Abstract: A system and method that allows recording and playback of audio in association with an electronic publication such as an electronic book. Many applications that are used to view electronic publications are based on technologies that do not have audio capabilities that allow a user to record audio in connection with the electronic publication. The system and method of the present invention overcomes this deficiency by using the audio capabilities that are native in the operating system running on the electronic device used to display the electronic publication. A socket is established between the user interface application and the operating system. Audio commands are transmitted from the user interface application to the operating system via the socket. The audio commands are executed by the operating system using native operating system commands. A message regarding the execution of the audio commands by operating system are sent to the user interface application via the socket.

Abstract: A system and method that allows pen input and touch input to better co-exist during writing on a touch screen device, such as a tablet device. If the pen/stylus is detected as present and is pointed at the surface, inputs initiated by a user's finger (or other) touch are rejected and pen inputs are allowed. If the pen is detected as present, but is pointed away from the writing surface of the touch screen, stylus/pen inputs are rejected and touch inputs are allowed. If pen is not detected as present, the system ignores all pen inputs. Erasing functions are also provided. The size of the eraser can be made proportional to the pressure level, contact size or signal level of the pen or the user's finger performing the erasing.

Abstract: A system and method for improving power consumption by providing the ability to detect whether a cover is placed on top of Infrared, IR, touch device. While the cover is in the open state, a certain amount of the light transmitted by the IR transmitters is directed upward and away from the IR receivers in the device. When the cover is closed, this light is reflected off of the cover and is incident on the IR receivers. The system of the present invention recognizes this increased level of received IR light and determines that the cover is in a closed position. Having made such a determination that the cover is placed on the device, the device's power savings system can switch to an appropriate power saving mode.