WO2001071518A1

WO2001071518A1 - Electronic briefcase

Info

Publication number: WO2001071518A1
Application number: PCT/NL2001/000239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Géza TESSÉNYI
Original assignee: Tessenyi Geza
Priority date: 2000-03-22
Filing date: 2001-03-22
Publication date: 2001-09-27
Also published as: AU4288101A; NL1014720C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for presenting information in visible form, comprising two hingedly connected plateformed elements, which in a rest position can be folded with the inner surfaces substantially against one another, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces comprises a screen and further comprising memory means for the information and processing- and control means for presenting this information in such way visible on the screen, and functioning as a personal computer.

Description

ELECTRONIC BRIEFCASE

The invention relates to a device for presenting information m visible form, comprising at least one screen.

Devices of this kind are generally known as personal computers, electronic diaries and such.

A drawback of these devices is that these are usually uncomfortable and tiring to use, when the user wants to absorb a lot of information m visible form. Furthermore the information is often visible for third parties near the user, for instance when using a portable personal computer, these third parties can very well see the screen and the information thereon.

WO 97/22107 discloses an electronic book for displaying book material on two pivotally connected plate formed elements, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces comprises a screen. The displayed information is depicted m a book like manner, as to utilize the two screens as two pages of a book. The electronic book comprises a processor, connected to memory means with software and data receiving/sending ports and data input means. It is possible to upload information from the internet, using a mobile phone. Notes can be added by means of a soft -keyboard on one of the touch screens or on a supplementary hard-keyboard. But, this invention is limited m use. It is equipped only to execute the most essential notebook functions. The object of the present invention is to execute all functions according to the state of the art of personal computers .

The invention has for its object to provide a device of the kind described above, m which this drawback is reduced

According to the invention this object is achieved with a device as characterized in claim 1. The device as characterized m claim 1 can be handled as a book, guaranteeing a comfortable reading and watching position and furthermore making the view of third persons on the screen difficult.

Each inner surface comprises at least one screen, which enables holding the device, when the embodiment is portable, without having a clear top or downside. Certainly, m the case of a symmetrical embodiment this problem will occur. According to claim 2 the device comprises a display projecting means to align a displayed image on the screen m a readable manner, independent of how the user holds the device, so that the image is displayed on the screen with the top on the upperside of the screens. Two possible holding positions exist, a laptop position and a book position. The laptop position is characterized by the two plateformed elements extending each other, which makes the hinge project close to horizontal m front of the user, similar to the known laptop position. The book position is characterized by two pivoting plateformed elements next to each other with the hinge projecting upward, similar to the normal holding position of a textbook. The measure of claim 2 opens the possibility to change the image on the screens according to the reading position Totally four holding positions are involved, two laptop positions and two book positions .

Preferably the measure of claim 3 is adapted. A change m the holding position will result automatically m a change of the direction of the displayed image. The device can comprise e.g. a mercury switch as a holding position detector Other means for detecting the holding position are also possible.

Preferably, according to claim 4, at least one of the screens is embodied as a touch screen, as known as such from prior art

Different input means, according to claim 5, can be used for making the device function as personal computer ossible input means could comprise a hard keyboard and a mouse The touch screen is also a input means, even so more means are possible By the measure of claim 6, the information taken up m the device can be adapted or replaced. In this way an almost unlimited amount of different information can be used with one and the same device.

The memory means of the device can be, as characterized m claim 7, a detachable information carrier such as a memory card, a diskette, a CD-rom, a DVD and such.

Another possibility is characterized m claim 8.

In a preferred way the measure of claim 9 is used therewith. Providers of information suitable for the device according to the invention, can do this through the network, like Internet, so that the user of the information can buy this information at any desired time.

With an embodiment of the device with which information from a network, specifically Internet, can be downloaded, the measure of claim 10 can be used m a suitable way. In this way information from the network can be downloaded at any desired place, so that the user does not have to plan m advance what information he wants to use with his device.

The device m a preferred embodiment, according to claim 4, comprises a touchscreen, which can function as a soft keyboard, according to the measure of claim 11. A soft keyboard is a keyboard incorporated on a touch screen, a (hard) keyboard is a usual keyboard for a desktop computer. When the device is held m a laptop position, a soft keyboard can be displayed, e.g. automatically in line with claim 3. This soft keyboard is displayed at the same position, which is ordinarily held by the hard keyboard m prior art laptop computers . In this preferred embodiment the device can at least execute all known prior art laptop-functions

In a further preferred embodiment according to claim 12, the device also comprises a input means that recognizes/reads hand-writing Recognition of handwriting is known as such m prior art. Preferably the measure of claim 13 is adapted. In case the reading direction is for instance from left to right, on the right screen information will be presented that follows the information which is presented on the left screen.

Specifically when using the matter of claim 14, the device according to the invention can be used as a book, wherein the information to be presented on the screens corresponds to the information on the pages of a book. By activating the actuating means a page is turned over as it were, so that, with a reading direction from left to right and from above to below, after finishing reading the readable information on the right screen, one can continue reading the information at the top of the left screen. Because the readable information stands still at the screens during reading, the sense of sight of the user is only lightly loaded, so that the device according to the invention can be used for reading during long periods without tiredness.

Because the memory means, as known as such from prior art, can contain a great lot of information, a device according to the invention can present much more information than a printed book of the same size. In this way it is possible to include the contents of a large encyclopedia in a device having the size of a pocketbook. Also a large series of reading books can be taken up in a device of the same size.

According to a further developed embodiment the measure of claim 15 can be used. The means for making the function as a desktop personal computer can comprise program memory means, a keyboard and such. A keyboard can be used as a separate tool and for instance be connected with the device through a cord, a connector or wireless.

Preferably the device according to the invention is provided with a cover, according to claim 16. This can be embodied in a way as is usual for a book. The cover can for instance be a leather cover, so that when the device according to the invention is handled, a tactile experience is had corresponding to that when a valuable book is read. The cover is also very suitable for personalizing the device according to the invention for a specific user. This can be done by suitable printing, color, choice of material and such.

The invention will be further illustrated m the following description with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention m a book position.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows an third embodiment of the device according to the invention m a laptop position.

Figure 4 shows the third embodiment after rotating the device according to the invention to the book position.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. As can be seen this device 1 comprises two plateformed elements 2, 3 which are elongated and connected to one another along their long sides by means of a hinge.

Figure 1 shows the situation of use m which the two plateformed elements 2, 3 are folded out. In the position of rest the plateformed elements 2, 3 can be shut with their inner surfaces against one another, so that a compact form results.

In this embodiment the inner surfaces of the plateformed elements 2, 3 both comprise a screen 4 respectively 5. On these screens information can be made visible so that the user can watch this information. The information is made visible on the screens m such way, that the hinge 11 is at the side of the information on the screens 4, 5, that is to say that, for instance when the information is readable information, this information can be read m the position of the device as shown m figure 1 Therefore the device 1 can be held as a book, wherein the inside surfaces of the panels 2, 3 function as pages .

In case of an embodiment of the device with two screens 4, .5 on adjoining plateformed elements 2, 3 the information is presented in reading order. Accordingly with a reading order from left to right and from top to bottom, as is usual in Western countries, the information which is presented on screen 5 will follow the information which is presented on screen 4. In case of a reverse reading order, as usual in Eastern countries, the information on screen 4 will follow that of screen 5.

The device 1 is provided with buttons 6, 7 which for instance can be used for "leafing" through the information. When the information is readable information, that is to say when on the screens 4 and 5 as it where pages of one book are presented, by actuating button 6 a next page will be shown and by actuating button 7 a previous page will be shown. In this way during reading of the readable information the information on the screens stands still, which is relaxing for the sense of sight of the user.

The device 1 is provided with memory means, in which the information which will be ultimately shown on the screens 4 and 5 can be stored in digital form. These memory means for instance can be formed by a CD-rom or DVD, that can be mounted in the CD- or DVD-station 9. For controlling this station a control panel 10 has been provided in the device 1.

Instead of a detachable information carrier like a CD-rom, the device 1 can also use information which is stored in integrated solid state erasable memory means. This information can be taken up in the memory means of the device 1 through ports 8, that can be usual PC-ports. The control panel 10 can be used for that purpose also.

The device 20 as shown in figure 2 is provided with some extra options. Also in this case the device 20 comprises two plateformed elements 21, 22, which are each provided at a inner surface with screens 23, 24. The device 20 is provided with a holder 28 for a mobile telephone 27, which is connected to the device 20 through a connecting cord 29. Alternatively the connection can be cordless m a matter know as such, by infrared or electromagnetically. By means of this mobile telephone 27 a network, for instance Internet, can be contacted and suitable information can be loaded into the device 20.

In the opposing plateformed elements 22 a recess 30 is formed, m which the mobile telephone 27 is received m the closed situation of the device 20. In this closed situation the telephone is stored well enclosed, but can still be reached, for instance for selecting a provider, so as to download e-mail or other information .

The holder 28 and the recess 30 can be universal, so that mobile telephones of different shape and size can be received.

The device 20 can also be used as a simple PC. The functionality of the device 20 is m principle unlimited. In view of the intended application however generally use as diary, address book and such will suffice. Simple input operations, like imputing small e- mail messages, can be performed by means of the keyboard 32.

If more information has to be processed, a separate keyboard 25 can be used m a preferred way. In the embodiment shown here, the keyboard, which is drawn at a somewhat smaller scale, is connected with the device 20 through an infrared connection 31. The keyboard 25 further comprises a so called track-ball 26, for controlling a cursor. In stead of an infrared connection, of course also a cord can be used.

In stead of a keyboard, like the keyboard 25, also a foldable keyboard known as such can be used. An other possibility is that one or both of the screens 23, 24 are embodied as touch screen and that the device 20 further comprises software with which on one or both of the screens 23, 24 a keyboard can be displayed, that can be operated by touching the screen.

In a suitable way the software of the device 20 can be such that for instance on screen 24 a keyboard is displayed, while at the screen 23 the mputed information is displayed. In a suitable way this software is made such that the information on the screen 23 can be displayed rotated a quarter term, so that the device 20 can be used as laptop computer, holding element 22 on ones knees .

In a further embodiment speech recognition software can be included, such that the user can dictate text that is converted m written form m the device. For this purpose a separator built m microphone and soundprocessor hard- and software will be provided.

The screens as used m the device according to the invention, are so called flat screens, that is to say LCD- or TFT-screens or such.

At the sides of the devices that are not visible a cover can be provided, for instance a leather cover. In this way it is possible at one side to give the device an appealing appearance and at the other side holding the device like a book, can be a pleasant experience. On the external cover and/or around the page- screens optionally there can be lightweight solar cells to complement or longer sustain rechargeable electronic energy level .

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the device 40 according to the invention m a laptop position. The device 40 comprises two plateformed elements 41 and 42, each comprising on the inner surface a screen 43 and 44. Both screens 43, 44 m this case are touch screens. Requested information is displayed on screen 43. Here, the reading direction of the text 48 displayed on screen 43 is parallel to hinge 49 and to the right. The user can read the text 48 m the known manner for laptops, when a laptop is held m its usual position, with one side, 42, supported close to horizontally. The inner surface of plateformed element 42 comprises touch screen 44, displaying soft keyboard 45. This soft keyboard 45 comprises similar functions to a known keyboard, but can also be configured according to the user's wishes. Touching a key executes the function accordingly. The soft keyboard 45 can cover all of screen 44, or can cover only a part .

The device 40 can be used as a personal computer. The functionality of the device is in principle unlimited .

A part of touch screen 44 can also comprise a touch mouse pad, which comprises normal mouse functions.

Plateformed elements 41 and 42 comprise position detecting means 46 and 47, as shown m the cutaways of device 40. The position detecting means could be embodied by mercury switches. Position detecting means 46 and 47 determine whether the user holds the device 40 m a laptop position or a book position. The combination of mercury switches 46 and 47, will determine that device 40 is held in the laptop position with plateformed element 42 as the lowest component and plateformed element 41 as the close to standing panel. According to this measurement screen 43 will display text 48 readable to the user and screen 44 will display keyboard 45. As the occasion arises plateformed element 41 can be the supporting element for the laptop position and plateformed element 42 the standing panel of the laptop position, making text and soft keyboard appear on the respective opposite screens with a different display direction.

Device 40 of the third embodiment can be turned to the position shown m figure 4 according to the movement shown by arrow 56. Figure 4 shows device 40 held m the book position, The two plateformed elements 41, 42 are held next to each other, connected over hinge 49, which is for the most part projecting upward The inner surfaces of plateformed elements 42, 43 comprise touch screens 43, 44, displaying text 48 and image 50. Due to the availability of free displaying space text 51, image 52 and text and image material 53 is displayed on screens 43 en 44

The combination of position detecting means 46, 47, e.g. mercury switches, determine that device 40 is now held m the book position, as well as measuring that one of the sides of device 40 is the topside, which fixes the read direction of the texts and images. Texts 48, 51, and 53 and the images 50, 52 and 53 are displayed readable for a user, according to the new holding position, on screens 43 and 44.

Device 40 m figure 4 does not show the soft keyboard 45. Preferably touch screen 43 displays menu bar 54 and touch screen 44 displays menu bar 55 The menu bars offer the most important functions for reading the information displayed on touch screens 43, 44 m the book position, e.g. leafing a page. Touching the menu bar 54 or 55 at a predetermined spot will start the predetermined function. The menu bars 54, 55 can be configured as the user prefers

A part of touch screen 44 or 45 can embody a soft mouse pad and embody functions accordingly. Using the mouse function offers the possibility of clicking a (hyper- ) link, as to scroll through the displayed material

Changing the holding position of device 40 m figure 4 by rotating another quarter turn to a laptop position, will change the displayed information and return to the situation shown m figure 3.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown m the figures. Also a device with a screen at one plateformed element, falls within the scope of the invention In general the invention is only limited by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Device for presenting information m visible form, comprising two hingedly connected plateformed elements, which m a rest position can be folded with the inner surfaces substantially against one another, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces comprises a screen and further comprising memory means for the information and processing- and control means for presenting this information m such way visible on the screen, characterized m, that the device comprises means for making it function as a personal computer.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a display projecting means that can change the display alignment of information on the screen.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises at least one position detecting means that can determine whether the device is held m a laptop position or a book position, connected m such way controlling the display projecting means displaying the information according to the detected holding position.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the screens embodies a touch screen.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises input means.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein input means are provided for loading from the outside information to be displayed to the memory means .

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory means comprise a detachable information carrier.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory means comprise integrated solid state erasable memory means and the input means can receive the information serially and supply it to the memory means .

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input means are connectable to a network, such as Internet.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a holder for a mobile telephone and connecting means for connecting an output member of the mobile telephone to the input means .

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the touch screens can embody a soft keyboard, when the device is held m the laptop position.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input means comprises a handwriting recognition means.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information is presented on the screens m reading order.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information is readable information and actuating means are provided for consecutively presenting the information as pages on each screen.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for making it function as a desktop personal computer

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, provided with a cover.