementation standardizes the entire data retrieval and display mechanism, rendering it obvious in light of OGC interoperability standards.

  graph TD
      A[US8468464 System] --> B(Display Electronic Map)
      B -- Map Layers (OGC WMS) --> C(OGC WMS Server - GeoServer)
      A -- Item Info (OGC WFS) --> D(OGC WFS Server - GeoServer)
      D -- GML Data --> E(Processor - Parses GML)
      E -- Links Item ID --> F(Additional Info DB / Hyperlinks)
      F --> E
      E -- Render Map & Info --> B
      A -- User Interaction --> B
  

3. Client-Side Implementation with Open-Source JavaScript Mapping Libraries

• Enabling Description: The client-side interactive map functionality of US8468464, including the "displaying an electronic area representation," "rendering of at least one item," "user input selecting the at least one item," and the magnifier feature (if present), is built upon an open-source JavaScript mapping library such as Leaflet.js or OpenLayers. The "processor" (or client-side script) utilizes the Application Programming Interface (API) of these libraries to manage map layers, overlay markers for "at least one item," detect user click/touch events on features, and dynamically update User Interface (UI) elements for "additional information" (e.g., in a pop-up window or sidebar). Hyperlinks are integrated directly into the Document Object Model (DOM) elements generated by the library, triggering standard browser navigation. This approach clearly demonstrates that the interactive graphical user interface (GUI) and many core functionalities are realizable using existing, widely accessible, and well-documented open-source solutions.

  graph TD
      A[US8468464 Client-side App] --> B(Web Browser / Display)
      B -- Renders Map & UI --> C(Leaflet.js / OpenLayers Library)
      C -- Map Tiles --> D(Tile Provider e.g., OpenStreetMap)
      C -- Item Markers --> E(Item Data Source)
      C -- User Clicks/Magnifier Move --> F(JS Event Handler)
      F -- Retrieves Additional Info --> G(API Call to Server / Local Cache)
      G -- Hyperlink --> H(External URL)
      F --> C
      G --> C
  

4. Real-time Updates via MQTT (OASIS Standard)

• Enabling Description: For real-time updates of "item information" or dynamic changes to the "electronic area representation" (e.g., tracking moving objects like vehicles, or displaying live environmental sensor data), the system of US8468464 employs the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol, an OASIS standard for IoT messaging. IoT sensors, tracking devices, or other data sources publish real-time data to an MQTT broker. The "processor" is configured as an MQTT client, subscribing to relevant topics, parsing incoming JSON or CBOR payloads to update the displayed map items' positions, statuses, or associated "additional information" dynamically. This eliminates the need for constant polling, providing efficient, event-driven updates. Hyperlinks could point to historical data logs stored in a backend system that also subscribes to these MQTT feeds.

  graph TD
      A[IoT Sensors / Tracking Devices] --> B(MQTT Broker)
      B -- Publish Data --> C(Processor - MQTT Client)
      C -- Parse Payload --> D{Update Map Logic}
      D -- Update Item Data --> E(First DB / Second DB)
      D -- Update Map Display --> F(Electronic Area Representation Display)
      E -- Historical Data Link --> G(Backend System / Hyperlink)
      C -- Subscribe Topics --> B