E-Book Split-Screen Dictionary Layout for Continuous Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic book systems do not efficiently integrate dictionary functions with the main content display, hindering seamless use of dictionary services while maintaining a comfortable reading environment.

Innovation Solution

The system divides the electronic book display area into two sections, one for the book content and another for the dictionary function, allowing users to perform dictionary searches and marking operations without interrupting their reading experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic book area is divided into first display area and second display area to display both book content and dictionary area simultaneously, then users can access dictionary information without interrupting reading, but the display area available for book content is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedictionary search accessibilityVSAvoidbook content display area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented into a first display area for book content and a second display area for dictionary information. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist simultaneously, enabling users to access dictionary information without leaving the reading context, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and display area allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If dictionary search function is integrated into the electronic book display, then users can perform dictionary searches without external tools, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedictionary search integrationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dictionary search function is merged with the electronic book display system by integrating the dictionary area into the same display device. This merging allows users to perform dictionary searches without external tools while maintaining a unified system interface, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the display shows both electronic book content and dictionary area simultaneously, then reading flow is maintained without interruption, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading continuityVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface utilizes spatial arrangement by dividing the display into distinct first and second display areas. This dimensional organization allows book content and dictionary information to coexist without overlapping or interfering with each other, maintaining reading continuity while managing interface complexity through structured layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12602544B2Information processing apparatus, operation method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus executes: processing of dividing an electronic book area in which an electronic book is displayed into a first display area and a second display area, and displaying contents of the electronic book and a dictionary area related to a dictionary function in the first display area and the second display area, respectively, according to an operation of a user; and processing of executing dictionary search of a character string selected by the user in the first display area.