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Description  |
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This invention relates to information storage and display apparatus and
more particularly to a portable, electronic viewer which reads stored
miniaturized and encoded information and displays the information on a
thin electrical display screen.
In recent years there has been a great increase in the number of books and
magazines and the increased use of computers has resulted in the
production of a large volume of computer printouts. This explosion in the
production of information and paper has created problems for libraries
that do not have sufficient space for storage of these materials. In
addition, books are becoming increasingly expensive, and even paperback
books are no longer inexpensive.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a portable,
electronic viewing device to replace presently existing books, magazines,
microfilm, computer printouts and other printed media.
Another object is to provide a portable, electronic viewer which reads
stored minaturized and encoded information and which displays the
information in readable form on a thin electrical display screen.
A further object of the invention is the provision of a portable,
electronic viewer capable of receiving and displaying the contents of a
digital memory.
Still another object is to provide a portable, electronic viewer which
opens and closes in a manner similar to that of a book.
Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a portable,
electronic viewer which enables the operator to electronically "turn
pages" of a book, the information from which is digitally stored in a
memory.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from
the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The
objects and advantages are realized and attained by means of the
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
To achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides for
apparatus having a digital memory, a sensor for sensing information from
the memory, logic circuitry operatively coupled with the sensor, and a
display in operative relationship with the logic circuitry for visually
displaying information stored in the memory. The improvement of this
invention provides for a portable container to house the memory, sensor,
logic circuitry and display and defining an opening for receiving the
digital memory. Control means are also located on the exterior of the
container and in operative relationship with the logic circuitry for
enabling an operator of the apparatus to control the information
displayed.
Preferably, the opening in the container for receiving the digital memory
is positioned to enable insertion of the memory into operative
relationship with the sensor and to enable removal of the memory from the
container.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, but are not
restrictive of the invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part
of the specification, illustrate an example of a preferred embodiment of
the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates one form of digital memory to be used with the
invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another invention embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another invention embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another invention embodiment;
FIGS. 7A and 7B are detailed fragmentary views of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 7; and
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of the controls of an embodiment of the
invention.
With reference now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters
designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there
is shown in FIG. 1 an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
A portable container 20 is provided, and the container defines an opening
22 for receiving a digital memory 24. Control means 26 are provided, and a
display or screen 28 is provided for ultimately displaying to the operator
in readable form the information encoded in miniaturized form on digital
memory 24. Preferably, container 20 is approximately the same size and
shape as an open book and it is just as convenient to carry and to use.
With reference now to FIG. 2, the components located within container 20
are illustrated. Although the specific embodiment described is a
holographic memory system, it should be understood that this invention
also contemplates the use of other digital, nonvolatile memories. For
example, the memory might be microfilm consisting of black and white dots,
or bits mounted on a rigid card or disc. The memory might also be a
magnetic bubble, optical or electronic card or disc. However, the
preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates use of a holographic
card 30 of rigid plastic or other material.
A hologram or holographic card 30 is illustrated in FIG. 3, and similar
holographic memories are described in the following references which are
incorporated herein by reference; Anderson, L. K., "Optical Memory for
Bulk Data Storage", Bell Laboratories Record, Vol. 46, pp. 318-325,
November, 1968; "Data Terminal Features Holographic Memory with up to 200
Mbits", Computer, Vol. 10, No. 1, p. 72, January 1977; and Middelhoek, S.,
P. I. George, and P. Dekker, "Physics of Computer Memory Devices",
Academic Press, New York, pp. 333-367, 1976. The hologram may typically
comprise a photographic film mounted in a plastic card.
Preferably, card 30 includes a plurality of holograms 32, each hologram
being approximately 1 millimeter in diameter and containing about 10,000
bits of information. The holograms may be "page-oriented" so that each
hologram represents a page of the book or other written materials stored
by memory 24. Each card 30 may contain several hundred pages of
information so that an entire book can be stored on the card, and the card
may be kept in case 34 for protection when the card is not in
Holograms appear to be the ideal way to miniaturize printed matter, and the
storage capacity of a holographic card 30 is sufficient to contain all of
the words in a typically long novel. For example, if such a novel is
considered to contain 10.sup.5 words, if the average word length in the
English language is six letters, and if each character or letter may be
encoded with seven bits, the novel contains 10.sup.5 .times.6.times.7=4.2
million bits. Further, a typical page of a book has approximately 250
words, which is 250.times.6.times.7=10,500 bits, or about the same as a
typical page-oriented hologram. Assuming a 10.sup.4 bit page, 420 page
holograms are required and this is approximately a 21 by 21 matrix. Since
each hologram is approximately 1 millimeter square, an area of
approximately 2.1 centimeters by 2.1 centimeters is required for the
entire novel. This is less than 1 square inch, and a credit card size
holographic card could easily house such a novel.
In addition, holographic cards are permanent, highly resistent to bit loss
from dust or scratches and are easily reproduced. Holographic storage of
information is also inexpensive, and at about 10.sup.6 bits per penny,
holographic books are much cheaper than paper books.
Ordinary film may be used as the holographic medium, or other materials
such as thermoplastic may also be used. See Bartolini, R. B., H. A.
Weakleim, and B. F. Williams, "Review and Analysis of Optical Recording
Media", Optical Engineering, Vol. 15, pp. 99-108, March-April 1976, which
is incorporated herein by reference. Further, a hologram cassette (not
shown) could be used in place of card 30 so as to greatly increase the
storage capacity. See Knight, G. R., "Holographic Memories", Optical
Engineering, Vol, 14, pp. 455-459, September-October 1975 and Ih, C. S.,
"Sequential Information Retrieval from Holograms", Applied Optics, Vol,
15, No. 11, pp. 2698-2700, November 1976 which are incorporated herein by
reference.
The holographic system as employed in this invention is shown in block
diagram form in FIG. 2. A laser 36 is preferably a small, low power,
long-lived, solid-state laser such as a gallium arsenide laser. Such
lasers are described by Panish, M., and I. Hayashi, "A New Class of Diode
Lasers", Scientific American, Vol. 225, No. 1, pp. 32-40, July 1971, which
is incorporated herein by reference. A small gas laser could also be used.
Deflectors 38 are provided for directing the laser beam through a
predetermined portion of card 30. Deflectors 38 are preferably
acousto-optic or electro-optic deflectors. Such deflectors are described
by Anderson, L. K., "Optical Memory for Bulk Data Storage", Bell
Laboratories Record, Vol. 46, pp. 318-325, November, 1968 and Middelhoek,
S., P. K. George, and P. Dekker, "Physics of Computer Memory Devices",
Academic Press, New York, pp. 333-367, 1976. Additional optical components
or lenses 40 are also provided in a conventional manner.
Detector matrix 42 is a well-known component and preferably comprises
silicon diodes. See Anderson, L, K., "Optical Memory for Bulk Data
Storage", Bell Laboratories Record, Vol. 46, pp. 318-325, November, 1968;
Kiemle, H., "Considerations on Holographic Memories in the Gigabyte
Region", Applied Optics, Vol, 13, pp. 803-807, April 1974; Duncan, F. W.,
"Special Report on Silicon Photodiodes", Optical Spectra, Vol, 9, pp.
26-28, February 1975, and Wendland, P. H., "Silicon Photodiodes Come into
their Own", Optical Spectra, Vol. 7, pp. 33-36, October 1973, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Logic circuitry 44 preferably comprises integrated circuits on a silicon
chip, as is standard for pocket calculators. See McWhorter, E. W., "The
Small Electronic Calculator", Scientific American, Vol. 234, No. 3, pp.
88-98, March 1976, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Display screen 28 can be any one of a number of typical thin, electronic
display screens which display characters comprised of dots or strokes. See
Kuntz, R., "The Display Bank", Optical Spectra, Vol. 9, pp. 39-44,
September 1975 and Sobel, A., "Electronic Numbers", Scientific American,
Vol. 228, No. 6, pp. 64-73, June 1973, which are incorporated herein by
reference. The use of a liquid crystal display screen is preferable
because it is easy to read and is not fatiguing to the eyes. See Astle,
B., "Liquid Crystals--A Viable New Medium", Optical Spectra, Vol. 7, pp.
35-40, July 1973 and Heilmeier, G. H., "Liquid Crystal Display Devices",
Scientific American, Vol. 222, No. 4, pp. 100-106, April 1970, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
The system can be powered by standard commercial batteries 46 or a
detachable or retractable electric cord (not shown) may be provided for
access to conventional electrical outlets.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein
book-sized container 20 is provided with controls 26, a display screen 28
and opening 22 for receiving the digital memory. Container 20 includes a
first section 21 and a second section or cover 23 connected to each other
in the manner of a book by hinges 48. In addition, Velcro patches or other
holding means 50 are provided for holding the first and second sections of
the container together when the sections are in a closed position.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein
display screen 28 is protected when the apparatus is not in use by means
of a retractable shutter 52. Shutter 52 can be fastened in position for
covering the screen by means of Velcro patches or holding means 50, and
the shutter can be retracted by means of a roller (not shown) in the
manner of a window shade. The shutter may be composed of a single piece of
flexible material or it may be composed of a plurality of slats.
Still another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein
container 20 includes a first section 54 and a second section 56 connected
together by means of hinges 48. In this embodiment, the display or screen
28 is also divided into a first section 58 and a second section 60. First
section 58 of the screen is located within first section 54 of the
container and second section 60 of the screen is located within second
section 56 of the container so as to provide two opposing areas or "pages"
for the reader in a manner similar to a book or magazine. In addition,
Velcro patches or holding means 50 are provided for holding sections 54
and 56 in a closed position when the apparatus is not in use.
Opening 22 of container 20 is positioned in each of the embodiments to
enable insertion of digital memory 24 or holographic card 30 into
operative relationship with sensor or detector matrix 42. Retaining means
or holders 62 (FIG. 2) are provided for enabling the memory to be inserted
into the proper position within the apparatus and also for enabling easy
withdrawal of the memory from the apparatus by the operator.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B.
In this embodiment container 20 is pivotally mounted inside a briefcase
64. Arm means or lever arm 66 is pivotally attached to wall 68 of
briefcase 64 at pivot point 70. The other end of lever arm 66 is pivotally
attached to container 20 at pivot point 72.
A second lever arm 74 of a length longer than that of lever arm 66 is
pivotally attached to wall 68 at pivot point 76. A third lever arm 78 is
pivotally attached to wall 79 of briefcase 64 at pivot point 80.
Lever arms 74 and 78 are also pivotally connected to each other at pivot
point 82, and a fourth lever arm 84 is pivotally connected at one end to
lever arm 74 at pivot point 85 and at the other end to lever arm 66 at
pivot point 72. The same arrangement of lever arms (not shown) can be
provided on the opposite side of container 20.
In operation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B, the
pivoting action of the arm means or lever arms, acting in cooperation with
the briefcase and with container 20, causes container 20 to move into a
substantially upright position when the top portion or cover 86 of the
briefcase is rotated into an open position. Conversely, when the top
portion of the briefcase is rotated about hinges 88 and into a closed
position, container 20 is also caused to rotate into a position within the
briefcase.
In operation of the apparatus, the contents of one or more books, magazines
or the like are stored in digital memory 24 or holographic card 30. When
it is desired to retrieve the information or to read the book or magazine,
the operator merely removes the memory or card from its case 34 and
inserts the card into opening 22 of container 20. Card 30 is then
automatically positioned between matrix 42 and deflectors 38. Light from
laser 36 shines on the hologram page desired, and an image of binary bits
falls on photo detector matrix 42. The bits are decoded into characters by
logic circuitry 44 and are displayed on screen 28.
Control means 26 allow the operator to control positioning of the laser
beam with respect to the holographic card so as to enable quick and
accurate access by the operator to the information desired. Logic
circuitry 44 is electrically coupled with control means 26 for
interpreting and carrying out the commands.
With reference now to FIG. 8 there is shown an example of the types of
controls provided. Specifically, the on/off button or switch 64 energizes
or deenergizes the holographic or other memory storage system. The
"forward" switch 66 advances the page so that the succeeding page of
information stored in the memory is displayed on screen 28. The "back"
switch 68 moves the page backwards to the preceeding page for display on
the screen. A variable speed page turner switch 70 enables the operator to
rapidly turn forward or backward through the recorded information at
variable speeds. In addition, a small secondary display screen 72 may be
provided for displaying the page number of the information being displayed
on screen 28. If a specific page of the stored information is desired to
be displayed, the page number is entered by using the ten buttons 74. If
the "display" button 76 is then depressed, that page number is displayed
on secondary display 72 and the information on the page is simultaneously
displayed on screen 28. If a mistake is made in entering the page number,
depression of the "clear" button 78 clears page number display 72.
Dials 80 and 82 marked with vertical and horizontal arrows are provided for
fine-tuning deflectors 38 in the event that the laser beam is not centered
properly on the hologram. Alternatively, dials 80 and 82 could be replaced
with a mechanism to properly position the image of the hologram on the
detector matrix 42.
The container may be made of plastic, metal, wood or other material. The
container may also have a carrying handle (not shown) for ease of
transport and the container and texture may be such that the device is
easily gripped and carried.
Display or screen 28 may be planar or slightly curved, whether the screen
is of a one or two-piece configuration. The curved configuration may act
to reduce glare. Legs (not shown) may also be attached to the container so
that the apparatus may be tilted to a desired position when placed on a
flat surface. The legs may be retractable or folding to keep them out of
the way.
This invention provides for a portable, electronic viewer that will enable
large masses of printed material to be reduced in size for storage. This
will significantly reduce the crowding now being experienced by libraries
and other facilities which are faced with the task of storing the vast
amounts of books and papers being generated. The apparatus is rugged,
compact, portable and easy to use. It avoids the difficulties experienced
by microfilm viewers of being bulky and of requiring tedious threading of
film. The memory of this apparatus is easily inserted and removed and
there is no requirement for threading of film. In addition, sharp
resolution of alphanumeric characters via complicated optics is avoided
because of the digital logic utilized by the apparatus.
The memory used with the apparatus of this invention is small, light in
weight and packed with information. The invention eliminates the need for
carrying heavy books and saves enormous amounts of space. The invention
will significantly reduce mailing costs and should greatly reduce the cost
of books and other media.
The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details
shown and described, and departures may be made from such details without
departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its
chief advantages.
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