DE29800520U1 - Electronic reader for digital data carriers (basic version) - Google Patents

Description

Description

The invention relates to an electronic device in pocket book format, which looks similar to a pocket television, but has no receiver and, together with the information from digital data storage devices, represents an alternative to printed books. The device enables the user to read digital data storage devices without having to resort to the usual, but cumbersome devices such as a PC or laptop. Information that was previously available mainly in printed book form would thus be available at any time in digital format. The main difference to electronic devices (notebooks) that were already available, even in this size, is the absence of the extensive typewriter keyboard. The invention is characterized by its compact design, so that the size of the device is essentially limited to the dimensions of its LCD screen (8). The number of function keys on the device is limited to nine. This makes it much easier to operate than previous devices and allows even those without prior training to use it without any problems.

The function keys (1/2) are located under or next to the screen and perform the function of "scrolling information pages forwards or backwards". The key (14) on the side of the device has the same function as key (1), but also enables "scrolling forwards" with one hand. The keys (3/4/5) are used to control the index on the data storage device. Using the function key (11), which is located on the side of the device, the user can specify whether he wants to use the screen in portrait or landscape format. In addition to the switch (10), which changes the screen brightness, the on/off switch (9) is the last function key on the device.

Another feature of the invention is the input plug (13), which enables digital information to be visualized from sources other than the floppy disk drive. For example, the images taken by a digital camera can be displayed on a large, portable screen. This would allow the device to be used as a photo album.

The data that can be stored on digital data storage devices covers the entire range of books that have been stored up to now. This means paperbacks, non-fiction books, literary books, travel guides, art guides, nature guides, legal texts and commentaries, school books, magazines, comics, encyclopedias, dictionaries, phrasebooks, Duden, newspapers, etc. All information that has been distributed in print to date can also be read from a digital source using the device, like a book.

Since Gutenberg's invention of the printing press, consumers have primarily relied on information sources printed on paper. However, this form of information source has significant disadvantages that can be remedied by switching to digital data storage devices that can be read using the invention.

a. Society's paper consumption is drastically reduced. Fewer trees are cut down and environmentally harmful pulp production can be avoided.

b. The production, i.e. the duplication of a digital data storage medium, is much cheaper and faster than printing and binding paper.

c. "Electronic books" can be brought to market much faster, without much lead time. Not only large publishers, but also self-publishers can publish without great expense. The determination of how many copies an edition should contain,

Hoffmann Manfred, Südstrasse 11,58644 Berlohn, Tel. 02371/24246

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can be set individually based on sales success. A "second edition" could be produced overnight. Instead of large printing works, small copy rooms are sufficient for production.

d. "Books" on digital storage media can be updated without much effort. This would be very important for school books, for example, in order to save costs.

e. The digital data storage device cannot be read or worn out. The quality remains the same.

f. Every reader has the opportunity to choose the font size and font type according to their taste. This is particularly helpful for visually impaired people who have previously had problems with lines that are too small.

g. With this invention, you don't just have a book in pocket size, but a whole library. You can take several data storage devices with you on your trip, saving space, but you only need one reading device. This eliminates the problem of choosing which book to take with you. You can take all books with you. School children would also benefit from the advance of no longer having to lug heavy books to school, but only the device and the data storage device.

i.e. libraries, but also private households that have space problems (space = costs), can switch to space-saving digital data storage devices, but continue to offer users the same service.

i. The transport costs to the consumer are cheaper for a digital data storage device than for a printed book. The "book" is delivered inexpensively by mail to the home, or, if the copy rights are protected, also by telephone or Internet to the home. For example, CD blanks could be sold with authorization numbers that would allow the buyer to access a provider's book file. The authorization number would then be used to load the data storage device.

j. The user can now read a book "one-handed". This means unadulterated reading pleasure, even if you have to hold on with your other hand in the subway. The page in the book is turned at the push of a button. No one can be disturbed by the wind turning the pages while reading on a park bench.

k. Even without a bookmark, you can always return to the last page you read.

1. In contrast to a conventional book, it can also be read at dusk, in the dark or in poor lighting conditions.

m. The reading material remains anonymous to outsiders. There is no cover that reveals whether you are reading student material or trash.

n. The content of daily newspapers can also be saved on digital data storage devices. This would make it possible to read the daily newspaper conveniently from one hand, without the hassle of turning and folding pages, which takes up a lot of space.

In addition to the aforementioned advantages of the electronic book over the classic book, there are also other arguments for the sales success of the invention.

• Electronic data storage devices are cheaper than books printed on paper, so the purchase price of the device will pay for itself after a certain period of time

• consumers are now more accepting of electronic items than ever before. The fear of computers has disappeared. The technology-mad Japanese finally have an appropriate medium to indulge their comic addiction

• people are running out of gift ideas. With this device you can give books as a gift on diskettes

Hoffmann Manfred, Südstrasse 11, 58644 Iserlohn, Tel. 02371/24246 How the invention works

The user first switches the device on with the on/off switch (9) and inserts the data storage device into the drive (7). When the data storage device is inserted, the device automatically reads the data and saves it in the RAM. Depending on the capacity of the memory, the entire volume of the data storage device or just a part of it can be saved. This eliminates the need for the drive to run continuously, which consumes energy, and the device does not vibrate unpleasantly in the hand. When the data storage device is removed, the RAM is erased. On the one hand, to make room for the data on a new data storage device, but on the other hand, to prevent unauthorized copying. The electronic book can only be read when the data storage device is inserted. The device uses its operating program to recognize which data storage device it is and displays the data preformatted on the data storage device (the first page) on the screen (8). If the data storage device contains the contents of a book, the book cover is shown as the first page.

By pressing the button (1) or (14) the "electronic book" is opened, as one would expect from a printed book. With button (2) it is possible to turn back. Using the buttons (1/2/14) the device fulfils its basic function of turning through a book for reading. All other buttons on the device contain additional functions. Use of the device is ended with the EhW off switch (9). The data storage device can remain in the device or be removed using the eject button (6). If the device is switched on again, it opens directly to the last page of the data storage device in question (electronic bookmark). The position of the last page read from the last five (or more) data storage devices inserted is saved. This allows the user to switch from one book to another and back without any problems.

In addition to the basic functions, there are two functions that affect the display of data on the screen (8). Using button (11), the user can choose whether he wants the information to be displayed in portrait or landscape format. For books with normal font size, portrait format is recommended. For large fonts, comics or newspapers, however, landscape format is better. Using button (10), the user can also specify the brightness of the screen. In daylight, the screen (8) must be brighter than at night or at dusk. Dimming the screen saves power, which leads to a longer service life of the battery (15).

The other buttons on the device contain the index and cursor functions. The index is called up with button (3). The index is divided into two parts. One part of its functions is assigned to the device, the other part to the data storage device. The change in the typeface, brightness of the screen, color brilliance, black and white, etc. is assigned to the device. If this data is changed, it remains stored in the device until the user requests a change. The data storage device-related index has a purely informational function for the user. No data on the data storage device can be changed. The user scrolls up or down through the index using buttons (4/5). Within the index, button (1) performs the "execute" function, button (2) undoes the command. Pressing the index button (3) again saves the commands assigned to the device, ends the index function and takes you back to the last page read in the book.

The disk-related index guides the user through the following options (selection):

• Table of Contents

Hoffmann Manfred, Südstrasse 11, 58644 Iserlohn, Tel. 02371/24246

• Index by names, places, terms, images, etc.

• Browse through the book, e.g. every 10 pages or randomly

• show the last page

The use of the cursor functions (4/5) should be quite rare when reading a book with reading content. However, if a data storage device with dictionary content is inserted, the work with the cursor is more extensive. The user is guided to the desired word using the branching principle.

Example: The meaning of the word "ant" is sought:

The table of contents shows the letters A-Z. If the cursor is on the letter A, press the key (1) and all letter combinations from Aa to Az will appear. The cursor is used to move to Am, press the key (1), and it continues from Ama to Amz. The cursor is used to move to "Ame", pressing the key (1) now takes you to the dictionary page that begins with "Ame" and you can continue your search by scrolling forward using the key (1) or the key (2) if you have scrolled too far.

Due to the considerable storage capacity of digital data storage devices, different types of books can of course be combined with each other. For example, Duden and Lexicon and illustrated book.

technical structure

The device is constructed from the following components, which are visible from the outside. All components are commercially available, but are combined in a way that has never been seen before. Please refer to the construction drawings (pages 7/8) for the arrangement of the individual parts.

When looking at the device, the following components can be seen: The appearance of the device is dominated by the large LCD screen (8). Next to or below the screen are the most important buttons, which allow easy operation of the device. The switch (1) is assigned the "page forward" function, or in the index function the "execute" function. The switch (2) to the left, marked in the opposite direction, corresponds to the command "page back" and in the index function "back". The button (3) calls up the index function of the device and the overview index of the data carrier, which gives the user the usage options. The buttons (4/5) can then be used to move the cursor up and down in the index on the screen. If you look at the device, you can see the protruding eject button (6) for the data carrier on the top. A sure sign that a data carrier has been inserted into the slot (7). When the data carrier is removed, the eject button remains recessed.

The left side of the device is dominated by the large and elongated switch (14), which corresponds in function to switch (1), but enables the "page forward" function even in one-handed operation. In contrast to all other switches, this switch is not easy to move, but rather significant pressure must be exerted on it in order to activate its function. If the switch were easy to move, there is a risk of unintentional page forwarding by accidental touching. Two further components of the device are arranged above the switch (14). The device can be supplied with operating current via the connection (12) for an external power source and the

Hoffmann Manfred, Südstrasse 11, 58644 Iserlohn, Tel. 02371/24246

The input plug (13), which enables the input of external digital data (e.g. from a digital camera), is located a little lower.

The remaining three function switches are located at the top of the right side of the device. The top switch (9) is the on/off switch, which starts or stops the device. If none of the switches are operated for 15 minutes, the device switches off automatically to prevent unnecessary power consumption. Below the on/off switch is switch (10), which can be used to request two brightness levels for the screen. This is also a measure to prevent unnecessary power consumption and to be able to change the screen intensity depending on the ambient light. Switch (11) is finally the last button on the device. With this switch, the user can determine whether he wants the screen to be displayed in portrait or landscape format. Finally, on the underside of the device is the compartment (15) for the power source. This is where the battery is inserted. The back of the device has no functions. There are only small shock-absorbing knobs here, which are intended to prevent the device from slipping when used on a table.

The elements of the device that are not visible to the user are commercially available and essentially comprise the structure of a laptop. This means operating control, storage and processing unit, drive for the data storage device and the networking of all components, whereby it is important to ensure that elements with the lowest possible power consumption are installed, which enable the device to be used for as long as possible without having to change the battery or supply power from outside. With an external transformer, the user should be able to use external power sources. Be it a 230 volt, 110 volt, 12 volt connection or a solar panel. An emergency power supply is also required for the storage units.

Embodiment of the invention

The size of the device is not precisely defined and can be expanded to the size of a large illustrated book. It is also conceivable to equip the device with a microphone and optionally control the desired work processes via a voice recognition system. The back of the device could be designed to be hinged if a CD-ROM were used as the data storage medium, so that the data storage device feed would be similar to a "Discman". The eject button (6) and slot (7) would then of course be omitted or modified to suit the needs of a CD. It is also conceivable to equip the device with a touch screen, which would make the device much easier to use.

The device can be sold worldwide to anyone who reads and is convinced of the advantages of the device compared to conventional, printed books.

Problems with copy protection may arise when using digital data storage devices. Copy protection could be ensured by means of a special coding of the data storage devices and the application of a forgery-proof label. Violation of the coding when making a pirated copy could trigger a security mechanism in the device, which would lead to the data storage device being refused and, if misused repeatedly, could also lead to the device malfunctioning, which could only be remedied by a specialist dealer.
Written in Iserlohn on 02 January 1998

Hoffmann Manfred, Südstrasse 11,58644 Iserlohn, Tel. 02371/24246

Claims (7)

Electronic reader for digital data carriers (basic version) Protection claims Electronic reader for digital data storage media, in particular Mini Disc, CD-ROM or further developed data storage media, the content of which corresponds to previous bound books,
marked by 1. a compact design so that the size of the device is essentially limited to the dimensions of its LCD screen (8) 2. two function keys (1/2) located under or next to the screen, whose function is to browse the data on a data carrier like a bound book 3. a function key (14) on the side of the device, which is identical in function to key (1), but enables "page-forward" in one-handed operation 4. a function key (11) that can be used to specify whether the screen should display the data in portrait or landscape format 5. the function keys (3/4/5), which can be used to control and operate the index of the device and the data carrier 6. the input connector (13), which allows the input of digital data from an external source that is to be visualized. For example, photos from a digital camera. 7. the function switch (10), which changes the brightness of the screen to save power if operation with low screen brightness is possible, e.g. in the dark Furthermore, the device is characterized by the restriction to predefined functions, so that the number of operating buttons is limited to nine. This restriction to only a few functions and the device's main focus on the task of reading digital data and presenting it to the user in graphic form, but not editing or changing it, represent the main criteria for differentiation from previously known electronic devices that are also able to read digital data storage devices (e.g. personal computers or laptops). The functional sequence is characterized by • a storage of the point on the data carrier at which the device is switched off, so that the last read data is called up when it is switched on again • If the data carrier is removed from the device, this information about where the reading ended remains for the last five (or more) data carriers inserted. This makes it possible to switch to another data carrier and back without a complex search process Hoffmann Manfred, Südstrasse 11, 58644 Iserlohn, Tel. 02371/24246