CA2144139A1 - Telephone directory and method for location determination therein - Google Patents
Telephone directory and method for location determination thereinInfo
- Publication number
- CA2144139A1 CA2144139A1 CA002144139A CA2144139A CA2144139A1 CA 2144139 A1 CA2144139 A1 CA 2144139A1 CA 002144139 A CA002144139 A CA 002144139A CA 2144139 A CA2144139 A CA 2144139A CA 2144139 A1 CA2144139 A1 CA 2144139A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- symbol
- names
- directory
- map
- grid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
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
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Educational Administration (AREA)
- Educational Technology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Ecology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
- Telephone Function (AREA)
Abstract
A telephone directory which allows a user to determine geographic location. The directory includes a geographic map of the area served by the directory. The map has a grid superimposed thereon with regions labeled. The listing of names and telephone numbers in the directory also includes the symbols such that a user can cross reference the symbols in the listing with the symbols on the grid to determine approximate location.
Description
~ 1 44139 -TELEPHONE DIRECTORY AND METHOD FOR
LOCATION D~;l~MINATION l~l~EIN
Back~round of the Invention Field of the Invention S 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 chara~;lefi~lion, but not by way of limitation thereto, the invention is a map with a grid ~ posed thereon including syrnbols which may be used to provide geographic location information for the telephone listings.
D~ lion of the Related Art Telephone directories have been used for many years. These dh~lolies allow individuals to determine the names, telephone numbers, and orl~nlil~es addresses of individuals, businesses, govel~e,~L 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 gene~lly 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 "Re~l~u,~nts" 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.
Z:\PRIVATE~PATAPPL\I 157\1 157.APP
- ~14~139 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 exarnple, if a person in the southwestern portion of a town S wants to call a hal.l.v~e 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 bl-~;n~s~s to determine their geographic location.
Summary of the Invention The invention is a directory and method which allows the user to readily dele~ e the al,p~xil~late geographic location of a desired person, business, government, or other entity. The invention ~u~ oses a grid over a map of the geographic area served by the directory. Tn~iic~tQrs are placed in each portion of the 15 grid. The listing for the persons, businesses, go~ernment agencies, etc. contained in the dil~ then may include a symbol idenlilying the portion of the grid in which said person, etc. is located. A user may thus dele,...i.~e the general location of the person, business, etc. who he or she wishes to call.
Brief Description of the Drawin~
FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory;
FIG. 2 includes a page taken from the telephone d~rectory listing names and telephone ll..,llI)el~;
FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic directory; and FIG. 4 illustrates a pn~relled embodiment of the invention including 25 a numbered grid ~upelilllposed over a geographic map.
Z:URIVATEUATAPPL~1157\1157.APP
LOCATION D~;l~MINATION l~l~EIN
Back~round of the Invention Field of the Invention S 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 chara~;lefi~lion, but not by way of limitation thereto, the invention is a map with a grid ~ posed thereon including syrnbols which may be used to provide geographic location information for the telephone listings.
D~ lion of the Related Art Telephone directories have been used for many years. These dh~lolies allow individuals to determine the names, telephone numbers, and orl~nlil~es addresses of individuals, businesses, govel~e,~L 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 gene~lly 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 "Re~l~u,~nts" 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.
Z:\PRIVATE~PATAPPL\I 157\1 157.APP
- ~14~139 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 exarnple, if a person in the southwestern portion of a town S wants to call a hal.l.v~e 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 bl-~;n~s~s to determine their geographic location.
Summary of the Invention The invention is a directory and method which allows the user to readily dele~ e the al,p~xil~late geographic location of a desired person, business, government, or other entity. The invention ~u~ oses a grid over a map of the geographic area served by the directory. Tn~iic~tQrs are placed in each portion of the 15 grid. The listing for the persons, businesses, go~ernment agencies, etc. contained in the dil~ then may include a symbol idenlilying the portion of the grid in which said person, etc. is located. A user may thus dele,...i.~e the general location of the person, business, etc. who he or she wishes to call.
Brief Description of the Drawin~
FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory;
FIG. 2 includes a page taken from the telephone d~rectory listing names and telephone ll..,llI)el~;
FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic directory; and FIG. 4 illustrates a pn~relled embodiment of the invention including 25 a numbered grid ~upelilllposed over a geographic map.
Z:URIVATEUATAPPL~1157\1157.APP
Des~ ion of the Preferred Embodiment FIG. 1 illustrates a telephone directory 11 which includes a plurality of pages 12. FIG. 2 illllstrates a page 12 taken from dil~tol~ 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 supelilllposed over map 16. Grid 17 is sub-divided into a plurality ofportions 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 ~dditi()n, 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 l,~.m~l~ 15 are shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 also in~ludes symbols 19 ~djacPnt to names 13. Symbols 19 intlic~te 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 utili7ing 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 dete~nine 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 pel~onal visit to that individual or entity is convenient.
Z:\PRIVATE\PATAPPL\1157\1157.APP
- 214~139 By utili7in~ 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 in~oll"alion to aS user, a business may increase the calls from ~lenlial customers in the geog-~hic 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 ~;l~onally visit that entity and may in fact determine the most direct or easiest route to that business or entity.
While the invention has been ~ closed 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 coll~uler screen 22 could include the information in FIG. 2. That is, a page from a directory may electronically be reproduced on cO~ Jul~ 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 col~ond to the symbols on grid 17 indicating portions 18 of the grid 17. As such, in an electronic di~c~oly the invention could be utilized to allow a user to acquire the same location i~ol.,.dlion 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.
ZURIVATEUATAPPL\1157\1157.APP
The invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 includes a map 16 and a grid 17 supelilllposed over map 16. Grid 17 is sub-divided into a plurality ofportions 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 ~dditi()n, 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 l,~.m~l~ 15 are shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 also in~ludes symbols 19 ~djacPnt to names 13. Symbols 19 intlic~te 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 utili7ing 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 dete~nine 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 pel~onal visit to that individual or entity is convenient.
Z:\PRIVATE\PATAPPL\1157\1157.APP
- 214~139 By utili7in~ 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 in~oll"alion to aS user, a business may increase the calls from ~lenlial customers in the geog-~hic 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 ~;l~onally visit that entity and may in fact determine the most direct or easiest route to that business or entity.
While the invention has been ~ closed 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 coll~uler screen 22 could include the information in FIG. 2. That is, a page from a directory may electronically be reproduced on cO~ Jul~ 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 col~ond to the symbols on grid 17 indicating portions 18 of the grid 17. As such, in an electronic di~c~oly the invention could be utilized to allow a user to acquire the same location i~ol.,.dlion 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.
ZURIVATEUATAPPL\1157\1157.APP
Claims (10)
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.
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.
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 comprising:
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.
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.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US20993094A | 1994-03-11 | 1994-03-11 | |
| US209,930 | 1994-03-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2144139A1 true CA2144139A1 (en) | 1995-09-12 |
Family
ID=22780918
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002144139A Abandoned CA2144139A1 (en) | 1994-03-11 | 1995-03-07 | Telephone directory and method for location determination therein |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2098695A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2144139A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995024707A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5848356A (en) * | 1995-10-02 | 1998-12-08 | Motorola, Inc. | Method for implementing icons in a radio communication device |
| KR19990063022A (en) * | 1997-12-17 | 1999-07-26 | 신윤성 | Information provision system using map |
| EP1080460A1 (en) * | 1998-01-14 | 2001-03-07 | Logoplan | Printed product such as an atlas |
| FI113442B (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2004-04-15 | Nokia Corp | Get a phone number from your mobile device |
| US6366302B1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 2002-04-02 | Motorola, Inc. | Enhanced graphic user interface for mobile radiotelephones |
Family Cites Families (5)
| 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 |
| JP2936179B2 (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1999-08-23 | 日本電信電話株式会社 | Phonebook search method |
-
1995
- 1995-03-07 CA CA002144139A patent/CA2144139A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-03-10 WO PCT/US1995/002905 patent/WO1995024707A1/en active Application Filing
- 1995-03-10 AU AU20986/95A patent/AU2098695A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1995024707A1 (en) | 1995-09-14 |
| AU2098695A (en) | 1995-09-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19980309 |