Patent Publication Number: US-2011050560-A1

Title: Thin Electronic Reader Device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of electronic reading devices and in particular to thin electronic reader devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic reader devices are popular devices that include many different features. Electronic reader devices allow the user to read books, newspapers, magazines and other publications directly on the electronic device. Many of these devices also include features such as text-to-speech and wireless internet access. Some of these devices include Amazon&#39;s Kindle and Sony&#39;s digital book reader. However, existing electronic reader devices are generally bulky and are not thin enough for optimal user comfortability and use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to thin electronic reader devices. Aspects of the invention provide an electronic reader device. The device may comprise a top case housing having a front side and a back side. The device may also comprise a bottom case housing having a front side and a back side. The front side of the bottom case housing may be removably attached to the back side of the top case housing. The device may further comprise an electronic paper display within the top case housing. The electronic paper display may be adapted to display viewable images. The device may additionally comprise an interactive screen that may be affixed to the front side of the top case housing. The interactive screen may be adapted to overlie the electronic paper display. The electronic reader device may have a reduced thickness. The electronic reader device may be configured to be no more than 0.35 inches thick. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, may be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference indicators identify like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a detailed cross-sectional view of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a detailed cross-sectional view of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a detailed cross-sectional view of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of an exploded view of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a detailed view of a top case housing of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of a detailed view of a top case housing of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a detailed view of an interactive screen of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a detailed view of a bottom case housing of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of a detailed view of an audio jack of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of a detailed view of an audio jack of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of a detailed view of a Radio Frequency shield of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic reader devices have become popular consumer devices. It is well known in the art that electronic reader devices may be used for reading books, magazines, newspapers and other publications. Electronic reader devices of the prior art are generally bulky and have a large thickness or depth. This can lead to problems with user comfortability and use of the electronic reader device. Electronic readers of the prior art are generally bulky because they require a top upper housing to cover the display of the electronic reader device. This top upper housing maintains the stability of the electronic reader device. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a thin electronic reader device that enhances user comfortability, portability, and the design of the electronic reader device. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a thin electronic reader device. Although the electronic reader device may have any thickness or depth, the thin electronic reader device has a reduced thickness or depth. In some embodiments, the thickness of the electronic reader device may be no more than 0.35 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the electronic reader device may be between 0.04 to 0.35 inches. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic reader device may include three parts to provide a sustainable assembly. These parts may be a top case housing, a bottom case housing, and an interactive screen. In some embodiments, the electronic reader device may only require two parts to maintain a sustainable assembly. These parts may be an interactive screen and a top case housing or a bottom case housing. Unlike conventional electronic reader devices, some embodiments of the present invention may not require a conventional top upper housing that covers the display and holds or sustains the electronic reader device. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the thin electronic reader device  100  may have a top case housing  102 , a bottom case housing  104 , an interactive screen  106 , a movable wheel  110 , and an audio jack  112 . 
     The top case housing  102  has a front side and back side. The bottom case housing  104  also has a front side and a back side. The bottom case housing  104  is attached to the top case housing  102 . In some embodiments, the front side of the bottom case housing  104  is attached to the back side of the top case housing  102 . The bottom case housing  104  may be removably attached to the top case housing  102 . In some embodiments, the bottom case housing  104  may be permanently attached to the top case housing  102 . The bottom case housing  104  may be attached to the top case housing  102  using a connector. The connector may be screw(s), glue, adhesive, bonding, or any other attachment mechanism. 
     The top case housing  102  may be manufactured using numerous methods. In some embodiments, the top case housing  102  may be manufactured using a die casting method. In some embodiments, the top case housing  102  may be manufactured using a insert molding method. The top case housing  102  may be made from many different substances. The top case housing  102  may be made from a non-ferrous metal or ferrous metal. In some embodiments, the top case housing  102  may be made of zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium or tin. 
     The top case housing  102  may form the structural core of the electronic reader device  100 . The top case housing  102  may have any shape, size or thickness. The top case housing  102  may have a reduced thickness. In some embodiments, the top case housing  102  may have a consistent thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm in certain parts. 
     The top case housing  102  may have a bull-nose radius. The bull-nose radius may provide structural integrity for the electronic reader device  100 . The bull-nose radius may also provide an almost contiguous metal frame all around the electronic reader device  100 . 
     The top case housing  102  may have a grip area that is integral to the housing  102 . The grip area may be made of metal or any other material. The grip area may provide a point about which the center of gravity of the electronic reader device  100  can pivot. The mechanical stress that occurs when a users holds the electronic reader device  100  may fall on the grip area. The use of a grip area may enable the electronic reader device  100  to have a reduced thickness. 
     The bottom case housing  104  may have any shape, size or thickness. The bottom case housing  104  may have reduced thickness. The bottom case housing  104  may be no more than 1 mm thick. In some embodiments, the bottom case housing  104  may have a thickness between 0.50 mm and 0.70 mm. The bottom case housing  104  may be manufactured using numerous methods. The bottom case housing  104  may be made from many different substances. The bottom case housing  104  may be made from a non-ferrous metal or ferrous metal. In some embodiments, the bottom case housing  104  may be made of zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium or tin. 
     The interactive screen  106  may be attached to the top case housing  102 . The interactive screen  106  may be affixed to the front side of the top case housing  102 . In some embodiments, the interactive screen  106  may be attached to the bottom case housing  104 . The interactive screen  106  may be affixed to the front side of the bottom case housing  104 . When attached to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 , the face of the interactive screen may be substantially even or level with the front side of the top case housing  102 . In some embodiments, the face of the interactive screen  106  may be substantially lower than the front side of the top case housing  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the interactive screen  106  may be flush mounted. The bottom case housing  104  may also be flush mounted. The flush mounted interactive screen  106  and bottom case housing  104  may result in the electronic reader device  100  having a substantially flat face. The flush mounted interactive screen  106  and bottom case housing  104  may reduce the thickness of the electronic reader device  100 . 
     The interactive screen  106  may allow a user of the electronic reader device  100  to interact with the device  100 . The interactive screen  106  may be any kind of display. In some embodiments, the interactive screen  106  may be a touchscreen. 
     A movable wheel  110  may be attached to the top case housing  102 . The moveable wheel  110  may be capable of allowing a user to interact with the electronic reader device  100 . In some embodiments, the moveable wheel  110  may allow a user of the electronic reader device  100  to turn a page of an electronic publication that is viewable in the electronic reader device  100 . A user may use the moveable wheel  110  to turn a page by using a controller with a very thin form factor. For example, a user that is reading an electronic book on the electronic reader device  100  may rotate the moveable wheel  110  clockwise in order to turn one or multiple pages forward in the book. Alternatively, the user may rotate the moveable wheel  110  counterclockwise in order to turn one or multiple pages back in the book. In some embodiments, the moveable wheel  110  may allow a user of the electronic reader device  100  to navigate the internet. Although,  FIG. 1  illustrates a moveable wheel  110  there are many other devices that may be used to allow the user to interact with the electronic reader device  100 . The electronic reader device  100  may include buttons, a pad, or any other method of interacting with a device. 
     The audio jack  112  may be attached to the top case housing  102 . In some embodiments, the audio jack  112  may be attached to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 . The audio jack  112  may have a sufficient thickness or depth in order to fit within the electronic reader device  100 . The audio jack  112  may have sufficient stability to remain attached to the top case housing  102  before, during and/or after use. This may prevent a user from prying open the electronic reader device  100  if the audio jack  112  is twisted or leveraged. The audio jack  112  may be able to permit audible sound from the electronic reader device  100 . The audio jack  112  may also be used to permit recording to the electronic reader device  100 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  are illustrations of a cross-sectional view of the thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view and  FIG. 3  is a middle cross-sectional view. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the electronic reader device  100  may have a battery  114 . The electronic reader devise  100  may also have an electronic paper display  108 , such as electrophoretic displays or electro-wetting displays. Examples of such displays include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,577,433, 6,529,313, 6,525,866, 6,574,034, 6,017,584, 6,067,185, 6,118,426, 6,120,839, 6,124,851, 6,130,774, 6,172,798, 6,177,921, 6,232,950 and 6,249,271. 
     An electronic paper display  108  may use electrostatic forces to create images. A single electronic paper display  108  may utilize positive, negative and neutral voltages to affect image depictions and image changes. More particularly, each electronic paper display  108  pixel may receive (at different times) positive, negative or neutral voltages, which, in combination, select the color or shade of gray embodied in such pixel. The electronic paper display  108  may be persistent (i.e., state bistable) in that its retains its displayed image in the absence of power. 
     The electronic paper display  108  may be nested within the top case housing  102 . The electronic paper display  108  may be used to display viewable images. The electronic paper display  108  may display content in accordance with the electronic reader device  100 . The electronic paper display  108  may be a panel with e-ink. The electronic paper display  108  may be overlaid by the interactive screen  106 . The electronic paper display  108  may permit the user of the electronic reader device  100  to interact with the interactive screen  106 . 
     The electronic panel display  108  may have a controller. An exemplary such electronic panel display  108  and electronic display controller is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/497,199 entitled “Electronic Display Controller,” filed Jul. 2, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The electronic panel display  108  and/or controller may be coupled to the interactive screen  106  via an interface, such as a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) interface. In some embodiments, the interactive screen  106  component may be coextensive with electronic panel display  108 . That is, electronic panel display  108 , may include touch screen capabilities by way of incorporation of the interactive screen  106 . An exemplary such electronic panel display  108  is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/332,860 entitled “Touch-Sensitive Illuminated Display,” filed Dec. 11, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The battery  114  may supply power to the electronic reader device  100 . The battery  114  may be have a reduced thickness in order to fit within the electronic reader device  100 . The battery  114  may be removably attached to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 . The battery  114  may be positioned within the device  100  to be removable and/or replaceable. In some embodiments, the battery  114  may be manufactured by Gold Peak Batteries and have a model number of NTA2595. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6  are illustrations of a detailed cross-sectional view of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment. These figures provide a detailed view of the top case housing  102 , bottom case housing  104 , interactive screen  106 , and electronic paper display  108 .  FIG. 6  additionally provides a detailed view of the battery  114 . 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of an exploded view of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the electronic reader device  100  may have a top case housing  102 , a bottom case housing  104 , an interactive screen  106 , and an electronic paper display  108 . As illustrated, the electronic reader device  100  may also have an antenna cover  116 . The antenna cover  116  may be used to cover an antenna. The antenna cover  116  may be attached to the bottom case housing and/or the top case housing. In some embodiments, the antenna cover  116  may be attached to the back side of the top case housing  102 . In another embodiment, the antenna cover  116  may be attached to the front side of the top case housing  102 . 
     The electronic reader device  100  may have a Radio Frequency (RF) shield  118 . The RF shield  118  may be connected to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 . In some embodiments, the RF shield  118  may be connected to the front side of the top case housing  102 . The RF shield  118  may be positioned to overlie the antenna. 
     The antenna of the electronic reader device  100  may be capable of receiving and transmitting communication signals. The antenna may transmit and receive the communication signals received and transmitted over a communications network. The communications network may be a wireless, satellite, cellular, internet, wi-fi, bluetooth, RF, RFID and/or any other kind of network. The antenna may be attached to the top case housing  102  and/or bottom case housing  104 . In some embodiments, the antenna may be placed over the antenna cover  116 . 
       FIG. 7  also illustrates how the electronic reader device  100  may be constructed. The top case housing  102  overlies the bottom case housing  104 , the antenna cover  116  is attached to the top case housing  102  and the bottom case housing  104 , the RF shield  118  is attached to the top case housing  102 , the electronic paper display  108  is nested within the top case housing  102 , and the interactive screen  106  overlies the electronic paper display  108 . In some embodiments, the interactive screen  106  is level or nested within the top case housing  102 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are illustrations of a detailed view of a top case housing  102  of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 8  illustrates the front side of the top case housing  102 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the back side of the top case housing  102 . As illustrated, the top case housing  102  may include one or more connection points  120  where a connector may be attached. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration of a detailed view of an interactive screen  106  of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment. The interactive screen  106  may have a front side and a back side. The interactive screen  106  may also have a border. The border may be masked. The border may also be painted or silk-screened. In some embodiments, the border is painted or silk-screened on the back side of the interactive screen  106 . The interactive screen  106  may also include one or more bosses  122 . Alternatively, the interactive screen  106  may use any other attachment mechanism instead of bosses  122 . The bosses  122  may be glue-bonded to the front side or back side of the interactive screen  106 . 
     The interactive screen  106  may also have a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector  124 . The FPC connector  124  may be attached to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 . In some embodiments, the FPC connector  124  may be removably attached to the back side of the top case housing  102 . The FPC connector  124  may also attach to the grip area of the top case housing  102 . The FPC connector  124  may be used to connect sensors on the interactive screen  106  to a printed circuit board. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration of a detailed view of a bottom case housing  104  of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 11  illustrates the front side of the bottom case housing  104 . As illustrated, the bottom case housing  104  may include one or more openings  126  where a connector may be attached. 
     In some embodiments, the top case housing  102 , the bottom case housing  104 , and the interactive screen  106  are connected. One or more connectors may go through the bottom case housing  104 . In some embodiments, the one or more connectors may go through the openings  126  of the bottom case housing  104 . The one or more connectors may extend through and/or attach to the top case housing  102 . In some embodiments, the one or more connectors may extend through and/or attach to the one or more connection points  120  of the top case housing  102 . The one or more connectors may connect to the interactive screen  106 . In some embodiments, the one or more connectors may be attached to one or more bosses  122  of the interactive screen  106 . The one or more connector may be screws or any other attachment mechanism. 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration of a detailed view of an audio jack  112  of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment. The audio jack  112  may enable audible sound output from the electronic reader device  100 . In some embodiments, the audio jack  112  may include ridges or clips  128  that allow the audio jack  112  to easily attach to the bottom case housing  104  and/or the top case housing  102 . 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration of a detailed view of an audio jack of a thin electronic reader device according to an embodiment. The audio jack  112  may be attached to top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 . As illustrated, in some embodiments, the audio jack  112  may be only attached to the top case housing  102 . As illustrated, the ridges or clips  128  of the audio jack  112  allow the jack  112  to fit snugly within the top case housing  102 . The audio jack  112  may also be secured to the top case housing  102  using a connector. 
       FIG. 14  is an illustration of a detailed view of a RF shield  118  of a thin electronic reader device  100  according to an embodiment. The RF shield  118  may be attached to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104 . The RF shield  118  may be metal. The RF shield  118  may also provide electromagnetic shielding. The RF shield  118  may be used around the perimeter of the antenna to suppress inadvertent sensing of stray RF from other areas of the system. The RF shield  118  may also be used to prevent radiated RF from interfering with other elements of the system. In some embodiments, the RF shield  118  may include divots, connection points, or holes that allow the RF shield  118  to easily attach to the bottom case housing  104  and/or the top case housing  102 . The RF shield  118  may attach to the top case housing  102  and/or the bottom case housing  104  using connectors. 
     It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention. 
     While the foregoing illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the construction disclosed herein. The invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential attributes.