Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links. Links have properties that indicate how links should be displayed. Link display may depend upon characteristics of the linked-to frame. Commands are implemented as links that link to command code. The display format of a document page depends upon the path a user navigated in order to get to the displayed page. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing, displaying, and navigating text annotations in a non-modifiable document is disclosed. Once it is determined that a text annotation is to be created, the system determines the file position of the selected object. The file position of the selected object is stored along with the created text annotation in another file or a non-read only portion of a file storing the document. Using the file position, the text annotation may be properly identified with the selected object without modifying the non-modifiable document. Once a text annotation is displayed a user may easily navigate among the captured annotations.

Abstract: While viewing an electronically displayed document, a user creates a bookmark by selecting a desired part of a document to be marked. In response, a visual indicator is displayed and a bookmark object is created preferably separate from the document. The bookmark object comprises information linking the bookmark object to the desired part of the document as well as user-modifiable properties. If another part of the document is subsequently displayed, at least a portion of the visual indicator is still displayed. Later selection of the portion of the visual indicator causes the desired portion of the document to be re-displayed. Because the object is separate from the document, it may be viewed and sorted by its properties apart from its display with the document. A placemark is created whenever the display of a current document is discontinued. In response to a discontinuation signal, a placemark object comprising information linking the placemark object to a last-viewed part of the document is created.

Abstract: At least a portion of a plurality of formatting variables associated with an electronic document are modified based in part upon optimized formatting values. A user may specify values for one or more user-modifiable formatting variables. Based on the user data thus specified, at least a portion of the plurality of formatting variables are modified according to corresponding optimized formatting values. The electronic document is then formatted in accordance with the modified formatting variables and provided for display. The user-modifiable variables may comprise a font reference variable and/or a display form factor variable. In this manner, the present invention optimizes readability of electronic documents while still accommodating user preferences for displaying such documents.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing annotations for a non-modifiable document is disclosed. Once it is determined that an annotation is to be created, the system determines the file position of the selected object. The file position of the selected object is stored along with the created annotation in another file or a non-read only portion of a file storing the document. Using the file position, the annotation may be properly identified with the selected object without modifying the non-modifiable document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for invoking system resources directly from within a mark-up language document. Links referencing a pre-defined system command to be invoked may be embedded within the document. The specific system command may be identified in the link by an alias, such as, for example, a numeric code. By clicking on the link, the system will analyze the contents of the link. If the link calls for invoking a system command, the system will extract the alias, determine the appropriate pre-defined system command referred to by the alias, and execute the system command.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links is described. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways. Users can access, annotate, and customize the user interface in the same manner in which users access, annotate, and modify user content documents.

Abstract: While viewing an electronically displayed document, a user creates a bookmark by selecting a desired part of a document to be marked. In response, a visual indicator is displayed and a bookmark object is created preferably separate from the document. The bookmark object comprises information linking the bookmark object to the desired part of the document as well as user-modifiable properties. If another part of the document is subsequently displayed, at least a portion of the visual indicator is still displayed. Later selection of the portion of the visual indicator causes the desired portion of the document to be re-displayed. Because the object is separate from the document, it may be viewed and sorted by its properties apart from its display with the document. A placemark is created whenever the display of a current document is discontinued. In response to a discontinuation signal, a placemark object comprising information linking the placemark object to a last-viewed part of the document is created.

Abstract: A user interface architecture wherein user content and user interface are composed of documents with links. Links have properties that indicate how links should be displayed. Link display may depend upon characteristics of the linked-to frame. Commands are implemented as links that link to command code. The display format of a document page depends upon the path a user navigated in order to get to the displayed page. User content documents and user interface documents are both displayed in a single viewing frame. A non-linear navigation history is maintained such that a user can navigate along a first path, back up using a previous link, navigate along a second path, back up along the second path using the previous link, and re-navigate along the first path again using a next link. Every document page to which a user navigates is saved in the user's navigation history. Users can query their navigation histories and view their navigation histories in various ways.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for invoking system resources directly from within a mark-up language document. Links referencing a pre-defined system command to be invoked may be embedded within the document. The specific system command may be identified in the link by an alias, such as, for example, a numeric code. By clicking on the link, the system will analyze the contents of the link. If the link calls for invoking a system command, the system will extract the alias, determine the appropriate pre-defined system command referred to by the alias, and execute the system command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing user access to help and settings control in a system for viewing electronic books includes single document integrating help features and settings controls may be accessed in a single-window or single page viewing environment. The help and settings document may be accessed from a number of different contexts, including a library page or from within a book. “Smart” navigational features are provided for predicting a part, section or chapter of the help and settings document that is sought by a user based on navigational history and user profiles. Feedback as to the accuracy of predictions made by the “smart” navigation is also provided.