GRAPHIC TRADE DIRECTORY WITH DATA COMPRESSION

摘要

A computer trade directory with subscriber advertising and data and image compression. The trade directory comprises a graphical user interface and a series of data volumes containing company listing information and images. The graphical user interface provides search and index functions allowing a user to locate company listing information by company name, city, province/state, country, product classification and sub-classification. Images containing advertising are automatically displayed when searching for suppliers of items in a particular product classification. The display mode and prominence of an advertising image can be controlled according to a subscriber's preference. The invention includes compression algorithms for encoding and storing company listing information and images which can comprise a mix of text, line drawings, photographs, spot colour and true colour. The trade directory can be installed in compressed form on the hard disk of a computer or run directly from floppy diskettes. In operation, company listing information, including images, are selectively unpacked from disk as needed. This eliminates the need for CD-ROM devices and allows the trade directory to be distributed to a wide range of users.