JP3999958B2 - Electronic paper file - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an electronic paper file in which a plurality of electronic papers, which are flexible display media, are combined into a notebook.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  With the development of the information society, the performance of display media such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD (liquid crystal display) has been rapidly improved. However, these display media are not superior to “paper” that has been used as an information medium for a long time in terms of readability and ease of use. Therefore, a new concept of “electronic paper” has been proposed as a flexible display medium, and various methods have been studied as a technology for realizing this electronic paper (Japan Imaging Society's “JapanHardcopy'99 Proceedings” P209 To P251).
[0003]
  Furthermore, in recent years, an electronic paper file in which a plurality of electronic papers are combined into a notebook has been proposed (Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-502950). According to such an electronic paper file, it is not only easy to manage a large number of electronic papers, but also the electronic paper can be used as a display medium that is easier to read and use.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, according to the conventional electronic paper file, there is a case where not all enormous data such as encyclopedia data and paper collection data can be displayed on the electronic paper. Of course, this problem can be solved by attaching an electronic paper with an enormous number of pages to the electronic paper file. However, such an electronic paper file is not only inconvenient to carry but also poor in operability.
[0005]
  Further, according to the conventional electronic paper file, the contents displayed on the electronic paper cannot be edited by a simple operation. In other words, it is desirable that the content displayed on the electronic paper can be edited with a familiar feeling, for example, writing characters and designs on a paper notebook, but such editing technology has not yet been established. Is the current situation.
[0006]
  The present invention has been proposed based on the above-described conventional circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic paper file having excellent operability.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention employs the following means in order to achieve the above object.
[0008]
  First, the present inventionSheet-shaped with display function on the displayElectronic paper that is a flexible display medium and multiple electronic papersSheetAn electronic paper file consisting of a body that can be attached is assumed.
[0009]
  Here, the storage means is the electronic paper.abovedisplayIsDisplay data to be stored. The page designation meansA designation for a desired page in the display data is received. The display control means acquires the display data from the storage means, and performs display based on the display data on the surface of the electronic paper.further,The electronic paper is provided with one of a pair of connection terminals having both a physical connection function and an electrical connection function, and a plurality of connection members having the other of the connection terminals are arranged and connected. The body is in place Each electronic paper can be attached to and detached from the main body, and further includes attachment / detachment detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the electronic paper at the connection terminal on the other side. the aboveDisplay control meansBut, Specified by the above page specification meansReceivedDesired pageAnd itInAbout another consecutive pageAcquire display data from the storage meansDisplay based on the display data.To the above electronic paperAnd subsequent to another electronic paper whose attachment is detected by the attachment / detachment detection means..
[0010]
  In this way, even if an electronic paper with an enormous number of pages is not attached to the electronic paper file, all of the enormous size data such as encyclopedia data and journal data can be displayed on the electronic paper. Therefore, the operability of the electronic paper file is improved.
[0011]
  In addition, in order to edit the contents displayed on the electronic paper with a simple operation, the following means are used.furtherIt may be adopted.
[0012]
  That is, the position designation means is the electronic paper.On the display surfacePlaceHopeLocation or areaaboutSpecifiedReceiveThe The editing means is the aboveOf the display data stored in the storage means, the position specifying means for the desired page.DesignatedDesired aboveCorresponds to position or areadidData,Editdo itUpdate.
[0013]
  In this way, when a predetermined (electronic paper) page is edited, other pages related to the editing are automatically updated.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and is not of a character that limits the technical scope of the present invention.
[0015]
  First, as shown in FIG. 1, an electronic paper file 100 of the present invention includes an electronic paper 101 that is a flexible display medium, and a main body 102 on which a plurality of pages of the electronic paper 101 can be mounted.
[0016]
  And at a predetermined position of the back plate 103 of the main body 102, there is a main body signal exchanging means 104 for acquiring data to be displayed on the electronic paper (hereinafter referred to as “display data”) from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or flash memory The first storage means 105 for storing the display data acquired in this way is provided.
[0017]
  That is, when the main body signal exchanging means 104 and the recording medium are connected, the display data recorded in the storage medium is input to the first storage means 105 and stored therein. As the first storage means 105, an IC memory built in the main body 102, a storage medium such as an IC card, or the like can be employed.
[0018]
  Here, the user uses a button disposed on the page designating unit 108 shown in FIG. 2 to select a desired page of display data stored in the first storage unit 105.numberIs specified. This will cause the page specified in this waynumberIs displayed on the page display means 107, the user can correctly display the page.numberCheck whether or not can be specified. And correctly pagenumberWhen the user who confirms that the user can designate the page, presses the transfer button 310 provided on the page designation unit 108, the page designated as described above.numberIs transferred to the first display control means 106 provided on the back plate 103.
[0019]
  As a result, the first display control means 106 can specify the page specified as described above.numberThe display data is acquired from the first storage means 105 based on the above. However, since the format of the display data acquired in this way is various formats such as the ASCII format and the binary format, the first display control means 106 converts the format of the display data into the display unit 121 of the electronic paper 101. The display format is converted to a dot format and transferred to the display driver 122.
[0020]
  When the electronic paper file is turned on, it is preferable that the first display control means 106 automatically emits a light emitting sheet of electronic paper, which will be described later.
[0021]
  By the way, the main body 102 and the electronic paper 101 each include a pair of connection terminals (for example, a pair of male and female connection terminals) and can be physically and electrically connected. Of course, it is possible to display characters or the like corresponding to the display data on the display unit 121 as long as they are electrically connected even if they are not physically connected. As a method for electrical connection, there is a method in which both the main body 102 and the electronic paper 101 have a wireless communication function (for example, a communication function according to IRDA, Bluetooth, or the like).
[0022]
  The electronic paper 101 according to the present invention can be detached from the main body 102. Therefore, in order to transfer the display data only to the connection terminal 21 on which the electronic paper 101 is mounted, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 described below may be provided in the main body 102.
[0023]
  That is, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the connection terminals 21 on the main body 102 side are arranged in a state of being fixed at predetermined positions of the main body 102. In the first storage means 105, a number for identifying each connection terminal 21 on the main body 102 side (hereinafter referred to as “connection terminal identification number”) is stored together with its arrangement order.
[0024]
  The method of determining the connection terminal identification number is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the connection terminal identification number be a larger number as the distance from the cover 31 of the electronic paper file increases. That is, here, as shown in FIG. 10B, the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 closest to the cover 31 is “1”, and the connection of the connection terminal 21 closest to the cover 31 is connected. The terminal identification number is “2”, the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 that is the third closest to the cover 31 is “3”, and the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 that is the fourth closest to the cover 31 is “4”.
[0025]
  Therefore, when the attachment / detachment detection means 30 detects the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper 101 is mounted (described later), the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 thus detected is acquired from the first storage means 105. (FIG. 11, S111). For example, when the electronic paper 101 is attached to the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “1” and the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “3”, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 performs the connection terminal identification. The numbers “1” and “3” are acquired from the first storage unit 105.
It will be.
[0026]
  The attachment / detachment detection unit 30 identifies the connection order of the connection terminals 21 having the connection terminal identification numbers “1” and “3” acquired in this way (hereinafter referred to as “connection order identification number”). Is given (FIG. 11, S112). That is, here, the connection terminal 21 located closest to the cover 31 (that is, the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “1”) and the connection terminal 21 located closest to the cover 31 (that is, the connection terminal 21). Electronic paper is attached to the connection terminal 21) having the terminal identification number “3”. Therefore, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 gives the connection terminal identification number “C1” which means that the attached electronic paper 101 is closest to the cover 31 to the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “1” (described later). In addition, a connection order identification number “C2” which means that the attached electronic paper 101 is the second closest to the cover 31 is given to the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “3”.
[0027]
  Further, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 stores in the first storage means 105 that the connection order identification numbers “C1” and “C2” have been assigned as described above (FIG. 11, S113), and these connections. The sequence identification numbers “C1” and “C2” are notified to the first display control means 106 in advance. As a result, the first display control means 106 that has received this notification transfers the display data to the connection terminals 21 having the connection terminal identification numbers “1” and “3”. In this way, the display data can be displayed in order from the electronic paper closest to the cover without transmitting the display data to the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper is not connected (display omission) (FIG. 11, S114).
[0028]
  In the above description, it is expressed as “giving the connection order identification number to the connection terminal 21”, but the specific method for assigning the connection order identification number is not particularly limited. For example, among the connection terminal identification numbers “1” to “4” stored in the first storage unit 105, the connection terminal identification numbers “1” and “3” of the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper 101 is attached. Only, the connection order identification number “C1” is given to the connection terminal 21 with the connection terminal identification number “1” and the connection order identification number “C2” is connected. It may be considered that the terminal is assigned to the connection terminal 21 having the terminal identification number “3”.
[0029]
  Hereinafter, a technique in which the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 detects the connection terminal 21 on which the electronic paper 101 is mounted will be described.
[0030]
  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the body 102 is provided with attachment / detachment detection means 30, and two “1” signals are output from the attachment / detachment detection means 30 to each connection terminal 21. At this time, if the electronic paper 101 is attached to the connection terminal 21, the two “1” signals are sent to the AND gate 33 in the display drive unit 12 of the electronic paper via the connection terminal 13 on the electronic paper side. Is input. Then, a “1” signal is returned from the AND gate 33 to the attachment / detachment detecting means 30 via the connection terminal 13 and the connection terminal 21. In this way, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 can detect that the electronic paper 101 is connected to the connection terminal 21 to which the electrical signal is output.
[0031]
  As shown in FIG. 13, the same effect as described above can be obtained even when the push button 34 is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 103 of the main body 102. That is, the push button 34 is pressed by the electronic paper 101 at the same time that the electronic paper 101 is attached to the predetermined connection terminal 21. In this way, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 can detect that the electronic paper 101 is attached to the predetermined connection terminal 21 when the push button 34 is pressed.
[0032]
  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, a photocoupler 35 that emits light in the protruding direction of the connection terminal 21 is provided in the main body 102, and the attachment / detachment detection means 30 detects the attachment / detachment of the electronic paper 101 based on the amount of reflected light. It is good also as composition to do. That is, when the electronic paper 101 is attached to the connection terminal 21, the light emitted from the photocoupler 35 is reflected by the electronic paper 101. Therefore, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 detects that the electronic paper 101 is attached to the connection terminal 21 when it recognizes that the photocoupler 35 has received a certain amount of reflected light.
[0033]
  In the above, the structure in which the connection terminal 21 on the main body side is fixed to the back plate 103 has been described, but it is convenient that the connection terminal 21 can be rotated as described below.
[0034]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 15, an insertion portion 50 a which can be connected to upper and lower ends of a cylindrical movable shaft piece 50 having a predetermined length so as to be rotatable with respect to the upper and lower ends of the other movable shaft pieces 50. 50b is provided. On the inner peripheral surface of the movable shaft piece 50, as shown in FIG. 16B, a reflecting portion 53 that gradually increases in width in the circumferential direction is drawn, and the outer peripheral axis of the movable shaft piece 50 is drawn. A connection terminal 21 on the main body side is disposed in the direction. Then, when the movable shaft pieces 50 configured as described above are connected to each other, a connection body 52 is formed.
[0035]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the photocoupler 54 is fixed to the element fixing shaft 55 in the movable shaft piece 50 so as to face the reflecting portion 53. The element fixing shaft 55 is fixed to the shaft end piece 56 while being inserted into the connecting body 52. Further, the shaft end piece 56 is rotatably fixed to the upper and lower ends of the connection body 52 and is fixed to the inner surface of the back plate 103. The means for fixing the shaft end piece 56 to the inner surface of the back plate 103 and the means for fixing both ends of the element fixing shaft 55 to both ends of the shaft end piece 56 are not the essence of the present invention. To do.
[0036]
  Now, in the state where the connection body 52 is attached to the back plate 103 as described above, each photocoupler 54 emits light in the same direction. Further, in this state, when the orientations of the connection terminals 21 attached to the movable pieces 50 are aligned, the reflection portion 53 drawn on the inner surface of each connection terminal also shows the same width in the axial direction along the inner periphery thereof. It will be. Accordingly, it goes without saying that the photocoupler 54 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle of each movable shaft piece 50 (that is, the rotation angle of each electronic paper 101).
[0037]
  In the above description, the configuration in which the movable shaft pieces 50 are directly connected to each other has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 19, when the intermediate fixed piece 57 is interposed between the movable shaft pieces 50, the connection is more stable. The body 52 can be attached to the back plate 103.
[0038]
  That is, the insertion portions 50 a and 50 b of each movable piece 50 are rotatably inserted into the intermediate fixed piece 57 to obtain a connection body 52 including these movable pieces 50. The connecting body 52 is fixed to the back plate 103 by the shaft end piece 56 in the same manner as described above, and the intermediate fixing piece 57 is also fixed to the back plate 103 in advance. The element fixing shaft 55 in this case may have the same configuration as described above (see FIG. 17). However, as shown in FIG. 20, the element fixing shaft 55 is connected to each movable piece from each intermediate fixed piece 57 or shaft end piece 56. You may comprise so that it may protrude inside 50. FIG.
[0039]
  Here, as shown in FIG. 21, even if a variable resistor 70 is used instead of the photocoupler 54, the rotation angle of each electronic paper can be obtained. That is, the variable resistor 70 on the donut is fixed to the element fixing shaft 55 so as not to hinder the rotation of the movable shaft piece 50, and the movable terminal 71 in contact with the variable resistor 70 on the donut is provided on the inner surface of each movable shaft piece 50. Like that. In this way, each variable resistor 70 outputs the same value when the connection terminal 21 is directed in the same direction, so that the rotation angle of each electronic paper can be obtained.
[0040]
  In the above description, the reflecting portion 53 is drawn on the inner peripheral surface of the movable shaft piece 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the movable shaft piece 50 is made of a transparent material, the same effect can be obtained even if the reflecting portion 53 is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the movable shaft piece 50.
[0041]
  When the rotation angle of each connection terminal 21 on the main body side is obtained by using the photocoupler 54 or the variable resistor 70 as described above, the rotation angle is detected by the position detection means 36 in the main body 102. 30 is notified. Accordingly, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 gives a connection order identification number to the detected connection terminal 21 based on the notification content after detecting the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper 101 is mounted. The operation will be described in detail below.
[0042]
  In the following, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 closest to the upper shaft end piece 56 is “1”, and the upper shaft end piece 56 is The connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 in the second closest position is “2”, the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 in the third closest position to the upper shaft end piece 56 is “3”, and the upper shaft In the following description, the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 at the fourth closest position to the end piece 56 is “4”. Further, it is assumed that these connection terminal identification numbers “1” to “4” are stored in the first storage unit 105 together with their arrangement order.
[0043]
  First, as described above, the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 detects the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper 101 is mounted after receiving the rotation angle from the position detection unit 36. Of course, the start order of the operation in which the position detection unit 36 obtains the rotation angle and the operation in which the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 detects the connection terminal 21 on which the electronic paper 101 is mounted is not limited. That is, these operations may be performed in parallel (FIG. 18, S181 and S182).
[0044]
  Next, the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 acquires the connection terminal identification number of the connection terminal 21 detected as described above from the first storage unit 105. For example, when the electronic paper 101 is attached to the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “1” and the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “3”, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 performs the connection terminal identification. The numbers “1” and “3” are acquired from the first storage unit 105.
[0045]
  Then, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 gives the connection order identification numbers to the connection terminals 21 with the connection terminal identification numbers “1” and “3” acquired in this way (FIG. 18, S183). However, since it is assumed here that the movable shaft piece 50 rotates, the connection order identification number assigning process is based on the rotation angle notified from the position detecting means 36 as described below. Do.
[0046]
  For example, the connection terminal 21 with the connection terminal identification number “2”, the connection terminal 21 with the connection terminal identification number “1”, the connection terminal 21 with the connection terminal identification number “4”, and the connection terminal identification number “3”. A case where the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 receives notification from the position detection unit 36 that the rotation angle is small in the order of the connection terminals 21 will be described. That is, in this case, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 gives the connection terminal identification number “C1”, which means that the attached electronic paper 101 is closest to the cover 31, to the connection terminal 21 with the connection terminal identification number “1”. At the same time, the connection order identification number “C2” which means that the attached electronic paper 101 is the second closest to the cover 31 is given to the connection terminal 21 having the connection terminal identification number “3”.
[0047]
  Further, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 stores in the first storage means 105 that the connection terminal identification numbers “C1” and “C2” have been assigned as described above (FIG. 18, S184), and these connections. The terminal identification numbers “C1” and “C2” are notified to the first display control means 106 in advance. As a result, the first display control means 106 that has received this notification transfers the display data to the connection terminals 21 having the connection terminal identification numbers “1” and “3”. In this way, display data can be displayed in order from the electronic paper closest to the cover without transmitting display data to the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper is not connected (display omission) (FIG. 18, S185).
[0048]
  By the way, since the connection terminal 13 on the electronic paper 101 side described above is fixed at a predetermined position of the electronic paper 101, the electronic paper 101 is connected to the connection terminal on the main body side at a position corresponding to the connection terminal 13. It is possible to connect only to 21. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, when the plurality of connection terminals 21 are provided at different positions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body 102, the connection terminals 21 are connected to the main body side connection terminals 21. There was a problem that the electronic paper 101 having the connection terminals 13 at a possible position had to be prepared. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the following configuration may be adopted.
[0049]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 23, the number of leads 40 necessary for transferring display data are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction at the end on the electronic paper 101 side.
[0050]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24, two sandwiching plates 41 for elastically sandwiching the electronic paper 101 in the thickness direction are projected from the movable shaft piece 50 in the radial direction of the movable shaft piece 50. A lead-out lead 42 is provided on the inner surface of the sandwiching plate 41 so that the leading ends of the parallel leads 40 provided on the electronic paper 101 are in contact with each other. The lead-out lead 42 is connected to the lead-out lead in the main body. 42.
[0051]
  Here, the number of lead-out leads 42 constituting each connection terminal 21 is the same as the number of parallel leads 40 on the electronic paper side. A contact 43 that can be electrically connected to the parallel lead 40 is provided. Then, by sandwiching the connection terminal 13 on the electronic paper side from both sides with the sandwiching plate 41 in the connection terminal 21 on the main body side, the parallel leads 40a, b, c, d and the contacts 43a, b, c, d. d is in contact. As a result, it goes without saying that the display data transferred by the first display control means 106 flows to the predetermined connection terminal 13 via the contacts 43a, b, and c.
[0052]
  Further, when the first display control means 106 performs display processing based on the connection order identification number notified by the attachment / detachment detection means 30 as described above, the connection order identification number of the connection terminal 21 to which the electronic paper 101 is attached. May be displayed on the electronic paper 101. If the connection order identification number is displayed on the electronic paper 101 in this way, even after the electronic paper 101 is removed from the main body 102, the user can see the connection order identification number and display it on the electronic paper 101. The order of the display data can be easily determined.
[0053]
  By the way, if the electronic paper 101 attached to a certain connection terminal 21 is removed and the electronic paper 101 is attached to a different connection terminal 21, the display data may not be displayed in page order. In order to solve such a problem, display data is stored in the first storage means 105 provided in the main body 102, and the attachment / detachment detection means 30 always monitors attachment / detachment of the electronic paper 101. Set it to.
[0054]
  That is, when the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 detects that the electronic paper 101 is attached to the connection terminal 21 or that the electronic paper 101 is detached from the connection terminal 21, the electronic paper 101 is attached as described above. The first display control means 106 is notified of the connection order identification number of the connection terminal 21. Thus, the first display control means 106 reads the display data from the first storage means 105 and performs display processing based on the connection order identification number notified as described above.
[0055]
  Here, the display data is stored in the first storage means 105 provided in the main body 102. However, the display data is displayed in the second storage means 105b, c, and d provided in the electronic paper 101. The same effect can be obtained even if the data is stored. That is, when the second storage means 105b, c, d in which the display data is stored is in the electronic paper 101, the first display control means 106 displays the data from the second storage means 105b, c, d. Data may be acquired and the display process may be performed as described above.
[0056]
  When the main body 102 is provided with the position detecting means 36, the position detecting means 36 works with the attachment / detachment detecting means 30 to give the connection order identification number to the connection terminal 21 as described above. Needless to say, the first display control means 106 is notified of this connection order identification number.
[0057]
  Furthermore, a predetermined button (not shown) may be provided on the main body 102, and the attachment / detachment detection means 30 or the position detection means 36 may be activated when the user presses the button. Alternatively, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 or the position detection means 36 may be operated when the electronic paper file is turned on or when the display of the electronic paper is once cleared.
[0058]
  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 121 includes a display sheet A provided with a predetermined display medium and a light emitting sheet B for illuminating the display sheet A, and the generation procedure thereof will be described below. To do.
[0059]
  First, an ITO electrode (row electrode) A3 is formed on the upper base film A2, and an ITO electrode (column electrode) A5 is formed on the lower base film A6. A display medium ( For example, ferroelectric polymer liquid crystal (A4) is applied with a constant thickness. Next, the row electrodes A3 and the column electrodes A5 are bonded so as to face each other and form a matrix, and after the molecules of the display medium A4 have a predetermined orientation, they are sandwiched by polarizing plates A1 and A7 from both sides. Paste together. As a result, the display sheet A is generated.
[0060]
  On the other hand, since the entire surface of the light emitting sheet B only needs to emit light uniformly, a common electrode (anode) B2 is formed on the upper base film B1, and a common electrode is formed on the lower base film B6. (Cathode) B5 is formed, and a light emitting medium (for example, organic electroluminescence) B4 is formed on the common electrode B5 in a predetermined pattern using the insulating layer B3. Then, the common electrode B2 and the common electrode B5 Are created so that they face each other.
[0061]
  Finally, the light emitting sheet B generated as described above is bonded to the lower side of the display sheet A so that the light emitting sheet B illuminates the display sheet A.
[0062]
  The display medium A4 used in the display sheet A need not be limited to the non-volatile material as described above. For example, a microcapsule containing a dye material that binds to positively charged particles and a substance that binds to negatively charged particles (substance having a pH opposite to that of the dye material) is used as the display medium A4. You can also. The structure of such a microcapsule is detailed in JP-T-11-502950.
[0063]
  Here, monochrome display of pixels is performed by matrix control using a shutter function described below. That is, when a predetermined voltage is applied between the column electrode A5 and the row electrode A3 of the display sheet A, the molecular orientation of the display medium A4 changes in a direction not transmitting light (the shutter is turned on), and the column electrode A5 and the row electrode The pixel specified by the electrode A3 is displayed in black. On the other hand, when a reverse voltage of the predetermined voltage (hereinafter referred to as “positive voltage”) is applied, the orientation of molecules of the display medium A4 changes in the direction of transmitting light (the shutter is turned OFF), and this pixel is displayed in white. Is done.
[0064]
  On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the common electrodes B2 and B5 of the light emitting sheet B, the entire surface of the light emitting medium B4 emits light and illuminates the display sheet A. That is, when the light emitting medium B4 emits light, white pixels that transmit this light (pixels whose shutter is OFF) are lit.
[0065]
  Since the light emitting medium B4 is formed in a predetermined pattern as described above, the common electrodes B2 and B5 of the light emitting sheet B are used as matrix-like individual electrodes (that is, row electrodes and column electrodes). If the voltage to be applied is changed every time, it is possible to illuminate only a region to be emphasized, such as a title region.
[0066]
  Further, when the light emitting sheet B emits light in mono color, a monochromatic light source may be arranged uniformly on the entire surface. However, in the case of emitting light in full color, RGB (Red Green Blue) light sources are arranged in a matrix. Even in the case of full color, if the entire surface is to emit light uniformly, the common electrodes B2 and B5 may be used as well as the individual electrodes as described above.
(Embodiment 1)
  First, when the power of the electronic paper file 100 arranged with the connection terminal 21 on the main body side being fixed is turned on, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 is activated. The attachment / detachment detection means 30 notifies the page number recognition means 303 of the attachment / detachment status of the electronic paper 101 at the connection terminal 21.
[0067]
  Here, the page number recognizing means 303 recognizes how many pages of electronic paper 101 are attached to the main body 102 by receiving the notification from the attachment / detachment detecting means 30 (FIG. 4, S1). As described above, the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 notifies the first display control unit 106 of the connection order identification number of the connection terminal 21 on which the electronic paper 101 is mounted.
[0068]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when the connection terminal 21 is connected to the movable shaft piece 50, the attachment / detachment detection means 30 and the position detection means 36 are connected when the power of the electronic paper file is turned on. to start. The attachment / detachment detection unit 30 activated in this way notifies the page number recognition unit 303 of the attachment / detachment status of the electronic paper 101 and notifies the first display control unit 106 of the connection order identification number assigned as described above. To do.
[0069]
  The following description is based on the assumption that electronic paper is attached to the connection terminals 21 having the connection terminal identification numbers 1 to 5. When the power of the electronic paper file is turned on, the first display control means 106 displays the display data stored in the first storage means 105 on the electronic paper 101 in order from the first page. It is assumed that this is set.
[0070]
  That is, when the power of the electronic paper file is turned on, the first display control means 106 sends 1 to 5 of the display data to the electronic paper 101 attached to the connection terminals with the connection terminal identification numbers 1 to 5. Five pages are displayed. In order to view another page, a desired page can be displayed using the page break button 302 included in the page designating unit 108.numberMay be displayed on the page display means 107.
[0071]
  Here, in the initial setting, when the page break button 302 (for example, composed of the forward key 302a and the backward key 302b) is pressed once, the page breaker is activated, and the display data displayed on the display unit 121 is 1. It is designed to move forward or backward by the page. For example, in the situation where pages 1 to 5 are displayed on the display unit 121, when the pages 2 to 6 are to be displayed on the display unit 121, the page break button 302a is first pressed once (see FIG. 4, S2).
[0072]
  At this time, the page breaker determines whether only the first or last page of the display data is displayed on the electronic paper 101 (S3 in FIG. 4), and determines that only the first or last page is displayed. The action of pressing the forward key 302a or the backward key 302b is invalidated (S6 in FIG. 4). Here, since pages 1 to 5 are displayed on the electronic paper 101, the act of pressing the forward key 302a is valid, and thereby the above page is displayed.numberThe designation means 107 displays “2”.
Become.
[0073]
  Next, when the user confirms that “2” is displayed as described above (FIG. 4, S4), the user presses the transfer button 310 included in the page designation means 108 (FIG. 4, S5). As a result, the page displayed on the page display means 107 is displayed.number(Here, “2”) is transferred to the first display control means 106.
[0074]
  Therefore, the first display control means 106 acquires the second to sixth pages of the display data from the first storage means 105, converts them to dot data as necessary, and then displays the display driver in the electronic paper. 122. Thus, it goes without saying that 2 to 6 pages of the display data are displayed on the electronic paper 101.
[0075]
  As shown in FIG. 5, page (n-4) (n: last page)number) To (n) When the advance key 302a is pressed while the page is displayed on the electronic paper 101, the (n-3) to (n) pages are displayed on the electronic paper 101. Nothing is displayed on the electronic paper 101.
[0076]
  In this example, the page displayed on the electronic paper 101 is pushed forward and backward by confirming the page display means 107 and then pressing the transfer button 310. However, when the page break button 302 is pressed, the electronic paper is displayed. The page displayed in 101 may be automatically moved forward and backward.
[0077]
  Next, when the mode conversion button 301 included in the page designating unit 108 is pressed, the mode of the page break button 302 is converted and the page is changed.numberThe display mode changes. Therefore, the page that the user wants to browse using the numeric keypad 304 included in the page specifying means 108.numberIs directly input, the page breaker is activated and performs the following processing (FIG. 4, S7).
[0078]
  In other words, the page break meansnumberIs determined to be less than or equal to n (FIG. 4, S8). And this pagenumberIf is less than n above, the pagenumberIs displayed on the page display means 107 (FIG. 4, S9). On the contrary, if n is exceeded, the page input operation is invalidated by the page break means (FIG. 4, S10).
[0079]
  And the desired pagenumberWhen the user presses the transfer button 310 when it is confirmed that is displayed on the page display means 107 (FIG. 4, S5), this pagenumberThe data for five pages starting from “1” is transferred to the first display control means 106. Thereafter, the processing until the desired display data is displayed on the display unit 121 is performed using the page break button 302 in the initial state.numberSince this is the same as the case where is specified, the description is omitted here.
[0080]
  Further, when the mode conversion button 301 is continuously pressed twice, the page breaker is activated, and when the page break button 302 is subsequently pressed once, the page of display data displayed on the electronic paper 101 is displayed.numberIs moved forward or backward by the number of attached pages.
[0081]
  That is, when the mode conversion button 301 is continuously pressed twice, the attachment / detachment detection unit 30 is activated and detects the attachment / detachment state of the electronic paper 101 at the connection terminal 21. The page number recognizing means 303 recognizes how many electronic papers are currently attached based on the attachment / detachment status.
[0082]
  Subsequently, when the page break button 302 is pressed once (FIG. 4, S11), the page breaker moves forward or backward from the currently displayed page by the number of attached pages (here, 5 pages). It is determined whether there is a page to be displayed (FIG. 4, S12). If it is determined that there is a page to be displayed, the page displayed on the top page of the electronic paper 101 after moving forward or backward by the number of mounted pages.numberIs displayed on the page display means 107. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no page to be displayed, the act of pushing the page break button 302 is invalidated by the page breaker (FIG. 4, S13).
[0083]
  And the desired pagenumberWhen the user presses the transfer button 310 when it is confirmed that is displayed on the page display means 107 (FIG. 4, S14 → S5), this pagenumberThe data for five pages starting from “1” is transferred to the first display control means 106. Thereafter, the processing until the desired display data is displayed on the display unit 121 is performed using the page break button 302 in the initial state.numberSince this is the same as the case where is specified, the description is omitted here.
[0084]
  As described above, by pressing the page break button 302 once, the continuation of the currently displayed page is displayed on the display unit 121, so that the display data can be browsed quickly.
[0085]
  Further, when the mode conversion button 301 is continuously pressed three times, the page breaker is activated. When the page break button 302 is pressed once in this state, how many pages are moved forward or backward. This can be specified with the numeric keypad 304 (FIG. 4, S15). The page specified in this waynumberIs displayed on the page display means 107 (FIG. 4, S16), the user can select the desired page.numberIs confirmed, the confirmation button 311 included in the page designating unit 108 is pressed (S17 in FIG. 4). The subsequent operations (FIG. 4, S18 → S19 → S20 → S5, S18 → S19 → S21) are basically the same as the above (FIG. 4, S11 → S12 → S14 → S5, S11 → S12 → S13). Detailed explanation is omitted here.
[0086]
  Note that the number of pages that move forward or backward by pressing the page break button once may be within or outside the range of the number of pages of the attached electronic paper 101. In other words, if the number of pages that advance or retreat by pressing the page break button once is within the range of the number of pages of the attached electronic paper 101, the newly displayed page and the previously displayed page You can continue browsing while comparing with some. On the other hand, if the number of pages that advance or retreat by pressing the page break button once is outside the range of the number of pages of the attached electronic paper 101, the page can be fed faster than in the above range. it can.
[0087]
By the way, there is a case where it is desired to compare a page currently being viewed with a non-continuous page. In such a case, by executing the following procedure, it is easy to compare these pages when they are displayed on the adjacent electronic paper 101 as shown in FIG.
[0088]
  First, when the display selection button 305 included in the page designation means 108 is pressed (FIG. 7, S51), the display selection means is activated, and the page of the electronic paper 101 on which the display data is to be displayed is displayed. This can be designated using the numeric keypad 304 (FIG. 7, S52). Of course, the same function as pressing the display selection button 305 may be achieved by pressing the mode conversion button 301 four times, for example.
[0089]
  Next, the display selection means determines whether or not the number of pages specified as described above exceeds the number of pages mounted on the electronic paper 101 (FIG. 7, S53). If it is determined that the number of pages mounted on the electronic paper 101 is exceeded, the page designation operation is invalidated (FIG. 7, S54). On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of pages mounted on the electronic paper 101 is not exceeded, The page specified asnumberIs displayed on the page display means 107 (FIG. 7, S55).
[0090]
  As a result, the desired electronic paper 101 pagenumberWhen the user who has confirmed that is displayed on the page display means 107 presses the confirm button 311 (FIG. 7, S56), the page of the electronic paper 101 that displays the display data is confirmed.
[0091]
  Next, when a page of display data to be browsed is input using the numeric keypad 304 (FIG. 7, S57), the display selection means displays the page thus input.numberIs determined to be less than or equal to n (FIG. 7, S58). If it is determined that the number is n or less, the page input as described abovenumberIs displayed on the page display means 107 (FIG. 7, S59). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not less than n, the page input operation is invalidated (FIG. 7, S60).
[0092]
  Therefore, if the desired page is displayed on the page display means 107, the user presses the confirmation button 311 (FIG. 7, S61). As a result, a desired page of display data is displayed on the predetermined electronic paper 101.
[0093]
  Subsequently, when another page of the display data is to be displayed on another electronic paper 101 (FIG. 7, S62), the display selection button 305 is pressed (FIG. 7, S51). Since the subsequent processing is the same as described above, detailed description is omitted here.
[0094]
  Finally, when the end button 306 included in the page designating unit 108 is pressed (FIG. 7, S63), the first display control unit 106 acquires the display data from the first storage unit 105 and makes it necessary. Accordingly, the data is converted into dot data, and then transferred to the display driver 122 in the electronic paper 101.
[0095]
  In this way, when it is desired to compare the currently browsed page with a non-continuous page, these pages can be displayed on the adjacent electronic paper 101. In addition, when a predetermined page is displayed on the adjacent electronic paper 101 in this way, the page displayed on the other electronic paper 101 is not particularly limited. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when 2 pages and 10 pages of display data are displayed on the adjacent electronic paper 101, the 3rd page and the 4th page are continued after the 10th page. Alternatively, page 11 and page 12 may be continued.
[0096]
  As described above, according to the present invention, as long as desired display data is stored in the storage means in the electronic paper file, it is not necessary to have a recording medium such as a flash memory or a CD-ROM, or the Internet. Even in an environment where it is not possible to connect to, desired display data can be browsed.
[0097]
  In addition, according to the present invention, even if an electronic paper having an enormous number of pages is not attached to the electronic paper file, all the enormous size data such as encyclopedia data and paper collection data is displayed on the electronic paper. Therefore, the operability of the electronic paper file is improved.
[0098]
  Furthermore, in the present invention, not only the main body but also the electronic paper is provided with signal transmission / reception means, so that it is easy to cope with a change in the standard of a predetermined storage medium. That is, even if there is a change in the standard of a predetermined storage medium, display data in the recording medium can be browsed by preparing one piece of electronic paper corresponding to this standard.
[0099]
  If no display data is stored in the first storage means 105, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM) in which the display data is stored, the Internet, or the like is passed through the main body signal exchanging means 104. Display data may be acquired. Of course, it is preferable that the display data acquired in this way is input to the first storage means 105 and stored therein.
[0100]
  In the above description, the page display means 107 is a page designated using the page break button 302 or the numeric keypad 304.numberHowever, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the page display means 107 displays all display data pages displayed on the electronic paper 101.numberMay be displayed.
[0101]
  Further, although not specifically mentioned in the above description, a page designated using the page break button 302 or the numeric keypad 304.numberMay exceed the total number of pages of display data, a warning sound or an error message may be output to notify the user to that effect.
(Embodiment 2)
  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the page specified using the page specifying means 108 is displayed on the display unit 121 of the electronic paper 101, but the page specifying means 108 is arranged on the main body 102. This is different from the first embodiment in that it is not provided.
[0102]
  That is, the page designating unit 108 is disposed at the end of the electronic paper 101 (that is, the position of the hand that supports the electronic paper file 100 or the electronic paper 101), as shown in FIG. Even with this arrangement, the page designation means 108 is used tonumberThe method of designating is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0103]
  However, there is an advantage that a page break can be performed by moving a finger while supporting the electronic paper file 100 or the electronic paper 101. Further, if the page designating unit 108 is provided on the surface of the display unit 121 where the display data is not displayed, a page break can be performed by moving only the index finger, for example.
[0104]
  Further, if the page display means 107 is disposed on the electronic paper 101, it is possible to confirm whether or not the page is correctly designated without moving the line of sight from the electronic paper 101, so that eyes are not tired. Therefore, the user can browse the display data in a concentrated manner.
[0105]
  Further, the following technique may be adopted as the page designating unit 108.
[0106]
  For example, a digitizer function and handwritten character recognition means may be employed in the display unit 121 of the electronic paper 101. That is, a desired page is displayed on the display unit 121 with a predetermined writing tool or finger.numberThe position traced here is recognized by the digitizer function. Then, the handwritten character recognition means recognizes the character based on the recognized position, and the pagenumberIs supposed to recognize.
[0107]
  Alternatively, when the electronic paper 101 has a software keyboard function, this function may be used as the page designation means 108.
[0108]
  Furthermore, the electronic paper file 100 may be provided with means for connecting an external terminal such as a mobile phone. In this way, you can use the numeric keypad provided on the external terminal tonumberCan be specified.
[0109]
  Similarly, the electronic paper file 100 may have a wireless communication function. In this way, a desired page can be obtained by using a numeric keypad of a portable terminal having a wireless communication function located at a distance from the electronic paper file.numberCan be specified.
(Embodiment 3)
  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a case will be described in which display data desired by the user is displayed on the electronic paper 101 that is not physically connected to the main body 102.
[0110]
  First, when the user turns on the power of the main body 102, the electronic paper detection means 109 in the main body 102 automatically or based on a user instruction, a signal (radio wave or super Sound waves, etc.) can be output. On the other hand, each electronic paper 101 side can also return a necessary signal to the main body 102 according to an instruction from the main body 102 side or according to its own state.
[0111]
  In addition, the association between the specific main body 102 and the electronic paper 101 used therefor is previously assigned to the first storage means 105 and the second storage means 105b, c, and d on the electronic paper 101b, c, and d sides in advance. It shall be written. For example, this association is performed by attaching an identification number (ID) to the main body side 102 and each electronic paper 101b, c, and d.
[0112]
  The identification number may be the connection terminal identification number, or may be a manufacturing number stored in the ROM when the electronic paper 101 includes a ROM. The association is performed in order to prevent the electronic paper 101 used in association with a certain main body 102 from indiscriminately responding to radio waves or the like emitted from the other main body 102.
[0113]
  In the following description, it is assumed that each electronic paper 101b, c, and d is disconnected from the connector of the main body 102 after the electronic paper file 100 is turned on or before the power is turned on. An example of using radio waves as a communication source will be described. In addition, the radio wave used here can use the radio wave according to standards, such as Bluetooth, for example.
[0114]
  First, when the power of the electronic paper file 100 is turned on, or when any of the electronic papers 101 is detached from the main body 102 or attached to the main body 102, the main body 102 determines each electronic paper 101 based on the association. Get the identification number. Here, it is assumed that the electronic paper detection means 109 can detect the identification numbers of the three electronic papers 101b, c, and d.
[0115]
  Next, the number assigning unit 110 assigns the electronic paper numbers 150 (EP1 to EP3) to the electronic papers 101b, c, and d based on the identification number detected by the electronic paper detection unit 109. As a method of assigning the electronic paper number 150 (EP), for example, there is a method of assigning the electronic paper number 150 in order from the smallest character code of the identification number. Of course, when the connection terminal identification number is adopted as the identification number here, the connection order identification number can be adopted as the electronic paper number 150 here.
[0116]
  When the main body 102 and the electronic paper 101b, c, and d are electrically connected, the electronic paper detection means 109 detects that the three electronic papers have been detected. The means 106 is notified. Thereby, the first display control means 106 acquires predetermined display data for three pages from the first storage means 105 from the beginning, for example.
[0117]
  Subsequently, the first display control means 106 in the present embodiment converts the display data corresponding to the first page of the display data acquired as described above to the electronic paper 101 (EP1) with the electronic paper number 150 (EP1). Here, it is transmitted to the electronic paper 101b) via the main body signal exchanging means 104. That is, here, the display data for the first page is transmitted.
[0118]
  Similarly, the first display control means 106 transmits display data for the second and third pages to the electronic paper 101 with the electronic paper number 150 (EP2, 3). In order to transfer the display data in the main body 102 to the desired electronic paper 101 not physically connected to the main body 102, for example, the following is performed.
[0119]
  That is, the identification number (ID) of each electronic paper 101 associated as described above is stored in advance in the page designating unit 108 of the main body 102, and a desired transfer destination is selected from the electronic paper 101 in which the ID is stored. There is a method of selecting with a button or the like.
[0120]
  Next, the predetermined display data for the first page transmitted from the first display control means 106 is received by the main body signal exchanging means 104b in the electronic paper 101b. Thus, the display data for the first page received by the main body signal exchanging means 104b is stored in the second storage means 105b in the electronic paper 101b and the second display control means 106b in the electronic paper 101b. Is read out. Then, the second display control means 106b converts predetermined display data for the first page into a dot format as necessary, and displays it on the display unit 121b of the electronic paper 101b. Similarly, display data for the second and third pages is transmitted from the first display control means 106 to the electronic paper 101c · d and displayed on the display sections 121c · d of the electronic paper 101c · d. It becomes like this.
[0121]
  In addition, when the user uses the page break button 302 or the like included in the page designating unit 108 described in the first or second embodiment, the user desires to display from display data including four pages or more. Data can be displayed on the three electronic papers 101b, c, and d.
[0122]
  For example, in a situation where display data for the first to third pages is displayed on the three electronic papers 101b, c, and d, the display data for pages 2 to 4 is displayed on the electronic paper 101b, c, and d. A case where the user wants to display will be described.
[0123]
  First, when the user depresses the page break button 302a and then depresses the transfer button 310, the first display control unit 106 starts from the first storage unit 105 to 2 to 4, as described in the first embodiment. Get display data up to the page. The first display control means 106 transmits the display data corresponding to the first page (here, the display data for the second page) to the electronic paper 101b, and the display data for the third and fourth pages. Is transmitted to the electronic paper 101c · d.
[0124]
  In the above, the content of the display data is not taken into consideration, but the identification number (ID) of the electronic paper 101 or the sentence ID specifying the content of the display data displayed on the electronic paper 101 (the display data File names and pagesnumberEtc.), display data may be transferred. For example, when the sentence ID represents the type of electronic book, the main body 102 displays the display on the electronic paper 101 on which an electronic book of a different type from the electronic book stored in the first storage unit 105 is displayed. Do not send data.
[0125]
  The second storage means 105 b, c and d can also be used as an expansion memory for the first storage means 105. For example, when a large amount of display data is acquired from a recording medium or the Internet, the display data may not be stored in the first storage unit 105. In this case, data that cannot be stored in the first storage means 105 may be stored in the second storage means 105b, c, and d.
[0126]
  Further, when the display data is acquired from a recording medium or the Internet as described above, the display data is stored in any one of the first storage means 105 or the second storage means 105b to 105d. This may be made selectable by the user. Further, the display data may be stored in a plurality of storage units according to the user's selection.
[0127]
  The electronic paper detection means 109 may detect the identification number (ID) of the electronic paper 101 when the user presses a push button (not shown) provided on the main body 102.
(Embodiment 4)
  By the way, the electronic paper file has a portable and notebook configuration unlike a conventional display device represented by a display. For this reason, the usage mode of a document for the purpose of browsing or editing is, for example, a conventional usage mode in which the document is displayed / edited on a personal computer, and once printed (printed) on paper, the printed matter is carried. However, it can be expected that the intended document is stored in an electronic paper file and the electronic paper file itself is carried.
[0128]
  In such a use mode, an editing method similar to writing (editing) to a paper note (hereinafter simply referred to as a paper note when referred to as “notebook”) is required. The editing method here refers to a method of writing a kana or an annotation to character data, and further inserting (overwriting) or moving a symbol that cannot be managed by a character code.
[0129]
  However, the character data and the writing data are closely related, for example, as characters and phonetic names are closely related. For this reason, at the time of editing (particularly during movement), it is necessary to process the character data and the write data (image data) simultaneously.
[0130]
  Furthermore, since the electronic paper file includes a plurality of electronic papers, when data displayed on a certain electronic paper is edited, another electronic paper displaying data strongly related to the edited content is displayed. It is necessary to reflect the edited contents on the paper at the same time.
[0131]
  Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reflect predetermined edits over a plurality of pages, and it is possible to simultaneously edit highly relevant character data and image data, and further facilitate editing between pages. In order to provide an electronic paper file, the following means are adopted.
[0132]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the electronic paper file 100 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 102 provided with a main body signal exchanging means 104 and a display light emission control means 23 on the back plate 103, a display driving section 12, and a display section 121. And an electronic paper 101 having a physical and electrical connection. Here, the display light emission control means 23 is a means for transferring the display data received from the main body signal exchanging means 104 to the electronic paper 101 as predetermined bit data and also for controlling the light emission of the light emitting sheet B. Say. Since the other components are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0133]
  Next, a mechanism for displaying display data on the display unit 121 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the memory card 41 storing display data is connected to the main body signal exchanging means 104, the display data is read by the main body signal exchanging means 104 and transmitted to the display light emission control means 23. Thereby, the display light emission control means 23 separates the display data into character data and image data, and temporarily stores them in the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 constituting the display drive unit 12.
[0134]
  The character data is, for example, a character code such as an ASCII code, and the image data is, for example, bitmap data. The method for separating the character data from the image data differs depending on the type of the display data, and the description thereof is omitted here.
[0135]
  Subsequently, the display light emission control unit 23 converts the character data stored in the character storage unit 42 into pixel data, and further adds position data to display bit data to display the electronic paper 101. To the driver 122 for use.
[0136]
  The pixel data is composed of color data and density data corresponding to each pixel constituting the display unit 121. Further, the position data is represented by the address of each pixel constituting the display unit 121, for example, the x coordinate (L1 row wiring) and the y coordinate (L2 column wiring).
[0137]
  When the display driver 122 receives the display bit data, the display driver 122 decodes the pixel data and the position data from the display bit data, thereby obtaining the pixel information of the display bit data, the position of the pixel, and the like. Recognize Subsequently, the display driver 122 outputs a voltage corresponding to the decoded pixel data to the column wiring L2 and the row wiring L1 corresponding to the pixel position recognized in this manner, so that a predetermined value of the display unit 121 is obtained. The character data is displayed at the position of.
[0138]
  Further, the display light emission control means 23 converts the image data stored in the image storage means 43 into pixel data in the same manner, adds position data, and transmits it to the display driver 122 constituting the electronic paper 101. Thus, the image data is displayed in the same manner as the character data.
[0139]
  As described above, if the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 are provided in the display drive unit 12 of the electronic paper 101, the character data and the image data are transferred to the electronic paper even when the electronic paper 101 is removed from the main body 102. It is possible to manage them independently on 101. However, the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 are not necessarily provided on the electronic paper 101 and may be provided on the main body 102. Further, by reflecting the input (editing) to the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 also on the memory card 41, it is possible to edit the original display data.
[0140]
  Next, input (editing) processing of character data and image data on the electronic paper 101 will be described.
[0141]
  First, as an aspect for editing the content displayed on the electronic paper 101, an aspect using a transparent sheet 44 is conceivable as shown in FIG. The transparent sheet 44 is a coordinate detection means using an electromagnetic induction method, an electrostatic coupling method, or the like that is used in tablets, digitizers, touch panels, and the like.
[0142]
  That is, the electronic paper 101 shown in FIG. 30 includes a transparent sheet 44 having a digitizer function (that is, a transparent sheet 44 having a function capable of detecting a position touched by a writing instrument) on the upper surface of the display unit 121. Thus, when a character or design desired by the user is drawn on the transparent sheet 44 with a writing instrument (for example, a pointed tip like a pen), the position of the contact point between the writing instrument and the transparent sheet 44 The transparent sheet 44 is detected using a digitizer function and transmitted to the display light emission control means 23.
[0143]
  However, it is not always necessary to use the digitizer function if the same position designation as described above is possible. For example, the same effect can be obtained even if the position is specified using a pointing device such as a mouse.
[0144]
  Then, the display light emission control unit 23 stores the image stored in the image storage unit 43 based on the color data and density data corresponding to the editing content and the pixel position data corresponding to the position of the contact point. Update the data. Note that the editing content here refers to a color / density / representation method set in advance when the user performs writing (representation method is, for example, a method for making writing with a brush or brush) Say the contents.
[0145]
  The subsequent steps are the same as when image data is received from the main body signal transfer means 104.
[0146]
  Through the input processing as described above, the image data stored in the image storage unit 43 and the display of the display unit 121 can be updated.
[0147]
  In addition, when inputting character data, a position that the user desires to input is designated in advance using the writing instrument or the like. The position designated in this manner is transmitted from the transparent sheet 44 to the display light emission control means 23 as described above.
[0148]
  Subsequently, when the user inputs a predetermined character using a software keyboard or a separately connected keyboard, the display light emission control means 23 receives this input character as character data. Then, the character data received in this way is inserted into the character data stored in the character storage means 42 using the information on the position designated as described above.
[0149]
  Thereafter, the display of the electronic paper 101 is updated in the same manner as when image data is received from the main body signal exchanging means 104. Note that the process of reflecting the image data and the character data to each storage means is a process related to the control of the storage means and is not directly related to the present invention, so detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0150]
  As described above, the display contents can be directly edited on the electronic paper 101. Further, by providing the electronic paper 101 with the character storage means and the image storage means, it is possible to hold the character data and the image data as independent electronic data even when the electronic paper 101 is removed.
[0151]
  Next, the process of deleting (editing) character data and image data on the electronic paper 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25, 26 (a), and 26 (b).
[0152]
  FIG. 26A shows the electronic paper file 100 simply. The electronic paper file 100 includes the three electronic papers 54 to 56. The electronic papers 54 to 56 have the same function as the electronic paper 101 shown in FIG. Further, each of the electronic papers 54 to 56 is provided with character storage means 54-2, 55-2, 56-2 and image storage means 54-3, 55-3, 56-3, respectively. Assume that the corresponding character data and image data are displayed on the respective display units. FIG. 26B is an image diagram of the inside of the character storage means 55-2 in FIG.
[0153]
  First, as described below, the user designates an area 60 from which character data is to be deleted. That is, when the region 60 in the electronic paper 55 is designated, first, the upper left end point 61 of the region 60 is pressed using the writing instrument 14. Subsequently, when the transparent sheet 44 is pressed and the writing tool 14 is used to trace to the lower right end point 62 of the area 60, a rectangular area 60 having a diagonal line connecting the end point 61 and the end point 62 is displayed on the display unit 121. appear. When the writing instrument 14 is moved away from the end point 62, the region 60 is determined, and the position data of the end point 61 and the pixel of the end point 62 are transmitted to the display light emission control means 23.
  In the following description, the area located above the area 60 after designating the area 60 is referred to as “area 70”, and the area located below is referred to as “area 71”.
[0154]
  Now, when the said display light emission control means 23 recognizes the said area | region 60, it will refer to the character storage means 55-2 corresponding to the said area | region 60, and will obtain the character data contained in the said area | region 60. FIG.
[0155]
  Subsequently, when the user selects, for example, “Delete” from the edit menu displayed on the electronic paper 55, the editing means constituting the display light emission control means 23 displays the character data corresponding to the area 60 (FIG. 26 (FIG. The area M60) of b) is deleted from the character storage means 55-2.
[0156]
  As described above, the predetermined data in the character storage unit 55-2 is deleted, but the following processing may be executed after the deletion.
[0157]
  That is, when the deleted area 60 is left blank, the editing means 65 corresponds to the deleted area 60 at the rear of the character data corresponding to the area 70 stored in the storage means 55-2. Insert line feeds as many times as you want. Further, blank data in a range corresponding to the deleted area 60 is inserted at the rear of the image data corresponding to the area 70 stored in the storage means 55-3. Here, the blank data is data that is inserted when nothing is displayed. Depending on the format of the image data, it may not be necessary to insert the data.
[0158]
  As described above, when the area 60 is deleted, the area 60 is not displayed. This function is effective when a predetermined electronic paper is removed and handed over to another user.
[0159]
  Next, when the subsequent character data is moved to the deleted area 60, the editing means 65 stores the character data (area shown in FIG. 26B) corresponding to the area 70 stored in the storage means 55-2. The character data corresponding to the area 71 (area M71 in FIG. 26B) is arranged at the rear of M70). As a result, the character data corresponding to the region 71 (region M71 in FIG. 26B) moves upward in the character storage means 55-2.
[0160]
  Subsequently, the editing means 65 copies (deletes) the same amount of character data as the character data corresponding to the deleted area 60 from the beginning of the character storage means 56-2 of the electronic paper 56, and It is added to the rear part of the character data stored in the character storage means 55-2 of the electronic paper 55 (region M72 in FIG. 26B).
[0161]
  As described above, in the character storage means 55-2 of the electronic paper 55, the character data corresponding to the region 60 (region M60 in FIG. 26B) is deleted, and continuous character data (region of FIG. 26B). M72) is added from other electronic paper.
[0162]
  In the character storage means 56-2 in the electronic paper 56, the same processing as described above is performed on the deleted area (area M72 in FIG. 26B), and the character storage means on the plurality of electronic papers is updated. Will be. Furthermore, it is possible to move the image data by performing the same processing on the image data.
[0163]
  When the contents of the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 are updated, the display light emission control means 23 causes the display driver 122 described above to reflect the contents of the character storage means on the display. The contents of the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 are transmitted together with the position data.
[0164]
  As described above, it is possible to move the subsequent character data and image data to the deleted area 60 and to perform processing over a plurality of pages. In this way, processing can be facilitated. For example, the character storage means 42 and the image storage means 43 are provided in the main body 102, and the display on the electronic paper is updated after the movement (editing) processing is performed on the storage means. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the moving process for the independent storage means.
[0165]
  Further, when the memory card 41 is directly edited, the processing can be facilitated similarly. However, in this case, when the electronic paper is removed, character data and image data are lost because the electronic paper does not have independent storage means.
[0166]
  It is possible to delete only the character data or only the image data by deleting the character data and deleting the image data independently (that is, providing them as separate deletion functions).
[0167]
  Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 25, 27 (a), 27 (b), 28 (a), and 28 (b), the movement (editing) of character data and image data on the electronic paper 101 is performed. ) Processing will be described.
[0168]
  FIG. 27A also shows the electronic paper file 100 in a simplified manner, and the electronic paper file 100 also includes the three electronic papers 54 to 56. Also here, as in the case of the deletion process, it is assumed that character data and image data corresponding to successive pages are displayed on the respective display units. Further, it is assumed that a page break code 79 indicating page turning for character data and image data is inserted at the end of the electronic paper 55. FIG. 27B is an image diagram of the inside of the character storage means 56-2 in FIG.
[0169]
  First, the user designates an area 80 where character data is to be moved. This designation is performed by pressing the upper left end point 81 of the area 80 and the lower right end point 82 of the area 80 as in the case of the deletion process, and thereby the pixel of the end point 81 and the end point 82 is changed. The position data is transmitted to the display light emission control means 23.
[0170]
  Now, when the said display light emission control means 23 recognizes the said area | region 80, the character data contained in the said area | region 80 will be obtained by referring the character storage means 55-2 corresponding to the said area | region 80. FIG.
[0171]
  Subsequently, when the user selects “move” from the edit menu displayed on the electronic paper 55, for example, the editing unit 65 constituting the display light emission control unit 23 converts the character data corresponding to the area 80 into the character data. It deletes from the memory | storage means 55-2. However, although this character data is deleted from the character storage means 55-2, it is temporarily stored in a work memory (not shown). As this working memory, for example, one provided in the main body 102 or the electronic paper 101 may be used, or it is empty in the character storage means 54-2 to 56-2 and the image storage means 53-3 to 56-3. A selected area may be selected and used.
[0172]
  As described above, the character data corresponding to the area 80 in the character storage unit 55-2 is deleted. After this deletion, the deleted area 80 is left blank, and the character data subsequent to the deleted area 80 is deleted. The image data may be moved in the same manner as the above-described deletion process. Here, the user can select the above two cases, and the same processing as the above-described deletion processing is performed according to the selected contents.
[0173]
  As described above, the character data corresponding to the area 80 is deleted from the character storage means 55-2 and temporarily stored in the work memory.
[0174]
  Subsequently, the destination position desired by the user is designated using the writing instrument or the like. The designated position is transmitted from the transparent sheet 44 to the display light emission control means 23 as described above.
[0175]
  Next, when the user selects “Paste” from the menu, for example, the editing unit 65 reads the character data corresponding to the area 80 stored in the work memory, and is designated using the writing instrument or the like. Affixed to the character storage means (here 56-2) corresponding to the position (area). FIG. 27B shows an image diagram of the character storage means 56-2 at the time of pasting.
[0176]
  When the character data M80 corresponding to the area 80 is inserted at the beginning of the character storage means 56-2 with respect to the character data M72 and M73 corresponding to the predetermined area before pasting, the character data M72 The character data M80 is inserted in the upper part, and thereby the character data M72 is located below the character data M80. The character data M73 having the same amount as the character data 80 is deleted from the character storage means 56-2. However, for example, if there is electronic paper that displays a subsequent page, the character data M73 is moved to the head of the character storage area of the electronic paper as described above.
[0177]
  A process similar to the process corresponding to the character data is also performed on the image data, and the process of moving the character data and the image data on each storage unit is completed. When the movement process on each storage unit is completed as described above, the editing unit 65 transmits a message to that effect to the display light emission control unit 23.
[0178]
  Subsequently, the display light emission control means 23 performs a predetermined process on the display data stored in each storage means, and transmits it to the display driver 122 as display bit data as described above. Thereafter, the image data is displayed on the electronic paper in the same manner as when the image data is received from the main body signal exchanging means 104. However, it is assumed that the user can determine whether or not the deletion process and the movement process are reflected on the memory card 41.
[0179]
  With the above processing, the following two areas can be moved. That is, when the display of the area 80 that is the movement source is left blank, the position of the area 71 of the electronic paper 55 is maintained and the upper part of the electronic paper 56 is maintained as shown in FIG. The display of the area 80 is moved, and the area 72 that is at the upper part of the electronic paper 56 is moved to the lower part of the area 80.
[0180]
  When the subsequent character data and image data are moved to the movement source area 80, the area 71 of the electronic paper 55 is located immediately below the area 70 as shown in FIG. The page break is made with the page break code 79. In addition, the display of the area 80 is moved to the upper part of the electronic paper 56, and the area 72 that was in the upper part of the electronic paper 56 is moved to the lower part of the area 80.
[0181]
  It goes without saying that data in a predetermined area can be copied by moving the display data at the movement source without deleting it in the movement process.
[0182]
  Here, when the electronic paper can display completely different display data, for example, the electronic paper A connected to one main body displays the first page, and the electronic paper B displays the 100th page. In such a case, it is possible to move easily by displaying the display data for the movement source and the display data for the movement destination on physically different pages. Furthermore, by making it possible to display both sides of the electronic paper, for example, display data of the movement source and the movement destination can be displayed on the left and right pages of the spread, and the movement is further facilitated. The double-sided display can be realized by sticking the back surfaces of two electronic papers to each other.
[0183]
  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to directly edit, delete, move, etc. the display contents on a predetermined electronic paper, and further, the contents of another page based on this editing Can also be changed automatically. It goes without saying that this makes it possible to perform editing while maintaining the familiar visual sense and feeling of writing in a notebook.
[0184]
  Further, editing can be further facilitated by displaying the editing source and editing destination pages on a plurality of electronic papers (for example, continuous pages and spread pages).
[0185]
  In the present embodiment, no particular reference is made to the configuration in which the movable shaft piece 50 rotates. However, even when such a rotational configuration is adopted, the editing function described in the present embodiment can be realized. Needless to say.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of electronic paper according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing page specifying means.
FIG. 3 is a device configuration diagram of a display unit of electronic paper.
[Figure 4] PagenumberShowing the specified operation
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing display contents displayed after a page break button is pressed.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which predetermined display data is displayed on predetermined electronic paper.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying predetermined display data on predetermined electronic paper.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which page designation means is provided in electronic paper.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where electronic paper and the main body are physically separated from each other.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the connection terminal on the main body side is fixed to the main body.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation for assigning a connection order identification number;
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a method for detecting the attachment / detachment state of electronic paper at a connection terminal on the main body side.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a method for detecting the attachment / detachment state of electronic paper at a connection terminal on the main body side.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a method for detecting the attachment / detachment state of electronic paper at a connection terminal on the main body side.
FIG. 15 is an external view of a main body adopting a rotary structure.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a method for detecting the position of the connection terminal of the main body.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing that a photocoupler is provided in the connection body.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation for assigning a connection order identification number;
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing that an intermediate fixing piece is used.
FIG. 20 is a diagram in which an element fixing shaft is disposed on an intermediate fixing piece.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a method for detecting the position of the connection terminal of the main body.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing that the connection terminals on the main body side are provided at different positions in the vertical direction.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the shape of a connection terminal on the electronic paper side
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the shape of the connection terminal on the main body side.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electronic paper file according to the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing editing (deleting) processing of an electronic paper file according to the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a view showing editing (moving) processing of an electronic paper file according to the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of moving an electronic paper file according to the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an electronic paper file
FIG. 30 is an image diagram when editing electronic paper using a writing instrument and a transparent sheet.
[Explanation of symbols]
30 Detachment detection means
36 Position detection means
40 leads
41 sandwich plate
42 Derived lead
50 Movable shaft piece
52 connection body
100 electronic paper file
101 Electronic paper
102 body
104 Main body signal transfer means
104b, c, d Signal exchange means
105 First storage means
105b, c, d Second storage means
106 First display control means
106b, c, d Second display control means
107 page display means
108 Page designation means
109 Electronic paper detection means
110 Numbering means
302 Page break button
303 Page recognition means

Claims (34)

An electronic paper file comprising an electronic paper , which is a sheet-like flexible display medium having a display function in a display unit, and a main body capable of mounting a plurality of the electronic papers ,
Storage means for storing display data that is appears on the electronic paper,
And page designation means for Ru been designated for the desired page in the display data,
Display control means for obtaining the display data from the storage means and performing display on the surface of the electronic paper based on the display data;
With
Further, the electronic paper is provided with one of a pair of connection terminals having both a physical connection function and an electrical connection function, and a plurality of connection members having the other of the connection terminals are connected in an array. By providing the connection body with the main body fixed in place, each electronic paper can be attached to and detached from the main body.
Further, the display control means further comprises an attachment / detachment detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the electronic paper at the connection terminal on the other side, and the display control means is connected to a desired page designated by the page designation means and the continuous page. Display data for another page obtained from the storage means, and display based on the display data is displayed on one of the electronic papers and subsequent to the attachment detection by the attachment / detachment detection means. An electronic paper file characterized by being performed on electronic paper. The electronic paper file according to claim 1, further comprising page number recognition means for recognizing the number of electronic papers attached to the main body as the number of attached pages . One of the pair of connection terminals is provided in the end portion of the electronic paper, and the movable shaft piece, which is the connection member provided with the other of the connection terminals, is arranged in the axial direction so as to be rotatable. The electronic paper file according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes the connection body formed by connecting a plurality of connections . 4. The electronic paper file according to claim 3 , further comprising position detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the connection terminal on the other side . The attachment / detachment detection means displays a connection order identification number, which is a number for identifying the connection order of the pair of connection terminals , on the other side detected by the attachment / detachment status of the electronic paper or the position detection means. the electronic paper file according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that assigned to each connection terminal on the basis of at least one rotational position of the connection terminals. It said display control means, the electronic paper file according to claim 5, characterized in that the display processing of the data for the display based on the connection order identification number which the attachment detection means has granted. The page specifying means, the electronic paper file according to claim 1, further comprising a page break means for receiving an instruction for retracting or page is advanced Nozomu Tokoro page in the display data. The detachment detection means, when the connection terminal side of the electronic paper is connected to the connecting terminal of the other side, when the power supply of the electronic paper file is turned on, when the reset the display on the electronic paper or above when the page break means is activated, the electronic paper file according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that to start. A pair of the connecting terminals is made of parallel lead one connection terminal of that is disposed parallel to its end on the electronic paper,
Further, its other connection terminal, electronic paper file according to claim 1, the pinching plates sandwiching the electronic paper from the both sides, characterized by comprising a derivation leads provided within this shim. Claim display based on the display data for a desired page hand specified in the page specifying means, further comprising a plurality of display selection means Ru undergoing or selected to be displayed in any of the above electronic paper 1 Electronic paper file described in. The electronic paper, the electronic paper file according to claim 1, characterized in that with the page specifying means to the predetermined position. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the page designating unit is provided at an end of the display unit. Said page designating means, according to claim 1, characterized in that provided on different surfaces from the surface on which the display is Ru based on the display data for a desired page designated by the page designation means Electronic paper file. The electronic paper file according to claim 1, further comprising a page display means for displaying a number indicating the page specified by the page specifying means. The page display means, the electronic paper file according to claim 1 4, characterized in that provided in a predetermined position on the electronic paper. 2. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the page specifying means is capable of being remotely operated with respect to the main body . The page specifying means, the electronic paper file according to claim 1, characterized in that those capable of remote operation with respect to the electronic paper. The page designation means, electronic paper file according to claim 1, characterized in that Ru was designated for the desired page by the soft keyboard is used Rukoto displayed on the display unit. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit has a digitizer function. 2. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the storage means is provided in at least the electronic paper. The electronic paper, obtains the display data from the predetermined recording medium, the electronic paper file according to claim 2 0, further comprising a signal exchange means for inputting into said memory means. The body, the electronic paper file according to claim 3, further comprising an electronic paper detecting means for detecting the electronic paper from the body within a predetermined range. It said storage means, the electronic paper file according to claim 2 0, characterized by storing an identification number that can identify an electronic paper. The electronic paper ID that can identify the destination of a given page of the display data, based on the identification number capable of specifying an electronic paper, in claim 2 2, further comprising a number applying means for applying to the electronic paper The electronic paper file described. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit is provided in the main body. 2. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the display control means is provided in the electronic paper. An electronic paper file provided in the main body and the electronic paper with the storage means,
By the intervention of a signal transfer means provided respectively on the body and the electronic paper, a provided in the display data, the electronic paper stored in the first memory means provided in the main body two 2. The electronic paper file according to claim 1 , wherein the display data stored in the storage means is transmitted and received between the main body and the electronic paper. Said signal transfer means, electronic paper file according to claim 2 7, characterized in that for receiving data for the display at the Internet. A position specifying means for receiving the designation of the position or region of Nozomu Tokoro the display surface of the electronic paper,
Among the display data in which the storage means stores, further comprising a an editing means for data corresponding to the designated desired the position or area, is updated by editing the desired the page per the position specifying means The electronic paper file according to claim 1, wherein: It said storage means, the character data and the display data composed of image data, to claim 29, characterized in that you store the text data and the image data independent editing can manage to The electronic paper file described. Said editing means, in the display data, when deleting data corresponding to a desired the position or area specified by the position specifying means, a portion thereof deleted data is occupied, and the deleted data 30. The electronic paper file according to claim 29 , wherein the data following the data is moved. Said editing means, in the display data, when deleting data corresponding to a desired the position or area specified by the position specifying means, a portion thereof deleted data accounted represents null data the electronic paper file according to claim 29, characterized in that maintaining in. In the display data, when the data corresponding to the desired position or area specified by the position specifying means is moved to a part corresponding to another position or area in the display data, the editing means becomes an object of the movement. the portion data Tsu accounted, electronic paper file according to claim 29, wherein moving the data which has been following the data Tsu Do the target of the movement. The editing is a movement of display data corresponding to the designated area,
It said editing means, in the display data, when moved to the portion corresponding to data corresponding to the location or area of Nozomu place specified in another location or area by the position specifying means, and the object of the movement the electronic paper file according to claim 29, the portion in which the data has Tsu name accounted, and maintains the data representative of the blank.

Images