Real-time interactive directory
First Claim
1. An interactive directory system, comprising:
- a user interface displayable on a video monitor at a workstation and displaying at least one directory entity and a status for that entity; and
a contact address for a computer having status information for the directory entity;
wherein the directory system contacts the computer at the contact address, accesses status information for the directory entity, and displays in the interactive directory updated status information for the directory entity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive directory provided for a workstation having a connected video monitor and adapted for network access has an interactive display for displaying status for individual entities, being persons and organizations. Entities are listed in the display along with status for each entity. There may be multiple fields for status, and some fields display telephone numbers, while others may provide alphanumeric display. A remote access contact address is stored and associated with each directory entity, and when the directory is active, the workstation accesses status information from network sources associated with individual directory listings. Status for entities in the directory is therefore updated in real time as the directory is used. In some embodiments multiple graphic indicia, such as underlining, shading, font choice and the like are used to provided status indication in various fields of the interactive display. In some embodiments alpha-numeric status is provided as well. In other embodiments telephone calls may be placed by interactive input to the directory.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. An interactive directory system, comprising:
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a user interface displayable on a video monitor at a workstation and displaying at least one directory entity and a status for that entity; and a contact address for a computer having status information for the directory entity; wherein the directory system contacts the computer at the contact address, accesses status information for the directory entity, and displays in the interactive directory updated status information for the directory entity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for tracking status of personal and organizational entities, comprising steps of:
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(a) displaying an interactive directory on a video monitor of a workstation, the interactive directory providing entity identity and status; (b) causing the workstation to contact a computer having status information for an entity listed in the directory, a contact address for the computer being prestored at the workstation and associated with the entity; (c) accessing status information for the entity associated with the contact address; and (d) using the accessed information to update and display status for the entity in the interactive directory. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification