U.S. patent application number 10/020290 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for electronic information distributing terminal equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hitachi, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kubo, Masaharu, Munakata, Takeshi, Takase, Satoshi.
Application Number | 20020080142 10/020290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 12413747 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020080142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takase, Satoshi ; et
al. |
June 27, 2002 |
Electronic information distributing terminal equipment
Abstract
Herein disclosed is an electronic information distributing
terminal equipment (2A) for storing and distributing the electronic
information containing a text information and a corresponding
motion image information in a memory card (1) equipped with an
electrically reloadable nonvolatile semiconductor memory device,
which equipment comprises a card stock (225) having a plurality of
memory cards stored in advance with the information which has been
transmitted through a communication interface (200) for
transmitting the electronic information to be distributed, wherein
the electronic information is distributed by discharging the memory
card even in response to a demand for distributing only the
electronic information, and wherein the memory card inserted with
the demand is utilized again as a new card stock (225). As a
result, it is possible to provide an electronic information
distributing terminal equipment capable of efficiently conducting
the service of distributing the electronic informations containing
a text information and a corresponding motion image
information.
Inventors: |
Takase, Satoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kubo, Masaharu; (Tokyo, JP) ; Munakata,
Takeshi; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MATTINGLY, STANGER & MALUR, P.C.
1800 DIAGONAL ROAD
SUITE 370
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Hitachi, Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
12413747 |
Appl. No.: |
10/020290 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10020290 |
Dec 18, 2001 |
|
|
|
08875183 |
Jul 21, 1997 |
|
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|
6381513 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/530 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 9/002 20200501;
G06K 17/00 20130101; G07F 17/16 20130101; G07F 9/001 20200501; G07F
17/0014 20130101; G06Q 10/10 20130101; G06Q 20/123 20130101; G06Q
20/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/530 |
International
Class: |
G06T 001/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 1995 |
JP |
7-34421 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic information distributing terminal for writing
electronic information including text information and its
corresponding motion video information into a memory card equipped
with an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory
device to distribute the information, comprising a card stock of a
plurality of memory cards holding electronic information
distributed through a communication interface, wherein the
electronic information is distributed by issuing memory cards even
in response to a demand for distributing only the electronic
information, and wherein the memory card inserted with the demand
is utilized as a new card stock.
2. An electronic information distributing terminal as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said memory card has an area for recording the
maximum number of rewrite operations, and an area for recording the
actual number of rewrite operations, wherein when the actual number
of rewrite operations reaches a predetermined value said memory
card ends its service as a new card stock so that the electronic
information is rewritten by updating the actual number of rewrite
operations till it reaches said predetermined value.
3. An electronic information distributing terminal as set forth in
claim 2, further comprising an operation unit for selecting the
kind of the electronic information demanding the distribution; and
accounting means for collecting the charge for the distribution of
the electronic information.
4. An electronic information distributing terminal for writing
electronic information including text information and its
corresponding motion video information into a memory card equipped
with an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory
device to distribute the information, comprising a communication
interface; a data buffer for temporarily storing the electronic
information fed from the communication interface; a memory card
interface, to which is removably attached a memory card equipped
with an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory
for allowing the memory card to separately store the text
information and the corresponding motion video information from
said data buffer; an operation unit for selecting the electronic
information to be stored in the memory card from the data buffet;
and accounting means for collecting the charge for the electronic
information selected in the operation unit.
5. A distributed electronic information reproducing system,
comprising display control means that removably receives a memory
card having an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor
memory, displays static images from a portion of the text
information and the corresponding motion video information read
from said memory card, and reproduces motion images from the static
images on the basis of an instruction from an operation unit.
6. A distributed electronic information reproducing system as set
forth in claim 5, further comprising: a communication interface; a
data buffer for temporarily storing electronic information
including text information and the corresponding motion video
information sent through said communication interface; and a memory
card interface for allowing the memory card to separately store the
text information and the corresponding motion video information
stored in said data buffer.
7. An electronic information distributing memory card acting as a
medium for distributing text information and its corresponding
motion video information and having an electronically rewritable
nonvolatile semiconductor storage device, wherein either of the
motion video information and the text information is stored
starting with the first address a predetermined storage area
whereas the other is stored starting with the last address of said
predetermined storage area, and wherein the motion video
information and the text information are separated from each other.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for
distributing electronic information (such as a kind of multimedia
information) including text information and its corresponding
motion image information, a technique for reproducing the
distributed electronic information, and a technique for utilizing a
memory card having an electrically rewritable nonvolatile
semiconductor memory as a medium for distributing the electronic
information. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
technique which is effective if applied to an electronic newspaper
distributing terminal and a distributed electronic newspaper
reproducing system for realizing an application to be called a kind
of motion image electronic newspaper, for example.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the multimedia at present, the newspapers or TV programs
form a major part. The newspapers are the most convenient and
portable information media. However, the recording and display
media called the newspapers are excellent in the quality of
displaying text or documents, but their graphic information is
limited to the static images. On the other hand, the TV
intrinsically handles the graphic information and is excellent in
the quick service of information. However, the TV is inferior in
portability to the newspapers and substantially unable to allow
free accesses to desired informations. The drawback of TV is
compensated for by the video recorder which has a poor quality in
expressing the text and is limited in portability and quick
service. Thanks of the recent development of the electronic
technique, practices are being started of the electronic books
which uses various electronic recording media and liquid crystal
displays in place of the books of the prior art having paper media.
This trend is described on pages 105 to 110 of Nikkei Electronics
(1-17, No. 599 issued by Kabushiki Gaisha Nikkei BP in 1994), for
example. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 181803/1993, on the other
hand, moreover, there is disclosed an electronic publishing system
which uses an optical disk as the memory medium to record the
electronic information containing graphic information and to
reproduce the recorded information.
[0003] However, those prior arts have taken no consideration into
the point of reproducing and displaying the electronic information,
in which the mode of displaying the graphic information with
respect to the text information is freely switched between the
static image display and the motion image display. Neither
considered is a system for distributing such electronic
information.
[0004] We have investigated the portability of a terminal for
reproducing the distributed electronic information, the quick
serviceability of the distribution of the electronic information,
and the simultaneous accesses to the static image and the motion
image. After these investigations, we have found that it is
desirable for improving the convenience and performance of the
information display to display the static image together with the
text thereby to switch the static image freely to the motion image.
Of these, it is advantageous for reducing the size and improving
the reliability of the operation to exemplify the electronic
information storing media by a memory card which is removably
attached while having no substantial mechanical action. For
spreading such reproducing/displaying terminal, moreover, we have
found that it is necessary to develop the device or system for
distributing the electronic information and to consider the
acceleration of the process in view of the characteristics of the
service for distributing the electronic information.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic information distributing terminal capable of efficiently
conducting the service of distributing the electronic information
including text information and its corresponding motion image
information.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic information distributing terminal capable of improving
the reliability of the distribution service when an electrically
rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory card for distributing
the electronic information.
[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a distributed electronic information reproducing system capable of
displaying the file information and the motion image information
clearly and displaying more information if necessary.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
memory card as an individual storage device optimized for
distributing the electronic information.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In the present invention, an electronic information
distributing terminal (2A) for writing electronic information
including text information and its corresponding motion image
information into a memory card (1) equipped with an electrically
rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory to distribute the
information, comprises a card stock (225) of a plurality of memory
cards that hold the information distributed through a communication
interface (200), wherein the electronic information is distributed
by discharging the memory card even in response to a demand for
distributing only the electronic information, and wherein the
memory card inserted with the demand is utilized as a new card
stock (225).
[0010] Since the memory card can be repeatedly utilized but is more
expensive than the video tape, the electronic information
distributing terminal other than those used personally or at home
has to be considered to support the two electronic information
distribution modes, i.e., to distribute the electronic information
exclusively and to distribute the electronic information by vending
the memory card, too. At this time, it the electronic information
distributing terminal having the card stock stored in advance with
the electronic information is adopted, the discharge of the memory
card of the card stock even in the case, in which the purchaser is
inserted his memory card to demand the distribution of only the
electronic information, makes it unnecessary to allow each inserted
memory card to store the electronic information thereby to
accelerate the service of the information distribution. Since the
inserted memory card is then utilized as a new card stock, the card
stock is not reduced unless a memory card is newly purchased, so
that the card stock need not be frequently supplied. Since the
electronic information to be stored in the memory card is received
through the communication interface, the distribution of the
information having a content of quickness such as the newspaper
information can be covered to require no work for updating the
information to be distributed.
[0011] Information can be rewritten only a limited number of times
in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory. In order to retain the
reliability of the information distribution, the memory card has an
area (MEM1) for recording the information indicating the maximum
number of rewrite operations, and an area (MEM2) for recording the
actual number of rewrite operations, wherein when the actual number
reaches a predetermined value, said memory card ends its service as
a new card stock (225) so that the electronic information is
rewritten by updating the actual number of rewrite operations till
it reaches said predetermined value.
[0012] The electronic information distributing terminal can be
realized like an automatic vendor by providing an operation unit
(205, 226, 2266) for selecting the kind of the electronic
information demanding the distribution; and accounting means (206,
229) for collecting the charge for the distributing of the
electronic information.
[0013] According to another aspect, an electronic information
distributing terminal for writing electronic information including
text information and its corresponding motion image information
into a memory card (1) equipped with an electrically rewritable
nonvolatile semiconductor memory to distribute the information,
comprises a communication interface (200); a data buffer (411, 221)
for temporarily storing the electronic information fed from the
communication interface; a memory card interface (410, 230) to
which is removably attached a memory card equipped with an
electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory for
allowing the memory card to separately store the text information
and the corresponding motion image information from the data
buffer; an operation unit (413, 232) for selecting the electronic
information to be stored in the memory card from the data buffer;
and accounting means (206, 229) for collecting the charge for the
electronic information selected in the operation unit. In this
electronic information distributing terminal, it suffices both the
improvement in the information distribution service and the
propriety for the charge to have the data buffer for temporarily
storing a plurality of electronic information fed from the
communication interface and to charge the cost for the distribution
of a desired information when this information is selected from the
electronic information stored in the data buffer.
[0014] A distributed electronic information reproducing system (4),
comprising display control means (402) that removably receives a
memory card having an electrically rewritable nonvolatile
semiconductor memory, displays a static image on a display unit
(403) using a portion of the text information and the corresponding
motion image information read from said memory card, and reproduces
a motion image from the static image on the basis of an instruction
from an operation unit (405, 413). Thus, the information can be
displayed clearly and more information can be displayed, if
necessary, by displaying static image from the text information and
a corresponding portion of the motion image information and if
necessary, a motion image from the static image.
[0015] The distributed electronic information reproducing system
(4) is enabled to receive the distribution of information directly
by further comprising: a communication interface (200); a data
buffer (411) for temporarily storing the electronic information
including text information and the corresponding motion image
information received through the communication interface; and a
memory card interface (410) for allowing the memory card to
separately store the text information and the corresponding motion
image information the electronic information transferred from said
data buffer, whereby it can receive the distribution of information
directly.
[0016] One electronic information storing mode on a memory card for
facilitating accesses to motion image information and text
information corresponding to each other, wherein either of the
motion image information and the text information separated from
each other is stored starting with the first address of a
predetermined storage area (MEM6) whereas the other is stored
starting with the last address of said predetermines storage area
(MEM6).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the entirety
of the system for distributing the electronic information;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one example of the
distribution source or publishing source of the electronic
information;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the load
terminal exemplifying the dedicated write terminal or home write
terminal;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram presenting a transmission
format of the composition controlled electronic information at (A)
and a storage format of the electronic information of the memory
card at (B);
[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one example of the portable
display terminal;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of one example of the
display control mode of the text information and the motion image
information in the portable display terminal;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of another display control
mode of the text information and the motion image information in
the portable display terminal;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram of one example of the portable display
terminal which is additionally given the function of the home write
terminal;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing another example of the
processing procedure mainly of the billing step when the
distribution of the electronic information is received;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing one embodiment of the
exterior construction of the portable display terminal described
with reference to FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing one example of the
exterior construction of the operation panel to be connected to the
portable display terminal of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the display mode in
which the text display area and the static/motion-image display
area of the display unit of FIG. 10 are selectively enlarged fully
to the display screen;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a top plan view showing another example of the
exterior construction of the portable display terminal;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one example of the system
allowing a wide variety of users to write the memory card used in
the portable information terminal with the desired electronic
information;
[0031] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing one example of the
memory card using mode in case the electronic information for the
portable display terminal are provided by the prepaid method;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of one example of the load
terminal which can be concentratedly utilized by many persons and
can rewrite many memory cards in a short time period;
[0033] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of one example of the
user's operation panel contained in the user interface and
belonging to the write terminal of FIG. 16;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an initialization preparing
procedure for stocking the written memory cards in the card stock
of the write terminal of FIG. 16;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the procedure for providing
the user having purchased a new memory card with the information in
the write terminal of FIG. 16;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the procedure for providing
the user owning the memory card in the write terminal of FIG. 16
with the information and the procedure for reusing the inserted
memory card owned by the user;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing another example of the
write terminal;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of one example of the system for
realizing the service to load the memory card with the information
which is significant in a local area; and
[0039] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel
which is mounted in the user interface of the write terminal of
FIG. 22.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention will be described in more detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the entirety
of a system for distributing electronic information. This
electronic information is digital information (such as a kind of
multimedia information) including text information and motion image
information (as will be shortly referred to as the image
information) corresponding to the former. For distributing the
electronic information in this system, there is utilized as the
storage medium a memory card 1 which is equipped with an
electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The
memory card makes use of a nonvolatile memory such as an EPROM, an
EEPROM or a flash memory. In case the system, as shown in FIG. 1,
is used to realize an application to be called a kind of motion
image electronic newspaper, an electronic information distributing
source (or circulating source) 5 is provided with a data base for
newspapers and a data base for TV to create the digital information
including the motion image information and the text information
from the latest information. For example, the text information is
the character code information of the newspaper, and the motion
image information is the TV motion image information corresponding
to that newspaper. The TV data base usually exploits the image data
stored in a VTR. Such electronic information (as will be shortly
referred to as the electronic newspaper information) for the
electronic newspaper can be created for the several newspapers of
the individual newspaper publishing companies.
[0042] The aforementioned electronic information is transmitted to
the distribution terminal through the telephone line, the ISDN line
or the PC-LAN, or wirelessly. In FIG. 1, the electronic information
distribution terminal is representatively exemplified by a
dedicated write terminal 2A and a home write terminal 2B. The
electronic information distributing terminal (write terminal) such
as the dedicated write terminal 2A or the home write terminal 2B
stores the electronic information in the memory card 1 and
distributing it. In either the terminal 2A or 2B, the electronic
information, as transmitted thereto, is stored in the memory card 1
acting as the solid-state storage medium. The dedicated write
terminal 2A can be realized to distribute the electronic
information like the automatic vendor, and the home write terminal
2B can also be realized in a form incorporated in a home or
personal system such as the telephone, the facsimile, the receiver
of the cable TV or the personal computer. According to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electronic information stored in
the memory card is reproduced by a portable display terminal 4.
This portable display terminal 4 has the function of receiving the
information through the home write terminal 2B and storing the
received information in the memory card 1. In other words, the home
write terminal 2B and the portable display terminal 4 may be
integrated with each other. The portable display terminal 4 is
equipped with a display so that the text information and the
corresponding static and motion image information are given to the
user. In this specification, the motion image information is
grasped as a concept containing voice data, if necessary.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows one example of the electronic information
distributing source 5. In FIG. 2, a text file 50 to be used for
making a newspaper is used as it is as the file information. The
text information, as stored in the text file 50, is composed of a
set of character codes. The data type may be of text or any other.
The motion image information may be a graphic file 53 compressed by
an encoder (or compressor) 52 from the recorded data of a VTR 51
that stores the information corresponding to the news item and
broadcasted in the TV. The information, as stored in those text
file 50 and graphic file 53, is transmitted after it is composed by
a composition control unit 54 into a predetermined type matching
either the transmission protocol or the information processing type
of the write terminal. The contents of the composition control are
to pair the corresponding text information and motion image
information, to assign the motion image information to the text
information, to index and synthesize the information so as to
facilitate the display at the portable display terminal
equipment.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a write terminal 2 as an example of the
dedicated write terminal 2A or the home write terminal 2B. The
write terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 3, is equipped with a
communication interface 200 which can be connected with the
electronic information distributing source 5 by making use of a
predetermined transmission line. The communication interface 200 is
equipped with a receiving buffer 201. This receiving buffer 201
temporarily stores the information inputted through the
communication interface 200, so as to absorb the difference in the
data processing rate between the inside and outside of the write
terminal 2. The electronic information thus stored in the receiving
buffer 201 is separated by a separator 202 into the text
information and the motion image information. The text information
is expressed as a text file TF whereas' the motion image
information is expressed as a graphic file GF. The text file TF and
the graphic file GF are stored in the memory card 1 through a
memory card interface 203. This memory card interface 203 removably
receives the memory card 1 holding the aforementioned text file TF
and graphic file GF separately of each other. Numeral 204
designates a control circuit for controlling the entirety; numeral
205 designates an operation unit arranged with various operation
buttons; and numeral 206 designates an accounting unit for charging
the fare required for distributing the electronic information. In
case the write terminal 2 is the dedicated load terminal 2A like
the automatic vendor, the accounting unit 206 collects the fare or
changes the balance of the prepaid card. In case the write terminal
2 is the home write terminal 2B, the accounting unit 206 returns
the use content such as the identification information or
accounting information of the user to the electronic information
distributing source 5 through the communication interface 200.
[0045] FIG. 4(A) shows the transmission format of the electronic
information having its composition controlled, and FIG. 4(B) shows
the storage format of the electronic information in the memory
card. In this example, one transmission format is composed of a
header 540, a text file TF, an identifier 542, a graphic file GF,
an identifier 544 and a footer 545. Of these, the header 540, the
identifiers 542 and 544 and the footer 545 are given the fixed
lengths. The header 540 has the start flag, the data word count of
the text file, the data word count of the graphic file, and the
index data of those graphic file GF and text file TF. The
identifier 542 is a code data indicating the last of one text file
TF, and the identifier 544 is the code data indicating the last of
one graphic file GF. The footer 545 has an end flag indicating the
presence or absence of the succeeding information transmission.
When a plurality of pairs of text file TF and graphic file GF are
contained in a series of information, for example, the end flag in
the transmission format of the last pair is enabled. One
transmission format is stored with the text file TF and the graphic
file GF corresponding to each other. The data of the text file TF
and the graphic file GF are transferred in synchronism with the
transfer clock by using 32 bytes, for example, as one packet.
According to this example, there are assigned to the identifiers
542 and 544 the codes which are inhibited from being used in one
packet of a text file TF and a graphic file GF. This transmission
format is generated in the composition control unit 54 of FIG.
2.
[0046] In the example of FIG. 4, the memory card 1 is different
from the file memory which is compatible with the magnetic storage
unit, and stores the text file in locations starting with the first
addresses of a predetermined data storage area and the graphic file
GF in locations starting with the last addresses of the
predetermined data storage area. In short, the motion image
information and the text information are held in a physically
isolated manner in the predetermined data storage area of the
memory card 1. According to the example, as shown at (B) in FIG. 4,
to the last one of data units 100 for storing text files TF1 to TF4
and graphic files GF1 to GF4, there are coupled data identification
units 101, and the end flags of the identifier and the footer 545
contained in the transmission format are stored in the data
identification units 101 of the text files TF. The data
identification units 101 of the graphic files GF includes the
identifier 544 and the footer 545 as an end flag, which are
contained in the transmission format.
[0047] Electronic information of the text file TF received is
stored in locations starting with the first address of the
predetermined data storage areas in the memory card 1 and the
graphic file GF in locations starting with the last address of the
predetermined data storage areas in the memory card 1. The last
data identification units 101 of the individual files TF and GF are
stored with the end flags of the identifiers 542 and 544 and the
footer 545. The text file and graphic file having their end flags
enabled are the last text file and graphic file transmitted. For
reading out the electronic information, the text files TF1 to TF4
are sequentially read from the first address of the predetermined
data storage areas. These individual text files TF1 to TF4 are
discriminated with the identifier of the data identification unit
101. These reading operations are continued till the enabled end
flag is detected from the data identification unit 101. When the
enabled end flag is detected in the text file reading operations,
then the graphic files GF1 to GF4 are sequentially read from the
last address of the predetermined data storage areas, and these
reading operations are repeated till the enabled end flag is
detected from the data identification unit 101. The individual
graphic files are discriminated with the identifier of the data
identification unit 101.
[0048] Incidentally, the memory card 1 can be exemplified by a file
memory compatible with a magnetic storage unit, and the nonvolatile
memory has to be equipped with a sector administration table for
storing the text information and the motion image information at
the sector unit and for holding the correspondence between the
sector number and the memory address. In this case, the
correspondence between the graphic file and the text file has to be
made in terms of the file name (or file number). The transmission
format at this time need not always be one for transmitting the
text file and the graphic fine in pairs, as shown in FIG. 4. For
this transmission, the data size or data word count and the file
name of a file and the file name have to be contained in the
header.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows one example of the portable display terminal 4.
This portable display terminal 4 is equipped with a card interface
400 to which is removably attached the memory card 1. The card
interface 400 reads out the text file TF and the graphic file GF
from the memory card 1 holding those text and graphic files
separately, as described with reference to FIG. 4. The graphic file
GF, if compressed, is expanded by an expander 401. The motion image
information expanded and the text information read out through the
card interface 400 are fed to a display control unit 402 so that
the corresponding motion image and text informations are displayed
in a display unit 403. Numeral 404 designates a control circuit for
controlling the entirety, and numeral 405 designates an operation
unit arranged with various operation buttons. The information to be
displayed in the display unit 403 can be outputted through an
output terminal to an external recorder such as the VTR.
[0050] FIG. 6 shows one example of the display control modes of the
text information and the motion image information in the portable
display terminal. The display control unit 402 causes the text
information and the corresponding portion of the motion image
information read from the memory card 1 to be displayed as a static
image in the display unit 403, so that the static image is
reproduced as a motion image on the basis of the instruction coming
from the operation unit 405. In FIG. 6, for example, a static image
SP1 and a motion image DP1 are obtained from the motion image
information pairing the text information (as will be shortly
referred to as the "text") TC1, and a static image SP2 and a motion
image DP2 are obtained from the motion image information pairing
the text TC2. Simultaneously with the display of the text 1, the
static image SP1 is displayed in the display unit 403. When the
motion image display is then selected in the operation unit 405,
the static image SP1 is changed into the motion image DP1 without
any change in the text TC1, and the display state of the static
image SP1 is restored at the end of a series of motion image
displays. When the screen display is then selectively switched to a
next news item by the operation unit 405, the static image SP2 as
to the text TC2 is displayed, and the static image SP2 is also
switched to the motion image DP2 while awaiting the instruction
from the operation unit 405 and is returned to the static image SP2
at the end of the motion image display.
[0051] FIG. 7 shows another display control mode of the text
information and the motion image information in the portable
terminal. In the case of FIG. 7, when a motion image display is
instructed by the operation unit 405 with the text TC1 and the
static image SP1 being displayed together, the mode comes into the
motion image display mode simultaneously as the static image SP1 is
enlarged fully to the display screen. At the end of a series of
motion images, the image display area is reduced to restore the
parallel display state of the text TC1 and the static image SP1.
When the screen display is then selectively switched to a next news
item by the operation unit 405, the text TC2 and the static image
SP2 are displayed together, and the enlargement of the image
display area and the switching to the motion image DP2 are effected
awaiting the instruction from the operation unit 405 like the above
operation. At the end of the motion image display, the static image
SP2 is restored.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing one example of the
portable display terminal functioning also as the home load
terminal. The portable display terminal, as shown in FIG. 8,
includes the circuit blocks of FIGS. 3 and 5. The memory card
interface 410, as shown in FIG. 8, include a data buffer 411 and
serves as the memory card interface 203 of FIG. 3 and the memory
card interface 400 of FIG. 5. This data buffer 411 is used to
temporarily store a plurality of kinds of electronic information
before the memory card 1 is written in case the electronic
information is downloaded through the communication interface 200.
A control circuit 412 functions as the control circuit 204 of FIG.
3 and the control circuit 404 of FIG. 5. An operation unit 413
functions as the operation unit 205 of FIG. 3 and the operation
unit 405 of FIG. 5. The information, transmitted through the
transmission line, is received by the communication interface 200
and stored in the receiving buffer 201. The information thus stored
in the receiving buffer 201 is separated by the separator 202 into
the graphic file GF and the text file TF. The files TF and GF thus
separated are once stored in the data buffer 411 and then written
in the memory card 1.
[0053] The electronic information to be written in the memory card
1 is selected by the operation unit 413. The information selection
by the operation unit 413 can be positioned either as the selection
of the information to be downloaded or as the selection of the
information to be written in the memory card 1. In the former, the
control circuit 412 downloads the electronic information of the
kind specified by the operation unit 413 through the communication
interface 200. In the latter, the control circuit 412 automatically
downloads the electronic information of the individual newspaper
publishing companies, which are to be serviced by the supply
source, through the communication interface during the night in
which the message rate may be lower. These electronic newspaper
information is separated into the text file TF and the graphic file
GF and stored in the data buffer 411. These operations can be
executed every time the morning and evening editions are issued.
When the user selects a desired newspaper by the operation unit
413, the corresponding electronic newspaper information is written
in the memory card 1 through the card interface 410. In the latter
type, the individual bills for the electronic newspaper information
are issued by the accounting unit 206 when the memory card 1 has
stored information from the data buffer 411. Since the portable
display terminal of the present embodiment is utilized personally
or at home, the billing by the accounting unit 206 is carried out
online by the electronic newspaper publisher through the
communication interface 200. In case the user receives the
distribution of the electronic newspaper, for example, he can input
the user identification code and the password from the operation
unit 413 to purchase the electronic newspaper information if he is
identified as the registered user. Then, the purchasing cost and
its detail are returned to the electronic newspaper publisher
through the communication interface 200.
[0054] One example of the operations for purchasing the electronic
newspaper will be described in more detail. In case the
distribution of the electronic newspaper information is to be
received, the necessary information codes including the user
identification code and the password, as registered in advance, are
inputted from the operation unit 413. The information thus inputted
from the operation unit 413 is transmitted by the control circuit
412 to the transmission line through the communication interface
200. The information thus transmitted through the transmission line
is received by the host system (not-shown) of the distribution
source of the information. This host system discriminates the
information to be transmitted from the received information and
sends the discriminated information through the transmission line.
The information thus sent are received by the communication
interface 200. The user acknowledges the information by replying to
the host system through the communication interface 200 from the
operation unit 413. If the wrong newspaper information is received,
a resend is demanded to repeat the operations till the right
information is received. The received newspaper information is
stored in the memory card 1 when the operation unit 413 is given
the fact that the desired information has been received. The
information thus received through the transmission line is billed
by confirming that it has been written in the memory card 1 so that
the user may not be filled if the host system transmits unwanted
electronic newspaper information.
[0055] The display of the electronic newspaper information in the
memory card 1 can be similar to the case of the portable display
terminal of FIG. 5. The electronic information to be received by
the system of FIG. 8 is not limited to the electronic newspaper
information.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows another example of the processing routine,
especially including billing steps for the distributed electronic
information. Upon purchasing the electronic information, the user
inputs the registered number such as the user identification code
and the password (at Step T1) and the kind of the purchased
information from the operation unit (at Step T2). If the input
information is not approved at Step T3, the routine can be returned
to Step T1 by selecting the continuation of the process. If it is
approved at Step T3, the selected information can be read (at Step
T4). After this, the instruction to store the read information in
the memory card is selected at Step T5 so that the electronic
information is stored in the memory card (at Step T6), and the
distribution of the electronic information is charged (at Step
T7).
[0057] FIG. 10 shows the exterior construction of the portable
display terminal 4 described with reference to FIG. 8. Although not
especially shown, the portable display terminal 4 of FIG. 5 has a
basic exterior construction similar to that of FIG. 10. In FIG. 10,
the portable display terminal 4 has the display area of the display
unit 403 in the front screen of its casing 210. The display area is
used to display the text display area and the static and motion
images. The casing 210 is arranged along its edge portion with the
operation unit 413 composed of the operation buttons for switching
the information of the text display area and the motion/static
images and at its side portions with an interface connector 211 for
the communication interface 200 to be connected with the
information transmission line and an operation panel connector 212
to which is selectively connected an external operation panel for
inputting the character code information such as the user
identification code or the password.
[0058] FIG. 11 shows an exterior of the operation panel to be
connected to the portable display terminal of FIG. 10. As shown,
the operation panel comprises an input keyboard 2120 for inputting
the personal identification code; an operation content display area
2121 for displaying the information inputted; and a portable
terminal connector 2122 to be connected to the portable display
terminal. In case the portable display terminal of FIG. 10 is to be
used as the home write terminal, the user has to input the
necessary information code and the pre-registered personal
identification code. Through the input keyboard 2120, the
electronic information selecting code and the personal
identification code are inputted with a plurality of figures. The
inputted digits are displayed in the operation content display area
2121. If the displayed content is correct, a key "E" is depressed
to confirm the input data. After necessary codes or the like have
been inputted, a key "T" is depressed to transmit the codes through
the communication interface 200 by the control circuit 412 of the
portable display terminal 4. Meanwhile, the information, as
transmitted from the host system of the distribution source, is
received by the portable display terminal 4. The codes for
discriminating the received information are displayed in the
operation content display area 2121. If the same information as
demanded is transmitted, the predetermined electronic information
is not stored in the data buffer 411 of the portable display
terminal 4 or the memory card 1 before the user depresses a key
"S".
[0059] FIG. 12 shows one example in which the text display area and
the static/motion image display area in the display unit 403 of
FIG. 10 are selectively enlarged fully to the display screen.
Usually, the area for displaying the images is made smaller than
the text display area. Depending upon the kind of information,
however, there may be considered the case in which it is demanded
to display the image in a large scale. In this case, the user is
allowed to select the display type freely by the operation unit 413
of the portable display terminal.
[0060] FIG. 13 shows another exterior construction of the portable
display terminal. The example of FIG. 13 is equipped with the
display unit 403 in which are physically separated the text display
area and the display area for displaying the static image and the
motion image. The former display area is disposed in the cover 210A
of the casing whereas the latter is disposed in the casing body
210B. This terminal is different from that of FIG. 10 in that the
operation unit 413 having the operation panel for inputting the
code information is integrated with the body 210B while eliminating
the operation panel connector 212. As a result, it is possible not
only to realize the better portable display terminal but also to
display a larger image without enlarging the image by switching the
text display area and the image display area. Moreover, the display
area for the static image can be dedicated whereas the motion image
can be selectively displayed in the text display area thereby to
realize a more impressive image display.
[0061] FIG. 14 shows an example of the system construction which
allows the user to write desired information into the memory card
used in the portable information terminal 4. The numerous write
terminals 2 are connected through the communication lines (e.g.,
the ISDN lines, the CATV cables or the wireless lines) with the
information distribution sources 5 including the newspaper
publishing companies, the magazine publishing companies, the
broadcasting stations and the self-governing communities so that
data to be written in memory cards are sent to the individual write
terminal 2 in accordance with the distribution source selection and
the information demand signal from the write terminal 2.
Alternatively as to the massmedia information of the newspapers or
magazines, the same data may be simultaneously sent to the numerous
write terminals 2 at a predetermined time. The write terminals 2
may be constructed to be suitably installed at the lobbies of
stations, halls or hotels or at schools for the concentrated
utilizations of many people, to be suitably installed at
convenience stores, private concerns or gas stations for the
suitable utilizations of many people, and to be installed at home
or in the guest rooms of hotels for personal utilizations. The
former two installations can be positioned as the aforementioned
dedicated load terminal 2A whereas the latter can be positioned as
the aforementioned home write terminal 2B.
[0062] FIG. 15 shows one example of the mode of using the memory
card 1 in case the electronic information for the portable display
terminal 4 is provided by the prepaid system. The memory card has
six data storage areas: a first area MEM1 to a sixth area MEM6. The
individual areas have their memory addresses fixed such that the
storage capacities of the first area MEM1 to the fifth area MEM5
are no more than one tenth of that of the sixth area MEM6. Either
the sixth area MEM6 or the fifth area MEM5 and the sixth area MEM6
may be constructed of a nonvolatile memory of a kind different from
that of the remaining areas. Relatively speaking, the fifth and
sixth areas MEM5 and MEM6 are required to be inexpensive and large
in capacity whereas the first area MEM1 to the fourth area MEM4
need higher speed and complete nonvolatility.
[0063] The first area MEM1 can be rewritable only by the memory
card manufacturer and it contains specification data such as the
storage capacity of the memory card. If this first area MEM1 stores
the guaranteed number of rewrite operations, the system can be
operated accordingly. The second area MEM2 can be erased, written
and read only by the write terminal which is administered by the
information vendor, and it may contain data such as the password
number and the available number of write operations set by the
information vendor. The password number is utilized to inhibit the
user to write and erase the third area MEM3. This third area MEM3
can be erased and written only by the write terminal which is
administered by the information vendor, while the user can only
read, and it contains such information as the available number of
rewrite operations, the information name designation, the kind and
number of the write terminals, and the time of information writing.
The fourth area MEM4 can be erased and written by the user, and it
contains the data such as the password of the user. The fifth area
MEM5 contains the index data (e.g., the provided information name
and the data amount) of the provided information. The sixth area
MEM6 contains the provided information such as text information and
motion image information (including voice information) separately.
This sixth storage area constitutes a predetermined data storage
area, as shown in FIG. 4(B). Incidentally, depending upon the
transmission format of the electronic information and the kind of
the data, the fifth area can contain the kind and mode of data,
i.e., the compressed/uncompressed, the kind of the
text/image/motion-is image/voice, and the leading address of the
data of each kind.
[0064] FIG. 16 shows a write terminal 2A which can be concentrated
utilized by many persons in a short period of time to write a
number of memory cards. The write terminal 2A, as shown in FIG. 16,
is an electronic information distributing terminal for writing the
electronic information including the text information and the
corresponding motion image information into the memory card 1
having an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory
and for distributing the electronic information. This terminal is
equipped with the communication interface for interfacing the
communication line, and a package media interface 220 for taking
the data from a package media such as an optical disk. The
communication interface 200 has the receiving buffer 201. The
electronic information, fed from the communication interface 200 or
the package media interface 220, is temporarily stored in a data
buffer 221. This data buffer 221 is constructed of a semiconductor
memory of large capacity or a magnetic storage device. A data
compressor 222 is coupled to the data buffer 221 so that
uncompressed electronic information (e.g., the informations taken
by a digital camera) fed from the packaged media interface 220 can
be compressed and stored in the buffer memory 221. The electronic
information thus stored in the data buffer 221 is divided by the
separator 202 into the text information and the motion image
information. The text information is formatted into a text file
whereas the motion image information is formatted into a graphic
file so that they are stored in the memory card 1 through a memory
card interface 223. The memory card interface 223 can be
simultaneously accept a plurality of memory cards 1 so that it can
read, erase and write the data in parallel. The write terminal 2A
of the present embodiment can distribute the electronic information
like the automatic vendor to vend only the electronic information
when stored in the memory card 1, and the memory card 1 together
with the electronic information. A card machine 224 for receiving
memory cards 1 and ejecting written cards has a card stock 225. The
terminal is further equipped with a user interface 226 including a
user operation panel for the user to purchase the electronic
information, and an administrator interface 227 including an
administrator operation panel for the administrator to administrate
the write terminal. The use interface 226 and the administrator
interface 227 constitute an operation unit together. An accounting
processor 229 for collecting the charge for distributing the
electronic information and processes the collection of money or the
change in the balance in prepaid cards. A control circuit 228
controls the entirety of the write terminal 2A in accordance with
the preset programs. Incidentally, the data compressor 222 can be
dispensed with in case the electronic information to be fed from
the electronic information source to the communication interface
200 and the package media interface 220 are limited to the
compressed data.
[0065] FIG. 17 shows one example of the user's operation panel
included in the user interface 226. This write terminal 2A is of
the type, in which it is concentratedly utilized by many persons,
and the user's operation panel is arranged in front of the write
terminal. This user's operation panel includes a card slot 2260; a
card return 2261; a fare indicator 2262; a fare insert and change
return slot 2263; a message unit indicator 2264 for indicating the
balance in the prepaid memory cards; an indicator 2265 for
indicating the name of available information and the number of
message units required for the sales; a button 2266 for selecting
the name of information to be purchased; a button 2267 for
instructing to purchase a new memory card; a button 2268 for
designating whether the name of information to be purchased is left
as the previous one or changed (that is, the previous name is
retained with no designation to select the continuation); and a
demonstration screen 2269 for demonstrating the distribution time
of the information, the edition and a portion of the content of the
information. The administrator's operation panel of the write
terminal 2A has its surface covered with a keyed cover 2270, in
which are arranged buttons or a keyboard and a display for the
administrator to perform the various operations and settings, the
insert/receive slots for the packaged media and the memory card
insert/receive slots. These memory card insert/receive slots of the
administrator's operation panel are provided for inserting the
memory card to be initially stocked or for receiving the expired
memory card. These card insert/receive slots can also be used as
the user's memory card insert/receive slots. On the other hand, the
administrator's operation panel may be arranged at the back of the
user's operation panel.
[0066] In the write terminal 2A described with reference to FIGS.
16 and 17, the electronic information, supplied from the
information distributor through the communication line or the
package media, is stored in the data buffer 221 or in a plurality
of memory cards so that they are stored in the card stock 225.
Specifically, electronic information is written in a plurality of
memory cards 1 in parallel, and a plurality of memory cards holding
the supplied information of the individual names are stored as the
card stock 225. For either a demand for distributing only the
electronic informations or a demand for distributing the electronic
information accompanied by a new purchasing of the memory card 1,
moreover, the electronic information is distributed by discharging
the memory card 1 of the card stock 225. In the demand for
distributing only the electronic information, the user inserts his
memory card 1, which is added to the card stock 225 so that it is
later used for vending the information. As a result, the desired
information can be promptly provided without any time period for
loading the individual memory cards with the electronic
information. Moreover, the aforementioned memory card 1 has the
area (MEM1) for recording the information indicating the limit of
rewriting the electronic information for the memory card and the
area (MEM2) for recording the actual number of rewrite operation.
If the actual number exceeds a given limit, the card is removed
from the card stock; otherwise it may be used to rewrite new
information until the given number is reached. As a result, the
expired memory card can be recovered and exchanged with bothering
users so that the undesired expiration of the memory card 1 can be
prevented to improve the reliability of the sales of the electronic
information. FIGS. 18 to 20 show examples of the electronic
information distributing procedure for achieving such effects and
the procedure of loading the memory card 1 with the
information.
[0067] FIG. 18 shows an initial preparation procedure for storing
the loaded memory cards in the card stock 225. First of all, by the
administrator's operation of the write terminal 2A or according to
the programs set in the write terminal 2A, the information data, as
provided by the information distributor, are stored in the data
buffer 221 of the write terminal 2A through the communication line
or the package media (at Step S1). The electronic information and
their index data are stored in the data buffer.
[0068] For the initial stocking of the card stock 225, a plurality
of memory cards 1 are inserted into the card machine system 224 of
the write terminal 2A (at Step S2). The memory cards 1, as used
herein, are divided into the first area MEM1 to the sixth area
MEM5, as described with reference to FIG. 15. The first area MEM1
stores the guaranteed number of rewrite operations MO, and the
second area stores the actual number of rewrite operations M.
[0069] For the initial stock memory card 1 inserted, the data are
read out from the first area MEM1 and the second MEM2. The memory
card 1 is excluded as an expired one from an object to be stocked
in the memory card stock 225 (at Step S3) if MO-M.ltoreq.A for the
guaranteed number MO of the first area MEM1, the actual number M of
the second area MEM2 and a preset value A (e.g., a constant at 100
such as a safety factor arbitrarily set for assuring the reload),
or if B-M.ltoreq.A for the limit B set by considering the lifetime
of the memory card exchange.
[0070] For the memory card other than the expired one, the data of
the second area MEM2 are deleted (at Step S4), and the password No.
of the sales administrator set in the write terminal 2A and the
card actual number of rewrite operations is updated to M+1 and
written (at Step S5). Thus, a plurality of memory cards to be
actually utilized are stocked in the memory stock 225.
[0071] Next, the data of the third area MEM3 to the sixth area MEM6
of each memory card are deleted (at Step S6), and information is
stored in the fifth and sixth areas MEM5 and MEM6 (at Step S7). The
erasure and writing at Steps S6 and S7 are executed in parallel for
a plurality of (e.g., 10 to 50) memory cards 1 in accordance with
the abilities of the card machine system 224 and the memory card
interface 223. The selection of the information name (at Step S8)
at this time can be individually executed either automatically
according to the programs of the control control 228 or by the
administrator using the administrator's operation panel. Thus, a
number of memory cards 1 holding the provided information data are
obtained in the card stock 225. The numbers in the card stock 225
for the Individual information can be individually determined to 50
for the information A, 20 for the information B and 10 for the
information C either by the administrator's operation of the load
terminal or according to the programs set in the write terminal
2A.
[0072] FIG. 19 shows a procedure for providing a new memory card
purchasing user with the information. In case (at Step S9) the new
button 2267 is depressed by the user's operation to insert a new
fare, one memory card 1 is selected (at Step S11) from the memory
card stock 225 of each information name in accordance with the
selected information name (at Step S10). The selected memory card 1
has its third area MEM3 (at Step S12) with the data such as the
available number of rewrite operations NO-U, an information name
specifying information or the time and is given to the user. The NO
indicate the available number of rewrite operations corresponding
to the selling price of the memory card, and the U indicates the
number of rewrite operations depending on the price of the
designated information (i.e., for the desired information).
[0073] FIG. 20 shows the procedures of providing the memory card
owner with the information and reusing the inserted memory card 1.
The data, in the first area MEM1 to the fourth area MEM4 of the
user's memory card 1 inserted into the write terminal 2A, are read
out (at Step S13). One memory card 1 is selected (at Step S14) from
the memory card stock 225 for each information name in accordance
with the information name designating information stored in the
third area MEM3, if the actual number of rewrite operations Ni
stored in the third area MEM3 is no less than the desired number of
rewrite operations U. If the available number Ni is smaller than
the desired number U, a demand for an additional fare is displayed
(at Step S15). If the insertion of the additional fare is confirmed
(at Step S16), one memory card 1 is also selected (at Step S14)
from the memory card stock 225 of each information name in
accordance with the information name designating information of the
third area MEM3. The memory card 1 selected at S14 has its third
area MEM3 holding the available number of rewrite operations Ni-U.
If the fare is additionally inserted, the available number of
rewrite operations Ni+add-U is recorded while considering a
frequency corresponding the additionally inserted fare. Moreover,
the third storage area MEM3 of the memory card 1 holds the data
such as the information name designating information or the time.
The data read out from the fourth area MEM4 of the inserted user's
memory card 1 are transferred (at Step S17) to the fourth area MEM4
of the memory card 1. The user is provided with the resultant
memory card. These procedures helps to provide users with their
desired information in a very short time because it is not written
each time a user insert a card.
[0074] For the user to reuse the inserted memory card, the controls
are made by the following procedure. The user's memory card, as
inserted into the load terminal 2A, is excluded as the expired one
from the object for the reuse (at Step S18) either if it is decided
that MO-M.ltoreq.A on the basis of the guaranteed number of rewrite
operations MO read out from the first area MEM1 of the memory card,
and the actual number of rewrite operations M read out from the
second area MEM2 of the same, and the preset value A (e.g., 100) or
if it is decided that B-M.ltoreq.A for the limit B set
independently of the MO. For the unexpired memory card 1, the
second area MEM2 is erased (at Step S19), and the password number
of the sales administrator, as set in the write terminal 2A, and
the actual number of rewrite operations is updated to M+1 and
written (at Step S20). Thus, the memory cards 1 to be reused are
stocked (at Step S21).
[0075] Next, the data of the third area MEM3 to the sixth area MEM6
of the individual memory cards, as stocked to be reused, are
deleted (at Step S22), and information is written in the fifth and
sixth areas MEM5 and MEM6 (at Step 23). The kind of information to
be written can be automatically determined according to the sales
results of the provided information. For example, in case the
erasure and writing in Steps S22 and S23 are executed in parallel
for a plurality of, e.g., about ten memory cards 1 in accordance
with the abilities of the card machine system 224 and the memory
card interface 223, the erasure and writing in Steps S22 and S23
can be effected when the sales result card number for each
information name reaches a parallel processing number. The
selection of the information name at this time can be executed
either automatically according to the program of the control
circuit 228 or individually by the administrator using the
administrator's operation panel. In short, the number of memory
cards 1 to be simultaneously handled to write information name can
be determined according to the difference between the set stock
number of each information name and the stock number at that time
and in accordance with the program set in the write terminal 2A.
Thus, the card stock 225 of the memory card 1 holding the provided
information is grown.
[0076] Moreover, in case the information data from the information
distributor are changed with the same information name, the data in
the data buffer 221 of the write terminal 2A are rewritten, and the
stock 225 of the memory cards 1 holding the provided information
data of the same information name is repeatedly subjected to the
procedure similar to those of Steps S18 to S23 so that the user can
always be provided with the latest information data.
[0077] FIG. 21 shows another example of the write terminal. The
write terminal 2A-1, as shown in FIG. 21, is different from that of
FIG. 16 in that the external interface for receiving the electronic
information is limited to the communication interface 200 and in
that the card stock 225 of the memory cards is not provided so that
the sales are made by loading the memory card, as inserted by the
user, individually with the electronic information. The electronic
information, stored in the data buffer 221, is separated by the
separator 202 into a text information and a motion image
information. Of these, the text information is formatted into a
text file whereas the motion image information is formatted into a
graphic file, and it is stored in the memory card 1 through a
memory card interface 230. This memory card interface 230 receives
the memory card 1, and reads, erase and write the data. The write
terminal 2A-1 of the present embodiment sells only the electronic
information when the memory card 1 is inserted. A card machine 231
receives the memory card 1 and gives out the card with written
electronic information. The terminal is equipped with a user
interface 232 including a user operation panel for performing the
operations for the user to purchase the electronic information, and
an administrator interface 233 including an administrator operation
panel for the administrator to administer the write terminal. The
user interface 232 and the administrator interface 233 constitute
the operation unit together. The control circuit 234 administers
the entirety of the write terminal 2A-1 in accordance with a preset
program. This write terminal 2A-1 takes the provided information
data from the information distributor through the communication
line, stores it in the data buffer 211, and write the information
data of the designated name into the card to give the data to the
user. Incidentally, the remaining construction is similar to that
of FIG. 16, and the detail description of the circuit blocks having
the identical functions will be omitted by designating them at the
identical reference numerals.
[0078] FIG. 22 shows an example of the system construction for
realizing the services to write information, which is significant
in a local area (or limited place) into memory cards. This limited
place may be exemplified by a train, an airplane, a hall, a sports
ground, a school or a hospital. A server 6 and a write terminal
2A-2 are connected through a LAN (i.e., Local Area Network) so that
the information held by the server 6 is usually sent in parallel to
the individual terminals 2A-2. In this case, a small-sized
inexpensive write terminal 2A-2 is placed on each seat of the
train, the airplane, the hall, the sports ground or the school so
that the user can write the memory card at his seat. However, what
can be selected at a time by user is restricted to ten kinds or the
like at most. The information to be provided may be a time table, a
travel guide book, an instant motion picture of sports or the voice
of an encored song of a concert. In FIG. 22, the individual write
terminals 2A-2 are interfaced with the LAN line by a channel
selector 240. The electronic information to be transmitted from the
LAN line through the channel selector 240 is temporarily stored in
a receiving buffer 241, and the electronic information thus stored
is separated by a separator 242 into the graphic file and the text
file and fed to a memory card interface 243. This memory card
interface 243 writes the graphic file and the text file separately
in the memory card. The operation such as the selection of the
electronic information is given from a user interface 244. A
control unit 245 controls a channel selector 246, the separator 242
and the memory card interface 243 in accordance with the
instruction coming from the user interface 244. In the system of
FIG. 22, the fare handling portion is eliminated from the write
terminal 2A-2 by installing a dedicated device 7 for adding the
memory card sales and frequency on the lobby or the like. Moreover,
the write terminal 2A-2 is not equipped with the data buffer
because the provided information data need not be temporarily
stored as a whole. In the case of the present system, too, the
information provided by the newspaper publishing companies can be
written by providing the server with the communication interface
and the high-capacity buffer memory.
[0079] FIG. 23 shows an example of the construction of the
operation panel to be mounted in the user interface of the write
terminal 2A-2 of FIG. 22. The user's operation panel is arranged on
the front face of the write terminal. The user's operation panel
comprises a memory card slot 2440; a message unit indicator 2441
for indicating the balance in the memory card prepaid for a given
number of units; an indicator 2442 of the information name to be
sold and the number of message units required for the sales; and
buttons 2443 for selecting the name of information to be purchased.
Incidentally, there may be indicated the distribution time or
edition of the information and the demonstration of a portion of
the information content.
[0080] The following effects can be attained according to the
foregoing individual embodiments.
[0081] [1] According to the electronic information distributing
terminal 2A of FIG. 16 having the card stock 225 having the
electronic information stored in advance, even in case the
purchaser inserts his memory card to demand the distribution of
only the electronic information, the information distribution can
be promptly serviced by discharging the memory cards 1 of the card
stock 225 while making it unnecessary to write information into the
inserted memory cards individually. Since, at this time, the
inserted memory card is utilized as the new card stock 225, the
stocked cards are reduced only in case a memory card 1 is newly
purchased, so that the card stock 225 need not be frequently
supplied. Since the electronic information to be written in the
memory card 1 is received through the communication interface 200,
the information having the content to be quickened such as the
newspaper information can be distributed, and no work is required
for updating the information to be distributed.
[0082] [2] The aforementioned memory card 1 has an area MEM1 for
recording the information (i.e., the guaranteed number of rewrite
operations MO or the limit B) indicating the limit of rewriting
electronic information, and an area MEM2 for recording the actual
number of rewrite operations M, wherein when the actual number
reaches a predetermined value the memory card 1 ends its service in
the card stock 225 so that the electronic information is rewritten
by updating the available number till it reaches the predetermined
value. As a result, the reliability of the information distribution
can be retained under the circumstances in which the number of
rewrite operations the nonvolatile semiconductor memory is limited.
Specifically, the expired memory card 1 can be recovered and
replaced without bothering the user to prevent the undesired
expiration of the memory card 1 so that the reliability for selling
the electronic information can be improved.
[0083] [3] There are provided the operation unit (205, 413, 226)
for selecting the kind of the electronic information demanding the
distribution; and the accounting means (206, 229) for collecting
the charge for the distribution of the electronic information. As a
result, it is possible to realize the electronic information
distributing terminal like an automatic vendor.
[0084] [4] When the desired information is selected from the
electronic information stored in the data buffer 411, as shown in
FIG. 8, the cost for the distribution of the information can be
collected to satisfy both the improvement in the information
distribution service and the propriety for the charge.
[0085] [5] Thanks td the data buffer 411, as shown in FIG. 8, and
the data buffer 221 for temporarily storing the electronic
information fed from the communication interface 200, as shown in
FIG. 21, it is possible to shorten the time required from the
demand for the distribution of the electronic information to the
completion of writing the electronic information.
[0086] [6] By storing the separated text information and motion
image information separately in the memory card 1, the portable
display terminal 4 for reproducing the text information and the
motion image information need not be provided with circuit means
for separating the text information and the motion image
information so that the portability of the portable display
terminal 4 can be enhanced.
[0087] [7] The text information stored in the storage means and a
portion of the corresponding motion image information are displayed
as a static image in the display unit 403 so that the static image
is reproduced as a motion image, if necessary. As a result, at the
time of reproducing the distributed electronic information, as to
the mode of displaying the text information and the motion image
information, information can be displayed clearly and more
information can be displayed, if necessary.
[0088] Although our invention has been specifically described in
connection with its embodiments, it should not be limited to those
embodiments but can naturally be modified in various manners
without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the
separation of the text information and the motion image information
can be effected by the portable display terminal (or the
distributed electronic information reproducing system). In this
case, the image information and the text information are stored in
the memory card while being separated on the storage area.
Moreover, the specific construction of the user interface should
not be limited to the foregoing embodiments.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0089] As described hereinbefore, the present invention can be
applied to a terminal for distributing newspaper information having
motion images, a system for reproducing the newspaper information
having the motion images, and a memory card acting as a storage
medium for storing the newspaper information. In addition, the
present invention can be applied to a system for distributing,
reproducing and storing the electronic information, including
newspaper information having the motion images as well as
information of other periodic publications, or books.
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