User programmable interactive display device and method

A method for transferring data from a user station to a portable electronic display device includes providing one or more data sets, linking the data sets together in a predetermined sequence for accessing the data sets, and providing each data set with one or more data frames. Each data frame can be linked to another data frame of a single data set for sequentially displaying information such as images and/or text on a display screen of the portable electronic display device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to display devices, and more particularly to a user programmable electronic display device for displaying stored information thereon and a method of providing the information for display in a user-defined sequence.

The use of conventional printed business cards is standard practice for introducing an individual or a company to others. The printed business card generally records fundamental information such as the name, title, address, or telephone number of the individual or the company. For convenience, the conventional printed business card has a standard size of 2 inches by 3.5 inches. Since the size of the printed business card is fixed, the amount of information that can be recorded is restricted. Therefore, except for the fundamental information described above, other useful information such as personal publications, academic backgrounds, professional backgrounds, or company catalogs, product offerings, services, and so on, cannot be recorded on the limited sheet of paper.

Nevertheless, with the prevalence of computers, all kinds of data can be stored as computer files in various forms such as document files, data structures, diagrams, images or multimedia files. Thus, a portable recording media used in a computer system may be capable of replacing the conventional printed business card for recording the personal data. However, prior art recording media typically do not come with displays for readily viewing the information on the recording media. A personal computer with a media reading device thus becomes necessary to display such information. Consequently, the media may be discarded and the information, which is otherwise designed to attract new business, may not be viewed.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an electronic display device which is capable of containing much more information than is capable of being printed upon a conventional business card or advertising brochure, yet has a size which generally corresponds to that of a conventional business card so that the device can be conveniently carried and stored in a conventional-sized wallet. It would be further desirable to provide a software system and method for programming the display device to display data in a predetermined sequence in accordance with the discretion of a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for transferring data from a user station to a portable electronic display device comprises the following steps: providing a first virtual window at the user station; inserting at least one data set icon into the first virtual window; opening a second virtual window representative of the at least one data set icon; inserting at least one data frame icon into the second virtual window; associating data with the at least one data frame from a memory device of the user station; and transferring the data including information relating to the at least one data set and at least one data frame to the portable electronic display device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for transferring data from a user station to a portable electronic display device comprising the following steps: providing a first virtual window at the user station; inserting a plurality of data set icons into the first virtual window, the data set icons being representative of data sets; linking the data set icons together such that data sets are displayed on the portable electronic display device in a predetermined sequence; providing second virtual windows corresponding to the data set icons; inserting a plurality of data frame icons into each second virtual window, the data frame icons being representative of data frames; linking the data frame icons together such the data frames are displayed on the portable electronic display device in a predetermined sequence for each data set; and transferring the data sets including the data frames to the portable electronic display device for display thereon.

It is noted that the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. It is further noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and toFIGS. 1–3in particular, a programmable interactive display device20in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The device20includes a case22within which is housed electronic components, as will be described in further detail below, for displaying stored data in user readable format. The device20is well-suited as a substitute for a paper business card (for displaying to a user the type of information which is normally printed upon a business card) and has the capabilities to display to a user the pages (e.g. of a company website) which are normally viewable on the world wide web. It will be understood that the device20is not limited to business card applications, but may be used to display any type of information of interest to the user, such as text, drawings, photographs, and so on. By way of example, the display device20can be used to share business or advertising information related to new products, services, and/or promotions. In this regard, it is desirable that the electronic display device be relatively low in cost so that such information can be easily disseminated.

With reference toFIG. 6, the device20includes a processor24mounted within the case22, a memory25operably connected to the processor24and a display26with a display screen28mounted within the case22. The memory25is preferably of the flash memory type and the processor may be in the form of a microcontroller, microprocessor, or other suitable device that interfaces between the memory25and display26so that during use, various operations of the device20, including data display, can be controlled by the processor24. When appropriate command signals are sent from the processor24to the memory25, stored information is sent to the display26where it is displayed on the screen28in user readable format.

With reference again toFIGS. 1–3, the case22preferably comprises a shallow box (constructed, for example, of flexible, rigid or semi-rigid metal, plastic, composite material, and so on) and includes a front30(within which the display screen28is mounted) opposite sides32and34, opposite ends36and38and a back40. Printed matter41may be located on a surface of the back40, as shown inFIG. 2. By way of example, the printed matter may include a name, address, etc. a company or individual whose identification information is stored within the memory25, advertising information, company logos, and so on. The processor24includes a user interface42including a keypad44which permits a user to manually enter various commands into the processor24to initiate and perform selected functions. As illustrated, the keypad44includes navigation keys, generally indicated at48, comprising an UP key50, a DOWN key52, a RIGHT key54and a LEFT key56for controlling the positional relationship of a pointer58(FIG. 1) upon the display screen28. As will be apparent herein, the user may desire to alter the position of the pointer58to effect the changing of a page being displayed on the screen28or to scroll through a displayed page by positioning the pointer50over scroll bars59and61(shown in dashed line) that may be present on the display screen28. The keypad44further includes an ENTER key46which, when depressed, initiates a selected operation of the device20, depending on the position of the pointer50. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the pointer50may be supplemented with or replaced by an active area of the screen28with virtual selection buttons that can be highlighted and selected by depressing one or more of the keys46,50,52,54and56, as shown for example inFIGS. 20–22.

Exemplary dimensions of the case22are provided here as follows: The length of the case22, as measured across the front30between the ends36and38, is preferably about 3.5 inches. Likewise, the width of the case22as measured between the sides32and34is preferably about 2.0 inches. The thickness of the case22, as measured between the front30and back40is preferably about 0.039 inches (1.0 mm). Although not necessary, it may be desirable with certain companies or persons to preserve the compact nature or business card-size of the device20. Accordingly, these provided dimensions may be maximum dimensions. In addition, the length and width of the display screen28are preferably about 2.875 inches and about 1.875 inches, respectively. It will be understood that the above-described dimensions can greatly vary depending on the desired screen size, electrical component size, and so on. The compact nature of the case22facilitates programming, distribution, carrying and using the display device20. Although the case22is preferably of rectangular configuration, it will be understood that the case22may be circular, square, triangular, or other multi-sided shape.

Referring again toFIG. 6, the display screen28may comprise preexisting color or monochrome technology, such as but not limited to: LCD's, OLED's, TFT's, PLED character and/or graphical displays, bistable or stable displays that display an image with little or no electrical power, or technology yet to be developed. The display screen28is operably connected to the memory25and processor24in a manner which permits communication between the memory25and the processor24. For example, if the information displayed upon the display screen28includes an active area, such as next page icon70inFIG. 6or selection buttons170–174inFIG. 20, which may be activated by for example, positioning the pointer within the active area and subsequently depressing the ENTER key46to initiate the replacement of a displayed page of stored information by a subsequent or previous page of stored information, the processor24must be appraised that the active area of the screen28has been activated. Accordingly, the processor24and the display26are appropriately interfaced with one another.

In addition to the processor24and display26, the device20also includes a battery60mounted within the case22(and to one side of the screen28as illustrated inFIG. 1) for supplying power to the electrical components of the display device20. The battery60is preferably an ultra-thin printed battery and can be of the single-use or rechargeable type. Alternatively, the battery60can comprise one or more solar cells or the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the display device20does not include a separate ON/OFF switch and, accordingly, is intended to be on from the moment that the processor24is connected to the battery60for receiving operating power therefrom. However insofar as the display screen28may present a drain upon available battery power, the processor24can include a battery-saving device62(FIG. 6) operably connected between the keys of the keypad44and the display24for placing the device20in a SLEEP mode if none of the keys of the keypad44are touched for a preselected period of time. The display device20is placed in the SLEEP mode by shutting off (by way of the processor24) the power to the display screen28.

In other words, by depressing any one of the five keys46,50,52,54or56of the keypad44, the page of information which was last displayed upon the screen28again becomes viewable to the user, but if a preselected period of time passes before any of the keys of the keypad44are depressed again, the processor24shuts the power off to the screen28to place the device20in the SLEEP mode. Accordingly, the processor24includes appropriate timing and comparison circuits64for monitoring the period of time between the last key actuation and shutting off power to the screen (e.g. fifteen seconds). More particularly, a predetermined time period is programmed into the circuitry64, and the time from last key actuation is continually monitored and compared to the predetermined time period. When the monitored amount of time reaches the predetermined time period, the SLEEP mode is initiated.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, one of the keys, such as the ENTER key46, may be pressed for a predetermined time period, say three seconds, to alternately turn on and off the display device20.

Operation of the device10will now be described with reference toFIGS. 4–6and in connection with two separate examples. In the first example, the data stored in memory25can correspond to information to be displayed on a single page or frame, such as the name of an individual, company name and telephone number. As used herein, the term “page” or “frame” relates to information viewable on the display screen28at any instant of time, including information that may be viewed by accessing one or more of the scroll bars59,61(FIG. 1). Accordingly, in this example, the information stored within the memory25is transmitted to the screen28where it is displayed for viewing by a user. Assuming that the device20is initially in the OFF position or SLEEP mode, the depression of any of the keys46,50,52,54or56of the keypad44re-initiates power to the screen28so that the information is again displayed on the screen28. It follows that in this first example, the navigation keys50,52,54or56can be used to initiate (or re-initiate) the display of stored information on the display screen28, as well as scroll through the information displayed.

In accordance with a second example and with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the information or data stored within the memory25includes multiple pages or frames of information, i.e. the displayed data is replaced with further data from the memory25. Moreover, the multiple frames of information can be pre-programmed so that when displayed upon the screen28, the frames of information can be displayed in a preprogrammed sequence. Accordingly, the display screen28can include at least one active area70, as shown inFIG. 6, which enables a user to replace data displayed on the screen28with subsequent data. In order to allow a user to select subsequent pages or frames of information, the active area70of the screen28includes a “Next Page” icon enabling the user to replace the page being displayed upon the screen28with the next page of information in the pre-programmed sequence of pages by moving the pointer58(FIG. 5)) by means of the navigation keys50,52,54or56and pointer control means72until the pointer58overlies the active area70and then pressing the ENTER key46. Once pressed, the ENTER key46initiates a processor-generated command to replace the current page of information with the next page of information in the preprogrammed sequence of information. Repeated depression of the ENTER key46while the pointer58overlies the active area70of the displayed screen of information effects the sequential displaying of the subsequent pages of information upon the screen28.

Referring toFIGS. 1,2and6, the display device20also includes an interface80with a port82which is operably connected to the memory25for transferring data to be displayed between the display device20and a remote user station or other device. For example, information about a company that may be located on the world wide web can be transferred from the remote user station to the memory25for ultimate display on the screen28. This same capability enables photographs to be downloaded into the memory25from, for example, a digital camera for display upon the screen28. The term “remote user station” refers to, but is not limited to: personal computers, digital cameras, portable phones, personal digital assistants (PDA's), one or more portable memory devices such as CD-ROM's, DVD's, floppy disks, flash cards, memory sticks, or other memory devices currently in use or that may be developed in the future. Connection between the remote user station and the display device20can be realized through cables or connectors couplable between the display device20and one or more ports of the remote user station, such as, but not limited to, parallel, serial, USB, optical, and firewire ports. Alternatively, the interface80may be a wireless port for receiving data via wireless signals from the remote user station. Wireless signals may include, but are not limited to: infrared, UHF, microwave, or any other suitable transmission frequency, magnetic, or any other suitable wireless transmitting means. Although not shown, one or more display devices20may be positioned in a docking station connectable to the remote user device. Where it is desirable to disseminate the same information to a large number of persons, such as information related to a company, product and/or service, a plurality of display devices20may be simultaneously programmed through ganged programming or the like. By way of example, a wireless signal with company data may be sent to the wireless ports of a stack of display devices20for simultaneous programming. Whether or not the remote server station forms part of a network, such as a local area network, the Internet or the like, portable memory devices, or other suitable systems or components, the desired information to be displayed on the display device20can be selectively downloaded to and displayed on the display device in a predetermined manner or sequence, as will be described in greater detail below.

It will be understood that numerous modifications and substitutions can be had to the afore-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, a timer circuit90(FIG. 6) can be incorporated within the processor24for effecting a change in the information being displayed upon the screen28following a preselected period of time or upon reaching a specific moment in time. By way of example, information stored within the memory25can relate to two redeemable store coupons, while the information relating to a first of such coupons is displayed upon the screen28. Meanwhile, the timer circuit90monitors the length of time (e.g. in days or months) since the coupon-related information was downloaded into the memory25and automatically replaces the displayed information relating to the first of such coupons with information relating to the second of such coupons following expiration of the preselected time period. This feature is advantageous in that it facilitates the automatic display of unexpired coupon-related information when the previously-displayed coupon-related information becomes expired.

Referring now toFIGS. 7–22, a method for loading information onto one or more display devices20is illustrated, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and may be more than one software system operating on a general purpose user computing platform. As used herein, a software system may be implemented as one or more separate lines of code of a software program, one or more subroutines, one or more agents, one or more objects, one or more lines of code operating on different computer platforms, or other suitable software functionality. For example, a software system may include functionality that is provided by the operating system of the computing platform, plus other application-specific functionality. In one exemplary embodiment, a software system containing a setup module, a server module, and other suitable modules is downloaded to the user station from an Internet site, a portable memory device, or other suitable source. After the software is downloaded to the user station, the setup module is then run to create user interface screens to obtain and modify information, such as images and/or text, and transfer the information to one or more display devices.

Referring toFIGS. 7–11in particular, once installed on the user station, the software system may be run to generate a virtual window100with different menus, such as “File”, “Insert”, “Tools” and “Help” which are selectable by a user for accessing different subroutines or functions of the software system through well-known techniques, such as a pointer102movable by a computer mouse (not shown) or other user input device. Scroll bars110and112may be associated with the window100for scrolling through the contents of the window100. The window100may include a title bar115with virtual buttons114,116and118for respectively minimizing, expanding and closing the window100in a well-known manner.

When the “File” menu is selected, as shown inFIG. 8, a drop-down window104appears with various menu items such as: “New” for creating a new data file that will be transferred to the display card20; “Open” for accessing a previously saved data file; “Save” for saving the current data file to a user-specified location associated with the user station; “Save as” for saving the current data file to a user-specified location associated with the user station under a different file name; and “Close” for closing the current data file. It will be understood that the “File” menu items are given by way of example only and are not to be considered in any limiting sense.

When the “Insert” menu is selected, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, a drop-down window106appears with various menu items such as: “Frame” for creating a single data frame which may include text and/or image data; and “Set” for creating a single data set that comprises one or more data frames. It will be understood that the “Insert” menu items are given by way of example only and are not to be considered in any limiting sense.

When the “Tools” menu is selected, as shown inFIG. 11, a drop-down window108appears with various menu items such as: “Compile” for assembling or compiling the current file as defined by a user; “Simulator” for viewing and operating, preferably in a separate window, the currently compiled file on a virtual or software generated display device with a form and functionality similar to the actual display device20; and “Programmer” for transferring the current file to the display device20. It will be understood that the “Tools” menu items are given by way of example only and are not to be considered in any limiting sense.

Although not shown, when the “Help” menu is selected, various help menu items regarding operation of the software system can be provided. In addition, virtual buttons may be associated with each of the above-described menu items and arranged on a virtual tool bar for accessing the desired menu items in a well-known manner. Hot keys may also or alternatively be provided so that keyboard entry of certain keys will access the menu items.

In operation, and with reference toFIGS. 8,10and12, a new data file is created by defining one or more data sets. This can be accomplished by selecting “New” in the “File” menu (FIG. 8), and then selecting “Set” in the “Insert” menu (FIG. 10). The pointer102is then positioned in the open window area120of the virtual window100and the select button of a mouse or other user input device associated with the user station is actuated to create a first set box or icon122, designated as “Set1.” The set box122can be moved to any desired location in the window area120, as represented by arrows124, through use of the well-known click-and-drag technique.

As shown inFIG. 13, further set boxes or icons, such as126and128, respectively designated “Set2” and “Set3,” can be created by inserting new sets into the open window area120as described above. It will be understood that the data file may contain more or less data sets depending on the desired information to be displayed on the display card20. Preferably, each set icon includes a set timer function130that can be linked with other sets icons, as represented by dashed lines132,134and136. The dashed lines may be drawn between the set boxes by selecting a timer function130of one set box, then dragging the pointer102to another set box. The software system recognizes the link(s) between boxes and automatically sets the order or sequence of the data for display on the display device20.

The timer function sets the amount of time that each set will display information before switching to another data set or terminating, depending on the desired outcome. Thus, in accordance with the example given inFIG. 13, data in “Set1” will be displayed on the display device20for a first predetermined time period. Once the first time period has been reached, data in “Set2” will be automatically displayed for a second predetermined time period since a first sequence link132has been defined between the first and second data set icons. Once the second time period has been reached, data in “Set3” will automatically be displayed for a third predetermined time period since a second sequence link134has been defined between the second and third data set icons. Once the third time period has been reached, data in “Set1” will automatically be displayed for the first predetermined time period since a third sequence link136has been defined between the third and first data set icons. It will be understood that more or less data sets and links can be provided. When it is desirous to show the sequence of data sets one time only, or to skip certain data sets, one or more of the sequence links can be eliminated or redirected to another data set. By way of example, removing the third sequence link136will terminate playback of the data sets once the third predetermined time period has been reached, while redirecting the third sequence link to “Set2” will ensure that “Set1” is viewed only once while “Set2” and “Set3” are repeatedly shown.

In order to set the timer function for each data set, the set box of interest can be selected by positioning the cursor102over the set box, such as set box122as shown inFIG. 13, then double clicking the select button of the input device or pressing the “enter” key on a user keyboard (not shown), or by employing other well-known user selection techniques. When the particular set box is selected, a pop-up window140is displayed as shown inFIG. 14. The window140may include a title bar142indicating which set has been selected, a timer input window144for specifying the amount of time that the selected set will be displayed, and virtual selecting buttons146and148for respectively accepting or canceling the inputted set attributes.

With reference now toFIG. 15, in order to define the number of frames for each data set and the particular information associated with each frame, the set box of interest can be selected by positioning the cursor102over the set box, such as set box122as shown inFIG. 13, then clicking the menu button of the input device (right click for a right-hand mouse configuration). Once selected, the set boxes will disappear and a new open window area150will appear. If no frames have been previously defined, the open window area150will initially be blank. In addition, a title bar155may be shown to indicate the current data set.

A new data frame is preferably created in a similar manner as creating a new data set previously described. This can be accomplished by selecting “Frame” in the “Insert” menu (FIG. 9). The pointer102is then positioned in the open window area150of the virtual window100and the select button of a mouse or other user input device associated with the user station is actuated to create a first frame box or icon152, designated as “Frame1.” The frame box152can be moved to any desired location in the window area150, as represented by arrows154, through use of the well-known click-and-drag technique.

As shown inFIG. 16, further frame boxes or icons, such as156and158, respectively designated “Frame2” and “Frame3,” can be created by inserting new frames into the open window area150as previously described. It will be understood that the data set may contain more or less data frames depending on the desired information to be displayed on the display card20. Preferably, each frame includes a frame timer function160that can be linked with other frames, as represented by dashed lines162,164and166. The dashed lines may be drawn between the frame boxes by selecting a timer function160of one frame box, then dragging the pointer102to another frame box. The software system recognizes the link(s) between frame boxes and automatically sets the order or sequence of the data for display on the display device20.

The timer function sets the amount of time that each frame will display information before automatically switching to another frame or terminating, depending on the desired outcome. Thus, in accordance with the example given inFIG. 16, data in “Frame1” will be displayed on the display device20for a first predetermined time period. Once the first time period has been reached, data in “Frame2” will be automatically displayed for a second predetermined time period since a first sequence link162has been defined between the first and second data frame icons. Once the second time period has been reached, data in “Frame3” will automatically be displayed for a third predetermined time period since a second sequence link164has been defined between the second and third data frame icons. Once the third time period has been reached, data in “Frame1” will automatically be displayed again for the first predetermined time period since a third sequence link166has been defined between the third and first data frame icons. It will be understood that more or less data frames and links can be provided. When it is desirous to show the sequence of data frames one time only, or to skip certain data frames, one or more of the sequence links can be eliminated or redirected to another data frame. By way of example, removing the third sequence link166will terminate playback of the data frames once the third predetermined time period has been reached, while redirecting the third sequence link to “Frame2” will ensure that “Frame1” is viewed only once while “Frame2” and “Frame3” are repeatedly shown.

Referring now toFIG. 17, each frame can be programmed for manual selection and sequential display on the display device20by providing programmable sequence icons or buttons170,172and174for each frame and linking frames together via the programmable sequence icons, as represented by dashed lines176–190. By way of example, and referring toFIG. 20, each programmable sequence icon170,172and174can be programmed with text such as “Home”, “Back” and “Next”. These same icons will be displayed on the screen28of the display device20for manual user selection of a desired image or text. By way of example, the LEFT key56, RIGHT key54and/or ENTER key46of the display device20(FIG. 1) may be used for accessing and selecting the buttons170,172and174in the active display area of the screen28so that a predetermined sequence of images or other data may be viewed on the screen28. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 17, the dashed lines176–190link individual virtual buttons with a previous or subsequent frame, so that selection of the button on the display device causes the data associated with the linked frame to appear. In accordance with the exemplary configuration, manually selecting the virtual “Home” button on each frame will return the display screen28to the image associated with “Frame1”. Likewise, selecting the virtual “Next” button on “Frame1” will display the data associated with “Frame2”. Selecting the “Back” button on “Frame3” will display the data associated with “Frame2”, and so on. Dashed lines188and190represent links to other frames not shown in the open window area150. It will be understood that any desired text denoting frame direction can be programmed into the programmable sequence icons or buttons170,172and174. It will be further understood that more or less programmable sequence icons or buttons may be provided.

Although manual and automatic timer features have been shown as separate functions inFIGS. 16 and 17, it will be understood that manual selection and automatic timing can be combined within the same data set to provide a combination of still images and pseudo-still images or video.

In order to set the attributes for each data frame, the frame box of interest can be selected by positioning the cursor102over the frame box, such as frame box152as shown inFIG. 16, then double clicking the select button of the input device or pressing the “enter” key on a user keyboard (not shown), or by employing other well-known user selection techniques. When the particular frame box is selected, a pop-up window200is displayed as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19. The window200preferably includes a title bar202indicating which frame box has been selected, a virtual button204for inserting an image file from a memory device, programmable button windows206,208and210for inputting text for the programmable sequence buttons or icons, a timer input window212for specifying the amount of time that the selected frame or image associated with the frame will be displayed, and virtual selecting buttons214and216for respectively accepting and canceling the inputted frame attributes.

Referring toFIGS. 20–22, data frames152,156and158have been programmed with exemplary images and button text that will be viewable on the display device20once the data is transferred. Once programmed, the particular set can be exited by positioning the pointer102at an empty position on the open window area150(as denoted by the pointer icon102in dashed line inFIG. 16) and then double clicking the user input device to return to the display100as shown inFIG. 13. Other data frames in additional data sets may be programmed in a similar manner. It will be understood that the data associated with the data frames can include still images, text, video, and combinations thereof, etc., in any desired format or arrangement for display on the display device20.