Abstract: A viewer for displaying electronic books and having various features for restricting access to their content. A user may assign ratings to stored electronic books, or use standard ratings, and assign access levels to potential users. The ratings and access levels determine which electronic books, or portions of the electronic books, a particular user may access on the viewer.

Abstract: Peripherals and data processing systems are disclosed which can be configured to interact based upon sensor data. In at least certain embodiments, a method for sensing motion and orientation information for a device includes receiving a motion event from at least one sensor located in a device. The method further includes determining an orientation for a display of the device. The method further includes determining whether the device is currently moving. The method further includes determining whether the device moves within an angle with respect to a ground reference for a first time period. The method further includes switching the orientation of the display of the device if the device moves in excess of the angle.

Abstract: A hidden touch pad structure adapted for an electronic product includes a touch pad and a plate covering the touch pad. The plate includes a pad-recognizing portion corresponding to the touch pad. A circuit board is electronically connected to the touch pad for receiving a pressure signal when pressing the pad-recognizing portion of the plate.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a housing defining a card slot on a first face thereof, the housing including first and second housing portions; a spine member pivotally coupling the first and second housing portions, the spine defining a cavity therein; a screen display mounted on the housing on a second face thereof opposite the first face; microprocessor circuitry positioned in the housing, in between the card slot and the screen display, the microprocessor circuitry controlling an operation of the electronic book; and a card scanner mounted in the housing between the microprocessor circuitry and the card slot, and facing away from the screen display, the card scanner configured to scan a card inserted into the card slot and to convert a two-dimensional pattern on the card into data signals, the card scanner being connected to the microprocessor circuitry. The microprocessor circuitry is configured to convert the data signals into image data to be viewed on the screen display.

Abstract: In a game machine, image display not giving the player a feeling of oddness or disadvantage during game progress even if a non-display at a physical distance is present between different display screen areas. The game machine executes program for controlling image display of first and second display screens on both sides of a non-display area. To move an object from the first to the second display screen and display it there. The movement angle and movement speed are calculated at the display coordinate position of the object displayed on the first display screen, and the movement distance which the object moves through the non-display area from the movement angle is determined. Further, a preset additional distance corresponding to the object to the movement distance is added to use it as a virtual movement distance. The object on the second display screen is displayed when the time required for the object to move the virtual movement distance has elapsed.

Abstract: The invention relates to electronic devices, in particular consumer electronic devices, including an electrophoactive display, as well as to electronic document reading devices, sometimes called e-readers, such as electronic books. We describe an electronic device including an electroactive display and a light to illuminate said display, wherein said display has a viewing surface, and wherein said light is configured to illuminate said display from in front and to one side of an edge of said viewing surface, across said viewing surface and through a front-most surface of said display.

Abstract: An electronic book comprising a first housing portion; a second housing portion; a cylindrical spine interposed between the first and second housing portions and pivotally connecting the first housing portion to the second housing portion; a flexible display screen fast with inner faces of the first and second housings and spanning the spine; first and second microprocessor circuitry respectively positioned in the first and second housing portions behind the flexible display screen; a scan head for scanning a data card, the scan head provided on the first microprocessor circuitry on a surface opposite the flexible display screen, the scan head facing away from the flexible display screen; and an internal cartridge for holding a card fed pass the scan head, the internal cartridge having a clear backing window through which an un-scanned surface of the card is visible.

Abstract: A thin, readily portable book has a memory-type liquid crystal display in the display section of the thin portable book so as to obtain low power consumption along with compact size and reduced weight, a solar cell and a charging device in the energy section of the thin portable book, so that low power consumption is further promoted, a freely detachable cassette-type or card-type non-volatile semiconductor memory in the recording medium section of the thin portable book so as to provide further savings in power consumption.

Abstract: A unit for providing an interactive, light-activated, voice recorder unit for a book wherein said interactive voice recorder unit automatically initiates a playback mode when the front cover of a book is opened and light enters the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective control of display data sequencing in a mobile computing device is disclosed. The method may include storing a plurality of display data sequencing instruction sets in a memory of the mobile computing device, each of the display data sequencing instruction sets being usable for transferring data in accordance with a different sequencing of display data than other ones of the display data sequencing instruction sets, receiving an indication of a particular type of display data sequencing to be used, selecting one of the display data sequencing instruction sets based on the received indication of the particular type of display data sequencing to be used, transferring data for display based on the selected one of the display data sequencing instruction sets, and controlling the transfer of data to the display device in order to synchronize the data transfer with the data and timing requirements of the display device.

Abstract: A portable electronic display device includes an electronic display surface having at least one display panel that displays a graphical and/or textual message, memory that stores a plurality of the messages, and one or more switches on the device that allow user selection of one of the messages. The device further includes a controller that disables the one or more switches if none of the switches are selected after a predetermined period of time after power is turned on to the display device, or if none of the switches are selected after a predetermined period of time subsequent to the last switch selection occurrence. In this manner, a person is prevented from subsequently changing the message via the one or more switches.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including: a device main body that processes data; a display device arranged in the device main body to display the data; a first operation device arranged in the device main body on a display surface side of the display device within a movable range of fingers of a hand for holding the device main body; a second operation device arranged in the device main body on an opposite side of the display surface within the movable range of the fingers of the hand for holding the device main body; and a control circuit that causes, only when one of the first operation device and the second operation device is being operated, the other to function.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for creating an interactive journaling experience for a user. The user is provided with apparatuses or systems which assist the user in generating a journal by providing interactive features such as suggestions, supportive statements, questions, instructions, and entertainment to enhance and develop the user's writing ability and interest in the journaling process.

Abstract: A proximity input detection system for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an inductive field sensor to detect a change in a magnetic field when an input device with a coil is within a threshold distance. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes a capacitive sensor which can locate the position of an electrically conductive object which is within a threshold distance. The capacitive sensor can also be used, for example, as a switch to activate the device if a user picks it up. The present invention allows user inputs to be detected without actually touching the electronic device. The present invention can also be used to detect inputs through intervening non-metallic layers such as a protective cover or another display of the device without using additional input sensors.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method and apparatus for synchronization of sensory stimulation with the reading experience. In a specific embodiment, audio and/or video stimulation can be provided to a reader. In additional embodiments, the sensory stimulation can include touch, smell, and/or taste. The reading experience can include, for example, the reading of books, magazines, textbooks, telephone directories, maps, resumes, brochures, newspapers, or other forms of written or printed materials, which can include, but are not limited to, words, photographs, illustrations, drawings, cartoons, and braille. The synchronization of sensory stimulation with the reading experience can involve providing sensory stimulation in relation to a reader's location or approximate location with respect to written or printed materials. In addition to sensory stimulation, other forms of interaction can be provided, such as interactive games, or interactive tests.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a housing that defines a card slot. A screen display is mounted on the housing. Microprocessor circuitry is positioned in the housing to control operation of the electronic book. A card scanner is mounted in the housing and is configured to scan a card inserted into the card slot and to convert a two-dimensional pattern on the card into data signals. The card scanner is connected to the microprocessor circuitry, which is configured to convert the data signals into image data to be viewed on the screen display.

Abstract: Utilizing a 2-dimensional display screen as a 3-dimensional multi-way rocker for pivoting an image displayed on the display screen in a 3-dimensional manner. The display screen may include a plurality of predefined and adjustable edge portions, such that each edge portion is designated as a respective rocker edge portion. Further, each respective rocker edge portion can be designated as at least one of a pivot portion and a panel portion. If a rocker edge portion that is a panel portion is utilized, then a hidden panel, including, for example information and/or options related to the image displayed on the display screen, will appear. In addition, if a rocker edge portion that is a pivot portion is utilized, then the image displayed on the display screen will be pivoted around an invisible axis causing a portion of the image (which was once not visible) to appear.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. Microprocessor circuitry is positioned in the housing portions to control operation of the electronic book. A cylindrical spine is interposed between the first and second housing portions, which are pivotally connected to the spine to be pivoted between an open condition for reading and a closed condition. A flexible display screen is fast with inner faces of the first and second housings and spans the spine. The spine defines a recess to accommodate a curvature of the screen intermediate the first and second portions, when the portions are in a closed condition.

Abstract: There is provided a battery-driven electronic book reader for switchingly displaying each page of contents separated in predetermined pages on a cholesteric liquid crystal panel, wherein a remaining available battery level is detected (step S102), the number of pages to be switchedly displayed on the cholesteric liquid crystal panel is calculated based on the detected remaining available battery level (step S104), and the calculated number of pages is displayed on the cholesteric liquid crystal panel (step 105).

Abstract: An information display sheet includes: a transparent first substrate; a second substrate spaced away from and parallel to the transparent first substrate; a sound reproducer provided in a space formed by side edges stipulated by the transparent first substrate and the second substrate; and an information display unit provided in the space, having an information displaying section arranged facing the transparent first substrate for displaying image information.

Abstract: The displaying apparatus 100 displays a plurality of display data sequentially by updating its display. On a surface of the frame 100a, the displaying apparatus 100 includes a display panel 110, a bend member 120a, and a bend member 120b and both the bend member 120a and the bend member 120b have elasticity. Each of the bend member 120a and the bend member 120b is provided at an edge of the surface of the frame 100a. The user bends each of the bend member 120a and the bend member 120b when he wants to update the display of the display panel 110. The displaying apparatus 100 updates the display in the display panel 110 based on the deformation volume in the bend member 120.

Abstract: A holding stand is constituted by a carrying case for holding sheets of electronic paper and a base for uprightly supporting the carrying case that is substantially vertical. From the holding stand, two page fields, each expressing the number of pages of sheets of electronic paper to be displayed and position page field expressing a current page position of electronic paper and incremented on each of the sheets, are added to image data, and the image data is output to the sheets of electronic paper. In each sheets, when the two page fields coincide with each other in comparison between the two page fields, an image based on the image data is displayed in a display region. When the two page fields are different from each other, the position page field is incremented by one, and the position page field is transmitted to the next electronic paper.

Abstract: A presentation of textual material is provided in a “role-play” reading format which has text corresponding to the dialogue of a plurality of characters in order to facilitate reading aloud in a group. The text for the dialogue of a plurality of characters is presented in a different indicia throughout substantially all the presentation. Preferably the indicia is color so the dialogue for each character is in a different color. The text for each character is also selected and presented at a level corresponding to the reading level of the reader selecting or assigned to read each character. The text is preferably selected from among a plurality of texts pre-written at substantially different reading levels. The reading material can be presented on paper, or on media suitable for display on an electronic screen. The text for each character is in a size and font suitable for the reading level of the reader selecting or assigned to read the dialogue for the character.

Abstract: A flat panel image display unit such as a plasma display device is provided having a structure of signal input terminals that is adaptable flexibly to a plurality of different kinds of video signals. The image display unit includes a flat display panel, a display drive circuit block, an input signal circuit block connected between the display drive circuit block and an external apparatus for outputting a video signal, and an enclosure for housing the above components. The input signal circuit block includes a plurality of different kinds of board blocks provided replaceably according to a plurality of different forms of signals. A casing member is placed inside the enclosure and is provided with an insertion opening for accepting insertion of any of the board blocks. A guide rail is for positioning the board block to a predetermined position. The plurality of guide rails are provided according to the board block of a smallest unit size.

Abstract: In the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, two display units differ in size are coupled so that an edge part of one of the display units is exposed from the other display unit when the electronic apparatus is folded. An index unit is installed on the edge part and displays index tabs of data recorded in the electronic apparatus. When a user opens the folded electronic apparatus while pressing one of the index tabs, data corresponding to the designated index are extracted from the recorded data and are displayed on the display units.

Abstract: An image displaying device includes a first display portion capable of changing display contents and provided at a surface side of a main body, a second display portion capable of changing display contents and provided at a lower surface side of the main body and a detector which detects a turning-over of the main body. The display contents of the first or second display portion is changed by a display controller depending on detected results of the detector.

Abstract: A hardware and software system including a controller that can be operatively combined with several methods of display on a display screen under software and hardware control for the purpose of browsing through data stored in a memory device. The browsing of the data stored in a memory device is facilitated in such a way that it allows a rapid view of what contents are present and the organization of the material in the data, as well as rapid access to the items in the data involved. The controllers in the system have specialized functions for effecting various actions on the data displayed on the display screen in such a way that users can rapidly browse through the data involved. The methods of display may include interaction with CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, a portable optical large volume storage disk, a portable large volume non-optical storage medium, a TV, and an HDTV.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus wherein playback of display data and playback of audio data relating to the display data are changed over in an associated relationship with each other in response to an open or closed state of a lid with respect to a housing.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a main body, a cover unit having a display such as an LCD, and a detecting mechanism for detecting the opening and closing of the cover unit in relation to the main body. The detecting mechanism includes a cam mounted coaxially to and rotating together with a pivot shaft that can rotate together with the cover unit, and a detecting switch mounted to the main body and directly or indirectly actuated by the action of the cam as the cover unit opens and closes to detect the opening and closing of the cover unit.

Abstract: A method for flipping pages of an electronic book via an electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: An electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: A method for displaying flipping pages of an electronic book via an electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hot spot is normally centered in an area of contact between a user's finger and a touch screen to position the hot spot on an icon or other feature thereby selecting a program or function corresponding to the icon or feature. When the contact area is near an edge, the hot spot is offset toward the edge so that it coincides more closely to the center of the users finger, thus allowing an icon or other feature adjacent the edge of the screen to be more easily selected. In another embodiment, a cursor is displayed on a touch screen at a location that is offset from the contact area between a finger and the screen. The cursor, which is used as the hot spot of the computer, is normally offset above the contact area except when the contact area is close to the bottom of the screen.

Abstract: An electronic information browsing system that provides a book-like interface—a virtual book—for presenting electronic contents. Specifically, an electronic information browsing system that allows users to configure its behavior via data and program specification encapsulated in a dynamic file format. Configurable behavior includes but not limited to the kind of contents to be displayed in the virtual book, the sources of the contents to be displayed, the static aspects of the virtual book such as the book dimensions and the dynamic aspects of the virtual book such as when a page is to be flipped, how the flipping of pages is contingent upon the execution of certain pre-specified events, etc.

Abstract: The invention presents an information processing apparatus having a simple structure and which is capable of distinguishing between states of use, automatically changing over the display direction of the display screen, and excellent in shock durability, protection from water drops and dust, as well as power savings. The information processing apparatus includes a main body having a first contact-free sensor element, a display unit having a display panel and a second contact-free sensor element, a hinge having axes of rotation for coupling the main body and the display unit, and a display processor for rotating the display of the display panel. At least either the first contact-free sensor element or the second contact-free sensor element sends a first signal to the display processor when the first contact-free sensor element and the second contact-free sensor element are placed face to face, and the display processor rotates the display of the display panel according to the first signal.

Abstract: The image display apparatus includes an mage data acquiring section for acquiring image data, an image display section having a plurality of substantially sheet-like image display mediums bundled and integrated for displaying images by using the obtained image data, an image display mode setting device for setting an image display mode in displaying an image on an image display screen of each of the plurality of image display mediums and an image display adjusting section for adjusting a display image according to the set image display. The image display method bundles and integrates a plurality of substantially sheet-like image display mediums for displaying images by using image data and sets an image display mode indicative of a display mode of an image on each of the image display mediums.

Abstract: A low-cost display apparatus whose display section can have its angle and height adjusted easily through a stand of a simple structure is provided. The stand of the display apparatus includes first and second arms that form a V shape. The first arm is attached to the display section through a hinge. By having the second arm extend to the front and the back underneath the display section so that the second arm is laid on a surface, the display section is supported in a first supported state at a distance from this surface. By having the second arm extend downward diagonally from the tip of the first arm so that the tip of the second arm and the lower end of the display section stand on a surface, the display section is supported in a second supported state where the display section is in contact with this surface.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, an MP3 decoder, and at least one speaker. The memory device stores files. The files include at least one MP3 file. The MP3 decoder decodes the MP3 file to output text. The at least one speaker audibly reproduces the text.

Abstract: Systems and methods of creating talking books that employ photo-electronics to realize autonomous page recognition, are provided. More particularly, systems and methods are provided for employing one or more light sensing components (e.g., photoresistors, phototransistors, and photodiodes) on the pages of a book in order to recognize when a user is reading a particular page, or a pair of pages such that an audio segment associated to that page, or pair of pages, may be played. This invention also provides light sensing components that can recognize, and react to, user interactions with a talking book. Examples included playing a media segment or turning a particular LED ON for a particular action (e.g., covering an interacting light sensing component).

Abstract: An electronic book for presenting text and/or graphics includes a scanner for scanning data cards bearing a pattern encoding the text and/or graphics. The electronic book further includes a programmed processor for decoding the text and/or graphics and a screen for displaying same. In a preferred embodiment the electronic book is provided in a compact foldable housing with an appearance similar to a conventional book including a flexible and foldable screen. The housing includes a spine having a recess to allow the folded screen to loop without damage occurring due to creasing.

Abstract: The invention has an object to provide the electronic paper file, which an electronic paper can be attached to or detached from by providing a connecting terminal including the physical or electrical connecting function to both the electronic paper and the main unit. Since the display data is to be displayed on the nonvolatile display medium fitted to the display of the electronic paper, the electronic paper detached from the main unit can retain the display content. Since the connecting terminal fitted to the main unit is fixed to the rotatable rotatable axis, it is possible to retain the desired page with keeping double-pages spread.

Abstract: An electronic communications and user interface kit, including a display device; a plurality of separate electronic devices capable of directly utilizing the display device; and a portable container with an interconnection system integrated into the container and connected to the display device and the plurality of electronic devices for transferring display information from the plurality of electronic devices to the display device.

Abstract: The display device includes a pedestal having a planar pedestal main body to be placed on a placing object and a planar arm that is arranged in a standing manner having a specified angle against the pedestal main body, and a display portion that is installed to the arm in a swinging manner and has an image display portion. In the case where the center of gravity of the display portion is within a range of a projection surface of the pedestal, the swinging angle of the display portion can be optimally set.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for ordering, paying for and download digital products to a mobile device in a cost-effective manner. The mobile device includes a short range transceiver and a network transceiver. The mobile device accesses electronic shop server web sites which contain digital products for sale and hotspot network locations where these digital products may be downloaded to the mobile device via the short range transceiver. The hotspot network locations contain a hotspot device for transmitting the digital products to the mobile devices via the low power radio frequency signal of the short range transceivers when the mobile device has detected the low power radio frequency signal. Using this system, method and computer program, a user of a mobile device may download large amounts of digital data without incurring telephone or cellular phone charges.

Abstract: A portable viewing and computing apparatus. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a bus, a memory unit coupled to the bus, and a processor coupled to the bus. The memory unit is for storing data and instructions. The processor is for processing data and instructions. The portable viewing and computing apparatus is further comprised of a display device coupled to the bus. The display device is comprised of a viewing panel viewable from a front side and a back side. The portable viewing and computing apparatus is further comprised of a display device controller coupled to the bus. The display device controller is for sensing the orientation and rotation of the display device, and in response thereto, for controlling and rendering data on the display device.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus wherein playback of display data and playback of audio data relating to the display data are changed over in an associated relationship with each other in response to an open or closed state of a lid with respect to a housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for display of information on an external display using a handheld computing device are provided. An expansion module is configured to attach to a handheld computing device such as a personal digital assistance (PDA). The expansion module includes a communication interface to operably connect the module to the computing device via a expansion slot. The module also includes a memory, and an external display controller. When the expansion module is connected to the computing device, the computing device detects the presence of the module. Control software is then executed by the computing system's microcontroller causing graphic control interfaces to be displayed on the computing system's display screen. A user using the control interfaces can operate the control software to cause the computing device display presentation data on the external display device.

Abstract: A coordinate inputting/detecting apparatus in which a designating device for designating a position in a flat or substantially flat two-dimensional coordinate inputting/detecting area of the coordinate inputting/detecting apparatus is judged as located in a predetermined range of the coordinate inputting/detecting area when an optical detection signal of an optical unit, that optically detects the designating device inserted into the predetermined range of the coordinate inputting/detecting area, exceeds a first predetermined threshold value. Whether or not the designating device has been inserted into the predetermined range of the coordinate inputting/detecting area is judged and coordinates of the position in the coordinate inputting/detecting area, designated by the designating device inserted in the predetermined range of the coordinate inputting/detecting area, are recognized in accordance with the optical detection signal of the optical unit.

Abstract: A method for displaying flipping pages of an electronic book via an electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: A kind of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) that comprises a body and an expansion back case. The body comprises a connection groove found at its end, which connects to the body's processor. The expansion back case has default expansion functions, and it comprises a cover panel located at its end and a connection port below the cover panel. The connection port matches the connection groove when the body and the expansion back case are connected. To connect the body and the expansion back case together, simply slide the expansion back case on the back of the body until the cover panel of the expansion back case covers the connection port and the connection groove. A user may choose to carry either the binary PDA or just the body, so as to enhance the flexibility of the use of the PDA.