GB2147446A - Map co-ordinate position indicators - Google Patents

Abstract

An object or place is located on a map by using a simple word as a code, a part of the word designating location on axis-X and the other part a location on axis-Y, devices 2 being used for the encoding and/or locating of each place without impairing the map. In particular, the device 2 of Fig. 1 comprises a transparency (for placing over e.g. a street plan) which is marked with crosses 3 at the centres of sections which are not larger than a foveal area 12, each cross having its own reference code BAF, BAG etc. A "map- spotter device (Fig. 2) may be used to locate the object within the convergence area of two arrows 5 and 8 after alignment of the device with reference lines 11, 12 on the map, alignment being facilitated bgy means of perforations in the device. The "map-spotter" may incorporate a magnifier and may remain permanently between the pager of e.g. an atlas. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Devices which require one word only to pin-point a wanted object on a map A variety of devices are at present in use to find a wanted object on a map. All of them could be classified in two groups: A and B.

Group A contains devices which aim at the simplicity of the reference code. For instance, a street in London has as a reference code "C 17", which designates a square in which it can be found by reading the names of all streets in the square until the wanted one is located or found.

Group B contains devices which aim at the precision of locating a wanted object, but use a relatively complicated code. For instance, a village is given as a reference code "BR 5726". The particular village can be found in the square which has been designated as "BR", at or near the cross-section of the vertical line marked "57'' and the horizontal line marked "26".

The major difficulty in using devices from the group A is that it is left to chance how long time a reader will take to find the wanted object. This becomes more obvious when the wanted object is relatively small and the particular square is crowded with names that run in many directions.

In using devices from group B, the difficulties vary with different readers. For instance, some readers find it more difficult to remember the code "BR 5726" than the code "C 1 7". This difficulty arises from the fact that the code of group B not only contains more bits of information, but also because it takes longer time before the bits can be dismissed.

The devices according to the present application alleviate the difficulties caused by either group A or group B. This is achieved by applying a system which takes into account, amongst other factors, the following two sensory parameters.

a.-Visual parameter: An eyespan in reading the name of the wanted object which corresponds to the 'FOVEAL AREA' of a reader's eye-retina.

b.-Auditory parameter: The reference code consists of a chain of sounds which is conducive to the 'SHORT-TERM MEMORY' of a reader.

(The two sensory parameters have been described in the work prepared by R. Gaspar and D.D. Brown and published by Hutchinson Educational, 1973, in London under the title "Perceptual Prossesses in Reading".) The system consists of two parts as follows.

1.) A new Code for references which complies with the requirements of the two sensory parameters.

2.) A set of devices which incorporate the new Code in such a way that a reader can find the wanted object on a map by looking at one single spot, i.e. the centre of a particular 'Foveal Area'.

In the present application, the term 'Foveal Area' applies to the projection of the Fovea Central is from a reader's eye-retina through his own eye-lens onto a plane which is placed at his normal reading distance. All objects in the foveal area (F.A.) can be perceived in the same 'Eye Span', i.e. during the same 'Eye-Fixation' whenever the usual conditions for reading are fulfilled.

The present invention will be described by referring to the following example, in connection with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates the first example as follows. A map, 1, for instance a page in a street guide, has been divided into the sections which are not larger than a fovea area or f.a, 1 2 (Fig. 1). The geometrical centre of each f.a. is marked with a cross, 3, which is removable when not required, by being applied on a transparency, 2.

Each cross 3 has its own reference code which has been derived from a special list-here named 'GASPAR NOTATION'+ENCLOSURE 1).

Each item in the list used for the present example represents a syllable or a word which evokes a chain of phonemes or sounds so as to comply with the Auditory parameter under b.-above. Each of these words in the enclosed specimen of the notation is composed of three letters in a systematic sequencethe first and the third letter representing consonants, while the second or middle letter represents a vowel.

To exemplify this systematic sequence in The Enclosure 1, the first line of the set contains the words/syllables in this order: BAB BAC BAD BAF etc.; i.e. the root remains the same for the whole line; in this case the root is BA, while the third letter changes according to the alphabetical order of the consonants. The roots in the second, third, fourth and 5th lines are BE BI BO and BU, respectively; i.e. the root changes according to the alphabetical order of the vowels; the third letter is added in each line as in the first one. So far, the first letter, B, has remained the same in all items of the five lines, and this section of the List can be called B-set.

The following sections of the list start with C, D, F, etc., i.e. in the alphabetical order of the consonants; the remaining part of the items are composed in the same fashion as in set B, and the corresponding sections can be called C-set, D-set, F-set etc.

Thus the total number of the items in the present example is: 21 X 5 X 21 = 2,205 and thus the list is sufficient to encode each individual cross for any map which does not contain more than this number of foveal areas.

In the present example, the root is employed to designate the position of each particular cross on axis-Y, while the third letter is employed to designate its position on axis-X. Thus, by using the corresponding code, any wanted object can be located by looking at the particular cross, i.e.

in a single eye-fixation.

The link between the code for a particular object and the corresponding cross is secured by the following devices according to the present application.

In the example illustrated by Fig. 1, the crosses, 3, are applied together with the corresponding parts of the Code as described below. Each line of crosses, 4, 5, 6, etc., is designated by the corresponding root of the Code, 4', 5', 6', etc. For instance, if the Code contains the root BA, the corresponding cross is located in the first line, 4, of the transparency, 2. Each column of crosses, 7, 8, 9, etc., is designated by the corresponding 'third letter' of the Code, 7', 8', 9', etc. For instance, if the Code for a particular object is "BAG", the corresponding cross is located in the second column, 8 of the transparency. To insure that each cross, 3, is projected on the same foveal area on every occasion, at least two circles. 10/1, 10/2, etc., are provided on the transparency.The corresponding spots on the map, 1, are provided with the same number of circles, 11 /1, 11 /2, etc. Thus, in the process of decoding as well as in the process of encoding, the circle 10/1 of the transparency, 2, covers the circle 1 1/1 of the map, 1. Similarly, the circle 10/2 of the transparency, 2, covers the circle 1 1/2 of the map, 1, in this example in a concentric manner.

When the above is insured, in order to encode an object on the map, 1, it is sufficient to find the nearest cross, 3, on the transparency, 2, follow the horizontal line to the corresponding root of the code, BA, 4', BE, 5', 81, 6', etc.; then follow the vertical line to the corresponding 'third letter' of the code, F, 7', G, 8', J, 9', etc. For instance, if the nearest cross is in the first line, 4, which leads to the root BA, 4', and in the second column, 8, which leads to the 'third letter' G, 8', the code for the particular object is "BAG".

Owing to the density of the crosses, 3, this device offers a facility to directly find the length and direction of an object without an undue overload of the reader's "Short-term Memory storage", and without permanent traces on the map, 1, which would reduce its clarity. Fig. 1 illustrates this facility in the following way. An object, for instance 'EATON TERRACE' on 'CENTRAL LONDON STREETS PLANS', (ENCLOSURE 2), has the code "81 P-cat". The first part of the code, "81 P", designates the beginning, while the second part "cat", designates the end of "EATON TERRACE". In order to find the length and the direction of this object, it is sufficient to apply the two parts of the code directly on the transparency, 2, even without the map, 1.In Fig. 1, the criss wuth a circle, 12, indicates the beginning, while the cross which is linked with a straight line, 13, indicates the end of "EATON TERRACE" on the map, 1. The position of the straight line, 13, in relation to the lines and the columns of the crosses, 3, indicates the direction in which the name of this object has been put on the map, 1, starting from the cross with a circle, 1 2.

Fig. 2 illustrates the design and the application of the device which has been named "MAP SPOTTER 1", 2, as an integral part of the present invention, and subsequently referred to as 'M.S.I'. The code-roots, 3, are arranged in this specimen of M.S.l so as to pin-point an object on the axis-Y, 4, of the map, 1, in connection with a rorizontal reference line, 11, on the map, 1, and a horizontal arrow, 5, on the M.S.I, 2. The 'third letters' of the code are arranged in this speciment of M.S.I so as to pin-point the object on the axis-X, 7, of the map, 1, in connection with a verticla reference line, 12, on the map, 1, and a vertical arrow, 8, on the M.S.I, 2.

The letters with strokes, 9, on map, 1, s the imaginary centres of the foveal areas which are marked here with crosses, 10, are related in the same way as the crosses, 3, and the letters, 4', 5', 6', 8 7', 8', 9', etc., on the transparency in Fig. 1. However, on the map, 1, in Fig. 2, they serve merely for the purposes of demonstrating the function of the M.S.I, 2, in relation to the functions of the transparency, 2, in the example illustrated by Fig. 1.

Omission of the whole sets of the code, as well as that of individual lines and columns should illustrate the fact that the editor has a great deal of choice without any harm.

TO SECURE THE ALIGNMENT of the M.S.I, 2, with the map, 1, this device is provided with some perforations which are arranged in lines, 13, 13', 13", etc., and in columns, 14, 14', etc.

At the same time, Fig. 2 illustrates how an object can be found on a map without any other reference marks except the two reference lines, 11 and 12, by using the M.S.I only. To find, for instance, the beginning of "EATON TERRACE" on the map in ENCLOSURE 2, it is sufficient to cover the Horizontal Reference Line, 11, with the line of perforations which is marked by the root of the code, in this instance "Bl", 13, and the Vertical Reference Line, 12, with the column of perforations which is marked by the 'third letter' of the code, in this case "P", 14.

The object, in this instance "EATON TERRACE", or more precisely its beginning, is found by looking at the point of convergence of the Horizontal Arrow, 5, and the Vertical Arrow, 8. To facilitate the demonstration of this procedure, the point of convergence is marked by the cross which is surrounded by a circle, 1 5. The top line of perforations, 16, facilitates the covering of the Vertical Reference Line, 12, on the map, 1, by the corresponding column of perforation, 14, which is in this instance marked by the letter "T". However, instead of providing perforations, 13, 14, 16, and the Cut-out in the area of convergence of the two arrows, 5 and 8, on the M.S.I, the same areas on the M.S.I can be made in transparent material. Alternatively, all signs of the M.S.I can be printed on any translucent material.The advantage of the last alternative is that it allows a general orientation on a map without interfering with the concentration of the area of convergensc which in all cases must be fully visible, either by a Cut-out or by being made in some transparent material, as on the specimen in ENCLOSURE 4.

Fig. 3 represents a Map-Spotter according to the present application, whose design takes an advantage of the horizontal lines on a map and the fold in an atlas by reducing its size. The map taken for the present example is the one from ENCLOSURE 6 reduced in scale in Fig. 3 by three times. In Fig. 3, the map, 1' on the left page, and 1" on the right page, has been provided by a central fold, 2, and three horizontal lines, 3/1, 3/2, 3/3, which in the original design of the map serve as base-lines for the six squares, which are referred to in the original index of the objects, on each page. According to the present application, the fold, 2, is used as the Vertical Reference Line and the three horizontal lines, 3/1, 3/2, 3/3, are used as Horizontal Reference Lines. For this purpose, the present device, called here MAP-APOTTER Ill, is designed as follows.The roots of the code are arranged in six columns, 6/1 to 6/6, whereby each of them contains twenty items, but for the clarity of the Fig. 3 only items starting with a new initial consonants are shown. On a model, ENCLOSURE 5, the columns, 6/1 to 6/6, start and end as specified in the present Description: On the left-hand side of the M.S.III: BA-FE, Fl-JO, and JU-MY; in Fig. 3 this half of the device, 5', is separated from the right-hand side, 5", by a demarcation line, 1 0. On the righthand side of the device, 5", the columns start and end as follows: N A-RE, RI-VO, -and VU-ZY.

Each side of the device, 5' and 5", is provided with own set of the "third letters"; in this example, the left-hand set, 7/1, 7/2, etc. and the right-hand set, 8/1, 8/2, etc. contain all the consonants from the English Alphabet except H and Q, arranged in an alphabetical order. In order to facilitate the alignment of the corresponding roots of the Code, BA, BE, etc., each side of each column, 6/1, 6/2, etc., with a line of perforations, 9', 9", etc. Alternatively, all symbols and signs of the M.S.III can be printed on transparent materials which provide sufficient visibility for specific functions.If, for instance, the code for "EATON LANE SW1, is ''SAG''~, it is sufficient to cover the second horizontal reference line, 3/2, by the root "SA", since it is in the second column of the section, and the Fold, 2, with the 'third letter' "G" of the same section, 8/2. The object is located in the convergence area, 12", of the right-hand arrows, 13" and 14".

The M.S.Ill specimen provided in ENCLOSURE 5, can encode and decode objects in the left and right margins of the map, 4' and 4". In order to further facilitate alignment on the horizontal reference lines, 3/1, 3/2, 3/3, the code-roots which are at the same height in all columns are connected with dotted lines, 11', 11", etc.

This arrangement allows the map spotter to be shorter than the map without requiring additional part of the code. For instance, if the Code for an object is "BAG", it is sufficient to cover the 1 st horizontal line with the perforation line marked "BA", and the central fold of the book with the perforation line marked "G". The object will be found in the convergence area either on the left or on the right, and the spotter need not be shifted outside either the left or the right margin of the book.

In this example, Columns 1 and 4 correspond to 1 h, columns 2 and 5 to 2h, columns 3 and 6 to 3h. In the instance above, "BA" covers 1 h since "BA" is in column 1. If the Code for an object is "NAG", it is sufficient to cover 1 h with the perforation line marked "NA" since "NA" is in column 4; the central fold of the book is covered the the perforation line marked "G" for the column 4, 5 and 6. But again, the object will be found in the convergence area either on the left or on the right, and the spotter will remain inside the area of the map. This will be so regardless of the column in which the root of Code is placed as well as regardless of the set in which the 'third letter' is positioned.

In order to facilitate the reading of a map, the map-spotter may incorporate a magnifying device according to the present application. In this case, the magnification area should not be smaller than the convergence area, and Fig. 4B illustrates a cross section along the optical axis of the lens to be used. The principle characteristics of the lens are as follows, in comparison with a conventional bi-convex lens of the same magnifying power.

1.-It is lighter in weight; 2.-It is thinner in the centre; 3.-Its overall shape is rectangular.

In order to achieve these characteristics the lens is made according to one of the following two alternatives. As in Fig. 4a; A block of any transparent and light material which can be cut without distroying its optical characteristics is provided with concentric, equidistant grooves that are spaced as densely as possible. The depth of each groove grows in a proportion with its distance from the centre so as to achieve a curve specified in this application. Whereas the slope, 1, facing the optical axis, OA, is parallel with it in each groove, 3, the opposite slope, 2, changes from groove to groove in some proportion with its distance from the centre.The gradient of slope increases also with the depth of the groove so as to satisfy the following requirement: If the varying slope which is closest to the optical axis is lifted so that its bottom loins the top of the adjacent one whilst remaining parallel to its actual position, and the combination of the two is lifted again in the same way to the top of the next groove, and so on until all varying slopes are joined together, they should create a practically smooth parabola of a conventional plano-convex lens. If two such blocks, 1, 2, in Fig. 4b, are stuck together so that their optical axis, OA, coincide, they produce an effect similar to the one of a conventional biconvex lens, whilst conforming to the three above mentioned principle characteristics.

B. Instead of the grooves, the block is composed of the material whose 'refraction coefficient' is changing in the following fashion. The centre of the block has the smallest and its periphery the largest 'r.c.'. The increase of the 'r.c.' takes place in concentric layers of material in such a way as to achieve a focal point comparable to the one of a convex lens. As with the design described under A. concerning the grooves, the denser the layers of material with gradually increasing 'r.c.', the sharper is the focal points. However, bearing in mind the function of the map-spotter, this sharpness is not as vital as with some other optical devices, and the block is advantages for the present purposes if is lighter, thinner and rectangular in its crosssection by comparison with a conventional biconvex lens.

Fig. 5 illustrates the attachment of the lens to the body of the map-spotter in its cross-section when it holds the lens above the map at a distance required for the magnification. The line 0'.-.0 represents the optical axis of the lens which is perpendicular to the body when the mapspotter is being used; this line goes through the centre of the convergence area. The line X.-.X' represents an axis through the centre of the thickness of the body of the map-spotter, parallel with the lines of the roots.

The area marked "re-re" represent the cross-section of the recess in the body of the mapspotter where the magnifier is stored when not in use. The thickness of the magnifier (M) is either equal or somewhat smaller than the one of the body of the map-spotter (N). The holder of the magnifier and its link with the body (H.L.) are made of compressible and elastic materials in such a way that they can fulfil the following function. When no external pressure is acting upon the magnifier, it is automatically lifted to a hight required for the magnification. On the other hand, when the due pressure acts upon the top, the magnifier descends into its recess. For instance, if the map-spotter is stored in an atlas the magnifier is in its recess, and when the reader opens the atlas the magnifier is automatically lifted.

If the density of crosses is increased beyond the one required to cover the map with foveal areas, the encoder can choose a Code for any object from a corresponding number of the combinations without breaking the system. For instance if the crosses are marked as in Table A-E, the encoder can choose any of the Codes -DAN, DAP, Dar, DEN, DEP, DER, DIN, DIP, DIR-, which are not situated more than a radius of f.a. from the object, together with the Codes CUN, CUP and CUR.

TABLE A-E MNP RS LEGEND: CU + + + + + The centre of the cross DA + + + + + represents the spot to DE + + + * + + which the corresponding DI + + + + + Code belongs.

DO + + + + + -The asterisks (*) represent DU + + + + + the centre of the object.

If the number of crosses necessary to cover a wanted area exceeds the number of the combinations in the BASIC CODE, B.C., i.e. 2,205, one of the Codes which expanded according to the present application are called here E.C.1, E.C.2, etc.

E.C.1 is produced by using Y-letter as a vowel as well as a consonant. For instance, the roots in B-set of the EC1 are BA, BE, Bl, BO, BU, BY. By using this method of expanding B.C., the total number of combinations is increased by 20%, i.e. EC1 contains 2,646 items.

EC2 or E.C.2 is produced by putting the 'middle letter' of the Basic Code, i.e. the vowel, either in front or at the back of the 'first' and the 'third' letter. For instance, with the vowel in front, the roota in B-set of EC2 are AB, EB, IB, OB, UB; and with the vowel at the back, B-set contains 21 roots: BB, BC, BD, BF, etc. Thus the total number of items in EC2 can be computed as follows: E.C.2 = S.C. X 3 = 6,615 including B.C. items.

EC3 or E.C.3 is produced by using consonants in all the three positions, and the total number of items is: E.C.3 = 213 = 9,261 E.g. BBB, BBC, BBD, etc.

EC4 or E.C.4 is produced by using vowels in all the three positions, and the total number of items is: E.C.4 = 53 = 125 E.G. AAA, AAE, AAI, etc.

EC5 or E.C.5 is produced by using vowels in any two positions and a consonant in the remaining position, and the total number of items is: E.C.5 = 3 X (5 X 5 X 21) = 1,575 E.G. ABA, ABE, etc.

As indicated here, EC4 and EC5 taken together contain a smaller number of items than the B.C. and in most cases will create a positive expansion in combination with any other of methods, as proposed in this application.

EC6 or E.C.6 is achieved by using any of the twenty six letters in any of the three positions, and the total number of items is: E.C.6 = 263 = 17,576 E.G. AAA, AAB, AAC, AAD, AAE, AAF, AAG, etc.

which is equal to the sum of the preceding expansions as follows: EC2 + EC3 + EC4 + EC5 = EC6 E.C.7 is produced by adding in turn each of the vowels to the Basic Code's items. For instance, BAB is expanded into BABA, BABE, BABI, BABO, BABU. The total number of items in E.C.7 is: E.C.7 = B.C. x 5 = 11,025 If, for the convenience of computation, comunication, pronunciation, etc., one of the consonants in the first position, for instance X, and one of the consonants in the third position, for instance Q, are omitted, the total number of items in EC7 is reduced to a round figure in the decimal system as follows: rounded E.C.7 = 20 X 5 X 20 X 5 = 10,000 E.C.8 is produced by doubling the consonant in the third position.For instance, BABB, BACC, BADD, etc. The total number of items in EC8 is: E.C.8 = B.C. X 2 = 4,410 and rounded E.C.8 = 20 X 5 X 20 X 2 = 4,000 E.C.9 is produced by either a.-adding in turn each of the consonants to E.C.7, for inst. BABAB, BABAC, BABA, BABAF, etc.; or b.-adding in turn first each consonant; for instance B, C, D, F, to each of the items of the B.C.; thus BAC becomes expanded into BACB, BACC, BACD, BACF, etc; then adding in turn each of the vowels. Thus, for instance, BAC is expanded into BACBA, BACBE, BACBI, SACS, BACBU, BACCA, etc.

In either way E.C.9 contains the same number of items, i.e.

E.C.9a = B.C. X 5 = E.C.7 X 20 = 231,525 E.C.9b = B.C. X 20 5=231,525 Again, if the number of the consonant is reduced to twenty, the rounded E.C.9 contains 105 X 2 items.

EC10 or E.C.10 is produced in two different ways as follows.

a.-Sy adding in turn each of the vowels to E.C.9a. Thus, for instance, BABAD is expanded into BABADA, BABADE, etc., and the rounded E.C.10a contains 106 items.

b.-Sy adding in turn each of the consonants to B.C.9b. Thus, for instance, BACBE is expanded into BACBEB, BACBEC, BACBED, BACBEF, etc., and the rounded E.C.lOb contains 4 X 106 items.

c.-Sy adding to each item of the B.C. all items in turn of the same Code. Thus, for instance, BAB is expanded into BABBAB, BABBAC, BABBAD, BABBAF, etc., to BABZUZ, so that the expansion of this single item of the B.C. reaches a number of 2,205 items in E.C.10c. Similarly as in E.C.lOb, the rounded E.C.1Ob contains 4 x 106 items. Moreover, all the items in the two last mentioned Expanded Codes, the E.C.lOb and the E.C.10c, all items will be the same.

E.C.1 1 is produced in a similar fashion as the E.C.10c, i.e. by further internal combination of the B.C. More specifically, this Code is produced by adding to each item of E.C.1Oc all items in turn of the B.C. For instance BABBAB is expanded into BABBABBAB, BABBABBAC, BABBAB BAD, BABBABBAF, etc., to BABBABZUZ, so that, once again, the expansion of this single item of the E.C.10c reaches a number of 2,205 items in ECi 1. Thus, the rounded EC1 1 contains E.C.1 1 = E.C.10c X B.C. = 8 X 109 items EC12 or E.C.12 is produced in a manner analogous to EC11, i.e. by adding once more all the items of B.C., in turn, to each item of EC1 1. Thus each item of EC12 contains four items of the B.C. and the rounded EC12 contains E.C.12 = E.C.1 1 X B.C. = 16 X 1012 items.

The same contents of EC12 is achieved by combining the item of EClOb or EClOc amongst themselves, in the same fashion as when producing ECi Oc from B.C., the higher numbers are achieved again in an analogous way.

Owing to a special feature of this Notation, i.e. that any column and/or line of items can be omitted without breaking the system, this can be adapted to the decimal, binary duodecimal and the allied systems.

In the present application, the chief advantage of the system is that it replaces any string of numerals which used as coordinates of any object on the map might be difficult to memorize, by a shorter string of letters. For instance, by using the Basic Code, the coordinates 0000 are replaced by BAB, 0100 by BAC, 0200 by BAD, 0300 by BAF, etc.; 0001 by BEB, 0101 by BEC, 0201 by BED, 0301 by BEF, etc. If the corresponding Codes are fed into a computer together with the existing numerical coordinates, any existing index of objects with a numerical code can be transformed according to the system proposed in this application without any reference to the map.

As a consequence, the retrieval of any information about the encoded objects will be faster whether the decoder uses a map-spotter or a computer. This saves a considerable amount of the computer's capacity as well as the operator's and computer-time.

The above mentioned advantages become more obvious with large number of long numerical chains. For instance, all objects on a map which contains up to 1 7,576 f.a., and might need a code of six numerals, require three letters as a Code in E.C.6.

In addition to the devices for encoding and decoding which have been described above, the following devices according to the present application are also used for the same purposes as follows.

A part of the Code is printed on the map, for instance on its margins, while the remaining part is printed on a removable instrument, such as a ruler, a "T-hammer", etc. Fig. 6 illustrates an application of the E.C.7, whereby the roots BA, BE, Bl, BO, BU, CA, etc. are printed on the vertical, 3, margins of the map, 1, while the remaining part of the Code is printed on a ruler, 2, as B, B, B, B, B, C, C, C, C, C, D, etc.

a, e, i, o, u, a, e, i, o, u, a Thus, if the Code for an object is, for instance, "CADA", to adjust the top line of the ruler at the horizontal imaginary line marked "CA" and the object will be found above the letters on or the ruler.

a To find a Code for a known object, it is sufficient to place the ruler underneath so that it is possible to read the nearest root on the margin and add letters from the ruler.

In order to facilitate the process of finding the code for any particular object, the following design is a part of the present devices. All names of objects are alphabetically listed and associated with the corresponding codes. The list is divided in sections or tables of a suitable length. Each section or table is provided with a sign of direction, and all of them or groups are arranged in any handy way and supplied with a synopsis. Fig. 7 illustrates an example of this arrangement, whereby the tables, 1 to 10, are provided with the signs for for NORTH, 1', NORTH-EAST, 2', EAST, 3', etc. in a continuous rotation. For instance, the sign for table 1, 1', is the same as the one for table 9, 9'; but the two signs are distinctively displaced.The synopsis, 11, is provided with the characteristic contents of each table, in this instance the initial letters of the first name, shown at the same height as the directional sign of the particular table, e.g. C, CI, CU, D, etc. The characteristic contents of each table on the synopsis is accompanied by the same directional sign as the corresponding table; e.g., C is accompanied by the sign for the NORTH as table 1, 1', Cl by the sign for the NORTH-EAST as table 2, 2', etc.

This design makes it possible to locate the table with the wanted name by following the directional signs only, i.e. without seeing the contents of any other table. For instance, the code is wanted for DEVONSHIRE STREET W1, and the nearest initials on the synopsis is the letter D, 12, which is accompanied by the sign for the SOUTH-EAST, 4'. The operator follows the signs on the tables 1-10, 1'-10', until he detects the sign for the SOUTH-East, 4', which is at about the same height as the one accompanying the initials D, 12, on the synopsis, 11.The operator now procedes by inspecting the names on the table to which the particular sign belongs, 4, and locates the object' name, DEVONSHIRE STREET W1, which is followed by its Code for its location on the map; in this example the code is "56) FUB' The operator finds map section 56 (ENCLOSURE 6/2), applies the MAP-SPOTTER lil (ENCLOSURE 5, Side with 10 columns), according to the principle for map-spotting described above.

DESCRIPTION OF ENCLOSURES E/ 1 illustrates the structure of Basic Gaspar Code or Notation. The notation consists of twenty one columns, 1 -starting with words, e.g., BAB, BAC, BAD and 105 rows, 2,-starting with words, e.g., BAB, BEB, BIB.

The columns omitted (3) in this illustration-i.e. those which contain words with the third letter, 6, any consonant between g and z-are represented by the horizontal dashes. The rows omitted (4) in this illustration-i.e. those which contain words with the 'roots', 5, starting with any consonant between d and z-are represented by vertical dashes.

E/2 represents two sections of the Central London Street Plan.

E/3 shows the complete transparency, 2, as specified in the Description of Fig. 1, whereby the reference numbers have the same meaning, except that the concentric circles, 1 0/1, 1 0/2, 11/1, 11/2, from Fig. 1 are replaced here by the concentric squares.

E/4 shows the complete 'map-spotter 1', 2, as specified in the Description of Fig. 2, whereby all the reference numbers have the same meaning.

E/5A shows the complete 'map-spotter lit', 5' and 5", as specified in the Description of Fig.

3, whereby all the reference numbers have the same meaning.

E/5B represents a version of 'map-spotter III' which is analogous to the one shown in E/5A.

In consequence all the reference numbers have the same meaning as specified in the Description of Fig. 3/ but the ones for the columns, 6/1, 6/2 and 6/3 on the left-hand side of the device, 5', are replaced by the reference numbers from 6/1 to 6/5, whilst the ones for the columns, 6/4, 6/5 and 6/6 on the right-hand side of the device, 5", are replaced by the reference numbers from 6/6 to 6/10.

E/6A represents a specimen of the maps which are divided by horizontal lines, 1 ,2,3, into three belts, and by a central fold, 4, into one left-hand and one right-hand part, 5 and 6, respectively.

E/6B represents a specimen of the maps which are divided by horizontal lines, 1,2,3,4,5, into five belts, and by a central fold, 7, into one left-hand and one right-hand part, 6 and 8, respectively.

Claims (11)

1. A set of devices which allow an object to be located on a map by using a single word as a code, whereby a part of the word designates location on Axis-X and the other part designates location on Axis-Y.

2. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each code is composed of three systematically arranged letters which represent simple words, e.g. BAD, BED, BID, BOD, BUD, etc., the complete code-list having a capacity of over 2 X 10 on the power of 3 items.

3. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a string of three letters which are systematically arranged is used as a code, such as ABC, BBC, CBC, etc., the complete code-list having a capacity of over 1 5 X 103 items.

4. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and 2, whereby the items from the code-list according to Claim 2 are expanded by adding a vowel in a systematic way, such as DEMA, DEME, DEMI, DEMO, DEMU, etc., the complete list having a capacity of over 104 items.

5. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and 4, whereby the items from the code-list according to Claim 4 are expanded by adding a consonant in a systematic way, such as BATED, CATED, DATED, FATED, etc., the complete list having a capacity of over 2 x 105 items.

6. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and 2, whereby the items from the code-list according to Claim 2 are systematically arranged into strings, such as master, mester, mister, moster, muster, etc., mannister, mennister, minnister, monnister, etc., romnumbulles, somnumbulles, tomnumbulles, etc., etc., the complete list having a capacity of over 4 X 106, 8 X 109, 1 6 X 1 012, etc., respectively.

7. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the relationship between the code and the position of the object is secured by simple symbols and/or signs without an undue reduction of the clarity of map.

8. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and 7, wherein a transparency containing simple symbols-such as crosses-for the centre of each foveal arear the area of clearest vision in a single eye-fixation--which is necessary to cover the corresponding section of a map in a single adjustment, and the code-items positioned so as to individually designate each of the centres, locates the encoded object within the particular foveal area on the transparency itself.

9. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and 7, whereby an instrumentalled here a "map-spotter' 'ontains two directional symbols, such as arrows, and the code items positioned in such a way that the encoded object is located within the foveal area whose centre is the point of convergence of the directional symbols when the two parts of the corresponding code are related to the two reference symbols or signs-such as one horizontal and one vertical line--on the map.

10. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and 9, whereby the map-spotting instrument incorporates a magnifier of sufficient power which can permanently remain between the pages of the book, for instance an atlas, without damaging it and which automatically comes into the correct position for viewing the wanted object as soon as the corresponding code is applied as specified in Claim 9.

11. A set of devices as claimed in Claim 1 and Claims 2 to 6, whereby the location of codeitems is facilitated by dividing the list of the items into sections of an arbitrary length and providing each section with a directional sign, such as for NORTH, NORTH-EAST, EAST, etc., in such a way that the signs rotate in a uniform and predictable manner when the sectiona are turned in their normal order, and the wanted section can be located without seeing any other contents of other sections, pages or other means of classification, regardless of the total number of items or the total capacity of the list, if the relationship between the contents of each section and the corresponding directional sign is known, for instance from a synoptic survey whereby the characteristic part of the contents of each section is allocated an individual position as well as the same directional sign as the section itself.