As video content that pours out useful information and enjoyment just by looking at the screen for a moment has become a trend, reading seems to have become a slow and old-fashioned hobby and an annual event that occurs only a few times a year. At one time, they were considered the epitome of analog, but amidst the unstoppable trend, books began to reach the public wearing digital clothing. Recently, many publishers and book-related platforms are applying 4th industrial revolution technologies such as AR (augmented reality) and AI (artificial intelligence) to book reading, stimulating the public's desire for reading in more diverse ways.
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| clipartkorea.co.kr |
In this issue, we will take a look at reading-related technologies and patents that have advanced beyond paper books and e-books!
Woongjin Thinkbig, a Korean company leading
the publishing and education markets with differentiated content, has applied
for a patent for reading education based on augmented reality. This technology,
titled 'System and method for supporting reading by linking additional content
to book', is called an interactive book that interacts with the reader and is
called 'AR Secret Science'. It was released as a children's product.
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| Woongjin ThinkBig AR Secret Science <Source: Newsis/Woongjin ThinkBig> |
The invention connects a smart device and a book, and links a marker (paper pointer) that shows augmented reality content to a paper book. At this time, users can put their voice and face on the paper marker and combine it with the story of the paper book. Additionally, by moving the paper marker, you can experience various AR effects such as tests and images, as well as 3D images, videos, and sounds.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2222599, titled "System and method for supporting reading by linking additional content to book" |
Through Woongjin ThinkBig's reading technology, readers can indirectly experience concepts in books that are difficult to understand using AR, and can engage in two-way and active communication with the book rather than simply reading it.
We recommend books based on the probability of complete reading.
Since e-books became popular, the public has been able to easily access various types of books, including the latest web novels, books that are not in stock at libraries, books that have already been borrowed, and books that are out of print. However, even though the number of available e-books increases, the number of e-books that the average reader can read in everyday life is limited. Therefore, there has been a steady demand for a service that allows users to select specific e-books they prefer.
‘Millie, Korea’s largest reading platform,
provides book information in a more advanced way by complementing the
limitations of current technology.
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| Millie's logo |
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2412447, titled "Method for providing information on E-book and server using the same" |
In order to actively solve current limitations, Millie applied a patent for a new technology that complements the problems. This invention additionally provides complete reading probability information and expected completion time information, which were not provided by current technologies. This helps users search and select e-books based on their own circumstances. Here, the complete reading probability information and the expected completion time information are provided by grouping other information about the e-book based on a specific user. For example, if we ‘obtain data on the average total pages, average viewing pages, and reading time of e-books read by teenage male users who enjoy novels,’ the information is grouped and provided to readers belonging to similar groups.
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| clipartkorea.co.kr |
A paper book that is more comfortable to read with a reading pad that fits
Despite the development of e-books and platform
services, there are still many readers who prefer and insist on the uniqueness
of paper books. Devices have also appeared to help those who enjoy the analogue
nature of paper books read comfortably. Among them, we introduce the block
reading table.
Reading desks in the prior art have a fixed angle for the top or only 2 to 5 limited angles, making it difficult for people with different physiques such as height, neck, and waist length to use them. The configuration for adjusting the angle and height was complicate, so that made it difficult to use.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2478465, titled "The block-type reading desk" |
This block desk is an invention that makes up for the above week points and has the advantage of allowing users to freely customize. It includes a top plate that supports books, a stand provided on the bottom of the top plate to support the lower part of the object, a support plate that supports the top plate, and a connecting part that adjusts the angle of the top plate. A right convex is formed on the right side of the connecting part, and a left concave inlet corresponding to the right convex is formed on the left side, so that multiple blocks are continuously fitted and coupled.
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| wipsglobal.com KR10-2478645, titled "The block-type reading desk" |
By inserting multiple blocks in series like this, the angle of the top and the height of the stand that supports the bottom can be smoothly adjusted. Using this invention, you can maximize work efficiency by adjusting the angle and height as desired to suit your work environment, and you can read a book in the right posture for a long time, which has the advantage of reducing fatigue.
This time we learned about reading-related technologies that are creating new reading trends. It might be a good idea to take out books you haven't read before by using technologies that combine convenience and an analog feel. I hope that reading will continue to combine with new technologies and become a hobby that brings happiness and joy to many people over time.
