Map-based directory system
US6577714B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system are disclosed for a map-based directory service. Users are presented with a map on a computer screen, the map having symbols indicating real-world locations such as buildings, streets, parks, and bodies of water. A close correspondence exists between the map and the real-world. The map further has symbols indicating virtual locations. A virtual location, as the name implies, refers to a location that appears on the map but is not physically present in the real world. In accordance with the present invention, users can locate listings in conjunction with both real and virtual locations related to such listings, and, can connect to the entities associated with those listings once located.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.