WO1991004553A2

WO1991004553A2 - An indicating panel for facilitating the acquisition of information and/or localization of selected points on a map

Info

Publication number: WO1991004553A2
Application number: PCT/EP1990/001576
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gabriele Antonio Tonelli
Original assignee: Paolo Antonio Grego Edizioni S.A.S.
Priority date: 1989-09-18
Filing date: 1990-09-18
Publication date: 1991-04-04
Also published as: WO1991004553A3

Abstract

An indicating panel (1) for facilitating the acquisition of information and/or localization of selected points (2) on a map (3), being of a type which comprises a first portion (7) on which said map (3) is displayed and a second portion (9) carrying graphics, legends, references (11), and remarks related to the above-mentioned selected points, further comprises a bundle of fiber optics (10) extending between each point and at least one corresponding reference (11).

Description

"An indicating panel for facilitating the acquisition of information and/or localization of selectee points on a map"

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

This invention relates to an indicating panel for

facilitating the acquisition of information and/or the

localization of selected points on a map.

More particularly, the invention relates to such a panel comprising a first portion on which said map is displayed and a second portion on which graphics, legends, references, and remarks related to said selected points on the map are displayed.

Background Art

It is recognized fact that spotting a path, street, or place of interest on a map may turn out to be a lengthy and tedious procedure.

A common practice is to use small maps carrying an index whence the coordinates of the area or point of interest can be derived.

To obviate this slow and troublesome search, the prior art has proposed alternative solutions, to be found customarily in public areas where quick localization and access to points of interest is desirable, or the acquisition is sought of such information about said points as, for instance, the existence or non-existence of a given trade activity.

These are in essence indicating panels which display, on the one side, a map showing an area (neighborhood, town, district, etc.) of interest, and on the other side, a body of graphics and legends referred to predeterrrined points on the map. Such panels are electrified and may include a plurality of switches and control keys, each adjoining a legend, a s we l l as a p lura l i ty of l i ght i ndi cators locat ed at cor responding sites on the map with the various legends, thereby on depressing any of the keys associated with the legends, the corresponding portion of the map becomes lighted.

While being advantageous, and substantially achieving their objective, such prior panels still exhibits some

shortcomings, as pointed out herein below. They are vulnerable in that any failure, or a vandal act resulting, foe example, in a shorted switch or light indicator, can easily disable the whole panel.

The i r ope ration requires a power supply, which may not be readily available or accessible at some remote sites where such panels may be most useful.

Lastly, in order to provide bi-univocal information, that is to enable both the map and the legend portion to be interrogated, the panel construction, and circuitry would have to be made excessively complicated, thus raising its cost and lowering its reliability.

The technical problem that underlies this invention is to provide an indicating panel which has such structural and functional features as to facilitate the acquisition of information and/or localization of selected points on a map and overcome the drawbacks mentioned in connection with the prior art approaches.

Another object of this invention is to provide an indicating pa^nel for use as educational aid to significantly assist in the study of multifarious geographic, historical, and the like teachings, thereby affording for the user ar. interactive form of learning effective to promote the feeling for space.

Disclosure of Invention

This technical problem is solved by a panel as specified being characterized in that it comprises a bundle of fiber optics extending between each point and at least one

corresponding reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the panel is also equipped with an optical pen for emitting a light pulse to the access end of the fiber optics. In addition, said first portion displaying said map would be configured as a globe.

The features and advantages of an indicating panel according to the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limitative example with r ef e renc e to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective v i ew s howi ng i n e l evat i on an i ndi cat i ng pa ne l accordi ng to the invention.

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the panel in Figure 1, shown under a different condition of its operation.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the inventive indicating panel.

Figure 4 is a part-sectional perspective view showing schematically another embodiment of the panel in Figure 3.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 are respective perspective views of modified embodiments of the panel shown in Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a schematic detail view of the panel shown in Figure 3.

Modes for Carrying Out the Inyention

With reference to the drawing views, generally and

schematically shown at 1 is an indicating panel embodying this invention and being adapted for the acquisition of information and/or localizing selected points on a map 3.

The panel 1 comprises a stand base 4, a standard 5 mounted upright on said base, and a board 6.

The board 6 forms the display surface of the panel 1 and comprises a first portion 7 carrying the map 3 of a geographic area of interest, such as a neighborhood, a town, a district, etc.

The panel 1 comprises a second portion 9 carrying graphics, legends 11, references, and remarks about the predetermined spots or points 2 on the map.

Advantageously in accordance with the invention, the panel 1 includes a bundle 10 of fiber optics which extends between each point 2 and at least one corresponding reference 11.

The bundles 10 of fiber optics are nested in the p.-nel 1 rearwardly of the exposed surface 8 thereof.

Specifically, each bundle 10 of fiber optics comprises a plurality of filaments 12, each having respective opposite ends, the one 14 made accessible for a light pulse in the proximity of one of said legends 11, the other made accessible for a light pulse in the proximity of one of said points 2, in particular a point 2 corresponding with the contents of the legend 11.

The panel 1 is equipped with an optical pen 12 being self-powered by an incorporated battery, not shown because conventional.

In another embodiment, the bundle 10 of fiber optics has one end accessible for a Light pulse in the proximity of one of the legends 11, and the opposite end unravelled into the plural filaments 12, each Led independently to a discrete

point 2.

To obtain information on a given spot or point 2 of the map 3, it will be sufficient that the optical pen 13 be aimed at the point of interest and that a light pulse be emitted through the corresponding fiber optics.

As a result, on the second portion 9 of the panel 1, the legend related to the searched area will light up and show pertinent information.

Likewise, by aiming the optical pen at one of the legends, its corresponding point(s) 2 on the map 3 can be lighted.

A typical example of such an application is wher one wants to Locate all the commercial outlets of a given kind in an area of choice.

By illuminating the access ends of a bundle 10 next to a Legend, the opposite ends will become Lighted of the filaments 12 Leading to those points 2 on the map 3 where such commercial outlets of a given kind are situated.

Thus, the panel of this invention achieves its objectives in a simple, effective, and quite economical manner.

This panel affords an additional major advantage in that it can resist vandal attack and is Low in maintenance requirements.

It also lends itself for multifarious informational

applications.

From the last-mentioned aspect, a modified embodiment will be now described wherein it is utilized as an educational aid particularly adapted for teaching languages, geopolitical, historical, and the Like elements about the world countries.

Such variations of this invention are illustrated in

Figures 3 to 8.

Shown in said drawing figures is an educational a i d 21 which a globe 22, in particular the terrestrial globe, the surface 23 whereof has the geographical and political outlines of

continents and nations reproduced thereon.

Also provided is an electronic data processing unit 24, e.g. a personal computer or PC including a video screen display 25 and a keyboard 26, known per se.

In another embodiment, the processing unit 24 includes a case 32 defining a rest base for the globe 22.

The processing unit 24, which incorporates data and program storage means, not shown because conventional, is connected electrically to the globe 22 as explained herein below.

A plurality of sensors 27 are distributed across the surface 23 of the globe 22. These may consist, for example, of plural control keys or pushbuttons 20 standing proud of the surface 23 at the locations of the capital cities of the aforementioned nations.

Alternatively, the sensors 7 may be an array of

touch control switches 19 or capacitive sensors.

Each of said sensors 27 is independently connected to the input of the processing unit 24 via an interfacing circuit.

In particular, each sensor 27 is connected to a respective input of an encoder 28 having a data transfer line 29 as its output line, e.g. one of the co-called RS-232 type connected to the processing unit 24 as shown in Figure 8.

Advantageously, provided on the surface 23, close to each sensor 27, is a corresponding light source 30, e.g. of the LED (Light Emitter Diode) type. Each source 30 is output connected to the processing unit 24 independently, e.g. through an interfacing circuit.

In particular, a decoder 31 is provided receiving at its input a data transfer line which is connected to the processing unit 24 and having a plurality of outputs, each connected to a respective one of said light sources 30.

Understandably, the encoder 28 and decoder 31 may be carried on and electronically powered by ar electronic circuit board 33 incorporated to the globe, as shown in Figure 8, or be combined in a single integrated circuit.

With specific reference to the example of Figure 7, there is shown a modified embodiment wherein parts and cooperating items having the same construction and function as in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this variation, an electromagnetic wave transceiver 35 is housed inside the globe 22 which is adapted to interact with a corresponding transceiver unit 34 incorporated to said electronic processing unit 24. The transmitter is of the infrared ray type.

In a further variation, the. globe 22 incorporates a voice synthesizer 36 which is connected to said processing unit 24 to input sound information corresponding with the elements of knowledge displayed.

With further reference to the examples shewn in Figures 3 and 5, it may be appreciated that the solutive idea of this invention resides in the prevision of a bi- or three-dimensional body 18, such as the globe 22 or a toy car 41, the exposed surface whereof carries the sensors 27 and light sources 30, or the ends of the fiber optics 10. Likewise, the body 18 may be a planar map as shown in Figure 3.

The sensors 17 and light sources 30 are respectively connected to the input ard the output of the processing unit 24 to enable various elements of krowledge to be examined visually and/or read on the display 25, consistently with the type of said body, following contact at or a command from any of said sensors.

The educational aid 21 specially facilitates the teaching of several elements of geopolitics, history, and the like concerning the world's nations.

To this aim, the processing unit 24 is provided with appropriate software programs to permit of versatile utilization of the aid.

As an example, the processing unit may be set up to display, on the screen 25, data, information, and educational entries of a geographic character, or on some other subject, by drawing from the data memory residincgin it. Such information would only be displayed, however, on the user of this aid intercepting or making a contact with at least one of the sensors 27, such as by depressing one of the pushbuttons 19 or 20 provided on the surface 23 of the globe, as indicated by the arrow F.

On said contact being made, corresponding information with the nation or area of the globe where the contact has been made will show up on the display 25.

The globe 22 essentially provides a second keyboard of sort for the processing unit 24.

In a different mode of operation, the processing unit 24 may be set up to answer questions and enquiries from the user through the globe 22. As an example, for a hypothetical request, to be keyed in on the keyboard 26, to list the countries where a given Language is spoken, the answer would be represented by the blinking of the various sources 30 Located on the globe surface 23 at the countries concerned.

As a further example of such interactive utilization, it may be supposed of keying in, through the keyboard, a giver, word and then intercepting one of the sensors 27 at any one nation to have said word translated into the Local language.

It will be appreciated, moreover, that through the voice synthesizer 36, the aid 21 could provide verbal answers about an enquiry from the user, even in different Languages.

It may be readily inferred from the foregoing description that a major advantage of the educational aid according to the invention resides in that it can make the study of

geographic subjects and their Learning much easier. In

particular, the learning stage would be greatly stimulated by the interaction with the globe unit, with the user forming no longer a passive subject in the teaching process.

Thanks to this interactive Link between the user and the inventive aid, the information delivered can be committed to memory more easily and a better feeling for the geographic space stimulated at the same time.

Claims

1. An indicating panel (1) for facilitating the acquisition of information and/or the localization of selected points (2) on a map (3), being of a type which comprises a first portion (7) on which said map (3) is displayed ard a second portion (9) on which graphics. Legends (11), references, and remarks related to said selected points (2) are displayed,

characterized in that it comprises a bundle of fiber optics extending between each point (2) and at Least one corresponding reference (11).

2. A panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with an optical pen (13) for transmitting a light pulse to the access ends (14) of the fiber optics (10).

3. A panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that said bundle (10) has one end (14) accessible by a light pulse in the proximity of one of said legends (11) and the opposite end unravelled into a plurality of filaments (12) each Led independently to one of said points (2).

4. A panel according to Claim 1, characterized in that said first portion (7) on which said map (2) is displayed is a terrestrial globe (22).

5. An interactive educational panel for studying and teaching elements of geopolitics, history, Languages, and the like, characterized in that it comprises a terrestrial globe (22), an electronic processing unit (24) provided with a display (25), and a plurality of sensors (27) distributed across the globe surface (23) and being each connected individually to the input of the processing unit (24) through and interfacing electronic circuit, to enable a user to view and/or read said elements on the display (25) following interception of at least one of said sensors (27).

6. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that said processing unit (24) includes a case (32) forming a rest base for said globe (22).

7. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that said globe (22) further comprises a plurality of Light sources (30) each connected individually to the output of said

processing unit (24), through an interfacing circuit, and being located on the globe surface (23) close to a corresponding sensor (27) .

8. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that the globe (22) interior accommodates an electromagnetic wave transceiver (35) operative to interact with a corresponding transceiver unit (34) incorporated to said electronic processing unit .

9. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that said sensors (27) comprise an array of touch control switches (19).

10. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that said sensors comprise a plurality of capacitive sensors.

11. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that said sensors comprise a plurality of control pushbuttons (20).

12. A panel according to Claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a voice synthesizer (36) associated with said processing unit (24) to issue sound information corresponding with the elements being displayed.

13. An interactive educational panel for studying and teaching elements of geopolitics, history, and the like, characterized in that it comprises a two- or three-dimensional body (18), an electronic processing unit (24) provided with a display (25), and a plurality of sensors (27) distributed across the exposed surface (23) of said body (18) and being each connected individually to the input of the processing unit (24), through an interfacing electronic circuit, to enable a user to view and/or read said elements on the display (25) following interception of at least one of said sensors (27).

14. A panel according to Claim 13, characterized in that said body (18) comprises a plurality of light sources (30) each connected individually to the output of said processing unit (24), through an interfacing circuit, and located on the body surface close to a corresponding sensor (27).

15. A panel according to Claim 13, characterized in that said body (18) is a toy.

16. A panel according to Claim 13, characterized in that said body (18) is a planar map.