WO2012093604A1

WO2012093604A1 - Electronic book device

Info

Publication number: WO2012093604A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/079974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yusuke Shimizu; Kei Nakamura; Akito NINOMIYA
Original assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
Priority date: 2011-01-06
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2012-07-12
Also published as: TW201235889A; JP2012141934A

Abstract

An electronic book device is provided which allows a user to perform an input operation without directly touching a display, which does not require a purpose-built stylus for the input operation, which is capable of leaving a note entered by the input operation on a paper sheet, and which facilitates the input operation. The electronic book device includes: a display; and an input including a rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide and outputting information inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide to the electronic book reader to cause the information to appear on the display. The optical waveguide includes first and second sections opposed to each other in the form of the frame. The first section includes a plurality of light-emitting cores formed therein, and the second section includes a plurality of light-receiving cores formed therein. The cores have respective tips positioned on inner edges of the frame.

Description

ELECTRONIC BOOK DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electronic book device that allows a user to enter notes and the like.

Background Art

In recent years, information such as characters and pictures in a book has been provided in electronic form, and electronic book readers serving as devices for displaying such electronic information have come into widespread use. In some of the electronic book readers, a display for displaying the aforementioned characters and the like in the book is provided with a touch sensor (to constitute a touch panel) so as not only to display the aforementioned characters and the like in the book but also to allow a user or an inputter to enter notes and the like (see, for example, Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2007-147871) . Specifically, such a device allows a user to touch the display (the touch panel) displaying the aforementioned characters and the like in the book with the tip of a pen, the tip of a finger or the like and to move the pen or the like, thereby inputting the path of movement of the pen tip or the like as a note and the like to the aforementioned display. An optical position detection device including light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements has also been proposed as a device for detecting the path of movement of the aforementioned pen tip or the like (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3682109). This device is in the form of a rectangular frame comprised of a pair of L-shaped sections. The light-emitting elements are disposed in juxtaposition in one of the L-shaped sections constituting the rectangular frame, and the light-receiving elements opposed to the aforementioned light-emitting elements are disposed in juxtaposition in the other L-shaped section.

Information such as notes is inputted to the optical position detection device by moving a pen, a finger or the like within the rectangular frame. Specifically, when a pen, a finger or the like is moved within the aforementioned rectangular frame, some light beams emitted from the aforementioned light-emitting elements are intercepted by the pen, the finger or the like. The light-receiving elements opposed to the aforementioned light-emitting elements sense the interception of light beams to thereby detect the path of the aforementioned pen, the finger or the like (input information such as notes) . When the path is outputted as a signal to an electronic book reader as described above , it is possible to input the path as notes and the like to the display of the electronic book reader.

Summary of Invention

In the aforementioned electronic book reader, however, the pen or the like comes in direct contact with the display during the entry of a note and the like. Even if the display is subjected to a scratch-resistant treatment, scratches are made with the increase in the frequency of use to result in the problem of the reduction in the visibility of characters and the like appearing on the display. Additionally, although the

aforementioned inputted notes and the like can be stored as digital data (electronic data) in the aforementioned electronic book reader, there is a demand mainly from elderly people to leave the aforementioned notes and the like also on a paper sheet. Also, some of the aforementioned electronic book readers involve the need for a purpose-built stylus for input operation.

The use of the aforementioned optical position detection device as an input means can eliminate the problems with the aforementioned electronic book readers. Specifically, the aforementioned optical position detection device, in which there is no need to bring the pen or the like into direct contact with the display during the input operation, is capable of preventing scratches on the aforementioned display . Also, the aforementioned optical position detection device is in the form of a rectangular frame. Thus, a paper sheet may be placed under the optical position detection device so that part of the paper sheet is revealed within the frame. In this state, while writing a note and the like directly on the revealed part of the paper sheet with a writing implement, the user may enter the note and the like into the optical position detection device. Thus, the note and the like may be left on the paper sheet. Additionally, the aforementioned optical position detection device requires no purpose-built stylus for input operation.

However, the frame of the aforementioned optical position detection device is thick (with a thickness of approximately 6 mm or more) because the light-emitting elements and the light-receiving elements are disposed in juxtaposition in the form of a frame. When an inputter moves an input element such as a pen and a finger within the frame for input operation, the thickness of the aforementioned frame causes unnatural positioning of an inputter 's hand used for the input operation, and makes it difficult for the inputter to perform the input operation. In addition, light beams from the

light-emitting elements which are thick travel at a somewhat elevated vertical position (approximately 4 mm) from the bottom surface of the aforementioned optical position detection device. For this reason, when the inputter uses a pen, a finger or the like for the input operation, the input position thereof is not detected at the bottom surface within the frame but at a somewhat elevated vertical posit ion . Further, the pen, the finger or the like during the input operation is not at right angles to the bottom surface within the frame but is in general in a slanting position. Thus, the detected path is not the path of the tip of the pen, the finger or the like (the path at the bottom surface within the frame) but is the path of a position diagonally above the tip. A note, for example, appearing on the display accordingly deviates from the display position intended by the inputter. For these reasons , the input operation becomes unnatural when an inputted note, for example, is caused to appear properly on the display.

An electronic book device is provided which allows a user to perform an input operation without directly touching a display, which does not require a purpose-built stylus for the input operation, which is capable of leaving a note and the like entered by the input operation on a paper sheet, and which facilitates the input operation.

An electronic book device comprises : an electronic book reader including a display; and an input means for inputting new information for addition to information appearing on the display by moving an input element to output the inputted new information to the electronic book reader, the input means including a frame-shaped optical waveguide including first and second sections opposed to each other in the form of the frame, the first section including a plurality of light-emitting cores formed therein, the second section including a plurality of light-receiving cores formed therein, the cores having respective tips positioned on inner edges of the frame, the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores being opposed to each other, the input means using the path of the input element within the frame of the optical waveguide as the new information.

Examples of the "display" used herein for the electronic book reader include a liquid crystal panel, an organic electroluminescence panel, and electronic paper. The "display" may or may not be a display with a touch sensor (a touch panel) .

The electronic book device includes the aforementioned frame-shaped optical waveguide as a means for detecting the path of the input element in the input means. This eliminates the need for any purpose-built stylus for input operation, and an elongated object such as a pen for use in ordinary writing and a human finger may be used as the input element. Also, the input operation using the optical waveguide is performed by moving the input element within the frame of the optical waveguide. For the input operation, it is hence unnecessary to bring the input element into direct contact with the display of the aforementioned electronic book reader. This avoids scratches on the aforementioned display during the input operation. Further, the aforementioned optical waveguide, which is in the form of a frame, allows the positioning of a paper sheet within the frame. When a writing implement is used as the aforementioned input element, a user may directly write a note and the like for entry on the aforementioned paper sheet. Thus, the note and the like may be left on the paper sheet. Additionally, the optical waveguide , which is reduced in thickness, does not serve as an impediment to the input operation, but allows the positioning of an inputter's hand used for the movement of the input element in a natural location. This facilitates the input operation. Since the optical waveguide is thin as mentioned above, light beams emitted from the tips of the light-emitting cores travel in a vertical position slightly above the bottom surface within the frame . Thus , when the input element such as a pen or a finger is in a slanting position during the input operation, the detected path is substantially the same as the path of the tip of the input element such as a pen tip or a finger tip (the path at the bottom surface within the frame) . Therefore, a note, for example, appearing on the display is not out of the display position intended by the inputter, whereby the display position on the display is easily determined .

In particular, when the electronic book device further comprises a book jacket of a double spread type attached to the electronic book reader, the book jacket having an opening of the same size as the display, the opening being provided in part of the book jacket corresponding to the display, and the frame-shaped optical waveguide is provided along the opening, then the display of the electronic book reader and the frame-shaped optical waveguide of the input means are disposed in juxtaposition by opening a double spread portion of the aforementioned book jacket. This further facilitates the input operation. When the double spread portion of the aforementioned book jacket is in a closed condition, the user can view a display appearing on the aforementioned display within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide.

Also, when the electronic book device further comprises a book jacket of a double spread type attached to the electronic book reader, the book jacket including a double spread portion on the side corresponding to the display, the double spread portion entirely serving as the input means, and the frame-shaped optical waveguide of the input means has a hollow frame positionable along the outer periphery of the display, then the display of the electronic book reader and the frame-shaped optical waveguide of the input means are disposed in juxtaposition by opening the double spread portion (the input means) of the aforementioned book jacket in the aforementioned manner. This further facilitates the input operation. When the double spread portion (the input means) of the aforementioned book jacket is in a closed condition, the user can view a display appearing on the aforementioned display within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide. Further, the side corresponding to the display serves as only the aforementioned input means. This reduces the thickness of part of the book jacket.

When each of the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores is in the form of a lens portion, then the light beams emitted from the lens portions of the light-emitting cores are properly restrained from diffusing, and the emitted light beams introduced into the cores are properly converged by the lens portions of the light-receiving cores. This consequently improves light transmission efficiency within the frame of the optical waveguide to achieve the correct detection of the path of the input element within the frame.

Moreover, when an edge portion of an over cladding layer is formed so as to cover the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores, and the edge portion of the over cladding layer is in the form of a lens portion, then the light beams emitted from the lens portion of the over cladding layer on the light-emitting side are properly restrained from diffusing, and the emitted light beams are caused to enter a wide region of the lens portion of the over cladding layer on the light-receiving side and are caused to enter the end surfaces of the cores while being further narrowed down and converged. This consequently improves light transmission efficiency within the frame of the optical waveguide to achieve the correct detection of the path of the input element within the frame.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an electronic book device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2(a) is a plan view schematically showing an input means for the aforementioned electronic book device,

(b) is a sectional view taken along the line Xl-Xl of (a), and (c) is a sectional view taken along the line

X2-X2 of (a) .

FIGS. 3(a) to (c) are illustrations schematically showing an example of a method of producing the aforementioned input means.

FIGS. 4(a) to (c) are illustrations schematically showing the method of producing the input means subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 3 described above.

FIGS.5(a) and (b) are illustrations schematically showing the method of producing the input means subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 4 described above.

FIG. 6(a) is an illustration schematically showing the method of producing the input means subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 5 described above, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line X4-X4 of (a) .

FIG. 7 is an illustration schematically showing the method of producing the input means subsequent to the step shown in FIG. 6 described above.

Description of Embodiments

Next, an embodiment according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic book device according to one embodiment. The electronic book device according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (in which a book jacket B to be described below is shown in an open condition) , includes an electronic book reader M provided with a display D, the book jacket B of a double spread type attached to this electronic book reader M, and an input means A provided on a double spread portion Ba of this book jacket B and having a rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W for receiving information to be displayed on the aforementioned display D. The input means A is configured to output information such as a note inputted within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W to the aforementioned electronic book reader . The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W in this embodiment is fixed along an opening provided in part of the aforementioned book jacket B corresponding to the aforementioned display D, the opening being of the same size as the display D. Output of information from the aforementioned input means A to the aforementioned electronic book reader M may be done through a connecting cable or by radio. In this embodiment, the output is done through a connecting cable (not shown) . In this manner, a striking characteristic lies in that the input means A which detects input information by means of the optical waveguide W is combined in the electronic book reader .

The characteristic input means A will be described in detail.

The aforementioned input means A, as shown in plan view in FIG. 2(a), includes the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W having four sides equal in width, and a control means C for controlling the aforementioned input means A itself. The input means A is in the form of a rectangular frame having one side (the lower side as shown in the figure) which is wider and three sides equal in width to each other. The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W is disposed in an outside portion of the hollow rectangular frame of the input means A, and the aforementioned control means C is disposed in the form of a strip along an outside edge of the aforementioned one wider side of the input means A. As shown in FIG. 2 (b) which is an enlarged sectional view of part of the aforementioned input means A where the aforementioned optical waveguide W is disposed (a sectional view taken along the line Xl-Xl of FIG. 2 (a) ) and in FIG. 2 (c) which is an enlarged sectional view of part of the aforementioned input means A where the aforementioned control means C is disposed (a sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 of FIG. 2(a)), the aforementioned optical waveguide W and the aforementioned control means C in this embodiment are fixed on a rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate 30 made of stainless steel and the like, and have respective top surfaces covered with a protective plate 40 made of polycarbonate and the like. The

aforementioned retainer plate 30 is provided to make it easy to hold the planarity of the input means A, and the aforementioned protective plate 40 is provided to protect the input means A.

The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W, as shown in FIG. 2(a) and (b) , includes an under cladding layer 1, cores 2a and 2b, and an over cladding layer 3 to be described below.

Specifically, the under cladding layer 1 in the form of a rectangular frame is formed on the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate 30. The rectangular frame of the under cladding layer 1 is comprised of a pair of L-shaped sections. The cores 2a for light emission are disposed in a divided manner on the surface of one of the L-shaped sections, and the cores 2b for light reception are disposed in juxtaposition on the surface of the other L-shaped section. The cores 2a and 2b have respective tips positioned on the inner edges of the aforementioned rectangular frame. The tips of the light-emitting cores 2a are in opposed relation to the tips of the light-receiving cores 2b. The over cladding layer 3 in the form of a rectangular frame is formed on the surface of the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 so as to cover the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a and the light-receiving cores 2b. In this embodiment, each of the tips of the cores 2a and 2b positioned on the inner edges of the aforementioned rectangular frame is in the form of a convex lens portion having a substantially semicircular curved surface as seen in plan view, and an edge portion of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions is in the form of a convex lens portion 3a having a substantially quadrantal curved surface as seen in sectional side view. In FIG. 2 (a) , the cores 2a and 2b are indicated by broken lines, and the thickness of the broken lines indicates the width of the cores 2a and 2b. Also, in FIGS. 2(a) and (b) , the number of cores 2a and 2b are shown as abbreviated.

The aforementioned control means C, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (c), includes a circuit board configured such that a light-emitting element 5 connected to ends of the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a, a light-receiving element 6 connected to ends of the aforementioned light-receiving cores 2b, an IC for controlling the aforementioned input means A, a memory for storing therein information such as a note

(information on the path of movement of a tip of an input element such as a pen or a finger) inputted within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W, a connecting module for outputting the information such as a note to the electronic book reader M, and the like are mounted on a flexible printed board 7. In FIG. 2(c), the IC, the memory, the connecting module and the like described above are shown collectively by a shaded portion designated by the reference numeral 8. The electricity to the aforementioned circuit board is supplied from the electronic book reader through a connecting cable (not shown) such as a USB cable.

In the aforementioned input means A, light beams from the aforementioned light-emitting element 5 pass through the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a and through the lens portions at the tips of the respective light-emitting cores 2a, and then exit the surface of the lens portion 3a of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions of the respective light-emitting cores 2a. Thus, the light beams travel in a lattice form within the frame of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide . The light beams traveling in a lattice form are restrained from diverging by refraction through the lens portions at the tips of the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a and through the lens portion 3a of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions of the light-emitting cores 2a. In this state, information such as a note is inputted to the input means A by moving an input element such as a pen or a finger within the frame of the optical waveguide W.

Specifically, when the aforementioned input element is moved within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W, some of the light beams traveling in a lattice form are intercepted by the tip of the aforementioned input element (such as a pen tip or a finger tip) . The aforementioned light-receiving element 6 senses the interception of light beams to thereby detect the path of the tip of the aforementioned input element (input information such as a note). The path (input information) , in turn, is stored as digital data (electronic data) in the aforementioned memory, and is also outputted to the aforementioned electronic book reader to appear on the display D.

In this manner, the use of the aforementioned frame-shaped optical waveguide W as a means for detecting the path of the input element in the aforementioned input means A allows a user or an inputter to perform an input operation by moving the input element such as a pen or a human finger within the frame of the optical waveguide . This eliminates the need to bring the input element into direct contact with the display D of the

aforementioned electronic book reader to prevent scratches on the aforementioned display D. Also, the optical waveguide W of the aforementioned input means A is in the form of a rectangular frame. Thus, a paper sheet may be placed under the input means A so that part of the paper sheet is revealed within the frame. In this state, while writing a note and the like directly on the revealed part of the paper sheet with a writing implement, the user may enter the note and the like into the input means A. Thus, the note and the like may be left on the paper sheet.

Also, this embodiment, in which the control means C of the aforementioned input means A includes the memory for storing the information such as a note inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide W, is capable of meeting user's requirement when the user does not intend to store the information such as a note in the electronic book reader M. The information such as a note stored in the memory may be displayed (reproduced) alone (without information such as characters in a book being displayed) on the display D of the electronic book reader M.

The optical waveguide W is reduced in thickness to a thickness of, at most, approximately 1 mm. Even when the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 are provided on the front and back surfaces of the optical waveguide as in this embodiment, the total thickness is approximately 2 mm. Thus, the rectangular frame section including the optical waveguide W together with the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 does not serve as an impediment to the input operation, but makes it easy to perform the input operation. Since the optical waveguide W is thin as mentioned above, the light beams emitted from the tips of the light-emitting cores 2a travel in a vertical position slightly (approximately 0.6 mm) above the bottom surface within the frame, even when the thickness of the aforementioned retainer plate 30 is taken into consideration. Thus, when the aforementioned input element is in a slanting position during the input operation, the detected path is substantially the same as the path of the tip of the input element (the path at the bottom surface within the frame) . Therefore, a note, for example, appearing on the display D is not out of the display position intended by the inputter, whereby the display position on the display D is easily determined.

Next, the electronic book reader M and the book jacket B will be described which are components of the aforementioned electronic book device other than the aforementioned input means A.

The aforementioned electronic book reader M is configured to display information, such as characters and pictures in a book, in electronic form on the display D and to display information from the aforementioned input means A (information such as a note inputted to the input means A) on the display D. This causes the information such as a note inputted to the aforementioned input means Awhich is superimposed on the aforementioned information such as characters and the like in a book to appear on the aforementioned display D . Software (aprogram) which converts coordinates within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W in the input means A into coordinates on the screen of the display D to cause the note and the like inputted to the input means to appear on the display D is incorporated in the aforementioned electronic book reader for the purpose of displaying the note and the like inputted to the input means A in a position on the display D corresponding to the input position. It should be noted that the aforementioned information such as characters and the like in a book is, in general, previously stored in an information storage medium such as a hard disk in the aforementioned electronic book reader M and an external SD memory card, and is outputted from the information storage medium. Also, the information appearing on the aforementioned display D which is the superimpos it ion of the information such as a note and the like inputted to the aforementioned input means A on the aforementioned information such as characters and the like in a book may be stored in the aforementioned information storage medium.

Examples of the display D used herein for the aforementioned electronic book reader M include a liquid crystal panel , an organic electroluminescence panel, and electronic paper. The display D may or may not be a touch panel .

The aforementioned book jacket B is rectangular in shape, and includes two regions. One of the regions extending from the middle of the book jacket B serves as a fixing section for fixing the electronic book reader M therein, and the other region serves as a section for the formation of the input means A having the

aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W. Next, an example of a method of producing the aforementioned input means A will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 cited for a description on a method of producing the optical waveguide W in the foregoing description show portions corresponding to a cross section taken along the line X3-X3 of FIG. 2(a).

First, a substrate 10 in the form of a rectangular frame for the formation of the optical waveguide (with reference to FIG. 3(a)) is prepared. Examples of a material for the formation of this substrate 10 include metal, resin, glass, quartz, and silicon.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer 1 identical in shape with the substrate 10 is formed on a surface of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped substrate 10. This under cladding layer 1 may be formed by a photolithographic method using a photosensitive resin as a material for the formation thereof. The under cladding layer 1 has a thickness in the range of 5 to 50 μιτι, for example.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the light-emitting cores 2a and the light-receiving cores 2b which have the aforementioned pattern are formed by a photolithographic method on a surface of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer 1. An example of a material for the formation of the cores 2a and 2b used herein includes a photosensitive resin having a refractive index higher than that of the materials for the formation of the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 and the over cladding layer 3 to be described below (with reference to FIG. 4(b)) .

As shown in FIG. 3 (c) , a rectangular frame-shaped light-transmissive mold 20 for the formation of the over cladding layer is prepared. This mold 20 includes a cavity 21 having a mold surface complementary in shape to the surface of the over cladding layer 3 (with reference to FIG. 4 (b) ) . The mold 20 is placed on a molding stage (not shown) , with the cavity 21 positioned to face upward. Then, the cavity 21 is filled with a photosensitive resin 3A serving as the material for the formation of the over cladding layer 3.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the cores 2a and 2b patterned on the surface of the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 are positioned relative to the cavity 21 of the aforementioned mold 20. In that state, the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 is pressed against the aforementioned mold 20, so that the aforementioned cores 2a and 2b are immersed in the photosensitive resin 3A serving as the material for the formation of the aforementioned over cladding layer 3. In this state, the aforementioned photosensitive resin 3A is exposed to irradiation light such as ultraviolet light by directing the irradiation light through the aforementioned mold 20 onto the aforementioned photosensitive resin 3A. Thus, the aforementioned photosensitive resin 3A is cured to form the rectangular frame-shaped over cladding layer 3 in which the inner peripheral edge portion of the rectangular frame is formed as the lens portion 3a.

Next, as shown in FIG .4(b) ( shown in an orientation vertically inverted from that shown in FIG. 4(a)), the aforementioned over cladding layer 3 together with the aforementioned substrate 10, the under cladding layer 1, and the cores 2a and 2b is removed from the aforementioned mold 20 (with reference to FIG. 4(a)).

Then, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the aforementioned substrate 10 (with reference to FIG. 4(b)) is stripped from the under cladding layer 1. This provides the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide including the under cladding layer 1, the cores 2a and 2b, and the over cladding layer 3.

Next, as shown in plan view in FIG. 5(a), the flexible printed board 7 is prepared, and a circuit board is produced by mounting the light-emitting element 5, the light-receiving element 6, the IC for controlling the aforementioned input means A (with reference to FIG. 1), the memory for storing therein information inputted to within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W (with reference to FIG. 1), the connecting module for outputting the information to the electronic book reader M (with reference to FIG. 1), and the like onto the flexible printed board 7. In FIG. 5(a), the IC, the memory, the connecting module and the like described above are collectively designated by the reference numeral 8.

The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate 30 is prepared, as shown in plan view in FIG. 5(b) . This retainer plate 30 is in the form of the rectangular frame having one side 31 which is wider. Examples of a material for the formation of this retainer plate 30 include metal , resin, glass, quartz and silicon. In particular, stainless steel is preferable in having a good ability to hold the planarity thereof. The retainer plate 30 has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, for example.

As shown in plan view in FIG. 6(a) and shown in sectional view (a sectional view taken along the line X4-X4 of FIG. 6(a)) in FIG. 6(b), the aforementioned light-emitting element 5 of the aforementioned circuit board is connected to the light-emitting cores 2a, and the aforementioned light-receiving element 6 is connected to the light-receiving cores 2b. In this state, the aforementioned optical waveguide Wis affixed to a surface of the aforementioned retainer plate 30, and the aforementioned circuit board is fixed thereon. At this time, the aforementioned optical waveguide W is affixed to part of the surface of the aforementioned retainer plate 30 which is other than a strip-shaped portion 31a (with reference to FIG. 5(b)) along the outside edge of the aforementioned one wider side 31, and the

aforementioned circuit board is fixed to the

aforementioned strip-shaped portion 31a.

Thereafter, as shown in sectional view in FIG. 7, the top surface of the aforementioned over cladding layer 3 except the lens portion 3a, and the fixed portion of the aforementioned circuit board are covered with the protective plate 40. Examples of a material for the formation of this protective plate 40 include resin, metal, glass, quartz, and silicon. The protective plate 40 has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, for example.

In this manner, the aforementioned input means A is produced. Part of this input means A corresponding to the aforementioned optical waveguide W, together with the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 on the front and back surfaces thereof, is as thin as

approximately 2 mm in total thickness, as mentioned above . Part of the input means A where the aforementioned circuit board is fixed, together with the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 on the front and back surfaces thereof, is as thin as approximately 2 mm in total thickness .

In the aforementioned embodiment, the book jacket B is attached to the electronic book reader , and the input means A is provided on the double spread portion Ba of the book j acket B . However, the entire double spread portion Ba of the book jacket B may be formed as the input means A. In this case, the hollow frame of the frame-shaped optical waveguide of the aforementioned input means A is also positioned along the outer periphery of the aforementioned display D, as in the aforementioned embodiment. Alternatively, the aforementioned electronic book reader M and the input means A may constitute the electronic book device without using the book jacket B.

In the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide

W in the input means A according to the aforementioned embodiment, the tips of the light-emitting cores 2a and the tips of the light-receiving cores 2b are formed as the lens portions, and the edge portion of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions of the cores 2a and 2b is formed as the lens portion 3a for the purpose of improving the light transmission efficiency within the frame. However, when the light transmission efficiency within the frame is sufficient, the aforementioned lens portion (s) may be formed only in either the cores 2a and 2b or the over cladding layer 3, or be formed in neither the cores 2a and 2b nor the over cladding layer 3. When the aforementioned lens portions are not formed, a separate lens element may be prepared and provided within the frame of the optical waveguide W.

Also in the aforementioned embodiment, the retainer plate 30 is provided on the back surface of the optical waveguide W to hold the planarity of the aforementioned optical waveguide W, and the protective plate 40 is provided on the front surface of the optical waveguide W to protect the optical waveguide W. However, when the holding of the planarity and the protection are sufficient, only one or neither of the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 may be provided.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 are provided also on the front and back surfaces of the control means C of the aforementioned input means A. However, when information is outputted by radio from the input means A to the electronic book reader M and the aforementioned protective plate 40 is made of stainless steel, there is a danger that noise is produced in response to radio waves to result in the improper output of information. It is therefore preferable that the aforementioned protective plate 40 is made of resin suchaspolycarbonate.

Next, inventive examples of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the inventive examples.

Examples

Component A: 75 parts by weight of an epoxy resin having an alicyclic skeleton (EHPE 3150 manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

Component B: 25 parts by weight of an

epoxy-group-containing acrylic polymer (MARPROOF G-0150 manufactured by NOF Corporation) .

Component C: four parts by weight of a photo-acid generator (CPI-200K manufactured by San-Apro Ltd.).

A material for the formation of an under cladding layer was prepared by dissolving these components A to C together with five parts by weight of an ultraviolet absorber (TINUVIN 479 manufactured by Ciba Japan K.K.) in cyclohexanone (a solvent) .

Component D: 85 parts by weight of an epoxy resin containing a bisphenol A skeleton (157S70 manufactured by Japan Epoxy Resins Co., Ltd.) .

Component E: five parts by weight of an epoxy resin containing a bisphenol A skeleton (EPIKOTE 828 manufactured by Japan Epoxy Resins Co., Ltd.).

Component F: 10 parts by weight of an epoxy-group-containing styrenic polymer (Marproof G-0250SP manufactured by NOF Corporation) .

A material for the formation of cores was prepared by dissolving these components D to F and four parts by weightofthe aforementioned component C in ethyl lactate.

<Material for Formation of Over Cladding Layer> Component G: 100 parts by weight of an epoxy resin having an alicyclic skeleton (EP4080E manufactured by ADEKA Corporation) .

A material for the formation of an over cladding layer was prepared by mixing this component G and two parts by weight of the aforementioned component C together .

The material for the formation of the

aforementioned under cladding layer was applied to a surface of a rectangular frame-shaped substrate made of stainless steel (having a thickness of 50 μπι) .

Thereafter, a heating treatment was performed at 160°C for two minutes to form a photosensitive resin layer. Then, the aforementioned photosensitive resin layer was exposed to irradiation with ultraviolet light at an integrated dose of 1000 mJ/cm². Thus, the rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer having a thickness of 10 μιη (with a refractive index of 1.510 at a wavelength of 830 nm) was formed. Then, the material for the formation of the aforementioned cores was applied to a surface of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer. Thereafter, a heating treatment was performed at 170°C for three minutes to form a photosensitive resin layer. Next, exposure was performed at an integrated dose of 3000 mJ/cm² by the irradiation with ultraviolet light through a photomask (with a gap of 100 μιη) . Subsequently, a heating treatment was performed at 120°C for 10 minutes. Thereafter, development was performed using a developing solution ( γ-butyrolactone ) todissolve away unexposed portions. Thereafter, a drying process was performed at 120°C for five minutes. Thus, the cores having a width of 30 μπι and a height of 50 μπι (with a refractive index of 1.570 at a wavelength of 830 nm) were patterned .

A rectangular frame-shaped light-transmissive mold for the formation of the over cladding layer was prepared. This mold includes a cavity having a mold surface complementary in shape to the surface of the over cladding layer. The mold was placed on a molding stage, with the cavity positioned to face upward. Then, the cavity was filled with the material for the formation of the over cladding layer.

Then, the cores patterned on the surface of the aforementioned under cladding layer were positioned relative to the cavity of the aforementioned mold. In that state, the aforementioned under cladding layer was pressed against the aforementioned mold, so that the aforementioned cores were immersed in the material for the formation of the aforementioned over cladding layer. In this state, exposure was performed at an integrated dose of 8000 raJ/cm² by irradiating the material for the formation of the aforementioned over cladding layer with ultraviolet light through the aforementioned mold . Thus, the rectangular frame-shaped over cladding layer was formed in which an inner peripheral edge portion of the rectangular frame was in the form of a convex lens portion. The convex lens portion had a substantially quadrantal curved lens surface (having a radius of curvature of 1.4 mm) as seen in sectional side view.

Next, the aforementioned over cladding layer together with the aforementioned substrate, the under cladding layer and the cores was removed from the aforementioned mold.

Then, the aforementioned substrate was stripped from the under cladding layer. This provided a rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide (having a total thickness of 1 mm) including the under cladding layer, the cores, and the over cladding layer.

Next, a flexible printed board was prepared, and a circuit board was produced by mounting a light-emitting element ( SM85-2N001 manufactured by Optowell Co . , Ltd.), a light-receiving element (S-10226 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.), a CMOS driving IC, a crystal oscillator, a memory for storing therein information inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide, a connecting module for connection to an electronic book reader, and the like onto the flexible printed board. The aforementioned light-emitting element of this circuit board was connected to light-emitting ones of the cores, and the aforementioned light-receiving element was connected to light-receiving ones of the cores. A control means including the circuit board had a total thickness of 1 mm.

A rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate made of stainless steel (having a thickness of 0.5 mm) wasprepared. The hollow frame of the retainer plate was in the form of a rectangle having a vertical dimension of 94.7 mm and a horizontal dimension of 125.7 mm. The rectangular frame included one wider side having a width of 25 mm, and three remaining sides having a width of 7 mm. The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide was affixed to a portion of the surface of the aforementioned retainer plate which was outside the aforementioned hollow frame, and the aforementioned circuit board was fixed along an outside edge of the aforementioned one wider side. Thereafter, the top surface of the aforementioned over cladding layer except the lens portion, and the fixed portion of the aforementioned circuit board were covered with a protective plate made of polycarbonate (having a thickness of 0.5 mm) . Thi s provided an input means . Part of this input means corresponding to the optical waveguide and part thereof corresponding to the circuit board, together with the retainer plate and the protective plate on the front and back surfaces thereof, had a total thickness of 2 mm.

<Production of Electronic Book Device> An electronic book reader was prepared. The electronic book reader and the aforementioned input means were connected to each other through a connecting cable for transmission of information and a connecting cable for supply of electricity. The aforementioned electronic book reader incorporated software (a program) which converted coordinates within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide in the input means into coordinates on a screen of a display of the electronic book reader to cause a note and the like inputted to the input means to appear on the display. The aforementioned input means was placed on a flat table, with the aforementioned stainless steel retainer plate positioned to face downward. <Inventive Example 1>

Character information in a book was caused to appear on the display of the aforementioned electronic book reader. In this state, an inputter moved his/her finger within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide of the aforementioned input means. As a result, the path of movement of his/her finger was displayed while being superimposed on the aforementioned character information in the book appearing on the aforementioned display. The path of movement of his/her finger was able to be stored in the memory of the aforementioned input means. Later, only the path of movement was able to be reproduced on the aforementioned display.

A paper sheet was prepared, and was placed under the input means so that part of the paper sheet was revealed within the frame of the optical waveguide. In this state, a pen for writing was moved within the frame of the optical waveguide. As a result, the path of movement of the pen was displayed while being superimposed on information such as a document appearing on the aforementioned display. Further, the use of the aforementioned pen for writing allowed an inputter to write the aforementioned path of movement on the aforementioned paper sheet. Further, the path of movement of the pen was able to be stored in the memory of the aforementioned input means. Later, only the path of movement was able to be reproduced on the aforementioned display.

Although a specific form of embodiment of the instant invention has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be more clearly understood, the above description is made by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the instant invention. It is contemplated that various modifications apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art could be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be determined by the following claims .

The electronic book device is applicable to leaving a note and the like during the reading of a book with an electronic book reader.

Claims

1. An electronic book device, comprising:

an electronic book reader including a display; and an input means for inputting new information for addition to information appearing on the display, by moving an input element, the input means outputting the inputted new information to the electronic book reader, wherein the input means includes

a frame-shaped optical waveguide including first and second sections opposed to each other in the form of the frame, the first section including a plurality of light-emitting cores formed therein, the second section including a plurality of light-receiving cores formed therein, the cores having respective tips positioned on inner edges of the frame, the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores being opposed to each other,

wherein the input means uses the path of the input element within the frame of the optical waveguide as the new information.

2. The electronic book device according to claim 1, further comprising

a double-spread book jacket attached to the electronic book reader, the book jacket having an opening of the same size as the display, the opening being provided in part of the book jacket corresponding to the display, wherein the frame-shaped optical waveguide is provided along the opening.

3. The electronic book device according to claim 1, further comprising

a double-spread book jacket attached to the electronic book reader, the book jacket including a double spread portion on the side corresponding to the display, the double spread portion entirely serving as the input means ,

wherein the frame-shaped optical waveguide of the input means has a hollow frame positionable along the outer periphery of the display.

4. The electronic book device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores is in the form of a lens portion.

5. The electronic book device according to any one ofclaims 1 to 4, whereinanedgeportionofanovercladding layer is formed so as to cover the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores, and the edge portion of the over cladding layer is in the form of a lens portion.