Moblie entertainment (MY VERSION 2)

MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS – Electronic Readers and a Contender

Coursework Header Sheet

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Course COMP1397: Mobile Entertainment Systems Course School/Level EN/UGCoursework Project Assessment Weight 60.00%Tutor J Wetherall Submission Deadline 21/04/2009

See course document.

Coursework is receipted on the understanding that it is the student's own work and that it has not, in whole or part, been presented elsewhere for assessment. Where material has been used from other sources it has been properly acknowledged in accordance with the University's Regulations regarding Cheating and Plagiarism.

000267730 Patrick Chude Tutor's comments

Grade Awarded___________ For Office Use Only__________ Final Grade_________Moderation required: yes/no Tutor______________________ Date _______________

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PATRICK N. CHUDE (000267730)


Name: Patrick N. Chude

Degree Course: BENG (H) Computer Systems and Software Engineering

Module: Mobile Entertainment Systems

Project Title: Electronic Readers and a Contender

Tutor: Mr. Jodie Wetherall

User ID: cp406

Student ID: 000267730

Level: 3

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SECTIONS PAGE NUMBER

SECTION 1.0: - INTRODUCTION 1.1: HISTORY 1.2: PRESENT 1.3: ACCESSIBLITY AND FILE FORMAT 1.4: SHORT COMINGS OF THE E-BOOK/E-READER 1.5: SOLUTIONS TO THE SHORT COMINGS AND TYPES OF E-BOOKS/E-READERS

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SECTION 2.0: - EXPLANATION OF THE TYPES OF E-READER/E-BOOKS 2.1: COMPONENTS OF THE PDA AND THE ERD 2.2: GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ABOUT E-BOOKS/E-READERS 2.3: EXTERNAL NEGATIVE INFLUENCES 2.4: ADVANTAGES OF THE E-BOOK/E-READER

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SECTION 3.0: - EXAMPLES OF ELECTRONIC READERS 3.1: Amazon Kindle 3.2: Amazon Kindle 2 3.3: Sony PRS – 700 reader 3.4: Philips E-Reader Readius

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SECTION 4.0: - GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 4.1: FORMAT SPECIFICATIONS 4.2: NETWORKING SPECIFICATION

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SECTION 5.0: - OPERATING SYSTEM DESIGN 32

SECTION 6.0: - SOFTWARE DESIGN (a.k.a. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE)

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SECTION 7.0: - Conclusion and Project Creator’s personal reflection 74

SECTION 8.0: - Appendix 8.1: Second Iteration of the “Bad Girl” reader 8.2: Third Iteration of the “Bad Girl GUI”

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SECTION 9.0: - References 84

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0: - INTRODUCTION

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Mobile entertainment systems have been around for a while. The concept originated from the idea of entertaining people while they are mobile. No longer will people be worried about being bored while taking that long flight or train ride to that far off location. Mobile entertainment systems aim to occupy the owner’s attention so that they do not notice the passage of time from one location to another.

The aim of this project is to develop a new e-reader or electronic book or e-book based on the research of current devices (and also possible future devices) available in the market today.

An e-book (short for electronic book, can also be written as eBook) or e-reader is the digital media equivalent of a conventional printed book1. E-books are usually read on personal computers, or on dedicated hardware devices known as e-book readers or e-book devices. Many mobile phones can also be used to read e-books1.

Or, you could say that an e-book or 'electronic book' is just what it says it is - something you read on screen instead of on paper2.

SECTION 1.1: HISTORY

The origins of the electronic book can be traced as far back as 1946 when ENIAC (electronic numerical integrator and computer), the first computer, came online3. Developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, ENIAC stored information and ran programs using 19,000 vacuum tubes, 1,500 relays, and hundreds of thousands of resistors, capacitors, and inductors3. Over the next thirty years, the computer continued to advance in execution rate, memory capacity, and processing power, all while becoming smaller in size and easier in use3.

By 1971 powerful new microprocessors were introduced that could do nearly all the basic computations of modern computers3. The new processors were able to facilitate Project Gutenberg that entailed the conversion of many classical texts, including The Oedipus Trilogy, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, and Treasure Island, into electronic form3.

About 25 years later, over 250 different titles had been transcribed and made available on the newly accessible Internet3. The Internet, much like the computer, would aid in the proliferation and mass availability of data, as well as revolutionize the idea of the electronic book in the last decade of the 20th century3.

SECTION 1.2: PRESENT

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The e-book is a component of the Internet, rather than a physical device3. If the Internet is thought of as a giant library, storing all types of information, then websites are the individual books and magazines in all their varying sizes and content3. Websites may include information, pictures, and links to other websites, much like the pages of codices contain printed text, pictures, and perhaps even references to other pages or books (such as footnotes)3.

Not all websites are designed to be used as a book; there are websites utilized as online shops, discussion boards, and even games3. However, millions of websites, such as online dictionaries and encyclopaedias, are designed and utilized much like a book or other printed media3. In this way, certain websites and online databases are often seen as electronic books in their own right3.

SECTION 1.3: ACCESSIBLITY AND FILE FORMAT

In addition to websites, there are also more traditional e-books directly transcribed from modern codices, easily uploaded and downloaded from the Internet in a variety of formats 3. For example, an Internet company called “toExcel” publishes novels online that are free to read3.

Another site, “netLibrary.com”, offers 37,000 e-book titles, most of which are only accessible through affiliated libraries. Other online companies sell downloadable books in “pdf” form that can be read using a program known as “Adobe Acrobat Reader”3.

Similar to most computer text programs, Adobe Acrobat allows readers to scroll up or down vertically, bringing one page into view after another3. Such a method is oddly reminiscent of reading a papyrus scroll, although reading off a computer screen undoubtedly requires less effort on the part of the reader3.

SECTION 1.4: SHORT COMINGS OF THE E-BOOK/E-READER

Electronic books, from websites to acrobat files, represent an easy means of storing and viewing information3. However, they lack a certain physical appeal that codices and other tactile media posses3. As described by Frederick Kilgour, "the unacceptability of the present electronic book is often expressed in what has come to be known as the 'can't curl up in bed with it' syndrome, closely followed by the 'can't read it at the beach' complaint" 3.

SECTION 1.5: SOLUTIONS TO THE SHORT COMINGS AND TYPES OF E-BOOKS/E-READERS

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In order to overcome these inadequacies, a few pioneering companies are designing and producing lightweight, paperback-sized electronic devices that are intended to replace the codex, not only in content, but in physical form as well3. “Nuvomedia”, for instance, is currently developing a device that resembles a miniature laptop3.

The device, called the “Rocket e-Book”, has easy-to-use buttons, an LCD screen, and multiple print sizes3. It also allows the reader to annotate and search the text, as well as look up unfamiliar words using an integrated dictionary3. Unarguably the best quality of such a device is the ability to, "take it anywhere, read it in bed, at the beach, on the subway, at breakfast, and so on" 3.

“Nuvomedia” claims that it will have several hundreds of newly published titles available for download once the “Rocket e-Book” is released3. Electronic reading devices (or ERDs), like the Rocket e-Book, are currently being divided into two main types:

The personal digital assistant (PDA) The dedicated ERD.

SECTION 2.0: - EXPLANATION OF THE TYPES OF E-READER/E-BOOKS

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The PDA is designed to be a multi-functional device, run using either the Palm operating system or the Pocket PC operating system3. Although PDAs have varying amounts of memory, they have an almost instant start-up3. In fact, they are often considered "lite" computers, being faster and smaller than laptops, yet retaining nearly the same amount of features3. PDAs can be used as organizers with such functions as a calendar, address-book, memo lists, and a calculator3. Many PDAs are also designed to download and display e-books in a few particular formats3.

In contrast, the primary purpose of dedicated ERDs is to display, download, and store electronic books, rather than mimic the functions of a computer3. Some may also offer a few of the options available on PDAs; however they are only secondary to the e-book functions3.

Figure 1: An example of a dedicated ERD

SECTION 2.1: COMPONENTS OF THE PDA AND THE ERD

Dedicated ERDs are usually slightly larger than PDAs3. This allows for a more extensive viewing screen, and thus a larger reading surface. Many of the new dedicated ERDs provide the reader with the ability to rotate text by 90 degrees, allowing the display of longer lines3.

SECTION 2.2: GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ABOUT E-BOOKS/E-READERS

Both the PDA and dedicated ERD require a computer to download and upload e-book files, which is a major limitation of these devices3. Although the e-book may very soon overcome the deficiencies of a physical nature, there are other obstacles it will have to overcome in order to claim dominance over the traditional book. Hand-held ERDs, for instance, need to be cheap which in turn makes them widely available3.

Nuvomedia's Rocket e-book is planned to be priced around $500, which is simply too expensive for most consumers3. Desktop computers are not portable, and laptop computers are considerably more expensive than desktops. They also have a limited battery life and are

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still too heavy to carry around as easily as most regular books. Individual novels, downloaded into the e-book, will have to be less expensive than traditional books in order to gain a respectable following3.

Another major issue with the electronic book is piracy and readability3. In an attempt to protect their property, content owners and authors provide e-books in specific formats that are designed to reduce piracy. These formats are only readable using certain software or hardware platforms3. Thus, even if you have the money to purchase an electronic reading device you may only be able to read some of the e-book novels available. The lack of a universal e-book file format compatible with a wide range of devices will continue to severely limit the desirability of portable electronic books3.

In addition to technical issues, there is also a “social attachment” to the traditional book 3. People enjoy sharing, or even showing off, the types of books or other materials they like to read by reading them in the presence of others or displaying them in their home. This social aspect of sharing and enjoying books is perhaps one of the major contributors to the rise of the coffeehouse/bookstore3.

Michael Goldhaber elucidates this idea by stating that, "the social mixing that goes on at bookstores may become a thing of the past3. If you want others to be impressed with the book you are reading, the e-book will deny you that chance, forcing you to either give up false modesty and proclaim your interests in your own voice, or give up any identity through your reading" 3.

SECTION 2.3: EXTERNAL NEGATIVE INFLUENCES

There are external negative factors that might limit the market penetration of e-books. And these factors include –

The Internet Service Providers (ISPs), they are allowing very quick and efficient dissemination of data for those who can afford it3. Once information is easily available, however, there is still a question of that information's quality and validity3. On the Internet, anyone can claim to be an expert on any given topic, dispensing knowledge or advice that may not be based on proof, expertise, or any other "well-grounded" literary sources3. For this reason, the Internet is an electronic library full of potentially incorrect, or misleading, information3.

There is also an Internet-related issue concerning the servers that store and transmit the digital data of websites and electronic books3. Servers use the same means of storing information as regular computers: magnetic hard drive disks. It is possible that data contained on these disks may become corrupt and therefore unstable, or may simply be deleted altogether3. If a company contains a database of new books,

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that data may be irreplaceable if the storage device suffers permanent damage. In addition, with software platforms and coding methods constantly changing, there is no guarantee that electronic book files produced today will be compatible with reading devices of tomorrow3.

SECTION 2.4: ADVANTAGES OF THE E-BOOK/E-READER

The e-book also holds many advantages for the reader as well. E-books allow faster availability of novels since they do not have to be printed or shipped3. In fact, with the necessary technology, books can be downloaded from anywhere at anytime3. The wireless networks that already allow the service of cellular telephones could easily be used by readers to access databases of electronic books3. There would no longer be a concern that certain books would go out of print, since maintaining book files online or over a wireless service would be very inexpensive for publishers3.

Perhaps most importantly, electronic books contain many unique features that regular books do not3. They offer a variety of fonts, text searching, as well as back-lit screens designed for reading in the dark. Yet the most distinguishable feature of the electronic book is its multimedia capabilities3. From hand-held ERDs to desk-top computers, the interface of electronic books allows stories to come alive with animated graphics and video, in addition to regular static pictures. Written text and vivid illustrations can be used in any combination, giving the author additional means of artistic expression, and readers a more lively reading experience. These features will not be useful for every novel, and some readers prefer to have text only. However, for other readers, especially children, multimedia graphics provide visual and audio feedback, increasing the interactivity and enjoyment of books3.

Libraries may also benefit from the advent of the electronic book3. Fully digital libraries do not have to concern themselves with packing and unpacking, shelving, physical circulation, or overdue books. In fact, electronic libraries would require fewer employees; perhaps only one individual to maintain and update the collection3. There would be little need for a large physical space, as the shelving of books would no longer be necessary3. Librarians of the future would be similar to today's technical support, teaching library patrons how to utilize the new layout and informational interfaces3. Eliminating clerical positions and large physical spaces, as well as not having to deal with the import and export of physical books, would be an attractive proposition for library administrators running low on funds3.

Over the next few decades, the success of the electronic book will depend largely upon its practicality and advantages over the printed book3. It is questionable whether these advantages are significant enough to overcome the familiarity of the printed book, as well as the technical difficulties that still plague electronic reading devices3. However, the success of Internet e-books, published in the form of websites and downloadable files, is much less

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questionable as both the availability and attainability of information via the Internet increases daily3.

Yet even the Internet is restricted, being an immobile source of reading material, not capable of satisfying either the "can't curl up in bed with it" syndrome, or the "can't read it at the beach" complaints3. As long as readers retain a sense of familiarity with the feel and comfort of the printed book, there is little doubt that the codex - having been the dominate form of the book for over 1500 years - will continue to dominate for many years to come3.

The term mobile entertainment system can be applied to a lot of devices, but the basic factor about them is that they are portable3.

For a better understanding of this report the following devices will be looked at:

Amazon Kindle Amazon Kindle 2 Sony PRS – 700 reader Philips E-Reader Readius

SECTION 3.0: - EXAMPLES OF ELECTRONIC READERS

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SECTION 3.1: Amazon Kindle - This section will have the following structure –

How it works It’s layout Inner Workings The Kindle’s Display Amazon’s E-book Store It’s Popularity Issues with the Kindle

How it works - In 2007, the Internet commerce company Amazon introduced a $399 (now priced at $359) electronic book (e-book) reader called the Kindle4. The Kindle was not the first dedicated e-book reader device, but it didn't really have much competition -- there wasn't a huge demand in the market for e-book readers before the Kindle's launch4. Amazon has two distinct advantages over earlier e-book manufacturers4. The first is that the company designed the Kindle so that it interfaces seamlessly with Amazon's online store4. “Amazon.com” hosts hundreds of thousands of titles, many of which you can order in electronic format4. And because the Kindle is wireless, you can access the store without connecting the device to a computer4. You can buy a book or subscribe to an electronic version of a newspaper on Amazon and download it directly to the Kindle4. The second advantage is that Amazon has a large customer base. Both of these factors give the Kindle a leg up on the competition4. Why would you want to use an e-book reader in the first place? One reason is that a single e-book reader can hold many titles4. The Amazon Kindle can hold up to 200 titles (books, newspapers, magazines and blogs) in its memory. It also has a port that allows users to save titles to a memory card, extending the Kindle's capacity4. Some people like the idea of having an electronic library that takes up very little physical space4.

The Kindle's memory capacity also makes it very convenient for travellers4. With a Kindle, you don't have to worry about packing heavy books in your luggage to last for the whole trip. A single Kindle can hold more than enough titles to tide you over4. And if you decide you want something completely different midway through the trip (as long as you're travelling in the United States), you can always use the Kindle to access Amazon's store and buy a new book4.

The Kindle also has several functions that you may find helpful while reading4. You can bookmark a page; highlight a selection of text or even type notes as you read. With these features, the Kindle has the potential to replace hardcopy textbooks in the future, something many students would probably welcome4. While they would no longer be able to sell a used copy of a textbook at the end of a term, they wouldn't have to carry around a backpack filled with hefty books4. Next, will be its layout4.

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The Kindle’s layout - The Kindle has an off-white plastic casing and an asymmetric, bevelled shape, like a closed three-ring binder4. It has a rubberized back that makes it easier for users to hold the device. It is 7.5 inches (19 centimetres) long and 5.3 inches (13.5 centimetres) wide. And also, it is only 0.7 inches (1.8 centimetres) thick and weighs a mere 10.3 ounces4.

Figure 2: A rubberized surface on the back of the kindle covers the SD card slot and removable battery.

The central feature on the Kindle is its electronic paper screen. It measures six inches (15.2 centimetres) along the diagonal and has a 167 dots per inch (DPI) resolution4. The screen can only display images in black and white4. Unlike LCD screens, it's not backlit. That means you'll need a reading light if you want to skim a novel in a setting with little ambient light4.

On either side of the screen are sets of two large buttons4. On the left you'll find buttons for "next page" and "previous page". The right side features buttons for "next page" and "back." Some reviewers have commented that the "back" and "previous page" buttons sometimes function identically and sometimes do different things, which can cause confusion4. Several critics have also pointed out that the placement of the buttons makes it easy for users to accidentally turn a page just by picking up the Kindle4.

Please see the figure 3.

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Figure 3: You can clearly see the button layout from the figure above.

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Beneath the screen you'll find a scroll wheel, a full keypad and an array of function buttons 4. The scroll wheel acts as a navigation interface -- like a mouse -- allowing the user to select options or specific lines of text. Pressing down on the wheel is like clicking a button on the mouse -- it lets you activate options. The keypad allows you to type notes while reading text or use the search feature. The function keys map to search and menu shortcuts4. On the base of the Kindle you'll find a headphone jack (the Kindle can play mp3 files), a USB port and a power adapter plug4. You'll also find a pair of volume buttons. The power button is on the back of the Kindle along with a switch that activates the Kindle's wireless receiver. Underneath the removable rubberized pad is a slot that can accept a standard SD Flash memory card. You'll also find the Kindle's removable battery pack there4. The Kindle comes with a USB cable and a power adapter. It also comes with a protective book cover4. The cover has a padded section that protects the screen and an elastic band that holds the cover closed. Amazon also has a selection of accessories for the Kindle, including leather covers and adapters for non-U.S. electrical systems4.

Now let's take a look at what makes the Kindle work.

The Kindle’s Inner Workings - At its most basic level, the Kindle is just a specialized portable computer. It has many of the bits and pieces you'd expect to find in any computing system. It also has a couple of elements that set it apart from your average computer4.

Most of the Kindle's components attach directly to a circuit board. The circuit board acts as the foundation for electronic circuits in the Kindle. Most of the components are inseparable from the board4. The various chips on the board are microcontrollers for the keyboard, scroll wheel, USB port and other interfaces4.

The brain of the Kindle is an Intel PXA255 processor4. The PXA255 is a 32-bit processor that handles all the commands and applications on the Kindle. The processor is an example of Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) architecture. The ARM series of chips have power-saving features that make them ideal for mobile electronics4.

The Kindle has an EVDO wireless modem4. The acronym EVDO stands for Evolution Data Only or Evolution Data Optimized, depending upon whom you ask. Unlike a Wi-Fi card, the EVDO modem taps into cell phone networks to transmit and receive wireless signals. The Kindle uses Sprint's cellular wireless data system4.

A 256 megabit Flash memory chip provides storage memory for the Kindle4. Of the 256 megabytes, 180 are available as storage4. A smart card port allows users to insert an SD card for additional storage capacity. The Kindle also has two Infineon 256 megabit Mobile-RAM

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chips and a Spansion 512 megabit chip. The 512 megabit chip stores the Kindle's firmware boot-sector information4.

Figure 4: Kindle’s Circuit Board

The Kindle draws its power from a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery4. Unlike most of the Kindle's components, you can access the battery without taking the case apart. The rubberized grip on the back of the Kindle covers up the battery. According to Amazon, the battery will provide power to the Kindle for up to a week without the need for recharging as long as the wireless function is switched off. Amazon made the battery accessible so that users can replace the battery if it fails4.

The Kindle uses a Linux-based operating system4. According to hardware hacker Igor Skochinsky, it uses the “Das U-Boot bootloader” to initialize its OS4. Skochinsky experimented with a Kindle and discovered several interesting commands, shortcuts and hidden applications within the Kindle's OS. For example, he discovered that if you press the “Alt key, Shift key and M key” while in the Home menu, the Kindle will open up a game of “Minesweeper” 4.

Beneath the circuit board you'll find the Kindle's electronic paper screen. The next section deals with the electronic paper screen.

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The Kindle’s Display - One complaint some people had about early e-book readers was that it can be difficult to read words on an LCD display4. Some users complained that longer reading sessions put too much strain on their eyes. Amazon's solution to this problem was to use electronic ink technology. The Kindle's electronic ink screen looks more like paper than an LCD screen. It reflects light in much the same way that paper does. The screen lacks a backlight, so you'll need an external light source in order to read anything4.

A company called E Ink in Cambridge, Mass. developed the technology the Kindle relies upon to display text and images4. Rather than use the liquid crystals you'd find in an LCD or the ionized gas you'd find in a plasma display, electronic ink actually uses millions of microcapsules, only a few microns wide. Each microcapsule contains a clear fluid and thousands of white and black particles4. The white particles carry a positive magnetic charge and the black particles have a negative charge4.

It's these positively and negatively - charged particles inside the microcapsules that make electronic ink displays possible. An array of thousands of tiny electrodes lies beneath the electronic ink display4. When an electrode emits a negative charge, it repels the negatively-charged black balls, pushing them to the top of the microcapsule4. At the same time, the charge attracts the positively-charged white particles to the bottom of the microcapsule. When the electrode emits a positive charge, the white and black particles switch places and the screen appears to be blank4.

But if the electrode emits a positive charge, then it will attract the balls, pulling them down through the ink4. The display then reveals the ink to the viewer. Working together, thousands of electrodes and millions of microcapsules generate the text and images you can see on an electronic ink display4. Through precise charges the Kindle can display a range of greys to provide shading in images. You can even adjust the Kindle's font settings to display text in a larger or smaller font size4.

The Kindle uses less energy to generate a page view than a comparable LCD or plasma screen4. The company's Web site states that the Kindle pulls power from its battery only during the initial page generation. It doesn't require more power until the user changes the page view4. Because of this feature, the Kindle's battery can provide power for up to a week on a single charge (assuming the user doesn't have the wireless feature turned on) 4.

The Kindle is a monochromatic display, which means it can only display images in black and white; however, companies like E Ink are working on colour electronic ink displays 4. It's possible that a future version of the Kindle will be full-colour. But for now, users will have to settle for images and text in black, white and shades of gray4.

The electronic ink display is one of the Amazon Kindle's top selling points4. Another is the way it interfaces with Amazon's inventory of electronic books4. Please have a look at the next section.

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Amazon’s E-book Store - To get the most out of your Amazon Kindle, you'll need to create an account with “Amazon.com” 4. It's a free process -- all you'll need is a valid e-mail address. Once you have an account, you can register your Kindle with Amazon4. This gives you access to the Kindle Store through Amazon's wireless network called “Whispernet” 4. The Amazon Kindle's EVDO modem gives you wireless access to an electronic store that includes more than 190,000 books, newspapers and magazines4. Amazon provides the wireless service for free -- you won't have to pay a subscription to access it. The Kindle allows you to buy books directly from the device. Alternatively, you can browse books in the Kindle store using your computer's Web browser and purchase them from your computer4. Amazon will send the electronic books directly to your device. You can also browse several blogs online4. You don't need to own a computer to use the Kindle4. That's one feature that sets Kindle apart from its competitors4. Unlike most e-book readers, you don't have to sync the Kindle to another machine to transfer files. You can browse, sample, purchase and download titles from the Kindle itself4.

The files you access with a Kindle are in a proprietary format with the extension “AZW” 4. The AZW files include digital rights management (DRM) that prevents you from sharing your files with other users. The Kindle can handle Audible files (.aa) and MP3 files, two popular formats for audio books4. Amazon also can convert several other types of files into the AZW format so that the Kindle can read them4. These file types include: Text (.txt) files Unprotected MOBI files (.mobi or .prc) Word documents (.doc) HTML files Image files, including JPEG, GIF, BMP and PNG formats PDF files

Each Kindle has a unique e-mail address4. You can send compatible files to your Kindle by e-mailing them directly to the device. Amazon charges $0.10 for each file. If you want to avoid the fee, you can e-mail the files to a special address at the “free.kindle.com” domain for free conversion4. Amazon will convert the files and send them to the e-mail address associated with your Amazon account4. To transfer files from your Amazon account to your Kindle, you'll need to connect the device to a computer using the USB cable. This is one of the few instances where you'll have to connect your device to another machine4.

Every purchase you make from Amazon goes into a special folder called “Your Media Library”. Amazon uses a “cloud storage ” model where the file lives on one of Amazon's computer servers4. That means even if you delete a book from your Kindle to conserve space, the record of your purchase will still exist on Amazon's servers. You can choose to download the book again to your Kindle for no additional charge4.

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At first, after it was released, there was no “buzz” about it. But, in recent months, it has become one of the hottest must-get gadgets (not only that, it is also quite useful too).

It’s Popularity - Upon its debut, the Amazon Kindle cost $3994. While some critics said the nearly $400 price tag was too high, the demand for the Kindle soon depleted Amazon's stock of the device. Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos offered an apology to customers4. He claimed that the company sold out of its stock in less than six hours. Some Web journalists and bloggers suggested that Bezos' goal wasn't to offer a sincere apology -- it was to drive up more interest for the device4.

When the Kindle returned, the price dropped to $3594. Amazon didn't release sales numbers to the general public, leaving many to question exactly how popular the device was. Netcasts (i.e. Internet shows) such as CNET's "Buzz Out Loud" would occasionally report on Kindles, listeners had spotted "in the wild"4. It seemed like the Kindle belonged to the realm of folklore -- you didn't own one, but a friend of a friend did4.

Amazon got a huge publicity boost in October 20084. That was when Oprah Winfrey, named the Kindle as her favourite gadget. Oprah devoted most of an episode of her show to promoting the Kindle. She invited Jeff Bezos to the show to talk about the device, explaining its features to her audience4. Oprah also announced an electronic coupon for the device. Viewers could enter the code "OprahWinfrey" when purchasing the Kindle and receive a $50 discount4.

Will the Kindle and other e-book readers completely revolutionize the publishing industry? Perhaps that will happen eventually4. But so far, adoption rates appear to be on the low end. Part of that might be due to a reluctance to give up the visceral experience of reading a physical book. Another factor might be the price of electronic books -- despite the fact that there's no physical media involved, the books cost about the same amount as a hard copy4.

Issues with the Kindle – Imagine if you're a University Undergraduate and you're hoping a Kindle will replace the need to lug around a pile of heavy textbooks4. While a Kindle could hold an entire year's worth of college books (with room to spare), there are a couple of problems4.The first problem is that if the book has colour illustrations or graphs, the Kindle won't be able to display them accurately4.The second problem is that the page numbers on the Kindle and the hard copy won't necessarily correlate, making it difficult to coordinate with professors4. Even with these “hiccups”, the Kindle and other e-book readers seem to be gaining momentum. Rumours of a new version of the Kindle started to show up in the summer of 2008.

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SECTION 3.2: Amazon Kindle 2 On Monday, February 9, 2009, Amazon announced the Kindle 2, which became available for purchase on February 23, 2009 for the price of $3595. The new Kindle features improved battery life, 20 percent faster page-refreshing, a text-to-speech option to read the text aloud, and overall thickness reduced from 0.8 to 0.36 inches (9.1 millimetres) 5.

The Kindle 2 has 2 GB of internal memory of which 1.4 GB is user-accessible5. Amazon estimates that the Kindle 2 will hold about 1500 books5. Unlike the original Kindle, Kindle 2 does not have a slot for SD memory cards. To promote the new Kindle, author Stephen King has written a novella called “UR”, which is available exclusively as a Kindle download5.

According to an early review by website “iFixIt.com”, the new Kindle features a Freescale 532 MHz, ARM-11 90 nm processor, 2GB moviNAND main memory, and 3.7 V 1530 mAh lithium polymer battery6.

Other important things to know about the Kindle 2 are –a. There are custom firmware updates (e.g. an update maker for the Kindle 2 can be

sets to update firmware for the screensavers ) 7

b. USB network; apparently this new generation Kindle includes an USBnet module which can be enabled with a debug command7. This allows, for example, to use a PC internet connection instead of Whispernet, or to connect to services running on the Kindle7.

Please check the specification sheet below for more details about the “Amazon Kindle 2”.

19


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King


Figure 5: Specification Sheet for the Kindle 2

20



With the release of the Kindle 2 comes controversy –

Figure 6: Discovery Channel Sues Amazon (Source: Please see reference number “8”)

There has been no word on the outcome of the case shown in Figure 6.

21



SECTION 3.3: Sony PRS – 700 reader

This e-reader uses an electronic paper display developed by E Ink Corporation (just like the kindle and kindle 2) that has 166 dpi resolution, four levels of greyscale, is viewable in direct sunlight, requires no power to maintain a static image, and is usable in portrait or landscape orientation9. The reader uses an “iTunes Store-like” interface to purchase books from “Sony Connect eBook store” 9. It also can display Adobe PDFs, ePub format, personal documents, blogs, RSS newsfeeds, JPEGs, and Sony's proprietary BBeB ("Broadband eBook") format. The Reader can play unencrypted MP3 and AAC audio files9.

The digital rights management rules of the Reader allow any purchased eBook to be read on up to six devices (at least one of those 6 must be a PC) 9. Although you cannot totally share purchased eBooks on other people’s devices and accounts, you will have the opportunity to register five Readers to your account and share your books accordingly9.

Unlike the earlier models (i.e. PRS – 500, PRS – 505), the PRS – 700 has a way for the user to annotate a digital book9. This is done by the reader having a touch screen that can be used as a virtual keyboard9. And also, there is LED lighting in poor lighting conditions and it has an internal storage of 512MB9. The Sony PRS – 700 was unveiled to the world on the 2nd

October, 20089.

The specification sheet for this device can be seen below (a step-by-step disassembly guide can be found in the references section – please see reference number “10”).

22


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes_Store


Figure 7: Specification sheet for the PRS – 700.

23



SECTION 3.4: Philips E-Reader Readius

This device is a prototype and it is both a mobile phone and an e-reader11. This device has a 5-inch screen that runs at 320 by 240 pixels11. The screen, by E-Ink corporation (just like the devices mentioned above), only uses power to change states, so battery life is measured in page turns11. Using a bi-stable electrophoretic display effect from E Ink Corp., the display consumes little power and is easy to read, even in bright daylight. Once the user has finished reading, the display can be rolled back into the pocket-size11.

It is Ultra Light, at 115g, just one third of the average weight of current e-book readers11. It has a large 5 inch display (with 16 greyscales) and has a possibility of 30 hours of continuous reading11.

The Readius has Global wireless connectivity, with the greatest coverage of any e-reader (Tri Band/3.5G HSDPA), supporting ActiveSync and USB mass storage (USB FS) 11. It communicates with accessories and other devices through Bluetooth 2.011.

It has a Powerful processing engine (ARM11 400MHz); flexible storage options and has just 8 “Simple Touch” Buttons11.

Figure 8: The Philips Readius, closed state

24



Figure 9: The Philips Readius, partially open state

Figure 10: The Philips Readius, fully opened state

25



SECTION 4.0: - GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The essence of this report is to build a handheld device which has the possibility of giving devices (like the ones listed above) a run for their money.

This contender will be called “Bad Girl” and it will be purely a dedicated Electronic Reading Device (ERD). The only feature outside of its main duty will be having third party messenger programs (e.g. MSN messenger, yahoo messenger, AIM, e.t.c).

“Bad Girl” would have a touch screen (the screen will be manufactured by E-Ink corporation; it would only use power to change states, so battery life is measured in page turns. And also, E-Ink manufactured screens tend to have less glare when compared to other screens) and a “centre button” in the middle of four directional buttons.

The “centre button” will be used to activate options (i.e. it can be used to execute any program, file, option, e.t.c on the interface of the handheld device). While the four directional buttons are going to be used as a navigation interface (i.e. they would be used for moving up, down, left or right on the interface of the handheld device). And also, the “Bad Girl” will come with a “stylus”.

With the touch screen display, a virtual keyboard can be used to annotate a digital book; this lessens the need for a QWERTY keyboard present. And also, with the touch screen, the “Wi-Fi” can be turned “off” and “on”.

Figure 11: An example of a QWERTY keyboard in motion

When a document is opened, to move to the next page, all the user has to do is tap on the “next icon”; . To go “back” in the document, the user only has to tap the “back icon”;

26



SECTION 4.1: FORMAT SPECIFICATIONS

An e-book - hardware or software - is no good without somewhere to get the books themselves. There are many competing formats for e-books, mostly because publishers hope to tie readers into one particular file type or hardware reader, and this has been one of the main factors holding back the growth of e-books during the last decade.

The “Bad Girl” e-book/e-reader is going to stop this trend; it is going to be an “Open-Format” device. It will allow you read other e-books from other companies (this friendliness to third-party files is the most important advantage the “Bad Girl” has over other e-books present in today’s market, even DRM books can be viewed. But, the “Bad Girl” has to be run on PCs to load DRM books).

And also, it comes with a direct link to the “Bad Girl” store (This can be accessed by clicking the “store” button. When in the store, an individual can buy and download any e-book and application). This direct link to the store would not be possible if the “Bad Girl” wasn’t a “Wi-Fi enabled device” and wasn’t 3G compatible. Once the documents are downloaded, they will be placed in a section called “Doc. Dock”. Once clicked, all the downloaded documents will be listed alphabetically.

There is an option for the documents to be “read-out” to the user (this is possible because of a “Text-to-speech software” present in the e-reader). Once this “reading-out” functionality has been initiated, the “left directional button” takes on the role of a “rewind button”, the “centre button” takes on the role of a “stop / pause button” and the “right directional button” takes on the role of a “fast-forward button”. And also, there is an option to “mute” this audio sequence (this can be seen on the GUI of the device).

And finally, third party messenger programs can be installed on the device (these messenger programs include MSN messenger, yahoo messenger and AIM).

27



SECTION 4.2: NETWORKING SPECIFICATION

The “Bad Girl” can be used to log into any open or closed Wireless Network in the U.K. and it will be able to use any 3G cell phone network protocol (in the device, the 3G functionality will always be in “ON” state. The User will not have an option to turn it “OFF”). It will also have a 8 GB of internal memory of which 5.6 GB is user-accessible (this is because, space will be needed for the “Text-to-speech” software, Software to run the 3G mobile protocol and other applications). Users of the “Bad Girl” will also be able to expand the memory; this is because there is a slot for SD memory cards (A smart card port allows users to insert an SD card for additional storage capacity). The “Bad Girl” should hold about 4200 books.

Since the “Bad Girl” will be launched in the U.K., it will make use of the W-CDMA 3G cell phone network protocol12. Wideband Code-Division Multiple-Access (W-CDMA) is one of the main technologies for the implementation of third-generation (3G) cellular systems12. It is base on radio access technique proposed by ETSI Alpha group and the specifications was finalised in 199912.

The implementation of W-CDMA will be a technical challenge because of its complexity and versatility12. The complexity of W-CDMA systems can be viewed from different angles: the complexity of each single algorithm, the complexity of the overall system and the computational complexity of a receiver12. W-CDMA link-level simulations are over 10 times more compute-intensive than current second-generation simulations12. In W-CDMA interface different users can simultaneously transmit at different data rates and data rates can even vary in time12. UMTS networks need to support all current second generation services and numerous new applications and services12.

Figure 12: Comparison of cell phone network protocol

The “Bad Girl” will also feature a freescale 532 MHz (Freescale is an American semiconductor manufacturer. It was created by the divestiture of the Semiconductor Products Sector of Motorola in 2004. Freescale focuses their integrated circuit products on

28



the automotive, embedded and communications markets), ARM-11 90 nm processor, 8GB moviNAND main memory, and 3.7 V 1530 mAh lithium polymer battery.

A representation of the external structure of the “Bad Girl” can be seen below (the second iteration or version of the hardware can be seen in the “Appendix”) –

Figure 13: A representation of the external structure of the “Bad Girl”.

29


SD Card SlotSpeakers

“Bad Girl” company Logo

Touch Screen Directional

Buttons

Stylus Dock

USB port

“Centre” Button/Confirmation button


Figure 14: The figure below, is a representation of Bad Girl’s Logic board

30


management chip.USB transceiver (ISP1105)

532 MHz, ARM-11 90nm 14 mm packages.

32MB mobile DDR SDRAM chip.

8 GB moviNAND main memory

E-ink Chip (i.e. the display controller)

“5 Button” connector/controller

“Lithium polymer battery” containment unit

Speaker power supply

Smart card port/controller

Wi-Fi port 3G

SIM card slot

Library & Information Services (ICT), 21/04/09,

Probably be good to have aerial.Also, it isn’t clear that the processor can already support 3G and Wi-Fi.Maybe have a bit more RAM... with reference to the amount used by other devices and to support the fairly high spec ARM core.

http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=RK7IRU7g94HAz4V3qZNWgw%3D%3D


For Figure 14, it is important to note the following:

The ISP1105 range of Universal Serial Bus (USB) transceivers is fully compliant with the Universal Serial Bus Specification Rev. 1.1. It is ideal for this portable electronic device (this version was used because of the cost of manufacture; newer versions of the “Bad Girl” electronic book will have the latest USB transceivers).

It allows USB Application Specific ICs (ASICs) and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) with power supply voltages from 1.65 V to 3.6 V to interface with the physical layer of the Universal Serial Bus. It has an integrated 5 V to 3.3 V voltage regulators for direct powering via the USB supply.

The ISP1105 range can be used as a USB device transceiver or a USB host transceiver. They can transmit and receive serial data at both full-speed (12 Mbit/s) and low-speed (1.5 Mbit/s) data rates.

The 3G SIM card placed in the SIM card slot will always be in the “ON” state, if the user is in a “3G” region or area, he or she will be notified on the screen.

31



SECTION 5.0: - Operating System Design

To build the operating system of “Bad Girl”, the following steps were taken:

Figure 15: Initial Steps to access the OS development program; Programs > Engineering > Virtual Machines > Virtual PC > VM Executor (Permanent)

Accessing the Virtual PC (shown in Figure 15) was done because the project creator of this coursework (i.e. Handhelds and a contender) does have the permission to create an Operating System in Windows. Within the virtual PC, he would not be restricted.

32



To start off, the platform chosen to the OS for “Bad Girl” is Windows CE 6.0. In the Virtual PC, it can be access through “Microsoft Visual Studio 2005”, please see the figure below.

Figure 16: Attempting to access the OS design; start > programs > Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 > Microsoft Visual Studio 2005

Once the program is open, start a new project.

Figure 17: Starting a new project; click the “Project” button and the following figure pops up

33



Figure 18: click on “Platform builder for CE 6.0” and then, click on “OS Design”.

You can see that the name of this new project is “Bad_Girl_OS_Design”. After giving the project a name, click on the “OK” button.

After clicking the “Ok” button, a “Welcome to...” window comes up. Click the “next” button.

For the window that appears next, the “Device Emulator: ARMV41” was chosen. This chosen option would be the best to emulate the intended ARM processor for the actual hardware (it should easily emulate all the specifications that was given for “Bad Girl”).

34



Figure 19: ARMV4 emulator chosen

Figure 20: Custom Device template chosen

The “Custom Device” was chosen because it does not have a “fixed structure/framework”. Other features could be added to it later on.

35



Figure 21: ActiveSync, Windows Messenger and WordPad chosen

ActiveSync:

Microsoft ActiveSync provides support for synchronizing data between a Windows-based

desktop computer and Windows Embedded CE-based devices13. Using time stamps and user

preferences, the synchronization process tracks data changes on both computers, then

transfers the appropriate data so that each machine has the most-recent versions. Outdated

or unwanted data is discarded. CE 6.0 provides support for ActiveSync version 3.5 and later13.

Windows Messenger:

The Microsoft Windows Messenger for Windows Embedded CE real-time communications

software combines real–time voice and text communications with file transfer capability 13

Word Pad:

This gives the handheld the ability to view documents with the “word pad” format

36



Figure 22: Active Template Library (ATL)

Active Template Library (ATL) :

This is a set of template-based C++ classes developed by Microsoft that simplify the programming of Component Object Model (COM) objects14. The COM support in Microsoft Visual C++ allows developers to create a variety of COM objects, OLE Automation servers, and ActiveX controls14. Patterned after the Standard Template Library (STL), ATL includes an object wizard that sets up primary structure of the objects very quickly with a minimum of hand coding14.

Figure 23: C Libraries and Runtimes

37



C Libraries and Runtimes:

Catalogue item Sysgen variable Description

C++ Runtime Support for Exception Handling and Runtime Type Information

SYSGEN_CPP_EH_AND_RTTI Includes support for compiler C++ exception handling equivalent to the desktop C++ compilers15.

Full C Runtime SYSGEN_FULL_CRT Includes full C run-time support in your run-time image15.

Standard I/O (STDIO) SYSGEN_STDIO Includes standard I/O support15.

Standard I/O ASCII (STDIOA) SYSGEN_STDIOA Includes standard I/O ASCII support15.

Standard String Functions - ASCII (coresta)

SYSGEN_CORESTRA Includes standard string functions15.

String Safe Utility Functions SYSGEN_STRSAFE Includes string safe utility functions15.

38



Figure 24: XML

XML:

Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) is the universal format for data on the Web16. XML allows developers to describe and deliver rich, structured data from any application in a standard, consistent way. XML does not replace HTML; rather, it is a complementary format16.

39



Figure 25: Networking – General

Networking – General:

IPSec v4 – Provides information about IPSec support in Windows CE17. This technology

enables Windows CE-based devices to participate in networks that are secured by IPSec17.

Domain Discovery – Provides information about Domain Discovery support in Windows

CE17. This technology enables a Windows CE device to discover an Active Directory server to

query17

Extensible Authentication Protocol – Provides information about Extensible Authentication

Protocol (EAP) support in Windows CE17. This technology provides a standardized support

mechanism for authentication schemes such as token cards, certificates, Public Key, and

S/Key17.

Firewall – Provides information about IP Firewall support in Windows CE17. This technology

helps protect the device on which it runs and helps to protect devices on the private side of

the gateway. The firewall blocks IP traffic at the IP and transport layers17.

Internet Connection Sharing – Provides information about Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

support in Windows CE17. This technology supports a collection of technologies that work

40



together to enable multiple devices on a private network to share a single Internet

connection17.

NDIS Packet Capturing – Provides information about NDIS Packet Capturing support in

Windows CE17. This technology captures network traffic so that it can be read by the

Microsoft Windows Network Monitor (NetMon) 17.

Network Bridging – Provides information about Network Bridging support in Windows CE17.

This technology interconnects network segments in a multiple-segment network by

forwarding frames from one segment to another17.

Network Utilities – Provides information about Network Utilities support in Windows CE17.

This technology provides utilities for troubleshooting various network problems17.

TCP/IP – Provides information about TCP/IP support in Windows CE17. This technology

supports a set of protocols that allow cooperating computers and devices to share resources

across a network17.

Internet Protocol Version 6 – Provides information about Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

support in Windows CE17. This technology provides a suite of standard protocols that is the

next generation of network layer protocols for the Internet. IPv6 is a connectionless,

unreliable protocol used primarily for addressing and routing packets between hosts17.

Reference Gateway User Interface – Provides information about the gateway user interface

(UI) that is included in Windows CE17. This Catalogue item includes a set of “.htm” pages that

can be used for a headless gateway device17.

Remote Configuration Framework – Provides information about Remote Configuration

Framework support in Windows CE17. This technology provides the structure for creating

Web-based user interfaces for headless devices17.

Windows Connect Now – Provides information about Windows Connect Now support in

Windows CE17. This technology provides a mechanism to automate the configuration of

wireless networks (AP and STA) 17. The technology uses the subset of an XML schema

supported in Microsoft Windows XP SP217.

41



Windows Networking API/Redirector – Provides information about Windows Networking

API/Redirector support in Windows CE17. This technology manages network connections and

accesses remote file systems and printers17

Windows Sockets – Provides information about Windows Sockets support in Windows CE17.

This technology is used to discover and use the communications capabilities of underlying

transport protocols17. It enables programmers to create advanced Internet, intranet, and

other network-capable applications to transmit application data across the wire,

independent of the network protocol being used17.

Figure 26: Wireless LAN

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Networking - Local Area Network (LAN):

This section deals with Local Area Network (LAN) technologies supported in Microsoft Windows CE. The chosen option for “Bad Girl” is “Wireless LAN”.

The “Wireless LAN” deals with –

Dial-up Networking – Provides information about dial-up networking support in Windows

CE18. This technology allows a device to access network resources from a remote location.

First, a connection is established with the remote computer, and then the device, or client,

can upload and download files18.

Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) – Provides information about PPPoE support

in Windows CE18. This technology provides the ability to connect a network of hosts, over a

simple bridging access device, to a Remote Access Concentrator18.

Telephony API – Provides information about Telephony API support in Windows CE18. This

technology manages phone connection and disconnection and is required for call setup and

modem support18. TAPI includes Unimodem, which supports AT command-based standard

modems18.

Virtual Private Networking – Provides information about Virtual Private Networking

support in Windows CE, including Layer Two Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP)/IP Security Protocol

(IPSec) and Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP) 18. L2TP/IPSec enables a more secure

virtual private network (VPN) client connection from a Windows CE-based device to a

corporate server18. PPTP is a network protocol that adds a security infrastructure for the

transfer of data from a remote client to a private enterprise server, thus creating a VPN by

using TCP/IP-based data networks18.

43


http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms898950.aspx


Figure 27: Device Manager, Display Support, Notification LED Support and Power Management (FULL option chosen)

Device Manager:

The Device Manager is loaded by the kernel, it runs continuously, and it manages loaded

device drivers and their interfaces19. When the Device Manager loads, it also loads the I/O

Resource Manager to read a list of available resources from the registry19.

The Device Manager Tracks interfaces advertised by drivers and supports searches for

drivers based on a globally unique identifier (GUID) 19. The IClass interface can associate an

interface GUID with the driver's legacy name, its $device name, or its $bus name19. For

example, COM1: $device\com1, or $bus\pci_0_3_019.

This section deals with –

Device Manager Architecture – Provides information about how the Device Manager

manages devices19.

Device Manager Registry Keys – Describes the registry keys used by the Device Manager19.

44



Device Manager Security – Describes how the Device Manager validates input/output (I/O)

buffers and how it enforces trusted-caller-only access to certain devices19.

Device File Names – Describes the file names used by devices and how to access devices

with the Create File function19.

I/O Resource Manager – Describes how the I/O Resource Manager manages interrupt

requests (IRQs) and I/O address spaces and describes how to configure IRQs and I/O address

space resources yourself19.

Display Support:

This feature gives “Bad Girl” the ability to support her “touch screen capabilities”20. This is

done by providing a display driver on the run-time image20. Windows Embedded CE supports

several display drivers20. When you set a binary space partition environment variable, it

chooses the correct driver20.

Notification LED support:

This support gives “Bad Girl” the ability to use her LED as a notification apparatus (i.e. by

turning it on and off). This notification can be about a number of different things. For

example; it can be used to notify the user that the document that was being downloaded

from the “store” has been fully downloaded. Another good example is that it can be used to

tell the user that the battery needs recharging.

Power Management:

The Power Manager manages device power and improves overall operating system (OS)

power efficiency, provides power management for each device, and coexists with

applications and drivers that do not support the Power Manager21.

You can use power management to reduce the power consumption of a target device and to

maintain and preserve the file system in RAM during the reset, on, idle, and suspend power

states21.

The Power Manager also provides you with the following capabilities:

A framework in which devices can intelligently manage their own power.

45



A mechanism for decoupling the power state of a device from the suspend state to

the resume state of the system. A module that has a global view of the system environment, power status and device

power states. You can customize the Power Manager to make system-wide decisions

about power that are suitable for your device. Control over the code surrounding the call to PowerOffSystem when the system

suspends and resumes.

Figure 28: USB Host Support

USB host support SYSGEN_USBCore shared components of the universal serial bus (USB) software starch required for developing USB

46


http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa447014.aspx


drivers on the run-time image22

USB Function Driver This driver allows the “Bad Girl” device to perform multiple functions simultaneously22. For example, the USB Function driver allows the use of the USB RNDIS protocol and the USB Mass Storage client driver simultaneously22.

USB human input device (HID) class driver SYSGEN_USB_HID

Sample USB class driver that supports HID-compatible USB devices on a run-time image22.

USB printer class driver SYSGEN_USB_PRINTER Sample USB class driver that supports USB printer-class-compatible devices on a run-time image22.

USB remote NDIS class driver

SYSGEN_ETH_USB_HOST Sample USB class driver that supports Remote NDIS-compatible Ethernet adapters22.

USB storage class driver SYSGEN_USB_STORAGE Sample USB class driver that supports USB storage-class compatible devices22.

Figure 29: Device Management Client, Simple Network Management Protocol

47



Device Management Client:

The basis of a device management client is a download/install engine that allows users to receive software and notifications when there are new applications or operating system (OS) updates23. To enable target device configuration and customized management, a device management system should also allow the downloading and running of scripts23. The Windows Embedded CE Device Management Client works with Microsoft Systems Management Server, or any alternate server that can support the protocol requirements of the Device Management Client23. For example; if there is an OS update for “Bad Girl”, users will be easily notified23.

The current design approach provides the following advantages:

Simplicity. The Device Management Client uses an open and simple XML-based

protocol23. The product is designed to work out of the box with the Systems

Management Server and the Systems Management Server Device Management

Feature Pack. By configuring the client, an administrator or OEM can deliver updates

to a target device on an ongoing basis23. Versatility. The application download engine provides a way to deliver bits to a

target device23. An administrator or OEM is able to deploy any files they wish23. An

OEM has a reliable way of delivering updates because the scheduler handles polling

and download23. Fast development time. The scheduler and download engine are already

implemented. Therefore, adding additional functionality to make the technology

suitable for custom management servers and OEMs is simpler23.

Simple Network Management Protocol:

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for Windows Embedded CE is the Internet Standard protocol for network management and part of the TCP/IP protocol suite. SNMP was developed by the Internet community to monitor and manage networks24.

48



Figure 30: File System – Internal (RAM and ROM)

File System – Internal (RAM and ROM):

The internal file system in your device controls access to ROM. The file system can also

provide file storage in the object store, which is in RAM25. Two internal file system options

are available: the RAM and ROM file system and the ROM-only file system25. Both internal

file systems provide the ability to mount additional external file systems, such as the file

allocation table (FAT) 25.

The RAM and ROM file system provides file storage in the object store, as well as access to

the ROM25. The object store is the root of the file system, and all data under the root is

stored in the object store, with the exception of external file systems, which are mounted as

directories under the root25. Data in ROM is accessible through the Windows directory25. The

RAM and ROM file system is most useful in devices that continuously power RAM because

the object store is lost when RAM is not refreshed25.

49



Figure 31: Storage Manager

Storage Manager:

Data in the “Bad Girl” is stored on the memory and a SD card. The Storage Manager consists of the Block Driver Manager, Partition Manager, and File System Driver (FSD) Manager26. The Storage Manager is responsible for all external storage items, including all the file systems and block drivers. All file, data, and volume manipulation goes through the Storage Manager26. Therefore, the Storage Manager acts as a central location for all I/O to the disk or other permanent storage medium26. Because all disk related I/O must travel through the layers of Storage Manager, the layers filter the disk I/O26. They trap any call and perform encryption, compression, and virus scanning before disk I/O gets to the appropriate file system. Then, the file system sends commands to the Partition Manager, or directly down to the block drivers for execution26.

FAT File System – The file allocation table (FAT) file system has been used almost since the invention of personal computers, and today is supported by virtually all operating systems for personal computers27. Although FAT imposes limitations on file size (4 GB), volume formatting capacity, and so on, FAT remains the file system of choice for manufacturers of portable media27. FAT is robust, relatively simple, and easy to implement in firmware27.

The FAT driver works with any external storage cards that you can plug into your device, such as Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) cards, linear flash cards, and, primarily, PC cards27.

As mobile device functionality improves and media sizes increase correspondingly to accommodate large files such as multimedia files, you might want to consider using the new Extended FAT File System (exFAT) 27. It also implements improved security features such as

50




access control lists, and enables you to include support for the Transaction-Safe Extended FAT File System (TexFAT) to protect against file and database corruption27.

Partition Driver – A partition driver interprets the partitions on a storage device for Partition Manager28. Windows Embedded CE supports multiple partition drivers, but only one driver can manage a storage device28.

A partition is defined as a logical division of a store (A store is a stream device that a block

driver exports29. The store can be a hard drive, CD-ROM, Compact Flash storage card, or any

other media29).

Windows Embedded CE supports multiple partitions, each having the same or different file

systems associated with it28. Partition Manager calls the partition driver. The DLL is

MSPart.dll, and it exports several APIs28. Custom partition drivers can be written, as long as

they support the same APIs as MSPart.dll. Adding a "PartitionDriver"="MyPart.dll" entry in

the profile overrides the default28.

The following table shows the partition driver functions.

Function Description

PD_ClosePartition Closes the partition from I/O operation28.

PD_CloseStore Closes the storage volume28.

PD_CreatePartition Creates a partition on the store volume28.

PD_DeletePartition Deletes a partition on the storage volume28.

PD_DeviceIoControl Sends a control code directly to a specified device driver, causing the corresponding device to perform the specified operation28.

PD_FindPartitionClose Closes the search handle for partition enumeration28

PD_FindPartitionNext Retries the partition information for the next partition in the enumeration. If PD_FindPartitionNext is called after a call to PD_FindPartitionStart, it obtains the first partition28.

PD_FindPartitionStart Starts the partition enumeration28.

51










http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc907927.aspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc907927.aspx


PD_FormatPartition Formats a partition on the storage volume28.

PD_FormatStore Formats the storage volume28.

PD_GetPartitionInfo Obtains the attributes for a partition28.

PD_GetStoreInfo Obtains the storage volume information from the partition driver28.

PD_IsStoreFormatted Checks whether the storage volume has been formatted28.

PD_OpenPartition Opens the partition to perform I/O operations28.

PD_OpenStore Opens the storage volume28.

PD_RenamePartition Renames a partition on the storage volume28.

PD_SetPartitionAttrs Sets the attributes for a given partition28.

Figure 32: Verdana

52












The “Font type” in Figure 32 will be the default font for every text present in the “Bad Girl”.

Figure 33: Audio Compression Manager

Waveform Audio:

The waveform audio API provides an application exact control over waveform audio input/output devices30. It also supports the hardware audio mixer API30. In addition to providing volume control, the waveform audio API provides routing services to manage audio lines on your device for playing or recording30. Routing services require specific hardware device and driver support30. The mixer architecture allows several audio source lines to be mapped to a single destination audio line30.

Figure 34: Audio Codecs and Renderers

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Audio Codecs and Renderers:

Provides information on the audio formats supported by Windows CE through DirectShow31 (DirectShow provides OS design, application development, and reference information for the multimedia framework for Windows CE31. DirectShow is a middleware architecture that provides a pipeline for media playback of file31. It can be used in conjunction with any other program31)

Figure 35: IMM, local Services (US)

Input Method Manager:

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Windows Embedded CE includes the Input Method Manager (IMM) Catalogue item. IMM manages the communication between an Input Method Editor (IME) and an application32. IMM exposes a set of programming elements that enables applications to create and manage their own IME windows, and to provide a custom interface while using the conversion capabilities of the IME32.

Since the OS design of this platform is limited in some options to pick, the “US national language support” option was chosen.

Figure 36: Scripting

Scripting:

A scripting language, script language or extension language is a programming language that allows some control of a single or many software application(s) 33. "Scripts" are often treated as distinct from "programs", which execute independently from any other application33. At the same time they are distinct from the core code of the application, which is usually written in a different language, and by being accessible to the end-user they enable the behaviour of the application to be adapted to the user's needs33.

Scripts are often, but not always, interpreted from the source code or "semi-compiled" to byte code which is interpreted, unlike the applications they are associated with, which are traditionally compiled to native machine code for the system on which they run33. Scripting languages are nearly always embedded in the application with which they are associated33.

The name "script" is derived from the written script of the performing arts, in which dialogue is set down to be spoken by human actors33. Early script languages were often called “batch languages or job control languages” 33. Such early scripting languages were created to shorten the traditional edit-compile-link-run process33.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linker

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performing_arts

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpreted

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bytecode

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-user

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_program

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_language


Windows Script is a comprehensive scripting infrastructure for the Microsoft Windows platform33. Windows Script provides two script engines, Visual Basic Scripting Edition and Microsoft JScript, which can be embedded into Windows Applications33.

Figure 37: User Interface

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Figure 38: User Interface - Touch Screen (Stylus)

“User Interface” consists of ways that a user can interact with their device and its applications. The most important feature/option that was chosen is the “Touch Screen (Stylus)”. “Bad Girl” was always intended to be a touch screen device (a single touch device to be exact).

Touch Display (Stylus) SYSGEN_TOUCH A sample touch driver. Available in both headless and display-based devices.

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Figure 39: Shell

A shell is a piece of software that provides an interface for users34. Typically, the term refers to an operating system shell which provides access to the services of a kernel34. However, the term is also applied very loosely to applications and may include any software that is "built around" a particular component or purpose34.

AYGShell API Set SYSGEN_AYGSHELL A feature that provides API support in the standard Windows CE shell for applications originally written for Pocket PC 200235.

Command Processor SYSGEN_CMD An application for a command-line-driven shell that provides console input and output and a limited number of commands35. Available in both headless and display-based devices35.

Console Window SYSGEN_CONSOLE The device driver that displays the window for the console shell35. Available only in display-based devices35.

Standard Shell SYSGEN_STANDARDSHELL A shell that is similar to the

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computer_science)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_(computer_science)


shell on the Windows-based desktop platforms35. Available only in display-based devices35.

Figure 40: Graphics, Windowing and Events

Feature Sysgen variable Description

Minimal GDI Configuration

SYSGEN_MINGDI This catalogue item provides support for the Minimal GDI Configuration in the run-time image36.

Minimal GWES Configuration

SYSGEN_MINGWES This catalogue item provides support for the Minimal GWES Configuration in the run-time image36.

Minimal Input Configuration

SYSGEN_MININPUT This catalogue item provides support for the Minimal Input Configuration in the run-time image36.

Minimal Window Manager Configuration

SYSGEN_MINWMGR This catalogue item provides support for the Minimal Window Manager Configuration is included in the run-time image36.

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Figure 41: PC Authentication

The PC Authentication Catalogue item provides a Windows CE Local Authentication Plug-in (LAP) that performs user authentication by determining if a computer running Windows is locked or unlocked. It does this by using the network to query an application, also provided by this Catalogue item, which runs on that specific computer.37

Figure 42: Error report generator

The Error Report Generator creates a dump file when an unhandled second chance exception occurs on a target device, or when a capture method executes38.

After picking out all the necessary features that is important for “Bad Girl” to run smoothly, the final thing left to do is click the “Finish” button.

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And then, you click the “build solution” button. This compiles every feature that was picked to form the mobile operating system (OS) for “Bad Girl”. And as you can see in figure 43, it was successfully built.

Figure 43: The build succeeded

After the successful build, click on “Target” and Click on “Connectivity options”

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Figure 44: Connectivity Options

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When that is clicked, you get the following window -

Figure 45: Target Device Connectivity Options

This window ensures that you correctly emulate the device that you intend your OS to run on. This emulated device is like a virtual representation of “Bad Girl”.

After choosing your intended values, click on the “Apply” button and then, click on the “close” button.

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After that, click on “Target”, then “Attach Device”. This attaches the “target device” you chose to the successful build

Figure 46: clicking the “Attach Device” button

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The finally result can be seen below –

Figure 47: The “Bad Girl” OS

Figure 48: The “Bad Girl” OS – The “Start” button has been clicked

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SECTION 6.0: - SOFTWARE DESIGN (a.k.a. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE)

The section deals with how the Graphical User Interface (GUI) interacts with the OS. This GUI can be easily implemented on the device because; both the GUI and the OS run on the same platform (i.e. windows CE). To build the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the “Bad Girl”, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 was used.

Figure 49: Starting a new project

Figure 50: Choosing the project type (and calling it “Bad_Girl_GUI_2”)

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Figure 51: Target Platform for the GUI

Figure 52: Project “Bad_Girl_GUI_2” in operation

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Figure 53: Final Result of project “Bad_Girl_GUI_2”

Project “Bad_Girl_GUI_2” is the second GUI made for this project. The first GUI made for this project can be seen below (a third iteration of the Bad Girl GUI can be seen in the appendix section on page 76) –

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Figure 54: First Version of the “Bad Girl” GUI

The Second Version of the “Bad Girl” GUI can be seen being emulated below –

Figure 55: “Bad Girl” GUI, version 2, in operation – you can see it now has a “Device – OFF” button. This button, once clicked, should shut down/turn off the device

Once the “communicate” button has been clicked, you get the following result –

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Figure 56: Clicking the “Communicate” button – it acts like a “Start” button of a desktop computer

Figure 57: Clicking the “Store” button.

The “Store” button leads directly to the “Bad Girl” digital store where the user can buy any e-document or e-novel over a secure network (once the user is in the store, titles are arranged “Alphabetically”). This transaction is done by using the Bad Girl’s ability to use any Wi-Fi or 3G network (you can see the presence of the 3G capabilities in Figure 57; this is shown by the “G” alphabet).

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Figure 58: Word Reader Section

Once the e-documents have been downloaded from the “store”, they are automatically placed in the “Doc. Dock” section (“Doc. Dock” means “Document Dock”). After the user is done with any e-document he or she can discard of it using the “Delete Doc.” button (“Delete Doc.” means “Delete Document”).

Figure 59: Messenger Section

The “Messenger” section is dedicated to instant messengers; instant messengers solely for “Bad Girl” users and third party instant messengers (e.g. MSN messenger, yahoo messenger, AIM, e.t.c.)

The “Uninstall Messenger” button is to permanently remove any instant messenger from the device (the user can decide to install it, again, at any point in time).

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Figure 60: Clicking the “Messenger Type” button

In “Figure 60”, you can see the messenger type that “Bad Girl” can run. It could run either the “Bad Girl Messenger” (i.e. BG. Msgr.) or an instant messenger from another company (i.e. 3rd party instant messengers).

Figure 61: Clicking the “BG. Msgr.” button

Once this button has been clicked, “Bad Girl” users can log-in with their unique “Sign In” details. And after, when they are done, they can then log-out of the messenger by clicking the “Sign Out” button.

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Figure 62: Clicking the “3rd Party” button.

“Figure 62” gives examples of third party messenger types (MSN, Yahoo, and AIM). These messengers also require unique details; these have to be typed - in before a user can make use of them.

The “Bad Girl” has no physical keyboard, users’ type using a stylus and the virtual keyboard. An example of this can be seen in the first iteration of the GUI.

Figure 63: Virtual Keyboard in operation

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SECTION 7.0: - Conclusion and Project Creator’s personal reflection

Before this project was attempted, the project creator thought that developing a basic e-reader was a very complex procedure that required a lot of brains and complex algorithm solving to develop, however after the whole working and succeeding in the development, he has found the process not to be as complex.

The main reason for this is due to advancements in technology, program development packages have been made very easy. In the case of using the Microsoft visual studio, windows CE platform, all the writer had to do was to basically click the functions that he wanted his device to have, build it with the right emulator and the program was up and running.

This was so far from his pre-conceived view. The writer thought prior to this project that developing an operating system and a GUI interface would require months of research and development by experienced designers and programmers but found instead that it was a lot simpler than that. This has been a great eye opener and he feels confident of going forth and designing bigger and better systems for the future.

The only problem that was encountered in this project was getting the right display size. This was solved by setting the correct screen/display size. The display size used for this project was “320 Width” by “240 Height”. You can see how this display size was put into the project below –

Figure 64: Clicking the “Device Options” button

After clicking that, you get the following window –

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Figure 65: “Options” Window

Once the “options” window opens, click on “Device tools”. Then, click on “Devices”. For the “Show devices for platform” section, choose “pocket pc 2003”. And then for the “Devices” section choose “pocket pc 2003 SE emulator”. And finally click on the “properties” button.

Figure 66: “Properties” window

Once the “Properties” window is open, do not click on anything, just click on the “Emulator Options” button. The following window comes up.

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Figure 67: Emulator Properties

Once it is up, click on “Display and then “Video”. Once chosen, just input your desired values.

And that is all that is needed to set the display size.

And finally, please note that the touch screen for “Bad Girl” will be “rectangular in shape”. This is because; if the touch screen had “rounded edges” it would have some “dead zone” areas at the edge of the screen. It would not be able to properly pick up what the user is trying to do.

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SECTION 8.0: - Appendix

SECTION 8.1: Second Iteration of the “Bad Girl” reader –

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Bad Girl Logo

Device “ON” and “OFF” button

SpeakersTouch Screen

“New Age” Directional Buttons

“Centre” Button / Confirmation button

“SD” card slot

USB port

Stylus Dock


SECTION 8.2: Third Iteration of the “Bad Girl GUI”. There are fewer clusters in this version and this makes it possible for the background picture to be clearly seen.

Figure 68: Bad Girl (GUI version 3) – As you can see it’s less clustered than the other versions

Figure 69: “Communicate” button is clicked

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Figure 70: “Messenger” button is clicked

Figure 71: “BG Messenger” button is clicked. Users can “Sign In” with their unique details and use the Bad Girl (BG) instant messenger (IM)

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Figure 72: “3rd Party” button is clicked. From here, users can use other IM types (users are not forced to use on BG IMs). And just like the BG IM, they can “sign in” with their unique details.

Figure 73: “Sign In” button is clicked. Once it is clicked, a user can sign into any of the third party instant messengers listed above.

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Figure 74: The “Uninstall 3rd Party button”. With this button, users can permanently remove any instant messenger (this also includes the BG messenger).

Figure 75: “Wi-Fi” button is clicked. From here, users can find a wireless network once the “ON” button has been clicked. After that, he or she can then log into that wireless network.

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Figure 76: “Word Reader” button has been clicked. Once documents have been downloaded from the “Bad Girl Store” (it can be accessed by clicking the “store” button), they are placed in the “Doc. Dock (Document Dock)”. These documents are arranged “Alphabetically” and can be deleted at anytime.

Figure 77: “Doc. Dock” button clicked. You can clearly see the way the documents will be arranged in once they are downloaded.

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Figure 78: Virtual Keyboard

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SECTION 9.0: - References

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/askbruce/articles/mobiles/ebook_1.shtmlACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-bookACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

3. http://www.scinet.cc/articles/ebook/electronicbook.htmlACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

4. http://www.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/amazon-kindle.htmACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Kindle_2#Kindle_2ACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

6. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/First-Look/Kindle-2/624/1ACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

7. http://igorsk.blogspot.com/ACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

8. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5heZ2FURaNwfqD5iBG_lGv7XPqYNwACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_ReaderACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

10. http://www.flickr.com/photos/21729510@N03/sets/72157611324679087/ACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

11. http://www.readius.com/pocket-ereader/featuresACCESSED ON March 17, 2009

12. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=cell-phone.htm&url=http://www.umtsworld.com/technology/wcdma.htmACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

13. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms879772.aspx

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http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=cell-phone.htm&url=http://www.umtsworld.com/technology/wcdma.htm

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=cell-phone.htm&url=http://www.umtsworld.com/technology/wcdma.htm

http://www.readius.com/pocket-ereader/features

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21729510@N03/sets/72157611324679087/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Reader

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5heZ2FURaNwfqD5iBG_lGv7XPqYNw

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5heZ2FURaNwfqD5iBG_lGv7XPqYNw

http://igorsk.blogspot.com/

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/First-Look/Kindle-2/624/1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-book

http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/askbruce/articles/mobiles/ebook_1.shtml


ACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

14. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Template_LibraryACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009

15. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa914272.aspxACCESSED ON: March 17, 2009


17. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms898996.aspxACCESSED ON: March 18, 2009



20. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa914937.aspx








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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Template_Library



28. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa914713.aspx






33. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripting_languageACCESSED ON: March 24, 2009

34. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_(computing)ACCESSED ON: March 24, 2009





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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_(computing)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripting_language







Documents

Moblie entertainment (MY VERSION 2)