WO1995024707A1 - Telephone directory and method for location determination therein - Google Patents

Telephone directory and method for location determination therein Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1995024707A1
WO1995024707A1 PCT/US1995/002905 US9502905W WO9524707A1 WO 1995024707 A1 WO1995024707 A1 WO 1995024707A1 US 9502905 W US9502905 W US 9502905W WO 9524707 A1 WO9524707 A1 WO 9524707A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
symbol
names
directory
grid
map
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1995/002905
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark G. Johnson
Original Assignee
Local Touch Brand Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Local Touch Brand Company filed Critical Local Touch Brand Company
Priority to AU20986/95A priority Critical patent/AU2098695A/en
Publication of WO1995024707A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995024707A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
    • G09B29/10—Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids
    • G09B29/106—Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids using electronic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
    • G09B29/003—Maps
    • G09B29/006—Representation of non-cartographic information on maps, e.g. population distribution, wind direction, radiation levels, air and sea routes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
    • G09B29/003—Maps
    • G09B29/006—Representation of non-cartographic information on maps, e.g. population distribution, wind direction, radiation levels, air and sea routes
    • G09B29/008—Touring maps or guides to public transport networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/26—Devices for calling a subscriber
    • H04M1/27—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
    • H04M1/274—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc
    • H04M1/2745—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
    • H04M1/27467—Methods of retrieving data
    • H04M1/27475—Methods of retrieving data using interactive graphical means or pictorial representations

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of telephonic communications. More particularly, the invention relates to telephone directories and listings. In still greater particularity, the invention relates to location determination of telephone listings. By way of further characterization, but not by way of limitation thereto, the invention is a map with a grid superimposed thereon including symbols which may be used to provide geographic location information for the telephone listings.
  • Telephone directories have been used for many years. These directories allow individuals to determine the names, telephone numbers, and oftentimes addresses of individuals, businesses, government agencies, or other entities in a local area.
  • a local area may be a city, county, state or a portion of any of these.
  • Telephone directories generally are of three types, the white pages, the yellow pages, and the combined yellow and white pages.
  • the white pages include the names, addresses and telephone numbers for individuals and business or other entities listed alphabetically in separate sections.
  • the yellow pages are generally divided into subject matter sections with the individuals or entities listed alphabetically under a subject matter heading. For example, under "Restaurants" there may be a number of establishments listed alphabetically.
  • the combined white and yellow pages include both alphabetical listings and subject listings for individuals and/or entities. While suited for their intended purpose, traditional directories are limited in that, while the user may find what he or she needs, that user may not be able to determine where in the geographic area served by the directory the person or business is located.
  • the invention is a directory and method which allows the user to readily determine the approximate geographic location of a desired person, business, government, or other entity.
  • the invention superimposes a grid over a map of the geographic area served by the directory. Indicators are placed in each portion of the grid.
  • the listing for the persons, businesses, government agencies, etc. contained in the directory then may include a symbol identifying the portion of the grid in which said person, etc. is located. A user may thus determine the general location of the person, business, etc. who he or she wishes to call.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory
  • FIG.2 includes a page taken from the telephone directory listing names and telephone numbers
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic directory
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention including a numbered grid superimposed over a geographic map.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory 11 which includes a plurality of pages 12.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a page 12 taken from directory 11 including a plurality of names 13, addresses 14, and telephone numbers 15.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a computer 21 including a screen 22 which lists names 13, addresses 14 and telephone numbers 15.
  • FIG. 4 includes a map 16 and a grid 17 superimposed over map 16.
  • Grid 17 is sub-divided into a plurality of portions 18 which are numbered 1 through 8 and A through H. It should be noted that all numbers or all letters may be used or any combination thereof. In addition, other graphic symbols or even colors could be used as symbols.
  • the grid could be numbered 1 through 16 or A through P.
  • the grid has been shown as sub-divided into 16 portions, it should be noted that greater or fewer portions may be indicated. For example the grid could consist of four areas or it could consist of 32 or more areas.
  • FIG. 4 also includes portions taken from page 12 of FIG. 2. That is, names 13, addresses 14, and telephone numbers 15 are shown in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 4 also includes portions taken from page 12 of FIG. 2. That is, names 13, addresses 14, and telephone numbers 15 are shown in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 4 also includes portions taken from page 12 of FIG. 2. That is, names 13, addresses 14, and telephone numbers 15 are shown in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 4 also includes portions
  • Symbols 19 indicate the portion of grid 17 in which the individual, business or other agency is located. That is, symbol 19 adjacent the telephone listing corresponds to a symbol in one of grid portions 18.
  • a user who identifies a name or entity which he or she desires to call may readily determine the approximate geographic location on map 16 in which that individual or entity is located.
  • the user may readily determine the most convenient route should he or she desire to visit the person or entity, and the user may determine the closest entity which would serve his or her purposes.
  • the user may determine whether he or she is proximate in location to that individual and thus, for example, whether a personal visit to that individual or entity is convenient.
  • a user of a telephone information directory may thus be provided with additional information making the directory more convenient and helpful to the user.
  • increased usage of the telephone directory may be encouraged.
  • a business may increase the calls from potential customers in the geographic area surrounding that business. As such, increased business may be achieved by that entity.
  • schools, or other government or private agencies are listed, the user may readily determine the relative proximity of that school or other agency to the user. As such, a user may determine whether or not he or she desires to personally visit that entity and may in fact determine the most direct or easiest route to that business or entity.
  • a computer screen 22 could include the information in FIG. 2. That is, a page from a directory may electronically be reproduced on computer screen 22. That page could include as a portion thereof map 16 and grid 17.
  • the listings of the names 13 could include symbols 19 which correspond to the symbols on grid 17 indicating portions 18 of the grid 17.
  • the invention could be utilized to allow a user to acquire the same location information which may be ascertained from the hard copy directory which is described as the preferred embodiment. While the invention has been disclosed with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited as changes and modifications may be made which are within the full intended scope of the invention as described by the appended claims.

Abstract

A telephone directory (11) which allows a user to determine geographic location. The directory includes a geographic map (16) of the area served by the directory. The map has a grid (17) superimposed thereon with regions (18) labeled. The listing of names (13) and telephone numbers (15) in the directory also includes the symbols (19) such that a user can cross reference the symbols in the listing with the symbols on the grid (17) to determine approximate location.

Description

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY AND METHOD FOR LOCATION DETERMINATION THEREIN
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of telephonic communications. More particularly, the invention relates to telephone directories and listings. In still greater particularity, the invention relates to location determination of telephone listings. By way of further characterization, but not by way of limitation thereto, the invention is a map with a grid superimposed thereon including symbols which may be used to provide geographic location information for the telephone listings.
Description of the Related Art
Telephone directories have been used for many years. These directories allow individuals to determine the names, telephone numbers, and oftentimes addresses of individuals, businesses, government agencies, or other entities in a local area. A local area may be a city, county, state or a portion of any of these.
Telephone directories generally are of three types, the white pages, the yellow pages, and the combined yellow and white pages. Generally, the white pages include the names, addresses and telephone numbers for individuals and business or other entities listed alphabetically in separate sections. The yellow pages are generally divided into subject matter sections with the individuals or entities listed alphabetically under a subject matter heading. For example, under "Restaurants" there may be a number of establishments listed alphabetically. The combined white and yellow pages include both alphabetical listings and subject listings for individuals and/or entities. While suited for their intended purpose, traditional directories are limited in that, while the user may find what he or she needs, that user may not be able to determine where in the geographic area served by the directory the person or business is located. For example, if a person in the southwestern portion of a town wants to call a hardware store, he or she cannot determine which of say eight or ten listings are relatively close to the southwestern portion where the user lives. Unless the user can tell by the address or the prefix of the telephone number, he or she is forced to call one or more of the listed businesses to determine their geographic location.
Summary of the Invention
The invention is a directory and method which allows the user to readily determine the approximate geographic location of a desired person, business, government, or other entity. The invention superimposes a grid over a map of the geographic area served by the directory. Indicators are placed in each portion of the grid. The listing for the persons, businesses, government agencies, etc. contained in the directory then may include a symbol identifying the portion of the grid in which said person, etc. is located. A user may thus determine the general location of the person, business, etc. who he or she wishes to call.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory;
FIG.2 includes a page taken from the telephone directory listing names and telephone numbers;
FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic directory; and
FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention including a numbered grid superimposed over a geographic map. Description of the Preferred Embodiment
FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory 11 which includes a plurality of pages 12. FIG. 2 illustrates a page 12 taken from directory 11 including a plurality of names 13, addresses 14, and telephone numbers 15. FIG. 3 illustrates a computer 21 including a screen 22 which lists names 13, addresses 14 and telephone numbers 15.
The invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 includes a map 16 and a grid 17 superimposed over map 16. Grid 17 is sub-divided into a plurality of portions 18 which are numbered 1 through 8 and A through H. It should be noted that all numbers or all letters may be used or any combination thereof. In addition, other graphic symbols or even colors could be used as symbols. For example the grid could be numbered 1 through 16 or A through P. In addition, while the grid has been shown as sub-divided into 16 portions, it should be noted that greater or fewer portions may be indicated. For example the grid could consist of four areas or it could consist of 32 or more areas. FIG. 4 also includes portions taken from page 12 of FIG. 2. That is, names 13, addresses 14, and telephone numbers 15 are shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 also includes symbols 19 adjacent to names 13. Symbols 19 indicate the portion of grid 17 in which the individual, business or other agency is located. That is, symbol 19 adjacent the telephone listing corresponds to a symbol in one of grid portions 18. Thus, a user who identifies a name or entity which he or she desires to call may readily determine the approximate geographic location on map 16 in which that individual or entity is located. By utilizing this directory and method, the user may readily determine the most convenient route should he or she desire to visit the person or entity, and the user may determine the closest entity which would serve his or her purposes. In the case of an individual, the user may determine whether he or she is proximate in location to that individual and thus, for example, whether a personal visit to that individual or entity is convenient. By utilizing the above-described invention, a user of a telephone information directory may thus be provided with additional information making the directory more convenient and helpful to the user. As such, increased usage of the telephone directory may be encouraged. By providing additional information to a user, a business may increase the calls from potential customers in the geographic area surrounding that business. As such, increased business may be achieved by that entity. Where schools, or other government or private agencies are listed, the user may readily determine the relative proximity of that school or other agency to the user. As such, a user may determine whether or not he or she desires to personally visit that entity and may in fact determine the most direct or easiest route to that business or entity.
While the invention has been disclosed with respect to a hard copy telephone information directory, it should be understood that an electronic form of a telephone directory may utilize the invention. For example, in FIG. 3 a computer screen 22 could include the information in FIG. 2. That is, a page from a directory may electronically be reproduced on computer screen 22. That page could include as a portion thereof map 16 and grid 17. In addition, the listings of the names 13 could include symbols 19 which correspond to the symbols on grid 17 indicating portions 18 of the grid 17. As such, in an electronic directory the invention could be utilized to allow a user to acquire the same location information which may be ascertained from the hard copy directory which is described as the preferred embodiment. While the invention has been disclosed with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited as changes and modifications may be made which are within the full intended scope of the invention as described by the appended claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is: 1. A method for providing location information for individuals and entities in a telephone directory comprising the steps of: providing a geographic map of the area served by said information directory, said map included in said directory; superimposing a grid on said geographic map, said grid including a plurality of regions, each region being identified by a symbol unique to said region; listing the names of said individuals and/or entities in said telephone directory; listing telephone numbers for said names adjacent to said names; including one of said symbols adjacent to said names; and whereby a user of said telephone directory can determine in which of said regions on said grid said names are located.
2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said symbol includes a numerical symbol.
3. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said symbol includes an alphabetical symbol.
4. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said map and said grid are located adjacent to said listings of said names and telephone numbers.
5. A telephone directory including a plurality of pages comprising: a listing including names and telephone numbers of individuals and/or entities on a plurality of said pages; a map of the geographic area served by said telephone directory, said map included on one or more pages in said directory; a grid superimposed on said map; a plurality of regions into which said grid is subdivided; a symbol in each of said regions, each said symbol uniquely identifying each said region; and one of said symbols located adjacent one or more names in said listing; whereby a user of said telephone directory can determine in which of .said regions each of said names in said listing is located.
6. A telephone directory according to Claim 5 in which said symbol is a numerical symbol.
7. A telephone directory according to Claim 5 in which said symbol is an alphabetical symbol.
8. Method for providing an electronic telephone directory compπsmg: providing a listing of names and telephone numbers on a computer screen; providing a map of the geographical area served by said telephone directory on said screen; superimposing a grid on said map; subdividing said map into a plurality of regions defined by said grid; including a symbol in each of said regions, each said symbol uniquely identifying each said region; and locating a symbol adjacent one or more names in said listing; whereby user of said electronic telephone directory can determine in which of said region said telephone numbers of each said listing is located.
9. A method according to Claim 8 in which said symbols are numeric symbols.
10. A method according to Claim 8 in which said symbols are alphabetical symbols.
PCT/US1995/002905 1994-03-11 1995-03-10 Telephone directory and method for location determination therein WO1995024707A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU20986/95A AU2098695A (en) 1994-03-11 1995-03-10 Telephone directory and method for location determination therein

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20993094A 1994-03-11 1994-03-11
US08/209,930 1994-03-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995024707A1 true WO1995024707A1 (en) 1995-09-14

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PCT/US1995/002905 WO1995024707A1 (en) 1994-03-11 1995-03-10 Telephone directory and method for location determination therein

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AU (1) AU2098695A (en)
CA (1) CA2144139A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1995024707A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2306078A (en) * 1995-10-02 1997-04-23 Motorola Inc Telephone User Interface Using Icons
WO1999031642A1 (en) * 1997-12-17 1999-06-24 Yun Sung Shin Information furnishing system using map
WO1999036899A1 (en) * 1998-01-14 1999-07-22 Logoplan Printed product such as an atlas
US6366302B1 (en) 1998-12-22 2002-04-02 Motorola, Inc. Enhanced graphic user interface for mobile radiotelephones
US6430411B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2002-08-06 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Method and device for selecting a destination telephone number using a mobile station

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3717462A1 (en) * 1987-05-23 1988-12-01 Wolfgang Umbach Hand Atlas with Air Rescue Plan
JPH03265067A (en) * 1990-03-15 1991-11-26 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Map display system
JPH03266077A (en) * 1990-03-16 1991-11-27 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Telephone directory retrieval system
JPH04177574A (en) * 1990-11-09 1992-06-24 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Telephone directory retrieving system
US5292004A (en) * 1988-02-03 1994-03-08 Roger Cesarini Process for addressing to a recipient

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3717462A1 (en) * 1987-05-23 1988-12-01 Wolfgang Umbach Hand Atlas with Air Rescue Plan
US5292004A (en) * 1988-02-03 1994-03-08 Roger Cesarini Process for addressing to a recipient
JPH03265067A (en) * 1990-03-15 1991-11-26 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Map display system
JPH03266077A (en) * 1990-03-16 1991-11-27 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Telephone directory retrieval system
JPH04177574A (en) * 1990-11-09 1992-06-24 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Telephone directory retrieving system

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 075 (P - 1316) 24 February 1992 (1992-02-24) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 078 (P - 1317) 25 February 1992 (1992-02-25) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 493 (P - 1435) 13 October 1992 (1992-10-13) *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2306078A (en) * 1995-10-02 1997-04-23 Motorola Inc Telephone User Interface Using Icons
US5848356A (en) * 1995-10-02 1998-12-08 Motorola, Inc. Method for implementing icons in a radio communication device
GB2306078B (en) * 1995-10-02 2000-05-10 Motorola Inc Method for implementing icons in a radio communication device
WO1999031642A1 (en) * 1997-12-17 1999-06-24 Yun Sung Shin Information furnishing system using map
WO1999036899A1 (en) * 1998-01-14 1999-07-22 Logoplan Printed product such as an atlas
US6430411B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2002-08-06 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Method and device for selecting a destination telephone number using a mobile station
US6366302B1 (en) 1998-12-22 2002-04-02 Motorola, Inc. Enhanced graphic user interface for mobile radiotelephones

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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CA2144139A1 (en) 1995-09-12

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