GB2336450A - Portable electronic display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable electronic display apparatus, suitable for being held in the hand, for displaying information stored on a removable storage medium, comprises:- (i) a storage medium drive adapted to read information from the storage medium; (ii) a memory adapted to store a set of instructions; (iii) three or more input devices 6-9, adapted to receive one or more inputs, each input device corresponding to one or more of the instructions; (iv) a display screen 2 adapted to display information read from the storage medium according to the received input(s); and wherein at least one of the instructions comprises a method to display the next screen of information.

Description

2336450 PQirtable electronic dhiplay apparatus

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to portable electronic display apparatus that is suitable for being held in the hand and that can be used to display information stored 5 an a removable storage medium.

Background to the invention

Printed publications such as books whilst being portable and inexpensive to produce are problematic in several ways. The amount of physical space that is required to store information in a printed rather than an electronic form is great and this increases transportation and storage costs. Also, once printed, a publication is fixed and cannot be adapted. For example, if the font size is small this cannot be enlarged for long sighted readers. Also, if different language versions of a publication have to be produced this further increases the size. Another point is that information stored in electronic form can quickly and easily be transferred or copied to others using a communications system such as the Internet. In contrast, to distribute a printed publication such as a book, copies of the book have to be transported at high cost.

Publications such as books may also be provided in electronic form but one problem is that known apparatus for displaying or viewing this electronic information is difficult to use. For example, portable electronic display apparatuses such as laptop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are known and can be used to display electronically stored text and'odures. However, these types of equipment are expensive and complex, typically providing a great range of functions in addition to display of information. These display devices are also difficult to learn to use, 1 especially for young children and are easily damaged. Laptop computers can be used to display information stored on storage media such as CD ROM's but laptop computers are relatively heavy and bulky in comparison with a conventional book, for example. PDAs are smaller but do not provide the ability to read information directly from a CD ROM.

Another problem is that because apparatus such as PDAs provide many buttons or keys the user interface for these devices is too complex to be quickly learnt and does not correspond easily to the interface between a user and a printed publication such as a book. For example many PDA's include tracker balls or touch pads for moving a cursor about the screen. However, no equivalent to a cursor occurs for a printed book and this makes the user interface complex relative to that for a book.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a portable electronic display apparatus that is suitable for being held in the hand and that can be used to display information stored on a removable storage medium which overcomes or at least mitigates one or more of the problems noted above.

Summary of invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic display apparatus that is suitable for being held in the hand said apparatus being for displaying information stored on a removable storage medium, comprising:- (i) a storage medium drive adapted to read information from the storage medium; (ii) a memory adapted to store a set of instructions; 2 (iii) three or more input devices, adapted to receive one or more inputs, each input device corresponding to one or more of the instructions; (iv) a display screen adapted to display information read from the storage medium according to the received input(s); and wherein at least one of the 5 instructions comprises a method to display the next screen of information.

The invention also encompasses a corresponding method of using a portable electronic display apparatus that is suitable for being held in the hand for displaying information stored on a removable storage medium, said method comprising the steps of:- (i) reading information from the storage medium using a storage medium reader; (ii) storing a set of instructions in a memory; receiving at least one input from one of three or more input devices, each input device corresponding to one or more of the instructions; (N) displaying information read from the storage medium on a display screen according to the received input(s); and wherein at least one of the instructions comprises a method to display the next screen of information.

This gives the advantage that information such as text from a storage device (such as a CD ROM or mini disk) can wily and quickly be displayed using a hand held apparatus. A simple user interface. is provided so that the apparatus is easy to use even by children. The apparatus _ be used to display different documents which can be provided, for example in several different language versions. Also, because the information is displayed electronically, it can be manipulated, for example, to increase the font size of any text.

3 The invention also encompasses method of storing information on a removable storage medium such that in use the information on the storage medium can be displayed using an apparatus as described herein. This provides the advantage that storage media such as CD ROM's or mini disks can be recorded in a format suitable for use with the electronic display apparatus described herein.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a housing and the display screen is integral with an outer surface of the housing. This provides the advantage that the display screen is immediately visible and accessible and is not obstructed by other objects.

Preferably the information stored on the storage medium contains markers and said step (iv) of displaying information further comprises displaying information read from the storage medium on the basis of the markers. For example, the markers can indicate regions of text that are to be displayed in a particular font. This provides the advantage that the information can be displayed in an arrangement that is clear and pleasing and that the information can be formatted into this arrangement quickly and easily.

Advantageously, at least one of the input devices is adapted such that when it receives an input, at least some of the correspondences between the remaining input devices and the instructions are changed. This provides the advantage that the number of functions provided to. the user via the user interface can be increased without the need to increase the number of input devices such as keys or buttons.

Description of the drawiM

The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is perspective view of a display apparatus.

4 Figure 2 is a plan view of the interior Of the display apparatus of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a table showing examples of icons and their associated actions.

Figure 4 shows an example of a housekeeping menu.

Figure 5 shows the appearance of a command line when the housekeeping 5 menu of figure 4 is opened.

Figure 6 shows examples of contents of an overlay window.

Figure 7 shows the appearance of a command line when the overlay window content is as shown in figure 6.

Figure 8 shows examples of two command line displays that are suitable for 10 use by a first time user and which are equivalent to each other.

Figure 9 shows examples of command line displays that are suitable for use by a familiar user.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between publication components.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a standard menu and command sets.

Figure 12 is an example of a grid for allowing the creator of a publication to choose which commands are to be associated with text and icons in the command lines; command lines are also shown.

Figure 13 is an example of a grid and scale representation that are displayed by an icon editor.

Description of preferred embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only 5 ways in which this could be achieved.

The term "pocket book" is used herein to refer to an example of a portable electronic display apparatus.

As shown in Figure 1 the electronic display apparatus comprises a housing 1 which has a display screen 2 integral with an outer surface of the housing 1, The display screen is a liquid crystal display screen although any screen suitable for displaying information in an electronic form may be used. Using a liquid crystal display screen is particularly advantageous because it allows text and characters to be displayed in variable sizes. In this case, the user is able to adjust the size of any text, images or other information displayed on the screen 2.

The display apparatus has a number of input devices 6,7,8,9 and 10. In the example shown in figure 1 these are push buttons. However, any suitable type of input device can be used, for example, touch sensitive areas, switches, or keys. In the example shown there are 5 push buttons although this is not essential. A different number of push buttons can be used although care must be taken not to increase the complexity of the user interface and not to reduce the functionality provided.

6 As shown in figure 1, the push buttons 6 to 10 are arranged in a row along one edge of the housing. This is particularly advantageous because the user is able to operate the display apparatus using only one hand. It is not essential to arrange the buttons in a row. Other arrangements in which the user can operate the apparatus using one hand can be used. For example, the buttons can be grouped together in one corner of the apparatus.

Another advantage is that by using only push buttons or keys as input devices the user interface is simplified. If tracker balls, touch pads, roller balls, joysticks or other similar devices are used to control the display of information on the screen this makes the user interface more complex. In these types of systems which use tracker balls and similar devices, a cursor is typically displayed on the display screen. In the present invention no cursor or cursor control means is required and this greatly simplifies the user interface.

Although no cursor control is inherent to the operating system of the present invention, a publisher has the option to. define and position a cursor for the highlighting of a word to be looked up in a dictionary, for instance.

Within the housing of the display apparatus a storage medium reader is provided. Any suitable reader can be used for reading information provided on a storage medium. For example, if the storage medium is a CID ROM then a CD ROM drive is used. Alternatively, if the storoge medium is a mini disk then a mini disk reader is used. Other storage media such as flashcards or smartcards can also be used. In the examples described below the housing is opened in order to place the storage medium into the reader. However, it is also possible to insert the storage medium into the reader through other types of aperture in the housing, for example, a slot or a sliding drawer.

7 Any suitable type of storage medium can be used. CD ROMs and Mini disks have already been mentioned. Photo CDs such as the KODAK en-print photo CDs can also be used. In this situation the information displayed on the screen would include images of photographs.

The display apparatus further comprises a memory for storing a set of instructions. Each of the input devices 6,7,8,9 and 10 corresponds to at least one of the instructions. When the user provides an input to the apparatus by pressing one of the push buttons then information read from the storage medium is displayed on the display screen 2 according to the input(s) provided by the user.

Figure 1 also shows two command lines 4 and 5. These are areas of the display screen 2 on which information about the instructions is provided. One of the input devices, 10 acts as a modifier key or "shift key", When this input is activated the instructions associated with the other inputs are changed. This allows more instructions to be provided than just one instruction per push button. Command line 2, labelled as 5 in figure 1 lists the instructions associated with each push button. For example, button 6 corresponds to the action "next page". In one example, the buttons are each given a different colour to differentiate them and to simplify the user interface. However this is not essential. Different shaped buttons could be used to differentiate the buttons. Alternatively, no differentiating features need be provided.

In one example, button 6 is green, button 7 is red, button 8 is yellow, button 9 is blue and button 10 is white.

8 Command line 1, labelled 4 in figure 1 shows the instructions associated with each button in the situation that the shift button 10 is pressed. The instructions may be indicated in words as shown in figure 1, or alternatively by using icons 11. The association between the push buttons and the instructions is designed to be simple 5 and intuitive in order that the display apparatus is easy to use.

Figure 1 also shows an overlay window 3. This is a region of the display that, when activated, overlies other information displayed on the screen 2. For example, the information displayed on the screen can be the text of a book and the information in the overlay window can be information about different instructions or actions available to the user. By using an overlay window 3 the number of instructions available to the user can be increased without increasing the number of input devices 6 to 10.

Figure 2 shows the interior of the display apparatus. A storage medium such as a CD-ROM 21 is positioned inside the display apparatus as shown. A power supply 22 is also provided which can be batteries or other conventional power supply sources as described below. A printed circuit board 23 is also provided which comprises a read only memory for storing the set of instructions. The printed circuit board 23 also comprises a central processing unit for managing the processing of the apparatus, a volatile memory for buffering information read from the storage medium and a modifiable memory for storing information provided by the user. A ribbon connector cable 24 is also pMided to connect the printed circuit board 23 and electronics in the interior of Wie---apparatusto the screen and input device circuitry.

9 Information stored on the storage medium comprises a number of markers which may be used by the instructions and enable the information (such as text) to be displayed an the screen 2 in a particular format. For example, markers can be inserted into the information which specify which font a particular piece of text should be displayed in. A suite of software applications is provided for storing information on a storage medium in such a way that it can be displayed using a display apparatus as described herein. For example, text stored on a computer can be formatted using the suite of software applications (as described below) and then this text can be written onto a CD-ROM using a conventional CD-ROM writer. This provides the advantage that a whole system is provided for storing information on storage media and then displaying this information using the display apparatus. The system is simple to use and enables information to be recorded on storage media in the desired format relatively inexpensively.

Alternative housings 1 can be provided in a variety of colours and materials.

The housing may be opaque or transparent. By this means, using the same internal components, different models can be provided. A PocketBook owner is able to have more than one housing each suitable for different tasks and circumstances. This provides the advantage that the PocketBook can easily be adapted for different situations by clipping the display apparatus components into different housings, for example:-

Themed MQdel - specially themed housings or cases, associated with a particular film or artiste can be provided. The design and style of the housing can be adapted as long as the basic dimensions required to house the display apparatus are met.

Robust and Waterproof Models - special housings for use under water or in a dusty environment for example can be provided. Housings for use by young children which protect the display device from impacts and shocks and which are water resistant can also be provided.

Braille Models - for users with impaired vision, the LCD display screen may be replaced or augmented by a display which uses arrays of plungers to provide the raised dots used in the Braille system.

Solar Powered Models - a cover for the display apparatus can be provided which protects the main display screen 2. This cover may contain solar panels arranged to 10 provide power to the display apparatus.

It is also possible for the information to be displayed on the screen 2 in either landscape or portrait mode. In this case the icons or text in the command lines rotate to match the display configuration.

Pocket Book Short Description

The Pocket Book is a replacement for the conventional printed book. Instead of using sheets of paper bound together, it is an electronic device which reads information stored on a CD-ROM and displays that information on an LCD display. CD-ROM's may be freely and simply changed. Available in two sizes (viz. Pocket Book and Techno Book), the Pocket Book uses a novel and extremely simple command system which allows the user-to navigate (i.e. turn the pages of) the CDROM content and requires minimal learning.

11 Physical Characteristics The Pocket Book is a rectangular plastic box 1, available in two sizes with the following common characteristics Exterior A rectangular LCD screen 2 on the outside face, occupying approximately 85% of the surface area An oval white button 10, 1.75 cm by 2.0 cm below the lower left hand corner of the LCID screen A group of four circular coloured buttons 6, 7, 8 and 9, each 1.75 cm in diameter, below the lower right hand edge of the LCD screen, arranged in a horizontal line.

0 Each button is slightly domed and recessed, and has a positive click feel 0 The box is hinged on its left hand edge and opens to reveal the interior Interior The interior (see figure 2) contains a CD-ROM drive - a CD 21 is placed in it and is clamped into position when the lid of the Pocket Book is closed.

Depending on the size, 2 or 4 AA sized batteries 22 are installed into a recessed compartment A printed circuit board (motherboard) 23, containing all of the operating system and other functions of the Pocket Book.

0 A ribbon cable 24 connecting the motherboard to the upper half (lid) 12 Dimensions The dimensions of the two sizes of Pocket Book are as follows:

Packet Book: 20 cm tall, 13 cm wide, 2 cm deep Tech no Book: 30 cm tall, 21 cm wide, 2 cm deep Operating the PocketBook: A User's Guide Reading a Single Language Publication Step 1: Open the PocketBook Step 2: Place the CD-ROM Publication on the platter, shiny side DOWN you should be looking at the printed side.

Step 3: Close the PocketBook. If the PocketBook is currently switched off, it will automatically switch on.

Step 4: You will see the text of your publication in the Main Window. When you have finished reading the page, press the Green Button 6 to turn to the next page Step 5: To turn to the previous page, press the Blue button 9 To obtain help with the sophisticated functions available from your PocketBook, hold down the White button 10 and press the Red button 7 - then release both buttons. A User Guide vAII appear in the Main V\findow 2.

Reading a Multi Language Publication for the first time.

Step 1: Open the PocketBook Step 2: Place the CD-ROM Publication on the platter, shiny side DOWN you should be looking at the printed side.

13 Step 3: Close the PocketBook Step 4: In the Overlay Window 3, you will see a list of languages, in which one will be highlighted.

Step 5: Use the Red button 7 to highlight the next lower language, or the 5 Yellow button to highlight the next higher language.

Step 6: When the language which you wish to use to read the publication is highlighted, press the Green button.

Step 7: Read your publication, as above.

Changing the Size of the Text in the Main Window Step 1: Press and release the White button: this will display a Menu in the Overlay Window Step 2: Using the Red and Yellow buttons to move up and down, highlight the words 'Font Size' Step 3: Press the Green button: the Menu in the Overlay Window will change to show the available Font Sizes Step 4: Use the Red and Yellow buttons to move up and down, and highlight the size required Step 5: Press the Green button: the Overlay Window will disappear and your text will be shown in the new font size.

14 CPU A Central Processing Unit will manage the functions of the PocketBook - this will be selected from the current wide range of microprocessors available on the market. It is not anticipated that a specially manufactured CPU will be required.

Where necessary, additional Integrated Circuits will be used for specific functions, such as the control of the LCD and the CD-ROM.

It should be noted that in current terms (early 1998) the PocketBook is neither a particularly fast nor powerful device. Its capabilities are deliberately restricted to provide as much standardisation as possible and to promote the simple 10 production of publications.

Memory The PocketBook will be provided with electronic storage in the form of various types of Memory.

Read Only Memory (ROM) This will be used to contain the PocketBook Operating System, which is described in more detail later. The capacity of the ROM will be defined by the completed Operating System. This memory will be constant and unaffected by the switching on or off of the PowerBook.

Modifiable Memory (EEPROM) A limited amount of memory will be used to store the information recorded and amended by the user. Typically, this will be the settings for contrast and backlighting, the user's home language and the bookmarks for each of the publications. The information in this memory will NOT be lost when the power is switched off.

Volatile Memory (RAM) A large capacity Random Access Memory will be used to 'buffer' the pages of a publication, so that access to the CD-ROM, and consequent power consumption, will be reduced. For example, when the first page of a publication is opened, subsequent pages will be loaded into the buffer so that, as the user scrolls through the publication, response is immediate. The information in this memory WILL be lost when the power is switched off.

CD-ROM Drive The CD-ROM drive used will be a standard drive with some degree of shockproofing, rather like those currently used in portable CD-ROM audio players. When closed. a revolving disk on the inside of the PocketBook lid will clamp the CDROM into position.

Power Supply Although the basic power supply will be 2 or 4 AA batteries, a variety of power sources will be available. Depending on the model of PocketBook, this will include:

AC Universal Power Supply 100-250V, 50-60 Hz Rechargeable Power Pack (Ni-Cad or Lithium-ion) 16 AA Dry Cell Batteries Fold-out Solar Panel/Cover Operating System The Pocket Book uses a completely new operating system for viewing the information contained on the CD-ROM. At its most basic level, applied to a simple text book, it permits the user to turn pages backwards and forwards and to 'jump' to particular parts of the text, such as chapters. However, using the same basic principles, it provides much more sophisticated navigation possibilities which widen the scope of the medium significantly. It will be possible to 'read' documents which 10 are entirely graphical (e.g. maps) or a mix of text and graphics.

The basic components of the operating system are as follows:

Publication For the purposes of this specification, a Publication is a file or group of files of information stored on a CD-ROM in a structured way. The file may consist of text or graphics or a combination of the two. The capacity of a CD-ROM is such that more than one version of the same publication could be stored on a CD-ROM and this specification assumes that different JaNuage versions would be stored so that the same product could be manufack, for a group of countries, rather than individually in national versions as at prpsent.

One of the current standards for the recording of information on the CDROM will be adopted (e.g. ISO 9660, High Sierra). The structure and types of the files which are recorded on the CD-ROM will be defined, and their preparation facilitated, by the PocketBook Publisher Software suite - see description

17 Main Window The whole of the Liquid Crystal Display is identified as the Main Window. The LCD is a high resolution screen, either monochrome or colour and a back light is provided for use in a gloomy environment. The user may also vary the contrast of the display according to personal preference. In normal use, the Main Wridow comprises two parts, where the content of the publication, whether text, graphics or a mix of the two is shown in the upper part and the Command Menu is shown in the lower part. In certain circumstances, and at the user's instigation, an Overlay Window may be shown overlaid on the Main Window.

l o Overlay Window The purpose of the Overlay Wridow is to broaden the scope of the buttons, and provide further functionality. When activated, it will appear in the Main Text Window on top of the publication currently being displayed. Certain data types will be provided by the operating system which will be shown in the Overlay Window, including the following:

A dynamic menu, which will automatically enlarge or reduce in size according to the number of entries.

A thumbnail index, like the alphabetical tabs used on an address book.

A numeric display, laid out like the keys of a calculator The Overlay Wriclow would also be used for prompts and reminders, such as Switching off - release the White button to cancel' 18 The Command Menu The area at the bottom of the Main Window is reserved for the display of the Commands. Each command representation appears as text or as a graphic image (icon) positioned directly above the button to which it refers. Normally the Command Menu consists of two lines of commands, but the Publisher may elect to use only a single line.

The Buttons The buttons have a positive click and have two ways of working A simple press and release action A 'press and hold' action - the button is pressed and held down continuously until the requisite action is complete. The button is then released.

The White button has a triple function.

A simple press and release action will activate the command to which it relates and which is shown in Command Line 2. In normal usage, this will be the 15 'Menu'option.

The second function is where the white key is used as a modifier or shift key, like the Shift key on a typewriter keyboard. It is used in combination with other keys to modify their actions. In this case the White command button is pressed and held down so that, by pressing the relevant coloured button, the user may activate the 20 command on the upper command line (Command Line 1) 19 The third function is as an on-off switch. If the PocketBook is currently off, pressing the White button and holding it down for a minimum of 3 seconds will switch it on. Conversely, if the PocketBook is currently switched on, pressing and holding down the White button alone will, after 2 seconds, display a message in the Main V\findow 'Switching off - release to cancel'. If the user releases the button within 2 seconds, there will be no effect. If the user continues to hold down the White button for the whole of the 2 seconds, the PowerBook will switch off.

In normal circumstances, the Coloured buttons are pressed individually toactivate the command shown on the command line directly above (Command Line 2).

Combinations of buttons may be used for other functions: the publisher may elect to provide enhanced functionality, for example pressing the Blue and Yellow buttons together may display the Thesaurus in the Overlay V\rindow.

All coloured buttons will be auto-repeat: if the user holds down a button, its action will be repeated continuously until the button is released. The delay until the auto repeat function is activated and the rate at which the repetitions are produced will be definable by the user.

The Toolbox Part of the operating system is a 'Programmers toolbox' for use by media programmers and which provide the following components.

Fonts The PocketBook will be provided with a set of standard fonts. The user may, at their own discretion, view any publication in one of a selection of typefaces and may choose what type size is used to view the information.

It is anticipated that the fonts and sizes will be as follows - these will probably be adapted from currently available computer fonts, such as those used by WindowsTm and MacintoshTm Operating Systems.

Fon Size Modem Small Classic Medium scrtyt Large ru Very Large The Title font will always appear one size larger than the font selected for body text Non standard fonts As far as possible, 'standard'fonts will be provided which will be adequate for the character representations of all the major European languages. Additionally, fonts will be provided for Japanese, Chinese and as many Oriental languages as the capacity of the ROM permits, but it is li" that some fonts will be inadequate for the representation of specialised publications, such as scientific and mathematical texts.

21 In these circumstances, the publisher will be able to define one or more font files which will be included on the CD-ROM with the content of the publication. On first loading of the CD-ROM, the PocketBook will establish whether font flies exist, and will load the names and contents of the font files into a reserved area of the RAM. When the PocketBook encounters a reference to the font in the content of the publication, it will recall the representation of the character from the RAM and draw that character on the screen.

A font definition function will be included in the PocketBook Publisher Suite. It is anticipated that third party organisations will provide font flies for inclusion by publishers in their publications. These organisations may be commercial or non-profit (i.e. academic) who may or may not charge for their fonts.

Font designers will be required to produce representations of their fonts in all of the standard PocketBook font sizes, i.e. Small, Medium, Large and Very Large so that the representation of a document which uses both standard and specialised fonts is reasonably pleasing to the eye.

For the use of fonts in publications, see PocketBook Publisher Suite Icons A selection of icons will be provided for use by programmers when producing their publications. This will provide graphic images for all of the common functions of 20 the PocketBook and will be stored in the internal memory of the Operating System.

By providing a common set of icons, it is hoped that publishers will adopt a 'standard' method of working which will require the user to learn as little as possible when using the media and that as many of the commands used as possible are carried over between publications. For example, figure 3 shows examples of icons 31 and their 25 associated actions 32.

22 Although the use of icons is not new to the operation of electronic equipment, a set of icons will be especially defined that uses symbols which are commonly understood outside the world of computing (viz the 'Information' symbol above for 'Help') but which uses newly designed symbols for functions which are unique or new to the PocketBook. It is intended to offer at least 500 symbols in the Icon toolbox.

Non standard Icons In many circumstances, the icons provided in the standard toolbox set will be sufficient to navigate all publications. Publishers will be encouraged to use the standard icons whenever possible, so as to provide standardisation for the end user.

However, the publisher of a particular and unusual type of document will be able to create special Icon Files in the same way as Font Files.

As part of the PocketBook Publisher software suite, an Icon Artist application will be provided which will allow a publisher to create an Icon for use in an Icon File. Icons will be stored in one standard size only. The publisher will define the icon by 'filling in'the individual pixels in a grid. Note that two representations of each]con will be required - one in monochrome and the other in colour.

Command Set The standard PocketBook commands will include all of the major navigational instructions, such as 'Move up', Wovq down' and so on. This will move the text or image in the publication up or down in the window.

Additional commands will be provided in the toolbox for menu options, such as 'Display Index', 'Open File' and so on. These can be used by the publisher when configuring a Publication or Content File using the PocketBook Publisher Suite.

23 Catalogue Every PocketBook will be provided with an internal non-volatile memory (='Catalogue') for the recording of up to 1000 book titles. All CD-ROM publishers will be allocated unique serial numbers and these will be used by the catalogue function to identify each publication. (viz Food labelling and bar codes) As each CD-ROM is inserted in the PocketBook, or when the PocketBook is switched on, it will compare the information in the data file on the CD-ROM with the catalogue which it holds internally.

If the publication is already recorded, it will load the bookmark positions for up 10 to 10 bookmarks into dynamic memory.

If it is not recorded, it will go through a special process to load the publications details automatically into the Catalogue. A special marker will have been placed by the publisher in the publication's information file which will distinguish whether the publication is multi-lingual or not. If the marker is set to True, at the time of first loading, the PocketBook will display a series of languages in the Main Window described in the language itself, and a series of arrow (navigation) icons above the coloured buttons: see example.

The first language in the list will be highlighted (i.e. shown in inverse type) and the operator will select the language in which the publication is to be read.

When the selection has been made, the following information will be stored in the Catalogue:

0 Publication Serial Number 0 Publication Title 0 Language 24 Type (e.g. Text, Graphics, Text & Graphics) Font File flag Icon File flag Command Set File flag Bookmarks: for a first entry, the Publisher's suggested bookmarks will be used.

Bookmarks A bookmark is a reference marker in the publication. Up to 10 Bookmarks will be stored in the Catalogue for each publication. Nine bookmarks will be definable by the user, or will optionally be defined by default by the publisher. The 10 th Will automatically be defined by the PocketBook whenever a publication is removed while the PocketBook is on, or when the PocketBook is switched off with the CDROM inserted. The user may define bookmarks from any of the following series Numeric, Numbered 1 to 9, and 0 reserved for the 1 Oth Bookmark.

Alphabetic: A to 1 with Z reserved for the 1 Oth Bookmark.

Icons: 2 series of Icons, one with animal faces and one with symbols. A 'Parking' symbol (the letter P in a circle) is reserved for the 1 Oth Bookmark.

Housekeeping Menu Typically added as the last (or first) item of a publication's standard menu, the Housekeeping Menu will alter the operational characteristics of the PocketBook. It will appear in the Overlay Window as shown in figure 4.

As the menu opens, the Commend Line will change and appear as shown in figure 5. In figure 5 circular forms 51 to 54 represent the coloured push buttons 6,7,8 and 9. Form 51 represents the blue coloured push button; form 52 represents the yellow coloured push button; form 53 represents the red coloured push button and form 54 represents the green coloured push button.

Blue: Cancel any changes and close the Menu Yellow: Select the next item above in the menu Red: Select the next item below in the menu Green: Select the function currently highlighted This method of operation will apply to many of the functions on the Housekeeping and General Menus.

Adjusting Backlighting Choosing this option will change the display in the Overlay Window ('Adjusting backlighting') Blue: Cancel any changes and close the Menu Yellow: Increase the amount of backlighting Red. Decrease the amount of backlighting Green: Keep the changes and close the Menu Changing Display Orientation [this is carried out using the menu item 41 shown in figure 4] All publications will normally be viewed with the PocketBook held upright. The user may opt to turn the PocketBook through 900 and change the orientation of the display: this will provide a longer line length, but less lines viewed in the Main Window. If the font size selected is Large or Very Large, this may provide a more 20 aesthetically pleasing display.

26 Sub-menus It is the nature of the Operating System that there will frequently be a need to refine the choice from a menu by making another selection. In the above example, defining the base language for the PocketBook will ensure that it is automatically selected when a new publication is loaded. Once that option is selected from the menu, the content of the Overlay Window will change. The Command Line will, however, remain the same.

The display in the Overlay Window will be as shown in figure 6. In this figure menu 60 changes to menu 61.

And the Command Menu display appears as shown in figure 7. The circular forms 51 to 54 correspond to the circular forms shown in figure 5.

Note that in circumstances where there are too many entries to fit in the Overlay Window, the ob and 44 symbols will appear on the first and last lines respectively, to indicate that holding down the Yellow or Red buttons will bring more lines into view.

Example 1: First time user It is assumed that the first time user will require the most help in operating the PocketBook and the display is used to provide this assistance without the need for an operators manual. It should be possible, within certain restrictions, to work out how to view any part of the document from the text or icon representations shown in the command lines.

2 7 The Publisher can choose whether to display text, icons or a combination of the two, but all media will use a minimum of one Command line. For example, figure 8 shows two displays one using a combination of text and icons 81 and one using icons only 82. These displays are equivalent to each other and also to the display shown in figure 1. The circular forms 51 to 54 correspond to the circular forms 51 to 54 in figure 5.

In figure 8:

Pressing the Green button turns the page forward Pressing the White button alone brings up a Menu in the Overlay window.

Whilst the text is being displayed (upper diagram), pressing Cmd-Green changes the display to the lower diagram, i.e. command lines which show Icons. Similarly, repeating the process will change the display back to the upper example.

Pressing Cmd-Blue will bring up an alphabetical tag list in the Overlay window.

Pressing and holding Cmd-Yellow will increase the contrast level in steps until it reaches the maximum contrast setting, then after a short pause will decrease the contrast level in steps until it reaches the minimum contrast setting. This process will be repeated until the user releases the buttons.

28 Example 2: Familiar user The Publisher may choose to display only one Command line (i.e. Line 2) and change the display to show Command Line 1 only when the White key is pressed and held down. Less screen space would be occupied, but operation of the Pocket Book will require that the user knows in advance which commands are available. An example of this type of display is shown in figure 9. Display 91 shows only one command line. When the white button 92 is pressed the display changes 93. An iconic display of the same command functions as for 91 and 93 is shown at 94 and 95.

lo PocketBook Publisher Suite A suite of software applications will be made available to potential producers of PocketBook publications. These appilicaflons will initially be provided for use in the Microsoft Windows operating system, and will run on any Personal Computer using this operating system. Versions of the suite for other Operating Systems will be made available as demand dictates.

Publication Components Figure 10 shows the relationship between publication components.

A publication will always consist of at least two files: a Publication Header file 100 and one or more Content Files 101. A Publication can be viewed as a daisychain 104 of Content Files of indeterminate length, whose content is only limited by the size of the media on which it is rewrded. In the case of a CD-ROM, this is approximately 650 Mb 29 Component sub-files include Command Set Files 103, Icon Files 102 or Font files 105. These are created independently of the Publication or Content Files 101, but can be linked to either. A sub-file linked to the Publication Header File 100 will be available to all of the Content Files 101 in that publication. A sub-file linked to a 5 Content File 101 will be available to that Content File only.

Publication Header File This will contain:

0 Publication Serial Number Publication Title Languages contained within the CD-ROM Type (e.g. Text, Graphics, Text & Graphics) Names of Command Set files linked to the Publication Names of Font files linked to the Publication Names of Icon files linked to the Publication Name of the first Content File in the Publication: note that this will be recorded without the language suffix. For Multi-lingual Publications, it is assumed that the first Content File name will be the same (e.g. OXF. DICTIONARY 1). The PocketBook Operating System will automatically add the suffix once the user has selected the language in which helshe wishes to read it. This permits the publisher to have different 'chains' of Content Files, one for each language.

Bookmarks: up to 9 default bookmarks.

Content Files Only the first Content File is mandatory: all others are optional. A Content File may contain Text, Graphics or a mixture of both.

The name of a Content File may be up to 32 characters (always USASCII) and will include a reference to the language in which it is written, e.g. CDOYLE.BASM.LIKE will be the first Content File ('V) of the book'The Hound of the Baskervilles', written by Arthur Conan Doyle and published in British English ('UKE'). VHUGOMIS1FRE will be the third Content File (chapter) of 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo and published in French.

The abbreviations for languages will be administered by a Standards Office set up by the manufacturer of the PocketBook.

As the first lines of a Content File, and invisible to the reader, the following 10 information will be recorded:

0 0 Name of previous Content File: will be blank for the first Content File in a publication Linked Font File Name(s) Linked Icon File Name(s) Linked Command Set File Name(s) Name of next Content File: will be blank for the last Content File in a publication A Content File may be of any length, and individually might contain the Title Page and Author's copyright information, or each chapter of a publication. Publishers will be provided with guidelines as to the optimum length of a content file.

Textual content: text will be 9 as ASCII characters, which allows the representation of up to 256 alphabetic, numeric and punctuation characters. Under normal circumstances, the font to be used will be undefined, and will be that which is defined by the user from the normal housekeeping function.

31 Graphics content: graphic images will be stored in a format compatible with the highest resolution of the LCD screen fitted to the standard PocketBook. A graphic image can be enlarged or reduced, and can be included in a text file or treated as a file in its own right.

Font File A Font file may be associated with a specific Content File (as shown in the diagram) or with a Publication as a whole. Font files are optional: by default, the Content will be displayed in one of the inbuilt PocketBook fonts Icon File An Icon file may be associated with a specific Content File or with a Publication as a whole. Icon files are optional: by default, the Commands will be displayed using the inbuilt PacketBook icons.

Command Set File The Command Set File may be associated with a specific Content File (as shown in the diagram) or with a Publication as a whole. Command Set Files are optional: by default, the Commands available for any Publication will be those defined as standard PocketBook Commands. The Command structure will be programmed by the publisher using the Command Set Definition application.

The Applications Content Author The Content Author application will appear to function like a word processor, but without the sophistication.

32 When creating a Content File, the publisher must first specify the name of the publication with which the Content File is associated. At this stage any font files which are connected to the publication will be loaded so that the publisher can use them in the Content File.

Text can be created or, more likely, imported from another source file, and can be formatted using a set of commands as follows:

Left justify Right Justify Centre Fill Bold Italic Underline Capitalise The fact that the PocketBook aflows the user to define the size and typeface of the display means that all text -displays will change dynamically and the PocketBook Operating System will intoffigently define and redefine the text layout in the Main Window so that it follows the formatting defined by the publisher.

If the publisher wishes to shoW,$.ext in a Content File in a non-standard font, 20 he highlights the text and then chooa".'MyFont' from a pull-down menu of available fonts. This pull-down menu shows a) A font called 'PocketBook Standard' b) The name(s) of any fonts which have been linked to the Publication 33 c) The name(s) of any fonts which have been linked to the current Content File.

Note that although 'PocketBook Standard' is mentioned here as a font, it is in fact any font that the user selects from the Standard Font Menu, i.e. Modern, Classic, Script and Fun.

Part of the Content Author application will be the ability to preview PocketBook Content Files in 'actual size' windows for both the PocketBook and TechnoBook. This will allow the author to review the document and select suitable fonts so that the Publication is pleasing to the eye.

Graphic Images (e.g. illustrations and photographs) can be incorporated in text documents with a simple 'copy and paste' operation.

Command Set definition The standard command set of the PocketBook will be available in all documents. This will be sufficient for the reading of a simple text or mixed text/graphics document where the only requirement is for the user to be able to turn the pages and to go to chapters.

More sophisticated commands will be available to publishers so that they can compile indexes, glossaries and tables of contents. It is anticipated that a large quantity (in excess of 300) commands will be provided in the toolbox.

In the main, a publisher-defined Command Set 112 will be linked to the Standard Menu 110 as illustrated in figure 11. The Command Set Definition application will facilitate the definition of menus and sub-menus which will inter-relate in a tree structure 111 and which may be associated with a publication or Content File. Every defined command will require an associated Icon for the occasions when the user selects a graphical display - Icons may be selected from the standard Icon Toolbox or from an Icon File defined separately.

34 Although it will be possible to define extremely complex command structures, the majority of publications will use only a few.

The Commands in the toolbox will either be self contained, or require further definition by the provision of parameters. Examples of the two styles are as follows:

Self Contained Commands Word left: select the word which is one to the left of the one currently highlighted Pixel right: move the current graphic image one pixel to the left (has the effect of moving the window to the right) Jump up: highlight a word in approximately the same position half the screen height upwards.

Return to Previous Menu: remove the current Command Lines and replace them with the ones for the Previous Command Set in the sequence.

Parameter Commands 0 Open Command Set {name]: Opens the Command set called name and redraws the Command Lines accordingly.

Overlay Tabs {numeric 1 alphabefic}: shows a series of tabs or buttons in the overlay window, either alphabetic or numeric according to the choice made by the author.

Open Content File {name} Opens the Content File defined by name and places it in the Main Window.

Text Up {x} lines: moves the dialplayed text down by x lines (has the effect of moving the window up) Example: Defining Commands Note that in the event that a Publication has more than one language, there may need to be a Command Set defined for each language. If a publication is published in both British and American English, it is likely that the same Command Set can be used with both versions, but if a Publication is produced in all the European languages, different Command Sets will be required for each language. The benefit of this approach, however, is that individual Icons can be chosen to reflect national preferences or to avoid offending national sensibilities. Creating different Command Sets will be facilitated by a 'Duplicate Command Set' function in 10 the application.

1. The process of defining the commands to consult a reference file for the meaning of a word will be as follows:

2. The publisher will first define a Command Set Name: Reference.UKE 3.

They will next define a Source Menu Name, to state in which Menu the word 'Reference'will appear: Standard 4. They will then be presented with a grid 120 as shown in figure 12 which allows them to define the 2 Command Lines in both Text 121 and Icons 122, and which commands 123 from the PocketBook Toolbox are to be associated with them. The shaded cells 124 are those which appear on the screen in Command Lines 1 20 and 2 as shown at 125 or 126 in figure 12.

36 Icon Editor The Icon Editor application will allow the producer of publications to design Icons for storage in Icon Files. An Icon will need to be defined in Monochrome and in Colour, to cope with the different models of PocketBook. However, only one size of Icon need ever be defined. Icon files will probably be limited to 100 Icons, so as to reduce the amount of RAM occupied when the file is loaded into the buffer.

The design process will be as follows:

The user will define a new or existing Icon File to store the Icon in.

An Icon number will be chosen between 1 and 100 A grid 131 will be displayed as shown in figure 13 so that the user can fill in the pixels of the Icon - a scale representation 132 will be shown alongside so that the Icon can be viewed as the user would see it on the PocketBook display. Note that in figure 13, the representation of the design grid 131 is 11 xl 1 - the resolution of [cons is likely to be approx. 25 wide by 25 deep.

Font Editor The process of defining fonts is much more complex than, but follows the same principles as, the definition of icons. It is proposed that the Font Editor application will be similar to those In use in other Operating Systems, such as Microsoft WindowsTm or Mac-OS". AN- Font Files will have up to 255 characters per file, but only the first 128 characters need to be defined.

Producing a Publication Once the component files aM, assembled, the production of the CD-ROM itself is relatively straightforward.

37 When prepared on a Personal Computer, all of the files required would be assembled in a single directory or folder structure. The PocketBook Publisher Suite will check the integrity of the publication by making sure that all referenced Command Set, Font and Icon files are present in the directory and that the chain of Content Files is complete and uninterrupted. When this is completed, it will only be necessary to transcribe the whole of the directory contents to a CD with a simple copying process Low quantity production CD-ROM recorders are available for attachment to a personal computer which allow the production of low quantities of CD-ROM's. This might appeal to personal users, small businesses or schools and colleges.

High quantity production This would be sub-contracted to CD-ROM producers who are capable of producing them at low cost in thousands or hundreds of thousands, and is not within the scope of this document.

Fundamentals The key components of the PocketBook are as follows Hardware Portable or transportable enclosure LCD Screen with variable backlighting push buttons Storage device, for example CD-ROM or Flashcard or Smartcard. Any digital storage medium 38 Power Supply Operating SystemlSoftware The Publication Catalogue and Bookmarks The Icon Catalogue The Command Menu Fonts Publishing Software PocketBook Publisher software 39

Claims (13)

Claims

1. A portable electronic display apparatus that is suitable for being held in the hand said apparatus being for displaying information stored on a removable storage medium, comprising:- (i) a storage medium drive adapted to read information from the storage medium; (ii) a memory adapted to store a set of instructions; three or more input devices, adapted to receive one or more inputs, each input device corresponding to one or more of the instructions; (iv) a display screen adapted to display information read from the storage medium according to the received input(s); and wherein at least one of the instructions comprises a method to display the next screen of information.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises a housing and 15 wherein the display screen is integral with an outer surface of the housing.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the input devices comprise push buttons.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the storage medium comprises a CD ROM.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the input devices is adapted such that when it receives an input, at least some of the correspondences between the remaining input devices and the instructions are changed.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said information comprises the text of a document.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of said instructions comprises a method to display the previous screen of information.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the instructions comprises a method to display information from a certain position in the information.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said memory is a read only memory.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the information stored on the storage medium contains markers and wherein said step (iv) of displaying information further comprises displaying information read from the storage medium on the basis of the markers.

41

11. A method of using a portable electronic display apparatus that is suitable for being held in the hand for displaying information stored on a removable storage medium, said method comprising the steps of:- (i) reading information from the storage medium using a storage medium reader; (ii) storing a set of instructions in a memory; (iii) receiving at least one input from one of three or more input devices, each input device corresponding to one or more of the instructions; (iv) displaying information read from the storage medium on a display screen according to the received input(s); and wherein at least one of the instructions comprises a method to display the next screen of information.

12. A method of storing information on a storage medium such that in use the information on the storage medium can be displayed using an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 which comprises the step of storing markers at various locations in the information.

4