EP0883497B1 - Data-display arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement, particularly in the form of a catalogue, for the representation of a plurality of products contains a product part, in which all the products are indicated successively with an individual description on consecutively numbered pages. To facilitate access to the individual products, the catalogue firstly contains a general summary, in which are arranged the use cases in a two-dimensional representation in accordance with the possible values of two independent parameters. The two-dimensional summary contains for each use case a reference to a group summary, which once again contains several possible sub-uses occurring under a particular use. For each sub-use, the suitable products are indicated by naming and page number. With the aid of the page number, the user can arrive in the product part, where he then finds the individual details on the product suitable for his specific use case.

Description

The invention is based on a catalog in which a variety of products is described in detail.

For books, catalogs or other compilations, there are tables of contents and also known indexes. For a table of contents, the content of the Catalog in a one-dimensional representation in the same Order listed as in the catalog itself A keyword index is a place for alphabetical search ordered keywords specified.

To find a special product that you haven't found yet you have to know either the entire table of contents read through and then guess where the product might be. If you are looking for it via a keyword index, you have to Already know the keyword.

In some applications there are approval regulations. For example, only one may be used for a specific attachment certain dowels are used, which is an approval procedure behind it. Admission is usually also granted only for special applications. But the dowel can be similar look like another, not approved for this case Dowels. The distinction may arise only from a type designation. Here can be a wrong choice lead to serious disadvantages.

A catalog for tools is already known (DE 295 01 219), in which the pages are printed with columns and lines are. Symbols are arranged in the intersection area Reference fold-out sheets.

An information book is also known (DE 87 08 054), which is made up of several sub-books. A table of contents refers to the sub-books. The book pages are not provided with consecutive page numbering.

A marking system for printed matter is also known (WO 92/06850), in which an optical Presentation of the first pages included in reduced form is.

Also known is a calendar (US-A-4,947,564) which a first part of the calendar consisting of 24 calendar pages and has a second upper part on which is printed and / or illustrated information is included. each Calendar sheet corresponds to one month.

The invention has for its object an arrangement for Presentation of products to create a user easier and safer to one for a specific one, from him envisaged case of suitable or prescribed product can be introduced.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes an arrangement with the features listed in claim 1. further developments the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

With the arrangement according to the invention it becomes for a user possible, first of all from the two-dimensional overview an overview of the content of the information gain. The two-dimensional overview has the advantage that a larger amount of information at a glance can be overlooked. Due to the selection of a group the user can view the overall overview in the group overview an overview of the one he selected Create group, here again, for example Double page of information is available. From this Group overview can be selected a second time. He will then led to the product detail where it then receives all the necessary data for the selected product.

Such an arrangement is not only suitable for the user simple instructions for the product without prior knowledge to give how he gets to the product. He can also for serve the seller as a training document.

In particular, it can be provided that the arrangement for displaying information in a catalog, especially one bound catalog, is realized. Instead of a catalog can also be a loose sheet collection or a pack of index cards serve. In these cases, the individual pages for example, numbered consecutively, so that the reference from the Group overview of the product part with the help of page numbers can be done.

It is also possible that the product pages, the group overview and the overall overview can be displayed on a screen Pages are and the references from the general overview to the group overview and from the group overview on the product part through automated connections between the sides are formed. For example, then a user of the arrangement from the general overview to the Group overview by getting the cell of the matrix-like Representation with a light pen, a mouse or directly with your finger on pressure-sensitive screens then tap the associated page on the screen appears.

In a development of the invention it can be provided that in the representation of each group contain several individual representations are. If a group has a certain type of application represents, for example in the group representation visual representations of several use cases be listed. For every application, the associated Product with its name or only with the page number be listed.

For example, the parameters of the overall overview can be application parameters of the products, i.e. parameters that specify the applications for which a specific product is suitable is. Conversely, this can be formulated in such a way that a specific application for the associated product.

The groups in the group overview can also be groups of applications be a specific application from the overall view further subdivide.

It is also possible that the groups in the group overview Product groups are. Such an arrangement is special then beneficial if the user of the catalog already has certain previous knowledge.

According to the invention it can be provided in a further development that the group overview for each cell of the matrix-like general overview, i.e. for each intersection of two possible parameter values, has its own entry. This entry can, for example, on a double page or a single page be included and possibly again from several representations exist of individual cases.

This means that you can see the overall view of every cell to a different entry in the group overview is referred.

It is also possible and is proposed by the invention that the group overview for each row or each Column of the general overview has an entry. So that will the group overview is a bit smaller. Such an arrangement can be particularly advantageous if you are at the Users can already assume some previous knowledge.

In order to be able to take the second parameter into account here too, can be provided according to the invention in training that a distinction within an entry according to the possible Values of the other parameter takes place.

To find a special application in a particularly easy way without allowing you to flip back and forth frequently, It is provided according to the invention that the values of the parameters can be represented by optically distinguishable features. Different values of a parameter are then represented by different optical characteristics. For example can be a more or less strong screening or a more or less wide hatching for the different Values of the parameters are used.

In the matrix-like overall presentation in the overall overview it is provided according to the invention that each cell through a combination of two optically distinguishable Characteristics is marked.

According to the invention it is provided that the optical Repeat characteristics in the group overview. If the user So in the overall overview a certain combination of features selected, the one used in this cell visual identification on the sheets of the group overview repeated so that the user logs on without a page number can orient optical characteristics.

It is conceivable for the parameter values of both in the overall overview included parameters to use the same characteristics. However, it is particularly favorable if all parameters both parameters in their optical identification differ.

A particularly suitable feature for optical differentiation is the color.

Since the cells of the matrix each have combination values of characteristics contain, can be provided according to the invention that the parameter values by optically marked areas and the combinations of features by dividing along a line, in particular geometrically similar areas are shown. If, for example, the optical identification of a Value of one parameter is the blue color this parameter is identified solely by a blue area. If a value of the second parameter takes the value "yellow" , it is identified by a yellow area. The Combination of the two parameter values of the two parameters would then be characterized by an area that partially Yellow and the other part is blue. The dividing line can for example, be a diagonal in a rectangle.

According to the invention it can be provided that the reference from the General overview on the group overview a page number of Group overview. The use of page numbers has the advantage that you can roughly estimate where you are about to open to get to the corresponding page number come. Of course, it can also be an orientation based on the optical characteristics.

In addition, the reference in the overall overview can also a literal naming of use cases and / or Products.

It is particularly favorable if the invention is further developed it can be provided that the catalog two overall overviews with references to a separate group overview. In this way it becomes possible to access the Catalog section with the individual product descriptions on two different ones Because of enabling, for example, once over a representation of use cases, on the other hand via group formation under certain products.

It can be provided that the two general overviews are structured according to the same parameters, while the Group overviews prepared according to different criteria are.

When using two general overviews in particular also take into account that the catalog of people different Previous knowledge should be used. One of the general overviews is then for the user with little previous knowledge thought that with many, especially in Form of drawn or photographed application samples is led to his product. The other overview can then be used for the user with great expertise be a more detailed overview receives. This can therefore already refer to the a little more information at first glance.

With the help of the catalog it becomes possible to do all for a special To accommodate the branch's possible products in a catalog. When products are offered for different industries it is possible to have a separate one for each branch Catalog, whereby all catalogs are of the same type are built up. In this case, the invention proposes that in each catalog an identical reference to all others Catalogs are included, with the currently available Catalog is highlighted.

According to the invention it can be provided that the overall overview and the group overview in one separate from the product part to be leafed through and, if necessary, also numbered separately Catalog part is arranged. You can then in both parts of the catalog scroll independently, what a quick location is an advantage.

A catalog can be set up, for example, that the rear catalog cover of the general overview and the Group overview containing catalog part the front book or Catalog cover of the product part or the entire catalog forms.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Katalogs mit einer Gesamtübersicht, mehreren Gruppenübersichten und dem Produktteil;

Fig. 2

eine ebenfalls schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Art der Anordnung mit einer geänderten Gruppenübersicht;

Fig. 3

den Aufbau eines Katalogs mit getrennt durchzublätterndem Übersichts- und Produktteil.

Further features, details and advantages emerge from the patent claims, the wording of which is made by reference to the content of the description, the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and with reference to the drawing. Here show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a catalog with an overall overview, several group overviews and the product part;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a second type of arrangement with a modified group overview;

Fig. 3

the creation of a catalog with an overview and product section to be browsed separately.

1 is an overall overview 1 for a catalog shown. This overview 1 is, for example, on printed on a sheet 2 of a catalog or forms the opening credits for a loose leaf. This sheet 2 can be a double page form and for example as a cover sheet for a catalog be provided. On sheet 2 of the general overview 1 a strip 3 is provided along the upper edge which the three possible values A, B and C of a first parameter are applied. There is a for each value of the parameter Field provided that is about a third of the sheet width. Each field can have a specific grid or preferably be marked with a certain color, where the colors are different for all three values A, B and C. are.

Along the left edge of sheet 2 is also a Strip 4 printed, in which three different values I, II and III of a second parameter are plotted, preferably also in a field of a certain color. The the two parameters are independent of each other, so nine different combinations of the two parameters are possible. For each of these nine possible combinations, the matrix-like Representation printed a cell 5, which as Rectangle is formed. Each rectangle has a diagonal 6, on one side of which the color value of one parameter and on the other side the color value of the other Parameters exist for this cell. The nine cells are made with rectangles with nine different color combinations shown.

In each cell 5 of the overview 1 is, for example by a page number or just by the color combination of the two colors on both sides of the diagonal 6, a reference to an element formed by a sheet 7 in the middle of the Fig. 1 shown group overview 2 included. The user comes from each cell 5 with a clear indication to exactly one sheet 7 of the group overview 8. On each Sheet 7 of group overview 8 is reduced in the top left Form a rectangle 9 printed that has the same color combination as cell 5 contains. In the figure is on the right the combination of the two parameters is written again below. In the example shown, the top sheet carries 7 of the group overview is called AI, that is Sheet that corresponds to cell 5 at the top left of the general overview 1 equivalent. On this sheet 7 are figurative or literal contain several individual representations 10, for example Use cases. The one for a special application usable products are next to or in the field 10 identified by their name and a page number.

With the help of the page number, the user then gets into the Product part 11 of the catalog, which is in the lower third of the 1 is shown as a stack of sheets 12. This Sheets 12 are numbered and each contain an ins single detailed description of a product.

The user can access the general overview 1 using the there are references to sheet 7 of the group overview 8, where he can then choose the special product can, whose individual description he in product part 11 Can be found. The user can of course several individual use cases or even several Scroll 7 to the same product because the products usually suitable for a variety of applications are.

An example of products included in such a catalog may be, should be fasteners. Then for example the values A, B, C the ceiling, the wall or represent the floor, while values I, II and III different materials from ceiling, wall or floor can represent, for example, concrete, lightweight material and masonry.

The user would look at his specific case first from the overview 1 with knowledge of the material and the Type of attachment the appropriate application, for example C2, find out. From there he gets to one special sheet 7 of the group overview 8. There he finds one of the several possible applications the products required for this, including the number of pages. He can now from the product part 11 with the help of Find the exact individual description of the product for the number of pages, select its dimensions there and finally that Order product based on an order number.

The same process can also be carried out by a seller who wants to train itself to use for certain applications find out the right product.

Fig. 3 also shows a second schematic overview Possibility of being a user without too much individual knowledge of the product can get to the right product.

The arrangement for finding a specific product contains again a general overview 13, on a separate sheet 14 is applied. Again, the multiple values are the two independent parameters plotted in rows and columns, where the cells represent a specific application can. The color coding is done in the same Way as in the embodiment of Fig. 1. To now but a user who already has some expertise and knows the products in principle, a faster one To get started, each row of cells contains 5 in the am strips arranged on the right edge a reference 15 to the same entry in the group overview 16. In the individual In contrast, cells 5 of each row are different Inscriptions available, which then refer back to the values A, B, C refer.

An entry in the group overview 16, which in turn on a sheet 17 is included, contains for example on the left a listing of products and three columns on the right, each one column for each value A, B, C of the first parameter. For example, the list on the left can be the Page number for the product part included, while the three Columns for the values A, B and C contain additional information can, for example, whether a special product is suitable is which diameter is required for the specific application and so on. With this arrangement, as in Fig. 2 is shown, the more knowledgeable user with the help of an entry in the group overview 16 Overview of three groups of use cases, i.e. one somewhat better overview. The reference in catalog part 11 is done in the same manner as in the embodiment according to Fig. 1.

Looking at Figs. 1 and 2 together, you can see that the overall overview 1 to 13 was built according to the same criteria is and that in the end a reference to the same product part 11 takes place. Only the group overview 16 is constructed differently, namely for each row of cells 5 An overview is provided.

The invention proposes that both types of access to the product part is provided in a catalog.

It is of course also possible to arrange an arrangement Fig. 2 so that the matrix-like for each column General overview an entry of the group overview is provided is.

It is also conceivable that a catalog would then have these three options of access.

3 shows the structure of a catalog in a highly simplified manner the invention. The catalog contains practically two catalog parts, namely the product part 11, in which the individual sheets summarized along a common back 18 into a catalog are.

At the usually free edge 20 of the front cover 19 of the Catalogs are then the sheets forming the group overview 8 7 attached again in the manner of a booklet or book, so that the edge 20 of the front catalog cover 19 at the same time forms a back again. You can also say this that the general overview and the group overview too are connected to a catalog, the back cover at the same time forms the front cover of the product catalog. The complete overview 1 is on the front page of the overview catalog part arranged. This type of arrangement has the advantage that the user first after orientation in the overall overview can scroll through the group overview section, until he finds his use case. He leaves this Use case then opened and can now be in the product part scroll as you like. It is prevented that he in the Overview section continues, so that practically the open Product part a bookmark for the overview part of the catalog.

In the foregoing, the arrangement for displaying information based on a catalog for a specific application explained, namely fasteners, for example Dowels. The matrix-like overview is horizontal Direction the values for the place where the Dowels are to be used, for example ceiling, Wall or floor.

The different materials are then arranged vertically arranged from which the ceiling, the wall or the floor can exist.

A second application is to be explained below, namely the use of sealants. Here you can horizontally the requirements for the sealant and apply the areas of application in the vertical direction. For example, the following values would be required: Expansion joint inside, connection joint outside, expansion joint outside, connection joint inside in question.

The materials could then be applied as applications, with which the sealants are supposed to work together for example the values: concrete, masonry, tiles, plaster, Wood, glass, natural stone, metal and plastic.

In this way you get a matrix-like representation, at the user is aware of the requirements and the material the application to a specific point in the matrix, a cell that is routed from which it carries the associated Group overview can achieve.

As a third relatively simple application example of the here Proposed invention is to serve the product "saw". Horizontal then become different in the corresponding matrix Types of saw applied, for example jigsaw, Saber saw, chop saw, circular saw and machine saw.

The material can be applied vertically to be processed by the corresponding saw, so for example the materials wood, metal, plastic and other tools.

A similar representation would be possible for example Drills where the tip angle is from the material in which to be drilled depends on.

Claims (20)

1. Arrangement for information representation of products, having

   1.1 a product part (11),

   1.1.1 having pages and

   1.1.2 successively giving all the products to be represented with an individual product description,

   1.2 a group survey (8, 16), giving

   1.2.1 groups of products associated under one standpoint and

   1.2.2 for each mentioned product a reference to the page in the product part (8, 16) with the individual product description, and with

   1.3 an overall survey (1, 13),

   1.3.1 in which in a matrix-like representation are given the possible values (A, B, C) of a first parameter of the products in a first dimension and

   1.3.2 the possible values (I, II, III) of a second parameter, particularly independent of the first parameter, in a second dimension and

   1.3.3 in the cells (5) of the representation a reference to a group in the group survey (8, 16), in which

   1.4 the values (A, B, C, I, II, III) of the parameters are represented by optically distinguishable features,

   1.5 each cell (5) of the overall survey (1, 13) is characterized by a combination of two optically distinguishable features and

   1.6 the optically distinguishable features are repeated in the group survey (8, 16).
2. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the overall arrangement is formed by an in particular bound catalogue, a loose leaf work or an index card group.
3. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the product pages, the group survey (8, 16) and the overall survey (2, 13) are pages which can be displayed on a screen and the references are formed by automatable links between the pages.
4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several individual representations are contained in the representation of each group.
5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameters of the overall survey (2) are application parameters for the products.
6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the groups of the group survey (8) are application groups.
7. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the groups of the group survey (16) are product groups.
8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the group survey has its own entry for each cell (5) of the overall survey (1).
9. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the group survey (16) has an entry for each row or column of the overall survey (13).
10. Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein there is a distinction within an entry on the basis of the possible values of the in each case other parameter.
11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein different features are used for the values of both parameters.
12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein colour is used as the distinguishing feature.
13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter values (A, B, C, I, II, III) are represented by optically characterized areas and the feature combinations by in particular geometrically similar areas separated along a line (6).
14. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reference from the overall survey (1, 13) to the group survey (8, 16) has a page number of the group survey (8, 16).
15. Arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the reference from the overall survey (1, 13) to the group survey (8, 16) has a list of application cases and/or products.
16. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein there are two overall surveys (1, 13) with references to in each case one group survey (8, 16).
17. Arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the overall surveys (1, 13) are subdivided along to identical parameters and the group surveys (8, 16) are based on different criteria.
18. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, having a reference to similarly built up catalogues for other application branches.
19. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overall survey (1, 13) and group survey (8, 16) are located in a catalogue part to be leafed through separately from the product part and optionally separately continuously numbered.
20. Arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the rear catalogue cover (19) of the catalogue part containing the overall survey (1, 13) and the group survey (8, 16) forms the front book cover of the product part or the overall catalogue.

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