TWI805864B - Electronic reading device with a mid-frame structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic reading device, including: a housing, wherein exterior surfaces of the housing include a first and second main surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and each of the edges is located in between the first and second main surface, and the third edge is parallel to the fourth edge, and the first edge is located at an opposite side of the housing than the second edge. The first main surface includes a display, and the second main surface is an opposing surface to the first main surface. The housing is asymmetrical as it includes an extended housing portion that is spaced away from one edge of the display, a thickness of the housing between the first and second main surface increases from the second edge to the first edge, and the housing has an upward bend at the extended housing portion.

Description

Electronic reading device with middle frame structure

The invention relates to an electronic reading device with a middle frame structure.

The "prior art" description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the content of the present disclosure. The work of the inventors (to the extent that it is described in the prior art paragraphs, and aspects of the description, which at the time of filing may not qualify as prior art) is explicitly or implicitly admitted to the present invention as prior art.

An e-reader (also known as an e-reading device) is an electronic personal display that is used to read electronic books (eBooks), e-magazines, and other digital content. For example, the digital content of an e-book is displayed as alphanumeric and/or graphical images on the display of an e-reader so that the user can read the digital content in the same way as the analog content on the printed pages of a paper book . E-reader devices provide a convenient format to store, transport, and view large collections of digital content that would otherwise take up an enormous amount of space if stored in traditional paper formats.

The preceding paragraphs have been provided for general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments and further advantages will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic reading device. The electronic reading device includes: a casing, wherein the outer surface of the casing includes a first main surface, a second main surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge , and each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge is located between the first major surface and the second major surface, and the third edge is parallel to the The fourth edge, and the first edge is located on the opposite side of the housing relative to the second edge. The electronic reading device includes a display surrounded by the housing, wherein the first major surface of the electronic reading device includes the display, and the second major surface of the electronic reading device is opposite to one of the first major surfaces surface. The housing is asymmetric in that it includes a housing portion extending a predetermined distance away from one of the edges of the display, the first major surface and the second major surface between the the thickness of the housing increases from the second edge to the first edge, and the housing has an upward curvature at the extended housing portion such that the first major surface in the extended housing portion is at On an outer surface of the display, the upward curvature allows the electronic reading device to be easily picked up.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic reading device. The electronic reading device includes a housing, wherein the outer surface of the housing includes a first main surface, a second main surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, And each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge is located between the first major surface and the second major surface. The electronic reading device includes a display surrounded by the casing. The first major surface of the electronic reading device includes the display, and the second major surface of the electronic reading device is an opposite surface to the first major surface. The housing includes an extended housing portion spaced apart from an edge of the display by a predetermined distance, and the extended housing portion includes a first button and a second button, the first button and the second button are configured to control movement of text and/or images displayed on the display.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of controlling an electronic reading device including a housing containing a processor device, a memory device, a display, and an accelerometer, wherein a first A button and a second button are located on an outer surface of the casing. The method includes: by the accelerometer, detecting the orientation of the electronic reading device; by a user, pressing the first button; and by the processor device, based on the pressing of the first button and the electronic reading The detected orientation of the device controls the movement of text and/or images displayed on the display.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for controlling screen rotation of an electronic reading device that includes processing circuitry, an accelerometer, and a display screen. The method includes: receiving, by the processing circuit, a request to access a menu for starting the screen rotation lock function of the electronic reading device; displaying on the display screen the menu for starting the screen rotation lock function ; by the processing circuit, receiving a selection of a particular screen orientation of the display screen from among a plurality of screen orientations; rotating the electronic reading device by 90 degrees; by the accelerometer, detecting the 90 degree rotation; and a screen to be displayed on the monitor screen is maintained at a specific screen orientation selected.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing therein computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit of an electronic reading device, cause the processing circuit to Implements methods for controlling screen rotation. The method includes: receiving a request to access a menu for starting a screen rotation lock function of the electronic reading device; displaying a menu for starting a screen rotation lock function on a display screen; receiving requests from a plurality of selection of a specific screen orientation of the display screen among screen orientations; detecting a 90-degree rotation of the electronic reading device; and maintaining a screen displayed on the display screen of the electronic reading device at a specific screen orientation selected screen orientation.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic reading device. The electronic reading device includes: an accelerometer, a display screen, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to: receive a request to access a menu for initiating a screen rotation lock function of the electronic reading device; display a menu for initiating a screen rotation lock function on the display screen; and A selection is received for a particular screen orientation of the display screen from among a plurality of screen orientations. The processing circuit is also configured to receive information indicating that the electronic reading device has been rotated 90 degrees as detected by the accelerometer, and to maintain a screen displayed on the display screen at a particular screen orientation selected.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing therein computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit of an electronic reading device, cause the processing circuit to Implements methods for controlling screen rotation. The method includes: when the electronic reading device is in an automatic rotation mode, detecting a 90-degree rotation of the electronic reading device; and displaying a message on the display screen asking the user whether to execute the rotation of the displayed screen.

The following description is used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosed subject matter. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In some instances, known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concept of the disclosed subject matter.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, operation, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one implementation of the disclosed subject matter example. Thus, any occurrences of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter embodiments can and do cover modifications and variations of the described embodiments.

It should be noted that, if used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "one (a, an)" and "the (the)" include plural forms, unless otherwise specified in the text. That is, the terms "a, an" and the like are used herein to mean "one or more" unless expressly stated otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", etc. may be used herein. "Rear", "side", "height", "length", "width", "upper", "lower", " Terms such as "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer," and the like merely describe the point of reference and do not limit the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any specific orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used to identify some of the parts, components, reference points, operations and one of and/or function, and likewise, do not limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

Furthermore, when a term similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" is used in the scope of the patent application, it is hoped that the term can be interpreted as that A alone can exist in an embodiment, and B alone can exist. In an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B, and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C , or A and B and C. Likewise, claim claims elements herein are not construed to fall under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element expressly uses the phrase "means for." As used herein, the term "comprises, comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or means comprising a list of elements does not only include Merely those elements may also include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts in these drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the front of an electronic reading device 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Figure 8 is a diagram similar to Figure 1. Electronic reading device 100 (also referred to as e-reader 100, e-reader device 100, device 100, etc.) is an electronic personal display that is used to read electronic books (eBooks), electronic magazines, and other digital content. For example, the digital content of an e-book is displayed as alphanumeric and/or graphical images on the display of an e-reader so that the user can read the digital content in the same way as the analog content on the printed pages of a paper book . E-readers provide a convenient format to store, transport, and view large collections of digital content that would otherwise take up an enormous amount of space in traditional paper formats.

In some examples, e-readers are purpose built devices designed to perform particularly well at displaying readable content. For example, purpose-built e-readers may include displays that reduce glare, perform well in bright light situations, and/or mimic the appearance of text on real paper. Although e-readers built for this purpose are good at displaying content for users to read, they can also perform other functions, such as displaying images, emitting audio, recording audio, and web browsing.

There are also many types of consumer devices that can receive services and resources from web services. Such devices may operate applications or provide other functions that link the device to a specific account for a specific service. For example, an e-reader device is typically linked to an online bookstore, and a multimedia playback device typically includes an application that enables the user to access an online multimedia library. In this context, a user account enables the user to receive all the benefits and functions of the device.

According to an embodiment, the electronic reading device 100 can enhance electronic reading activity. The electronic reading device 100 may include an electronic display device and a web service. The web service may include a number of servers and other computing resources that provide various services related to one or more applications installed on the e-reader device. For example, in one implementation, a web service may provide an e-book service in communication with an e-reader device. Examples of e-book services provided through network services include services for selling, sharing, downloading and/or storing e-books. In general, web services can provide a variety of other content services, including content presentation services (eg, streaming media) and other web application environments or services.

The e-reader device 100 may correspond to any electronic personal display device on which applications and application resources (eg, e-books, media files, documents) can be presented and used. For example, the e-reader device 100 can correspond to a tablet computer or a communication/communication device (eg, a smart phone). In one implementation, for example, e-reader device 100 can run an e-reader application that connects the device to a web service and enables viewing and use of e-books provided through the service. In another implementation, e-reader device 100 may run a media playback or streaming application that receives files or streams files from a web service. For example, e-reader device 100 may be equipped with hardware and software to optimize certain application activities, such as the presentation of electronic content (eg, e-books). For example, e-reader device 100 may have a tablet-like form factor, although variations are possible. In some cases, e-reader device 100 may also have an E-ink display.

The e-reader device 100 includes a housing that includes a display screen 104 on which textual content from a selected e-book can be presented. The display screen 104 may be configured as a touch-sensitive component of a display unit on which input features are provided (or otherwise enabled). In an exemplary embodiment, the display screen 104 is an 8-inch flexible display, such as a plastic-backed display. As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the housing has an asymmetrical design in which the housing extends from the display screen 104 to a greater distance on one side due to the presence of the extended housing portion 118 . In FIG. 1 , the extended housing portion 118 is located to the right of the display screen 104 . The housing has a first major surface 102 (ie, front surface) and a second major surface 302 (ie, rear surface, shown in FIG. 3 ). The housing also has a first edge 106 (ie, the right edge, shown in FIG. 1 ), a second edge 108 (ie, the left edge, shown in FIG. 1 ), a third edge 110 (ie, the upper edge , shown in FIG. 1 ), and the fourth edge 112 (ie, the lower edge, shown in FIG. 1 ).

It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the thickness of the casing gradually increases from the second edge 108 to the first edge 106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the housing in the extended housing portion 118 is uniform and may be, for example, 8 to 11 mm in thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the shell in the extended shell portion 118 is 9.8 mm. The greater thickness of the shell in the extended shell portion 118 simulates the feel of a soft cover book with pages folded back. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the shell in the extended shell portion 118 is not uniformly varied by up to 10%. The thinnest part of the housing located closest to the second edge 108 may be, for example, 4 to 6 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the thinnest portion of the housing may be 5mm +/- 0.5mm (eg, 5mm). In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the third edge 110 and the fourth edge 112 may be 173mm+/−10mm (eg, 173.1mm). In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first edge 106 and the second edge 108 may be 156mm+/−10mm (eg, 156.4mm). The electronic reading device 100 can have a range of sizes to accommodate various hardware components. In an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the electronic reading device 100 may be less than seven millimeters. More specifically, the depth of the electronic reading device can be 6.99mm.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, when the electronic reader device 100 is placed on a flat surface, by the second main surface 302 contacting the flat surface, due to the upward facing of the housing in the area of the extended housing portion 118 Angle, the e-reader device 100 can be easily picked up. The upwardly angled hand grip in the extended housing portion 118 is designed to fit within the natural pocket formed by the user's palm when the user's hand is in a natural and relaxed position. Key ergonomic benefit designed for angled hand grips. In addition, the angled soft-touch painted hand grip of the extended housing portion 118 and the spacer 128 provide a natural thumb rest area which, in combination with the curved and textured back cover 1502, allows even Under long-term use, users can fix the electronic reading device 100 in their hands without increasing the pressure on their thumbs and fingers. Another ergonomic benefit is that due to the upwardly angled hand grip feature of the electronic reading device 100, the electronic reading device 100 will be easily picked up when placed on a flat surface. Likewise, the extended housing portion 118 may have rubber or another high friction surface treatment/material on the first major surface 102 side that provides a good grip on the e-reader device 100 .

The extended housing portion 118 includes a first button 114 and a second button 116 . As can be seen in FIG. 11 , the first button 114 and the second button 116 are raised and extended beyond the rest of the surface of the extended housing portion 118 . The first button 114 and the second button 116 are separated by a certain distance from each other by a spacer 128 (eg, a rectangular plastic piece), and the distance may be the same as the length of the first button 114 or the second button 116 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 can be used to move the e-book forward or backward by one page, which will be described in detail later. The flush surface (spacer 128 ) between the first button 114 and the second button 116 provides a natural thumb rest area when the electronic reading device 100 is held and the page flip key is not in operation. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the first button 114 and the second button 116 have an elongated rectangular shape oriented along a vertical direction (ie, the buttons are parallel to the first edge 106). The first and second buttons 114 , 116 extend a relatively long distance along the extended housing portion 118 . The location, shape, and length of the first and second buttons 114, 116 provide a wide range of hand positions and allow the user to avoid fatigue.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the housing has four rounded corners 120, 122, 124, and 126, and the corners 120 and 122 (which are located in the extended housing portion 118) have a larger radius than the corners 124 and 126 ( on the opposite side of the extended housing portion 118 of the housing).

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 9 , the on/off button 202 is located on the first edge 106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the on/off button 202 is located in the middle of the first edge 106 , but the on/off button 202 may be located anywhere along the first edge 106 . The on/off button 202 may have an oval shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape. The on/off button 202 can be raised and extended beyond the surface of the first edge 106 .

Figures 3 and 10 show the second major surface 302 (ie, the back cover/rear surface) of the e-reader device 100 . The second main surface 302 can be made of plastic, and all or part of the plastic can be covered with rubber to protect the electronic reader device 100 from sliding.

4 and 11 show side views of the e-reader device 100 as viewed from the end of the device having the second edge 108 . As can be seen in FIG. 11 , the first button 114 and the second button 116 do not extend beyond the highest portion of the extended housing portion 118 . In other words, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 14 , the uppermost surface of the first edge 106 is higher than the uppermost surface of the first button 114 and the uppermost surface of the second button 116 .

FIGS. 5 and 12 show side views of the e-reader device 100 as viewed from the end of the device having the first edge 106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first edge 106 includes a charging port 502, which may be a USB port, a micro-USB port, a FireWire port, or any other port that may be used for charging.

FIGS. 6 and 13 show side views of the e-reader device 100 as viewed from the end having the third edge 110 of the device. As can be seen in Figure 6, the thickness of the e-reader device increases linearly from left to right (ie, from the second edge to the left of the extended housing portion 118). In Figures 6 and 13, the first major surface 102 with the display is located on the lower side of the figures, and the second major surface 302 is located on the upper side of the figures.

7 and 14 show side views of the e-reader device 100 as viewed from the end of the device having the fourth edge 112 . In Figures 7 and 14, the first main surface 102 with the display is located on the upper side of the drawings, and the second main surface 302 is located on the lower side of the drawings.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view (mechanical stack) of an e-reader device 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The components of the e-reader device 100 include a back cover 1502 , a middle frame component 1504 , a display unit 1506 , and a decorative panel 1508 . The back cover 1502 constitutes at least the second major surface 302 . The back cover 1502 can be made of, for example, plastic and has a residual in-molded micro-texture with a soft-touch finish applied to its outer surface. The back cover 1502 can also be double injection molded, which includes shock-absorbing materials. The back cover 1502 of the e-reader device 100 may include predetermined shapes for various stylistic and aesthetic purposes, as well as to provide grip to aid in holding the e-reader device 100 . The pattern can be cut such that at least a portion of the pattern includes a predetermined depth, eg, by laser.

The middle frame component 1504 acts as a flex-resistant material, and adds rigidity and strength to the electronic reader device 100 . It can be seen from FIG. 15 that the middle frame assembly 1504 is located between the back cover 1502 and the display unit 1506 . Middle frame assembly 1504 may be made of, for example, magnesium. The middle frame component 1504 is not limited to magnesium, and can be any other metal (eg, aluminum, titanium, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the middle frame assembly 1504 can be die-cast and co-molded. As can be seen in FIGS. 15-18 , the middle frame assembly 1504 includes a first recessed portion 1512 configured to receive a battery 1804 , a second recessed portion 1510 configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB) 1802 . The middle frame assembly 1504 also includes a weight saving portion 1514 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first recessed portion 1512 is rectangular in shape, and the battery 1804 can be held flush in the first recessed portion 1512 . However, the first recessed portion 1512 can be any shape corresponding to the shape of the battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the first recessed portion 1512 is made of a continuous material such that it has no holes or perforated portions. Alternatively, the first recessed portion 1512 may contain holes or perforated portions 2010 to reduce weight. The middle frame component 1504 can increase the rigidity of the electronic reading device 100 . Specifically, due to the thinness of the electronic reading device 100 (eg, 6.99 mm), a predetermined degree of rigidity is advantageous.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second recessed portion 1510 is rectangular in shape and includes a hole or perforated portion 2010 to reduce weight. However, the second recessed portion 1510 can be any shape corresponding to the shape of the PCB 1802 . Holes 2010 may be circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, or any other shape in shape. The PCB 1802 can be held flush in the second recessed portion 1510 . It can be seen from FIG. 15 that the weight reduction portion 1514 covers most of the area of the middle frame assembly 1504 , excluding the first concave portion 1512 and the second concave portion 1510 . The weight reduction portion 1514 may include a ribbed or lattice type structure that increases the rigidity of the middle frame assembly 1504 where it is thinnest. Figure 15 shows a honeycomb rib structure, which increases rigidity but also reduces weight due to the presence of perforated holes 2010 between the vertical rib patterns. The rib structure is not limited to a honeycomb structure, instead it can be made of any shape (triangular, pentagonal, etc.). On the opposite side of the middle frame assembly 1504 including the first recessed portion 1512 and the second recessed portion 1510, instead of a glass-backed display screen, the middle frame assembly 1504 may accept a plastic-backed display screen. In this way, the electronic reading device 100 can be made thinner.

The display unit 1506 includes the display screen 104 . The display screen 104 can be, for example, a flexible E Ink display that is laminated with a touch panel and that has a front light panel. The display screen 104 may also have an anti-glare cover lens.

The decorative plate 1508 is a plate placed on top of the display unit 1506 as seen in FIG. 19 . The decorative plate 1508 is insert molded on the upper part with a pre-printed soft-touch In-Mold Transfer (IMR) film. As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16 , the underside of the decorative plate 1508 may include two or more magnets 1516 . In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet 1516 is rectangular in shape. However, the magnet 1516 can be round, square, or any other shape. The magnets 1516 in the trim plate 1508 can be used to interact with the e-reader device 100 with corresponding magnets in the front cover (ie, cover) of the protective accessory case. That is, the front cover of the housing designed to protect the display screen 104 may have one of the positions where it will align with the magnets 1516 in the trim panel 1508 when the front cover is in the closed position and in contact with the display screen 104. magnet. Magnets in the front flap of the case and magnets 1516 in the trim panel 1508 keep the front flap closed when the e-reader device 100 is not in use.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view (mechanical stack) of an e-reader device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, and is viewed from a different perspective than FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is an exploded view (mechanical stack) of an e-reader device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, and is viewed from a different perspective than FIG. 15 .

FIG. 18 is an exploded view (mechanical stack) of an e-reader device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, and is viewed from a different perspective than FIG. 15 . Likewise, this figure shows a middle frame assembly 1504 equipped with a battery 1804 and a PCB 1802 . The display unit 1506 fits into the pan/recess 2002, which is on the side of the middle frame assembly 1504, which cannot be seen from FIG. 18 .

FIG. 19 is an exploded view (mechanical stack) of an e-reader device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, and is viewed from a different perspective than FIG. 15 . FIG. 19 shows the display unit 1506 tightly fitted into the tray/recess 2002 of the middle frame assembly 1504 . FIG. 19 also shows button module 1902 , which is a separate component from trim panel 1508 . The buttons of the button module 1902 are fitted inside the cutout portion of the decorative panel 1508 . In an exemplary embodiment, the button module 1902 has two buttons that are used to flip forward or backward through a page displayed on the e-reader device. In addition to the two page buttons, the button module 1902 may have additional buttons that perform other designated functions.

Figures 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D show different views/sides of the middle frame assembly 1504 . As can be seen in FIGS. 20A and 20C , the middle frame assembly 1504 has a first side 2004 that receives the display unit 1506 . The display unit 1506 is held on the middle frame assembly 1504 by raising the edge 2008 surrounding the perimeter of the first side 2004 . As can be seen in Figures 20B and 20D, the middle frame assembly 1504 has a second side 2006 that includes a first recessed portion 1512 (ie, the battery compartment) that receives the battery 1804, and includes a second recessed portion that receives the PCB 1802 1510 copies. The second side 2006 also includes one or more antenna compartments 2012 . In an exemplary embodiment, there are two antenna compartments 2012 . In an exemplary embodiment, each of the two antenna compartments 2012 is located at a corner of the middle frame assembly 1504 . The raised boundary wall 2014 forms a divider between the first recessed portion 1512 and the second recessed portion 1510 and the weight saving portion with the perforations/holes 2010 .

The operation of the first and second buttons 114, 116 will now be described in detail. The first and second buttons 114, 116 may function as page flip buttons. If the e-reader device 100 is in the orientation shown in Figure 9, with the e-reader device held by the user's right hand by the extended housing portion 118, a single press of the second button 116 will cause the The book/text advances one page. One press of the first button 114 will move the book/text back one page to the previous page. If the second button 116 is pressed, multiple pages will be advanced, and the longer the second button 116 is pressed, the pages will be advanced faster. Likewise, if the first button 114 is pressed, multiple pages can be moved back, and the longer the first button 114 is pressed, the faster the previous page can be moved. When the first button 114 or the second button 116 is pressed (quick flip mode), the data is retrieved so that the number of the flipped pages can be stored by the e-reader device 100 . This information is important for deciding whether, for example, a student skips a chapter of a textbook or other book.

In addition to using the buttons 114, 116 to page up and page down, these buttons can be used to control non-book scrolling. For example, if a web page is displayed with multiple pages, the buttons 114, 116 can be used to scroll the pages up and down without the user needing to use their fingers on the screen. This allows the user to hold and control the device with one hand instead of two. Likewise, when the e-reader device 100 is displaying a library of books (i.e., an e-reader library or bookshelf), the buttons 114, 116 allow the user to page up and down through his library of books. Page. Buttons 114, 116 may also be used to scroll through displayed menus.

The buttons 114, 116 can also be used when viewing PDF files/images on the display screen 104. When the display screen 104 is displaying less than a full page of the PDF file/image, pressing the buttons 114, 116 causes the portion of the PDF currently being viewed to be changed rather than changing the pages of the PDF file. In other words, the buttons 114, 116 allow you to flip between portions of the pages of the PDF file, rather than flipping to different pages within the PDF file. In this mode, the buttons are used to move up and down subsections of the PDF's pages. For example, if the top half of the PDF page is displayed and the bottom half of the PDF page is not, by pressing the button below between buttons 114, 116, the bottom half of the PDF page will now be displayed, and A non-next page is displayed.

The function of the buttons 114, 116 is related to the orientation of the e-reader device 100, which is detected by the accelerometer. For example, when the e-reader device 100 is in an orientation in which the user's left hand is holding the e-reader device 100 by the extended housing portion 118, pressing the second button 116 will allow Move to the previous page or pages or scroll up. Likewise, pressing the first button 114 will allow moving to the next page or pages or scrolling down based on what is being displayed. The text/images on the display screen 104 have four different orientations based on the orientation of the e-reader device 100, and regardless of the detected orientation based on the e-reader device 100, the buttons 114, 116 function to page up/up Scroll or page down/scroll down.

In an exemplary embodiment, the e-reader device 100 has a user-selectable screen rotation lock function. For example, the user may access a menu displayed on the display screen 104 for initiation of a user-selectable screen rotation lock function and select an option to allow the screen to be locked in either portrait or landscape orientation. In an exemplary embodiment, when the screen is locked to portrait mode and the user changes hands holding the device 100 (causing the device to rotate 180 degrees), the screen will be automatically rotated 180 degrees and remain in portrait mode. That is, the orientation of the image on the screen will be the same after the hand transformation as it was before. This is shown in Figures 21A and 21C. When the screen is locked in portrait mode and held by the user's right hand (FIG. 21A), the e-reader device 100 can be switched to the user's left hand (FIG. 21C) and the screen will still be in portrait mode, And the displayed screen will still have the same orientation before the hand change (180 degree rotation of the device). Landscape orientation will not be displayed when the device 100 is being rotated (see Figure 21B). Likewise, when the screen is locked to landscape mode and the user changes hands holding the device 100 (causing the device to rotate 180 degrees), the screen will automatically be rotated 180 degrees and remain in landscape mode. Portrait orientation will not be displayed when device 100 is being rotated.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart further illustrating the user-selectable screen rotation lock function. In step S100, the user accesses a menu for enabling the user-selectable screen rotation lock function. Next, in step S102, the user selects a menu option that provides the screen to be locked in portrait orientation (or landscape orientation). In step S104, the user rotates the screen by 90 degrees, and the screen stays in portrait orientation (or landscape orientation). In step S106, if the user rotates the screen another 90 degrees in the same direction as the previous rotation (e.g., device orientation in Figure 21B to device orientation in Figure 21C), the screen is flipped 180 degrees such that the screen is in In portrait orientation and the screen is in the same orientation as before any rotation (ie, the original image orientation of Figure 21A).

When the screen rotation lock feature is not being used and the e-reader device 100 is in auto-rotate mode and the user moves the device 100 from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation (instead of the screen 104 immediately switching orientations), the user is asked if it is true A message that the screen 104 is desired to be rotated is displayed. For example, if a user is lying on their side in bed and reading in portrait mode, they will not want the screen 104 to be changed to landscape mode. A similar message is displayed if the user moves the device 100 from a landscape orientation to a portrait orientation during the auto-rotate mode. Thus, with the user-selectable screen rotation lock feature, the user can lock the screen into portrait mode (FIG. 21A), and then when they are reading while lying sideways on the bed, the screen will have the appropriate orientation as shown in FIG. 21B. orientation. When the user is lying on their side and the screen is locked to portrait mode, the screen will not automatically change to landscape mode.

PCB 1802 (shown in FIG. 18 ) may include one or more processor devices and one or more storage devices (eg, ROM, RAM, hard disk, etc.), which may be used to implement the embodiments described above. Hardware, software, or any combination thereof can embody modules and components used to implement the methods described herein. If programmable logic is used, this logic can be implemented on commercially available operating platforms or special purpose devices. A processor device may have one or more processor "cores." The terms "computer program medium", "non-transitory computer readable medium" and "computer usable medium" are used herein by reference to Tangible media such as removable storage units and/or hard drives installed in hard drives. Data stored on PCB 1802 may be stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium, such as magnetic tape storage (eg, a hard drive). The computer program can also be received through the communication interface of the e-reader device 100 through the PCB 1802 . When the computer program is executed, it causes the PCB 1802 of the e-reader device 100 to implement the methods described herein.

The illustrated embodiment is directed to an electronic reading device 100 comprising: a housing, wherein the outer surface of the housing includes a first major surface 102, a second major surface 302, a first edge 106, a second edge 108, a third edge 110, and fourth edge 112, and each of first edge 106, second edge 108, third edge 110, and fourth edge 112 is located between first major surface 102 and second major surface 302, and the third The edge 110 is parallel to the fourth edge 112, and the first edge 106 is located on the opposite side of the housing relative to the second edge 108; and the display 104 surrounded by the housing. The first major surface 102 of the electronic reading device 100 includes the display 104 , and the second major surface 302 of the electronic reading device 100 is the opposite surface of the first major surface 102 . The housing is asymmetric in that it includes an extended housing portion 118 spaced far from one edge of the display 104 by a predetermined distance, the housing between the first major surface 102 and the second major surface 302 The thickness increases from the second edge 108 to the first edge 106, and the housing has an upward curvature at the extended housing portion 118 so that the first major surface 102 in the extended housing portion 118 is located above the display 104 on an outer surface. The upward bend allows the electronic reading device 100 to be easily picked up. The upward curvature allows the electronic reading device 100 to be picked up more easily, for example, because when the second major surface 302 touches a flat surface such as a table, a space is formed between the flat surface and the upwardly curved lower surface. Wherein, the user can place his fingers to easily grasp the electronic reading device 100 . Likewise, the increased thickness of the upward curve allows the user to obtain a better grip on the electronic reading device 100 (compared to electronic reading devices with thin housings).

In an exemplary embodiment, the first major surface 102 is parallel to the second major surface 302 at the extended housing portion 118 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the first major surface 102 has no parallel second major surface 302 outside the extended housing portion 118 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the extended housing portion 118 includes a first button 114 and a second button 116 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are elevated such that they extend beyond the first main surface 102 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance is the reachable distance of the thumb when the electronic reading device 100 is held in the portrait and landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first button 114 and the second button 116 has a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal axis of the rectangular shape is parallel to the first edge 106 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic reading device 100 further includes: a middle frame component 1504 providing rigidity to the electronic reading device 100 . The middle frame assembly 1504 is configured to hold the display unit 1506, and the middle frame assembly 1504 includes a first recessed portion 1512 configured to receive the battery 1804 and a second recessed portion 1510 configured to receive the printed circuit board 1802 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the second concave portion 1510 has a plurality of holes or perforated portions 2010 to reduce weight.

In an exemplary embodiment, the middle frame assembly 1504 includes a weight saving portion 1514 having a ribbed or lattice type structure with a plurality of holes or portions to reduce weight.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lattice type structure is a honeycomb structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the middle frame assembly 1504 is gradually reduced and is smallest in the reduced weight portion 1514 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the display 104 is a plastic-backed display screen.

In an exemplary embodiment, the middle frame assembly 1504 is made of magnesium.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second main surface 302 is the back cover 1502, which is made of plastic.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plastic of the back cover 1502 has a residual molded micro-texture or a soft-touch finish applied thereto to increase grip.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first major surface 102 in the extended housing portion 118 is soft-touch painted and textured (eg, rubber, etc.).

In an exemplary embodiment, a first fillet 120 connects the first edge 106 to the third edge 110, a second fillet 122 connects the first edge 106 to the fourth edge 112, and a third fillet 124 connects the third edge 110 connects to second edge 108 , and fourth fillet 126 connects second edge 108 to fourth edge 12 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the radius of the first rounded corner 120 and the second rounded corner 122 is greater than the radius of the third rounded corner 124 and the fourth rounded corner 126, so that the extended cover portion 118 of the electronic reading device 100 can be grasped (hand grip area) for maximum comfort on the palm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the extended housing portion 118 has located therein one or more magnets 1516 configured to interact with corresponding magnets in a cover of a protective case to protect the display 104.

The illustrated embodiment is directed to an electronic reading device 100 comprising: a housing, wherein the outer surface of the housing includes a first major surface 102, a second major surface 302, a first edge 106, a second edge 108, a third edge 110, and fourth edge 112, and each of first edge 106, second edge 108, third edge 110, and fourth edge 112 is located between first major surface 102 and second major surface 302; and a jacket Volume-enclosed displays 104, 1506. The first major surface 102 of the electronic reading device 100 includes the display 104 , and the second major surface 302 of the electronic reading device 100 is the opposite surface of the first major surface 102 . The housing includes an extended housing portion 118, which is separated from one edge of the display 104 by a predetermined distance, and the extended housing portion 118 includes a first button 114 and a second button 116, the first button 114 and the second button 116. The second button 116 is configured to control movement of text and/or images displayed on the display 104 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are elevated such that they extend beyond the first main surface 102 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first button 114 and the second button 116 has a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal axis of the rectangular shape is parallel to the first edge 106 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 have the same shape, the spacer 128 is located between the first button 114 and the second button 116, and the spacer 128 contacts the first button 114 and the second button 116.

In an exemplary embodiment, the spacer 128 has the same shape and size as the first button 114 and the second button 116 , but an outer surface of the spacer 128 is flush with an outer surface of the first major surface 102 .

In an exemplary embodiment, based on a detected physical orientation of the electronic reading device 100, the first button 114 is configured to display a document or image forward one page when pressed once by a user and the second button 116 is configured to display the document or image back one page when pressed once by a user, or the first button 114 is configured to display the document or image back one page when pressed once by a user and The second button 116 is configured to advance a document or image one page when pressed once by a user.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 or the second button 116 is configured to forward or reverse a plurality of pages when the first button 114 or the second button 116 is pressed, the first button 114 or the second The longer the button 116 is held down the faster the page will move.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic reading device 100 includes a memory device configured to store forward or reverse pages when the first button 114 or the second button 116 is pressed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are configured to control scrolling up and down within a menu displaying information about a plurality of electronic books.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are configured to control up and down one page within a displayed web page or menu.

In an exemplary embodiment, when a Portable Document Format (PDF) file is displayed on the display 104, and the display 104 is displaying less than an entire page of the PDF file, the first button 114 and the second button 116 are configured to Controls which portion of the PDF file's pages are to be viewed when pressed.

The exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of controlling an electronic reading device 100 comprising a housing containing a processor device, a memory device, a display 104, and an accelerometer, wherein the first button 114 and A second button 116 is located on one of the outer surfaces of the housing. The method includes: by the accelerometer, detecting the orientation of the electronic reading device 100; by a user, pressing the first button 114; and by the processor device, based on the pressing of the first button 104 and the electronic reading The detected orientation of the device controls the movement of text and/or images displayed on the display 104 .

In an exemplary embodiment, when the first button 114 is pressed once, the method includes controlling the document or image displayed on the display 104 to move forward one page or move back one page.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes pressing the second button 116 once by the user; and controlling the document or image displayed on the display 104 to move forward one page or move back one page.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the pressing of the first button 114 includes pressing the first button 114, the method includes controlling the displayed document or image to forward or reverse a plurality of pages based on pressing the first button 114, Wherein the longer the first button 114 is pressed, the faster the page will move.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes storing in the memory device a number of pages forward or reverse when the first button 114 is pressed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes displaying on the display 104 a menu displaying information about the plurality of e-books; and pressing the first button 114 controls up or down the menu displaying information about the plurality of e-books scroll.

In an exemplary embodiment, pressing of the first button 114 controls up or down one page within a displayed web page or menu.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes displaying a Portable Document Format (PDF) file on the display 104, wherein when the display 104 displays less than an entire page of the PDF file, pressing the first button 114 controls the PDF file Which part of the page is to be viewed.

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method for controlling screen rotation of an electronic reading device 100 including processing circuitry, an accelerometer, and display screen 104 . The method includes: receiving, by the processing circuit, a request to access a menu for starting the screen rotation lock function of the electronic reading device 100; displaying the menu for starting the screen rotation lock function on the display screen 104 ; by the processing circuit, receiving a selection of a particular screen orientation of the display screen 104 from among a plurality of screen orientations; rotating the electronic reading device 100 by 90 degrees; by the accelerometer, detecting the 90 degree rotation; And a screen to be displayed on the display screen 104 remains at a particular screen orientation selected.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes rotating the electronic reading device 100 another 90 degrees in the same direction as the previous rotation; detecting, by the accelerometer, another 90-degree rotation; and by the processing A circuit that controls the screen displayed on the display screen to flip 180 degrees such that the screen is in the same orientation as it was before the rotations.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of screen orientations are a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the selection of a particular screen orientation is the selection of the portrait orientation or the landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, only a particular selected screen orientation is displayed during the 90 degree rotation and the other 90 degree rotation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: rotating the electronic reading device 100 by 90 degrees when the electronic reading device 100 is in the auto-rotate mode; detecting the 90-degree rotation via the accelerometer; Displays a message asking the user whether rotation of the displayed screen should be performed.

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing thereon computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of an electronic reading device 100, cause the processing circuitry to perform Method to control screen rotation. The method includes: receiving a request to access a menu for starting the screen rotation lock function of the electronic reading device 100; displaying the menu for starting the screen rotation lock function on the display screen 104; receiving requests from a plurality of selection of a specific screen orientation of the display screen 104 between screen orientations; detecting a 90 degree rotation of the electronic reading device 100; and maintaining a screen displayed on the display screen 104 of the electronic reading device 100 at a specific selected one screen orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes detecting another 90-degree rotation of the electronic reading device 100 in the same direction as the previous rotation; and controlling the screen displayed on the display screen to flip 180 degrees such that the screen In the same orientation as before the rotations.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of screen orientations are a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the selection of a particular screen orientation is the selection of the portrait orientation or the landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, only a particular selected screen orientation is displayed between the 90 degree rotation and the other 90 degree rotation orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes detecting a 90-degree rotation of the electronic reading device 100 when the electronic reading device 100 is in the auto-rotate mode; and displaying on the display screen 104 asking the user whether the displayed screen has been rotated. The message to execute.

The exemplary embodiments are directed to an electronic reading device 100 that includes an accelerometer, a display screen 104, and processing circuitry. The processing circuit is configured to: receive a request to access an initial menu for a screen rotation lock function of the electronic reading device 100; receive a selection for a particular screen orientation of the display screen 104 among the plurality of screen orientations ; receiving information indicating that the electronic reading device 100 has been rotated 90 degrees as detected by the accelerometer; and maintaining a screen displayed on the display screen 104 at a particular screen orientation selected.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to: detect another 90 degree rotation of the electronic reading device 100 in the same direction as the previous rotation; and control the screen flip displayed on the display screen 180 degrees puts the screen in the same orientation as it was before the rotations.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of screen orientations are a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the selection of a particular screen orientation is the selection of the portrait orientation or the landscape orientation.

In an exemplary embodiment, only a particular selected screen orientation is displayed during the 90 degree rotation and the other 90 degree rotation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit is configured to: receive information indicating that the electronic reading device 100 has been detected to have been rotated 90 degrees when the electronic reading device 100 is in the auto-rotate mode; Displays a message asking the user whether rotation of the displayed screen should be performed.

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing therein computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of an electronic reading device 100, cause the processing circuitry to perform Method to control screen rotation. The method includes: detecting a 90 degree rotation of the electronic reading device 100 when the electronic reading device 100 is in the auto-rotation mode; and displaying a message on the display screen 104 asking the user whether the rotation of the displayed screen is to be performed.

Having described embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing description is illustrative rather than limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Thus, although specific configurations have been described herein, other configurations may also be used. Many modifications and other embodiments (e.g., combinations, reconfigurations, etc.) can be made in the present disclosure, and are within the scope of one of the ordinary skills in the technical field and are considered to fall within the disclosed subject matter and its equivalents within the category. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc. within the scope of the invention to create additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features can sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. Applicant therefore intends to embrace all such substitutions, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

100: E-reader device 102: the first main surface 104: Display screen 106: First Edge 108:Second Edge 110: Third edge 112: Fourth edge 114: The first button 116: The first button 118: extended shell part 120: corner 122: corner 124: corner 126: corner 128: spacer 202: on/off button 302: second main surface 502: charging port 1502: back cover 1504: Middle frame components 1506: display unit 1508: decorative board 1510: the second concave part 1512: the first concave part 1514: Weight reduction part 1516: magnet 1802: Printed Circuit Board 1804: battery 1902: Button module 2002: Disc/Depression 2004: First Side 2006: Second Side 2008: Edge 2010: Holes 2012: Antenna compartment 2014: Boundary Wall

A more complete description of the present disclosure and its many attendant advantages will readily be obtained, and will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken into account in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] A perspective view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 2] A perspective view showing the front of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 3] A perspective view showing the rear of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 4] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 5] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 6] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 7] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Figure 8] A perspective view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 9] A perspective view showing the front of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 10] A perspective view showing the rear of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 11] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 12] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 13] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 14] A perspective view showing the side of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 15] An exploded view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 16] An exploded view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 17] An exploded view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 18] An exploded view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[Fig. 19] An exploded view showing an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 20A] A perspective view showing a middle frame assembly of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 20B] A perspective view showing a middle frame assembly of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 20C] A perspective view showing a middle frame assembly of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 20D] A perspective view showing a middle frame assembly of an electronic reading device according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter;

[FIG. 21A] is an image showing a user-selectable screen rotation lock function according to an exemplary embodiment;

[Fig. 21B] is an image showing a user-selectable screen rotation lock function according to an exemplary embodiment;

[Fig. 21C] is an image showing a user-selectable screen rotation lock function according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[FIG. 22] is a flow chart showing the user-selectable screen rotation lock function according to an exemplary embodiment.

100: E-reader device

102: the first main surface

104: Display screen

106: First Edge

108:Second Edge

110: Third edge

112: Fourth edge

114: The first button

116: The first button

118: extended shell part

120: corner

122: corner

124: corner

126: corner

128: spacer

Claims (31)

An electronic reading device, comprising: a casing, wherein the outer surface of the casing includes a first main surface, a second main surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge is located between the first major surface and the second major surface, and the third edge is parallel the fourth edge, and the first edge is on the opposite side of the housing relative to the second edge; a display, surrounded by the housing, wherein the first major surface of the electronic reading device includes the display, and The second major surface of the electronic reading device is an opposite surface to the first major surface; and a middle frame assembly providing rigidity to the electronic reading device, the middle frame assembly configured to hold the display, wherein the The housing is asymmetric in that it includes a housing portion extending far from one of the edges of the display at a predetermined distance, the housing between the first major surface and the second major surface The thickness of the body increases from the second edge to the first edge, and the shell has an upward curvature at the extended shell portion such that the first major surface in the extended shell portion is at the On an outer surface of the display, wherein the thickness of the middle frame component gradually becomes thinner from the first edge of the housing toward the second edge, wherein the middle frame component is on one side of the first edge of the housing the region includes a first recessed portion configured to receive a battery and a second recessed portion configured to receive a printed circuit board, and Wherein the middle frame assembly includes a weight reduction portion in an area of one side of the second edge of the casing excluding the first concave portion and the second concave portion, and the weight reduction portion includes a middle Rib or lattice type structure. The electronic reading device of claim 1, wherein in the extended housing portion, the first major surface is parallel to the second major surface. The electronic reading device of claim 2, wherein the first major surface is not parallel to the second major surface outside of the extended housing portion. The electronic reading device according to claim 1, wherein the extended casing part includes a first button and a second button. The electronic reading device of claim 4, wherein the first button and the second button are elevated such that they extend beyond the first main surface. The electronic reading device according to claim 5, wherein the first button and the second button are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The electronic reading device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first button and the second button has a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal axis of the rectangular shape is parallel to the first edge. The electronic reading device according to claim 7, wherein the second concave portion has a plurality of holes or perforated portions to reduce weight. The electronic reading device according to claim 1, wherein the weight reduction portion has the lattice type structure which is a honeycomb structure. The electronic reading device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the middle frame component is the thinnest at the lightened portion. Such as the electronic reading device of claim 7, wherein the display The display is a plastic back panel display screen. The electronic reading device according to claim 7, wherein the middle frame component is made of magnesium. The electronic reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second main surface is a back cover made of plastic. The electronic reading device according to claim 13, wherein the plastic of the back cover has a residual molded micro-texture or a soft-touch coating applied thereon to increase grip. The electronic reading device of claim 1, wherein the first major surface in the extended housing portion is soft-touch painted and textured. The electronic reading device of claim 1, wherein a first rounded corner connects the first edge to the third edge, a second rounded corner connects the first edge to the fourth edge, and a third rounded corner connects the first edge to the fourth edge. The third edge connects to the second edge, and a fourth fillet connects the second edge to the fourth edge. The electronic reading device according to claim 16, wherein the radius of the first rounded corner and the second rounded corner is greater than the radius of the third rounded corner and the fourth rounded corner. The electronic reading device of claim 1, wherein the extended housing portion has one or more magnets therein configured to interact with corresponding magnets in a cover of a protective case to Protect the display. An electronic reading device comprising: A housing, wherein the outer surface of the housing includes a first major surface, a second major surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and the first edge , each of the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge is located between the first major surface and the second major surface; a display, surrounded by the housing, wherein the electronic reading device The first major surface of the electronic reading device includes the display, and the second major surface of the electronic reading device is an opposite surface of the first major surface; and a middle frame component provides rigidity to the electronic reading device, the middle frame The assembly is configured to secure the display, wherein the housing includes an extended housing portion spaced apart from an edge of the display by a predetermined distance, and the extended housing portion includes a first button and a second button, the first button and the second button are configured to control the movement of the text and/or image displayed on the display, wherein the thickness of the middle frame component is from the first The edge tapers toward the second edge, wherein the area of the middle frame assembly on one side of the first edge of the housing includes a first recessed portion configured to receive a battery and configured to receive A second recessed part of a printed circuit board, and wherein the middle frame component includes a A reduced weight portion comprising ribbed or lattice type structures. Such as the electronic reading device of claim 19, wherein the first A button and the second button are raised such that they extend beyond the first major surface. The electronic reading device according to claim 20, wherein the first button and the second button are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The electronic reading device according to claim 21, wherein each of the first button and the second button has a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal axis of the rectangular shape is parallel to the first edge. The electronic reading device according to claim 22, wherein the first button and the second button have the same shape, a spacer is located between the first button and the second button, and the spacer contacts the first button and the second button. The second button. The electronic reading device of claim 23, wherein the spacer has the same shape and size as the first button and the second button, but an outer surface of the spacer is flush with an outer surface of the first main surface flat. The electronic reading device of claim 19, wherein based on a detected physical orientation of the electronic reading device, the first button is configured to advance a displayed document or image to a page when pressed once by a user And the second button is configured to return the displayed document or image to a page when pressed once by a user, or the first button is configured to return the displayed file or image to the displayed file when pressed once by a user. The document or image returns one page and the second button is configured to advance the displayed document or image one page when pressed once by a user. Such as the electronic reading device of claim 25, wherein the first A button or the second button is configured to forward or return a plurality of pages when the first button or the second button is pressed, the longer the first button or the second button is pressed, the page will move faster. The electronic reading device as in claim 26, further comprising: a memory device configured to store some pages forward or back when the first button or the second button is pressed. The electronic reading device of claim 19, wherein the first button and the second button are configured to control scrolling up and down in a menu displaying information about a plurality of e-books. The electronic reading device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first button and the second button are configured to control up and down one page in a displayed web page or menu. Such as the electronic reading device of claim 19, wherein when the portable document format (PDF) file is displayed on the display, and the display is displaying less than the entire page of the portable document format file, the first button and the second Buttons are configured to control which portion of the page of the Portable Document Format file is to be viewed when pressed. An electronic reading device, comprising: a casing, wherein the outer surface of the casing includes a first main surface, a second main surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge is located between the first major surface and the second major surface, and the third edge is parallel the fourth edge, and the first edge is on the opposite side of the housing relative to the second edge; a display surrounded by the housing, wherein the first major surface of the electronic reading device includes the display, and the second major surface of the electronic reading device is an opposite surface of the first major surface; and a middle frame An assembly providing rigidity to the electronic reading device, the middle frame assembly configured to secure the display, wherein the housing is asymmetric in that it includes an edge spaced far from the display by a predetermined distance an extended housing portion, the thickness of the housing between the first major surface and the second major surface increases from the second edge to the first edge, and the housing in the extended housing portion having an upward curvature such that the first major surface in the extended housing portion is above an outer surface of the display, wherein the thickness of the housing extends from the first edge of the housing toward the The second edge gradually becomes thinner, wherein the thickness of the middle frame component gradually becomes thinner from the first edge of the casing toward the second edge, wherein the middle frame component is on the side of the first edge of the casing The region includes a first recessed portion configured to accept a battery and a second recessed portion configured to accept a printed circuit board, and wherein the middle frame assembly does not include the first recessed portion and The area of the second recessed portion on the side of the second edge of the housing includes a weight saving portion including a rib or lattice type structure.

Images