JP2001255977A - Terminal for electronic book - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable and compact terminal for an electronic book for displaying characters or image information or the like which is distributed through communication or various recording media as digital data. SOLUTION: On the assumption that page feed switches and page return switches are arranged vertically outside of an image display part on one plate type terminal for an electronic book, a pair of upper and lower page feed switches and page return switches are respectively arranged, so as to be made horizontally or vertically symmetric with respect to the image display part, and grips arranged horizontally symmetric on the back face of the electronic book terminal. Also, the pair of upper and lower page feed switches and page return switches are respectively arranged horizontally or vertically symmetric with the image display part as a center, and the grips are arranged horizontally and vertically symmetric with an image processing part as a center.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is intended to display characters and image information distributed as digital data through communication and various recording media. The present invention relates to information display control in an electronic book terminal.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An electronic book is a general term for digitally converting a book.
What is recorded on a storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, is mainly used, and may mean CD-ROM in a narrow sense. However,
The information communication system has been dramatically changed due to the improvement of the performance of the Internet and the performance of personal computers, the spread of cable television, the start of communication satellite services, and the like.
Not only those recorded on a storage medium such as, but also various things such as those that display information recorded on an equipped storage device are meaningful. A terminal that displays such an electronic book is a so-called electronic book terminal. There are two main types of e-book terminals on the market, one of which is a notebook personal computer type with a keyboard and a display stacked on top of the other, and the other is an operation switch provided around the display. It is a single plate type.
An example of the notebook personal computer type is shown in FIG. 7, and an example of the single-plate type is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The notebook personal computer type is designed mainly for use at home or office, and is inferior in portability. For this reason, a portable electronic book terminal is disclosed in JP-A-6-893.
It is expected that the one-plate type described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 10 will be mainstream. As a characteristic required for the electronic book terminal, not only is it easy to see the display, but it is important to have excellent operability so that anyone can use it easily.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art In a daily life, a book is read in various situations, such as reading a book while sitting at a desk, lying down on a bed, and sometimes walking on a train or bus. Also, there are various ways of handling books, such as holding a book at a desk, holding it with both hands, or holding it with one hand. Currently available electronic book terminals are notebook personal computer type (FIG. 7) and single-plate type (FIGS. 8 and 9). Single plate type is better. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the conventional single-plate type electronic book terminal has a single page feed switch, so that the terminal is held with the right hand and the left hand. In such a case, there is a great difference in the operability, and the operability is not satisfactory to the user. The apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a pair of upper and lower page operation switches, in which a page is turned by an upper switch and a page is returned by a lower switch.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, electronic dials 32, 33, and 34 are provided on the left and right sides so that the user can operate as if turning a page to the right or to the left as in a normal page turning operation. Some are also disclosed (JP-A-7-121559). In this case, when displaying horizontally, the electronic dial 32 turns right, and the electronic dial 33 turns left. The pages are fed by rotating the electronic dials 32 and 33 upward, and the pages are returned by rotating them downward. On the other hand, when displaying vertically, the electronic dial 32 turns left and the electronic dial 34 turns right. Regardless of whether it is horizontal or vertical, the left and right electronic dials are dedicated electronic dials for turning right and turning left, so depending on whether they are turning right or turning left, It is decided which of the right hand to use.

[0005]

When reading a book with one hand, whether to read with the left hand or the right hand varies depending on the dominant hand depending on the situation. Similarly, a single-plate electronic book terminal is often read while holding it with one hand, and in that case, it is desired that the page turning and page returning operations be simple and easy. Therefore, the present invention displays a single-plate electronic book terminal in a vertical position,
In either case of displaying horizontally, reading and holding with one of the left and right hands, the page switch and page return operations can be performed with exactly the same feeling. It is an object to devise a mechanism.

[0006]

Means taken for solving the problem are means taken for solving the above-mentioned problem. A single-plate type electronic book terminal in which a page feed switch and a page return switch are vertically arranged outside an image display unit. As a premise, it is composed of the following elements (a) and (b). (A) A pair of upper and lower page feed switches and a page return switch are provided symmetrically with respect to the image display unit or vertically, and (b) A grip is provided symmetrically on the back surface of the electronic book terminal.

[0007]

Since a pair of upper and lower page feed switches and a page return switch are provided symmetrically with respect to the image display unit, either a right or left page feed switch or a page return switch is provided according to the right or left turn. Can be operated. Also, when reading with one hand on either side,
A page feed switch where the thumb of the held hand is located,
Since the page return switch is provided, the page feed switch and the page return switch can be easily and easily operated with the thumb to control page feed and page return. In addition, since the grip is provided symmetrically on the back of the single-plate type electronic book terminal, when holding and reading the electronic book terminal with one of the left and right hands, the index finger, the middle finger, etc. It can be stably held on the grip.

[0008]

[Embodiment 1] In Embodiment 1, a pair of upper and lower page feed switches and page return switches in the above-mentioned solving means are provided symmetrically left and right and up and down with respect to an image display section, and further, a grip is provided around the image processing section. That is, they are provided symmetrically left and right and up and down, respectively.

A single-plate type electronic book terminal can be displayed horizontally or vertically, and a pair of upper and lower page feed switches can be provided symmetrically with respect to the image display unit.
Since the page return switches are provided, either the right or left page feed switch or page return switch can be operated according to the right or left turn.
In addition, in the case of displaying the single-plate type electronic book terminal horizontally, in any case of displaying vertically, since the grip is arranged symmetrically on the back surface of the electronic book terminal, Even when holding and reading the electronic book terminal with one of the left and right hands, the index finger, the middle finger, and the like of the held one hand can be stably held by the grip.

[0009]

[Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1 in that a single-plate electronic book terminal is displayed horizontally.
In any case of displaying vertically, the image is rotated by 90 degrees and displayed in a normal state by operating the control switch.

When the electronic book terminal of the single-plate type is changed from, for example, a horizontal display to a vertical display, the change in the direction of the electronic book terminal is detected and an image is displayed. Since the image is rotated and displayed in the normal state, the horizontal display and the vertical display can be easily changed.

[0010]

[Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 is different from Embodiment 1 in that a single-plate electronic book terminal is displayed horizontally.
In any of the vertical display modes, the page switch and the page return switch are selectively switched by operating the control switch.

A single-plate type electronic book terminal is changed from, for example, a horizontal display to a vertical display, and a page feed switch and a page return switch are selected by operating a control switch. Regardless of whether they are displayed horizontally or vertically,
A page feed and page return operation can be performed with the left and right page feed switches and page return switches. The switching control by the control switch is performed by operating the left and right page feed switches at the same time to display a menu bar, and using a cursor to select, for example, "vertical display" or "horizontal display". Can be controlled.

[0011]

[Embodiment 4] Embodiment 4 is different from Embodiment 1 in that a single-plate electronic book terminal is displayed horizontally.
In either case of vertical display, by operating the left and right page feed switch and page return switch after the conversion, the image is rotated by 90 degrees and displayed in a normal state.

[Effect] After changing the orientation of the single-plate type electronic book terminal in the vertical and horizontal directions, simply operate the left and right page feed switches and page return switches, and the image is automatically rotated 90 degrees to a normal state. Is displayed. The above switching control can be performed by, for example, simultaneous operation of the left and right page feed switches, or simultaneous operation of either the left or right page feed switch and the page return switch, and a dedicated switch for selection. A menu switch provided between the page feed switch and the page return switch displays a new bar, and the page feed switch and the page return switch can select, for example, "vertical display" or "horizontal display" (FIG. 5). reference).

[0012]

[Embodiment 5] Embodiment 5 is different from Embodiment 1 in that a single-plate type electronic book terminal is displayed horizontally.
In any of the vertical display modes, the page control switch and the page return switch are selectively switched by operating the left and right control switches.

[Effect] After changing a single-plate type electronic book terminal from, for example, a horizontal display to a vertical display, and operating the left and right control switches, a page feed switch and a page return switch are operated. Since the switch automatically switches,
Regardless of whether the image is displayed horizontally or vertically, the page feed and page return operations can be performed with the page feed switch and the page return switch located on the left and right sides.

[0013]

Sixth Embodiment In a sixth embodiment, the switches arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the display unit in the above-mentioned solution or the first embodiment unify the shape and color of the switch having the same function and change the function of the switch. In this case, the color of the switch is changed.

[Function] Regardless of whether the display of the single-plate type electronic book terminal is vertical or horizontal, the shape and color of the switch having the same function are unified, so that the shape and color Function can be identified. Therefore, the user can easily understand and recognize the function of each switch.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In summary, the present invention relates to a case where a single-plate type electronic book terminal is placed on a desk, operated with both hands, and held with either of the right and left hands. The shape of the electronic book terminal should be substantially symmetrical so that the same operability can be obtained in any case of operation, and the same holding ability can be obtained by holding it with either left or right hand By providing a plurality of operation switches for turning pages or the like, the same operation can be performed with either the left or right hand. In addition, a function of rotating the display content by 90 degrees according to the user's preference and displaying the content is provided, and in conjunction with the rotation function, the function of the operation switch is automatically changed, so that a single-plate type electronic device is provided. Even when the book terminal is held in either the vertical or horizontal state, the same operation can be performed using the left and right switches of the video display unit. Also, in order to make it easier for users to understand the function of the switch, the shape and color of the switch with the same function were unified, and the color of the switch was changed when the function of the switch changed. It is.

[0015]

Next, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Example 1 Using a monochrome liquid crystal display panel with a dot pitch of 210 microns and 480 × 640 dots, a main body size of 150 mm
A single-plate electronic book terminal 10 having a size of 210 mm and a thickness of 15 mm was prepared (see FIG. 1). The range of the image display area 11 of the electronic book terminal main body 10 is about 135 mm ×
The page feed switch 1, the page return switch 2, the page feed switch 3, and the page return switch 4 are provided on both left and right outer sides of the image display area. Switches 1 and 2
The switches 3 and 4 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the image display area, and both the left and right switches have the same function. That is, the display screen advances to the next page when the switch 1 or the switch 3 is pressed, and returns to the previous page when the switch 2 or the switch 4 is pressed.
As described above, by providing switches having the same function at a plurality of locations, the same operability is ensured in the operation by the right hand and the operation by the left hand. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a grip (convex or concave) 12 is provided on the back surface of the main body 10 at symmetrical positions, and a finger can be applied to the grip when the terminal is held by either the left or right hand. It is easy to hold and can be stably held with one hand.

Example 2 Using the same liquid crystal panel as in Example 1, a single-plate electronic book terminal body 20 shown in FIG. 3 was prepared. The electronic book terminal main body 20 can display the contents of the display in software.
The display can be rotated by 0 degrees, and a vertically long display screen or a horizontally long display screen can be selected according to the user's preference. Further, the electronic book terminal main body 20 is provided with eight switches having a page turning function, so that the same operability can be ensured when the electronic book terminal main body 20 is held by either left or right hand as in the first embodiment. That is, when any one of the switches 21, 23, 26 and 28 is pressed, the page is turned, and the switches 22 and 2 are turned on.
4. When any one of the switches 25 and 27 is pressed, the display returns to the previous page. Further, in the case of the horizontally long display as shown in FIG.
Alternatively, by simultaneously operating the switches 27 and 28, the page feed switch and the page return switch are switched to these. When the switches 21 and 22 or the switches 23 and 24 are simultaneously operated, the page feed switch and the page The return switch can be switched to these. By providing such a function, the same operability is ensured in both the portrait display and the landscape display.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 5 shows a single board type electronic book terminal main body 30 provided with not only a page turning function but also a function switch for displaying a selection screen of various operations on an image display section. By providing four function switches 31, 32, 33, and 34 having the same function in the electronic book terminal main body 30, the user can use either the left or right hand in either the portrait display mode or the landscape display mode. The same operability can be ensured even in the held state. In this example,
A selection switch S is arranged between an up / down page feed switch and a page return switch. With this, a menu bar is displayed, a cursor is moved by the page feed switch and the page return switch, and a selection is made by the selection switch S. Aspects can be employed. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, four grips 36 (projections or recesses) are provided at symmetrical positions and vertically symmetrical positions on the back side of the main body of the electronic book terminal 30, and the portrait display mode and the landscape display mode are provided. In either case, the structure is easy to hold with either the left or right hand.

Fourth Embodiment In a fourth embodiment, each switch is formed of a translucent plastic member in the single-plate type electronic book terminal of the second embodiment, and two light sources of green and red are formed on the back surface thereof. A diode is provided. In the case of the portrait display mode, a switch 21, a switch 23, and a switch 2 having a page turning function
6. The switch 28 turns on the green light emitting diode,
The switch 22, the switch 24, the switch 25, and the switch 27 having the page return function light the red light emitting diode. In the landscape display mode, the colors of the diodes lit at the switches 25 and 27 are automatically changed from red to green, and at the switches 26 and 28, the colors are automatically changed from green to red. Thereby, even when the electronic book terminal 20 is used in either the portrait or landscape display mode, it is possible to easily identify which switch has which function.

[0019]

[Effects] The effects of the present invention are summarized below for each of the claimed inventions. 1. A digital information recorded on a recording medium such as a built-in semiconductor storage device, a PC card, a smart media, an optical storage disk such as a CD-ROM, and a magneto-optical storage disk such as an MO. In a single-plate type electronic book terminal, by providing control switches having the same function (eg, a page feed switch and a page return switch) at a plurality of locations symmetrically with respect to the image display unit, the terminal can be held by either the left or right hand. Good operability can be ensured even when it is held.

2. A digital information recorded on a recording medium such as a built-in semiconductor storage device, an optical storage disk such as a PC card, a smart media, a CD-ROM, and a magneto-optical storage disk such as an MO. In the case of a single-plate type electronic book terminal, the overall shape is substantially symmetrical, and two grips are provided at symmetrical positions on the back surface of the electronic book terminal. Retention is ensured.

3. An invention for displaying digital information recorded on a recording medium such as a built-in semiconductor storage device, a PC card, a smart media, an optical storage disk such as a CD-ROM, and a magneto-optical storage disk such as an MO. The single-plate type electronic book terminal has a function of rotating the display by 90 degrees by software processing, so that a portrait display mode or a landscape display mode can be selected according to the user's preference.

4. According to the invention of claim 6, in the electronic book terminal of claim 5, when the display content is rotated by 90 degrees and displayed, the page switch and the page return switch are selectively switched by operating the control switch.
By substituting the same function as before the rotation by the control switch provided in another place, the same operability can be obtained in both the portrait display mode and the landscape display mode.

5. In the electronic book terminal according to the third aspect, in the electronic book terminal according to the third aspect, the entire device has a substantially left-right symmetrical and vertically symmetrical shape, and four grips are provided at symmetrical positions and a vertically symmetrical position on the back surface. Accordingly, in both the portrait and landscape display modes, good holding performance is ensured when the user holds the camera with either the left or right hand.

6. The invention according to claim 8 In the electronic book terminal according to claim 1, the control switches having the same function are classified by the same color so that the user can understand the function of each switch and easily identify it. Can be.

[7] The invention according to claim 9 In the electronic book terminal according to claim 6, the control switches having the same function are classified by the same color, and when the display contents are rotated by 90 degrees and displayed, the control switches of the control switches are turned off. By automatically changing the display color, the user can easily understand the function of each switch in either the portrait or landscape display mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic book terminal in which switches having the same function are provided at two places on the left and right sides of an image display unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic book terminal having a shape that can be easily held by either left or right hand.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic book terminal in which four switches having the same function are provided symmetrically up, down, left, and right with respect to an image display unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment using the electronic book shown in FIG. 3 in a horizontally long display mode.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic book terminal in which operation switches other than page control are provided at four positions.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic book terminal having a shape that is easy to hold when held from any of up, down, left, and right directions.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a conventional example of a notebook-type electronic book terminal.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a conventional example of a single-plate electronic book terminal.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another conventional example of a single-plate electronic book terminal.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of still another conventional example of a single-plate electronic book terminal.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram when the conventional example of FIG. 10 is displayed vertically.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 3, 21, 23: page feed switch 2, 4, 22, 24: page return switch 10, 20, 30: electronic book terminal body 11: display area

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An optical storage disk such as a built-in semiconductor storage device, a PC card, a smart media, a CD-ROM, etc.
In a single-plate type electronic book terminal for displaying digital information recorded on a recording medium such as a magneto-optical storage disk such as an O, a control switch having the same function including page feed and page return is displayed on an image display. An e-book terminal provided at a plurality of locations around a unit. 2. The electronic book terminal according to claim 1, wherein a pair of upper and lower page feed switches and page return switches are provided symmetrically with respect to the image display unit. 3. The electronic book terminal according to claim 1, wherein a pair of upper and lower page feed switches and page return switches are provided vertically and horizontally symmetrically with respect to the image display unit. 4. The electronic book terminal according to claim 2, wherein grips are respectively provided at symmetrical positions on the back surface of the single-plate type electronic book terminal main body. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of upper and lower page feed switches and a page return switch are provided symmetrically with respect to the image display section in a vertical and horizontal direction, respectively, so that the display content can be rotated by 90 degrees and displayed. Book terminal. 6. When displaying the displayed content by rotating it by 90 degrees,
6. The electronic book terminal according to claim 5, wherein a page feed switch and a page return switch are selectively switched by operating a control switch. 7. The electronic book terminal according to claim 3, wherein grips are provided at symmetrical positions and vertically symmetrical positions on the back surface of the single-plate type electronic book terminal body. 8. The electronic book terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control switches having the same function including page feed and page return are classified by the same shape or the same color. 9. Control switches having the same function including page feed and page return are classified by the same color, and the display content is changed to nine.
7. The electronic book terminal according to claim 6, wherein the display color of the control switch is automatically changed when the display is rotated by 0 degrees. 10. When the one-plate type electronic book terminal is displayed horizontally or vertically, the image is rotated 90 degrees and cut to a normal state by operating the control switch. The electronic book terminal according to claim 5, wherein the terminal is replaced. 11. A page feed switch and a page return switch are selectively operated by operating a control switch in either case of displaying a single-plate type electronic book terminal horizontally or vertically. 7. The electronic book terminal according to claim 6, wherein the terminal is switched.