GB2367389A

GB2367389A - An electronic notebook and textbook with removable hinges

Info

Publication number: GB2367389A
Application number: GB0024030A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham John Marklew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-30
Filing date: 2000-09-30
Publication date: 2002-04-03
Also published as: GB0024030D0

Abstract

A portable electronic device 20 comprises two pads 21, 22 connected mechanically via removable hinges 10 and electrically via removable connector 11. Both pads 21, 22 have typical rigid housings 1, with display screens 2 and 3 fitted in the top. One pad 21 has a screen 3, showing text or any other features similar to an ordinary textbook, the other pad 22 has a screen 2, with a sensitive surface on which written messages can be applied using a scribing device and recorded as required. The pair of pads 21, 22 are used as a combined interactive textbook and notebook. The pads 21, 22 may also be used as separate devices for various uses.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE This invention relates to notebooks and textbooks as a dual pad system in a classroom or any other environment, one half of the system is a read-only pad, replacing the textbook, the other part of the system is a write-only pad, replacing the notebook.

Even in this electronic age, paper usage is vast and mainly used for personal note taking, sketching, writing or even for writing out music. There is also still a requirement for textbooks or other forms of data being used as educational aids.

The present invention provides an electronic device comprising first and second electronic pads removably connected by a mechanical hinge means and electrical connection means to enable electrical signals to pass between the electronic pads, the first electronic pad having a read-only screen to display text or other data, the second electronic pad having an electronically sensitive, write-only screen activated by the use of a scribe device, and the second pad also having means to electronically record the motion of the scribe device.

This electronic device can satisfy the requirement for a desktop or hand-held portable pad system, which can be written on with the use of an appropriate scribing instrument.

The scribed notes, words, drawing or music may then be stored within the machine at the command of the user by an integral switch for later retrieval in the pad its self or, to another device such as a personal computer.

The write-only pad may be suitable for use as a shorthand note pad where automatic internal or external electronics may decipher the shorthand script to normal English, or any other language, or may translate Chinese or Japanese characters to other languages, as desired.

The read-only pad may be used as an electronic book, or music display to replace printed music copy for performing musicians and may have illumination for use within low light environments.

If the device was used as two-pad set, the second pad would have a read-only display screen to display text, pictures, music, or any other pre-recorded data which has previously been fed into the pad by electrical connection to a computer or any other memory device, integral or external to the pad.

The individual pads can be made to be fitted together to suit left or right handed operators, or can be used or marketed as separate pads as required.

The device would have to be durable and reliable for outdoor as well as indoor use, especially if used as a sketch pad or music pad. Many variations of the pad system may be made, but principally the device is simple with no requirement for a keyboard.

The present invention will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing shown in figure 1.

Figure 1 shows an example of an assembly of a pair of electronic pads according to the present invention.

With reference to figure 1, there is shown a portable electronic device 20, which comprises first and second electronic pads 21 and 22. The pads 21,22 have housings 1, as in any usual portable electronic device, which are rigid enough to reliably support the internal electronics and screens 2 and 3, together with other necessary appendages.

The write-only screen 2, is as near flush with the housing 1 as practicably possible, to enable a marking or scribe device to be used without restriction.

The write-only screen 2 is sensitive to a scribe device, but the other screen 3, may also be sensitive if desired.

The first electronic pad screen 3, may display a pre-defined message such as text, pictures or diagrams, which may be directly interactive with the applied written message on the second electronic pad screen 2. The pre-defined message would be fed into the pads 2,3 via the electrical connections 6,7 or 8, from another source such as a personal computer, or by an attached electronic memory card or chip, or by internal electronic chips or other components.

The read-only screen 3 is of similar proportions to the other screen 2 as required.

Preferably one or both screens can have illumination from an internal source, for example, light bulbs or LED's.

Preferably one or both housings 1 have switches 4, to turn the device (s) on, scroll the items on the screens up and down, change the level of illumination, have means for correcting errors, during writing or afterwards, or for any other function.

Alternatively the above functions may be activated by touching pictorial icons on screens 2 or 3.

The housings 1 may have a facility 5, for example, a recess to contain a scribe or marking device whilst not being used. Both pads can 2,3 may have facility 6 and 7, for example electrical sockets, for connection to external electronic devices such as laptops, handheld or desktop computers, modems, or telephones.

Similarly, both pads 2,3 may have facility 8, for example electrical sockets, for mains electrical connection to power the pads directly, or to recharge internal batteries, or work in conjunction with solar powered cells 9.

All the above facilities can be designed for any position in the housings 1, as required.

Each electronic pad 2,3 may be used as a pair, or as separate devices, as desired and this may be achieved with the aid of attachments, including a removable hinge system 10, and removable electrical connection 11, fitted to the housings 1. The hinge system 10, locates in ports 12 on the sides of the pads 2 and 3. The attached pair of pads 2,3 are shown in figure 1 as required for a right handed person, but they may be attached for left handed persons with the write-only screen on the left using the said attachments fitted in similar ports 12, on the opposite side of the housings 1. Preferably the attachment ports 12 may have dust or weatherproof plugs fitted when not used as connections. Alternatively the plugs may also include clipping devices to hold the two pads folded together when not in use.

If the pads are used independently, all attachment ports 12 may be blanked or some may be used to fit a cover to protect the top surface, especially the screen, when not in use.

If one or both pads 2,3 are used separately as a music book for instance, there may be a facility in the base of the housing 1 to attach an additional bracket to enable the pad 2 or 3, in turn to be attached to a standard metal musical lyre. One or both pads 2,3 may have a similar attachment facility to connect to a stand enabling the pad or pads 2,3 to be used by a person standing or seated, such as a performing musician.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising first and second electronic pads removably connected by mechanical hinge means and electrical connection means to enable electrical signals to pass between the electronic pads, the first electronic pad having a read-only screen to display text or other data, the second electronic pad having an electronically sensitive write-only screen activated by the use of a scribe device, and the second pad also having means to electronically record the motion of the scribe device.

2. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means to record the motion of the scribe device on the screen is automatic.

3. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means to record the motion of the scribe device on the screen comprises a manual switch.

4. An electronic device as claimed in any of the claims, 1 to 3 wherein there are means to scroll up and down the read-only and write-only screens by the use of a manual switch within the pad itself, or by activating a pictorial icon on the respective screen.

5. An electronic device as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein there are means for correcting errors in the recorded motion of the scribe device during or after operation.

6. An electronic device as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein the first electronic pad screen displays a pre-defined message such as text or diagrams, which is directly interactive with the second electronic pad screen.

7. An electronic device as claimed in any of the previous claims which has electrical connection (s) to other electronic devices such as electronic cartridges or chips, or personal computers, where pre-recorded data can be fed into the first electronic pad and hand applied messages can be fed out from the second electronic pad, or vice versa as desired.

8. An electronic device as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 7 wherein the electronic device is portable.

9. An electronic device as claimed in any previous claims which has an electronic locking device or code to prevent unauthorised use of either of the aforementioned pads, or to prevent changing of the data on any or both pads.

10. An electronic device as claimed in any previous claims which has an electrical power connection for mains electrical supply with which to operate it, or to recharge internal batteries, or to supplement solar panels included in the said pad (s).

11. An electronic device as claimed in any previous claims which has means to store a scribing device within its housing.

12. An electronic device as claimed in any previous claims which has means for illuminating the aforementioned screens in low lighting conditions.

13. An electronic device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the position of the first and second electronic pads are interchangeable for right or left handed persons.

14. An electronic device as claimed in any previous claim wherein there are means to removably lock the pads together.

15. An electronic device substantially as herein before described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

16. An electronic device pad having a read-only screen to display text or other data.

17. An electronic pad having an electronically sensitive write-only screen activated by the use of a scribe device to electronically record the motion of the scribe device.