Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to a method and apparatus for the transformation of a community-based, paper-based publications or directories of a chamber of commerce into multiple versions, and more particularly, to publication of a database for cross-publication of digital versions of publications in a form such as a website, an eBook, and a mobile membership directory or any combination thereof. The method also discloses how data is collected and transformed by a first publisher and a second publisher in the different formats using a plurality of distribution methods to increase exposure to customers in the marketplace using a single visual interface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to a method and apparatus for the transformation of a community-based, paper-based publication or directory of a chamber of commerce into one or multiple versions of the publication, and more particularly, to digital versions such as a website, an eBook, and a mobile membership directory or any combination thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Some types of associations or groups, such as Chambers of Commerce, municipalities, university campuses, etc., are formed from a network of individuals and/or corporate entities. In today&#39;s marketing environment, large conglomerates and franchises that operate nationwide have the resources to access the general press and audiovisual media in large-scale marketing campaigns. Smaller corporate entities, individuals, associations, and nonprofit groups must find ways to compete with these giants at minimal cost while reaching out to the largest client base possible. A first way is to resort to local press and audiovisual media, but this marketing method is relatively localized and has a relatively brief lifespan. A second way is to resort to proximity campaigns, such as word-of-mouth and community activism, but these methods are time consuming and require extensive manpower. A third way is the use of new technologies, such as the Internet and other digital media. 
         [0003]    The Internet was initially believed to be an open, unobstructed window to the world, but it is now understood to be a clogged information highway. Much the same can be said for other digital media. In the early stages of marketing of the eBook, it was proclaimed that paper-based publications would soon be obsolete and as they were replaced by small, portable screens capable of displaying eBooks and eNewspapers. In the same vein, others believed that connecting cell mobiles to the Internet or providing wireless data exchange possibilities in handheld devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) would automatically allow users to access and utilize information effortlessly. A greater understanding of the intricacies of these different technologies, which is only available in hindsight, has shown that early optimism to be unfounded. Websites, even in full operation, do not necessarily translate to sales, eBooks are simply not replacing paper-based publications, and wireless mobiles with data communication capacity are still mostly used as mobiles. New methods and apparatuses must be developed by inventors in the various digital markets to combine these technologies and create viable commercial models. 
         [0004]    Chambers of Commerce, associations, and municipalities have operations that must also be addressed by technologies specifically tailored to their needs. Typically, these types of community-based entities are not as well-equipped as corporations to compete in the marketplace with strong, corporate marketing departments. The leadership of community based entities is often elected and changes periodically. Further, services provided to their electorate or members must be offered at a low cost. Directories and community-based information must constantly be updated and is subject to dynamic change as events take place and members come and go. 
         [0005]    Historically, these groups have used annual or quarterly paper-based publications to coordinate directory services, tourism, local advertising, and event planning. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/208,476 to Brown describes how, at the height of the Internet boom, it was believed a community-based directory could radically move away from paper-based publication to interactive electronic services using an Internet website and a portable or wireless computer. With hindsight, it has become clear that while community-based websites have a global reach and can be updated regularly, they are often difficult to browse and cannot be handed out to tourists at a kiosk as marketing material. Brown is not directed to the transformation of a community-based directory used worldwide having different protocols of communication. 
         [0006]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/056,302 to Nugara et al. and owned by the Assignee of this invention reconciles historical methods of advertising with new methods. This invention understands tangible publications when used in tandem with new technologies using the Internet and a wireless mobile protocol, which can improve services substantially. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/056,302 describes how to create or collect directory-type information from a community and publish it using a novel method. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/464,646 also to Nugara, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/056,302, describes how publications can be in the form of eBooks or other tangible media. 
         [0007]    Some communities and groups have already created publications containing a wide range of information, which are not limited to community-based directories. What is needed is a method and apparatus to enhance and improve the market presence of communities that already have some degree of market exposure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure relates generally to a method and apparatus for the transformation of a community-based, paper-based publications or directories of a chamber of commerce into a single or multiple versions, and more particularly, to publication of a database for cross-publication of digital versions of publications in a form such as a website, an eBook, and a mobile membership directory or any combination thereof. The method also discloses how data is collected and transformed by a first publisher and a second publisher in the different formats using a plurality of distribution methods to increase exposure to customers in the marketplace using a single visual interface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a general functional diagram of the method and apparatus to digitize a paper-based publication and distribute the digital version into the marketplace according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a detailed diagram illustrating the different data transfers within the method and apparatus to digitize a paper-based publication as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of the different steps of the method shown in  FIGS. 1-2  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of a computer-embodied apparatus for the digitalization of a paper-based publication for a community-based group according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The present invention is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus and method depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the above-described device and method without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in the above depictions should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense. It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that these different elements correspond to the general elements found in this disclosed system to practice this disclosure. Other auxiliary elements and limitations may be imagined and contemplated to operate the device and method, but they do not affect the validity and completeness of the disclosure of this device and method. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a general functional diagram of the method  100  and apparatus to digitize and release a paper-based publication in the marketplace. A first community  1 , shown as COM A, is made of individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and the like, which may be associated as a group  6  based on goods, services, a location, or even a common goal such as, by way of nonlimiting example, the preservation of local landmarks or a forming a Chamber of Commerce. This group  6  assembles or collects data shown as Data X  6  directed to the subject matter linked with the group  6 . From this first set of Data X  6 , the information is assembled, organized, and focused to a useful set of Data Y before it is given to a first Publisher A  8  needed to create a paper-based publication shown as Version P  9  of a book  11 . The Publisher A  8  edits and modifies the Data Y  7  into a first set of data  20  shown as Data A associated with the paper-based publication Version P  9  and ultimately the book  11 . The book  11  is then distributed in the marketplace  4 , which is a general marketplace that includes the first community  1  shown as COM A, a second community  2  shown as COM B, and even a third community  3  shown as COM N. The use of the letter N indicates to one of ordinary skill in the art that while three communities  1 ,  2 ,  3  are shown, what is contemplated is the existence in the marketplace  1  of a plurality of N communities formed from the same or different individuals or legal entities based on their different interests. 
         [0016]    Previously, once created, the book  11  is updated at regular time intervals or may be part of a periodical publication. Each time the book  11  is updated, a new or revised set of Data X  6 , Data Y  7 , and Data A  7  is created alongside the Version P  9 . In some cases (not shown), the group  5  can mandate Publisher A  8  to create the first set of Data A  20  directly from Data X  6 . The advantages associated with tangible publications are described in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/056,302 and 11/464,646 to Nugara et al. These applications are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a new method of digitizing a paper-based publication for a community based group  100  where Data A  20 , which is a first set of data, is requested from a first publisher  8 . This first set of data  20  is created by the first Publisher  8  from an initial set of marketplace data shown as Data X  6  representative of a first community  1  as modified by a first group  5  associated with the first community  1  into an intermediate set of data  7  also shown as Data Y used to create the paper-based publication  11 .  FIG. 2  is a detailed diagram illustrating the different data transfers within the method and apparatus to digitize a paper-based publication. The first set of data  20  associated with the first Publisher  8  may include a text file, a series of illustrations, and a directory file in any known format. In a preferred embodiment, the directory file is in a .cvs or .xls file format. In another contemplated embodiment, the first set of data  20  can be associated with images in common file formats (e.g., jpg, .eps, .tiff, InDesign, or Quark). 
         [0018]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , a second publisher  19 , shown as Publisher B, associates the Data A  20  in a database  21  as the first set of data with the first community shown as COM A—DATA A. The first set of data  20  is then archived in the database  21  alongside with a plurality of at least one other existing set of data  16  of another community from the marketplace shown as COM N—DATA N. Once again, the use of the letter N is used to signify a plurality of at least one other element where N is often a very large number. What is also shown in  FIG. 1  is how the Data A can be taken from a first Publisher A  8 , but also from another Publisher N  15  with a transfer of Data N  16 . What is also contemplated is a situation where the first publisher  8  and the second publisher  19  are the same or different entities of the same corporate structure in a media corporation. 
         [0019]    What is shown is the creation  10 ,  17 ,  18  and publication  12 ,  13 ,  14  of a mobile-usable version  10 ,  12  of the first set of data  20  and storing the mobile-usable version in a mobile-readable format in the database  21  of the second publisher  19  alongside the first set of data  20 . In addition, what is shown is the creation  17  and publication  13  of an eBook version of the first set of data  20  and storing the eBook version  17  in an eBook format in the database  21  of the second publisher  19  alongside the first set of data  20 . Also, what is shown is the creation  18  and publication  14  of a website version of the first set of data  20  and storing the website pages as a website version  18  in a browser-readable format such as HTML in the database  21  of the second publisher  19  alongside the first set of data  20 . 
         [0020]    What is also shown is the creation  40  and publication of a mobile-usable version  41 , an eBook version  42 , and a website version  43  of the at least one other existing sets of data  16  from another community  3  from the marketplace  4 . In a subsequence step, access is provided to a user from the marketplace  4  with a mobile to the mobile-usable version  12  of the first set of data  20  and to the at least one other mobile-usable version  41  of an existing set of data  16  from another community  3  via telephonic communication. 
         [0021]    Returning to  FIG. 2 , the second publisher  19  is shown with a plurality of data (Data A, . . . N). The mobile-usable version  10  of the first set of data  20  is created in a format that is accessible by web-enabled mobiles, smart mobiles, wireless devices, personal data assistant devices, and iPhones in a plurality of formats including wml format. What is also contemplated is the use of dynamic linking or banners and advertisements to further enhance the mobile-usable version  10  of the first set of data  20 . The use of dynamic links in the chosen file format, along with other dynamic systems, allows for greater facility in browsing and accessing information within the mobile-usable version  10 . What is contemplated is the use of any use or function supported by the different programming languages of mobile-based devices described herebefore to enhance the use of the first set of data  20 . 
         [0022]    What is shown in  FIG. 2  is the existence of Customers A  23 , B  24 , C  25 , and D  26  in the marketplace  4 . To increase the market presence of the first set of data  20 , a plurality of digitized versions  10 ,  17 ,  18  are released and published  12 ,  13 ,  14  in the marketplace  4 . Different customers, readers, or users may desire or have access to different versions using different technological access points. By increasing the different vectors of communication, what is increased is the overall market presence. In the area of publications of Chambers of Commerce, for example, the choice of an eBook, a printed book, a mobile-readable version, and a website version is particularly desirable when associated with diverse communities. Communities such as Chambers of Commerce, unlike the general population, have specific needs that often relate to providing information with the desire to increase marketplace presence and sales, and thus profitability, of the different members of the group  6 . It has been found by Applicant that a website version, a mobile-readable version, and an eBook by themselves or in combinations of two are not sufficiently useful and desirable to Chambers of Commerce that desire to make information available to the marketplace via different media. For example, CDs are created and distributed along with a possible Internet download for the eBook  13  made from the first set of data  20 . By providing a user with a copy of the eBook  13  in addition to the printed book  11 , and by providing access to a mobile-readable version  12  and a website version  14 , the publisher increases the market impact of the first set of data  20  and users can be provided access via a database  21  to other sets of data  16  that relate to other communities  3 . 
         [0023]    The method includes providing to a second user from the marketplace  4  a copy of the eBook  13  made from the first set of data  20  and providing to a third user from the marketplace access to the website version  14  of the first set of data  20 , as well as to the at least one other website  43  of the at least one other existing set of data  22  from another community  3 . By adding banners and ads to the mobile-usable version  12 , the eBook version  13 , and the website version  14  of the first set of data  20  before publication and the existing set of data  16  from another community  3 , the method is further improved. In other embodiments, dynamic links are added to the mobile-usable version  12 , the eBook version  13 , and the website version  14  of the first set of data  20  and the existing set of data  16  from another community  3 . The method also contemplates providing only part of the information to users, namely only a first version, a second version, and a third version of the first set of data  20  and a parallel version of the other existing set of data, or any dual or triple combination thereof as shown on  FIG. 3 . 
         [0024]    In another contemplated embodiment, the book or paper-based publication  11  includes a graphical interface or a typeset and wherein the mobile-usable version  12  of the first set of data  20 , the eBook version  13  of the first set of data  20 , and the website version  14  of the first set of data  20  includes the graphical interface. For example, if the book  11  has a purple typeface, what is contemplated is the use of this typeface to enhance the different digital versions made from the first set of data  20 . In yet another embodiment, the first set of data  20  further includes a directory file in a table format if the paper-based publication includes a community directory. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  shows a computer-embodied apparatus  200  for the digitizing of a paper-based publication for a community-based group including an uploading software  211  stored in a memory  206  of a computer  201  with a processor  205  and functional access to an Internet connection  203  such as an Internet port, a wireless mobile connection  202 , a database  21  in the memory  206 , and a compact disk printing device  204 . What is disclosed is the use of any type of computer system having an operating system capable of operating software via a processor and memory. In one embodiment, the compact disk printing device  204  is a disk burner connected to the computer by a connection port. The uploading software  211  is designed to upload into the database a first set of data  20  from a first community, a database management software  207  operating the database  21  for storing the first set of data  20  from the first community (not shown in  FIG. 4 ), and at least a second set of data  16  from a second community. 
         [0026]    What is also contemplated is the use of a first creation software C 1  as  208  for creating from the first set of data  20  from the database  21  through the database management software  207  a mobile-usable version as shown in  FIG. 1 , a second creation software C 2  as  209  for creating from the first set of data  20  from the database  21  through the database management software  207  an eBook version as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a third creation software C 3  as  210  for creating from the first set of data  20  from the database  21  through the database management software  207  a website version as shown in  FIG. 1 . One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes how memory  206  operates in tandem with software  208 ,  209 ,  210 ,  211 ,  207  and the database  21  in order to transform the data  16 ,  20  into the various usable versions through the processor  205 . 
         [0027]    A publishing software  212  for publishing on the Internet via the Internet connection  203  publishes the website version of the first set of data  20  and a website version of the second set of data  16  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The publishing software  212  also publishes over a mobile network via the wireless mobile connection  202  the mobile-usable version, and for burning hard copies of the digital file forming an eBook version of the first set of data  20  using the compact disk printing device  204 . What is also disclosed is allowing a download from the memory  206  via the Internet connection of the eBook version as shown in  FIG. 1 . What is shown in  FIG. 4  is the embodiment of the different software and hardware, not the different functions associated with the transfer and processing of the information associated with the different publications as shown and described above and incorporated fully in the apparatus claim. 
         [0028]    Persons of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that although the teachings of the disclosure have been illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, there is no intent to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, the intention of this application is to cover all modifications and embodiments falling fairly within the scope of the teachings of the disclosure.