Abstract: A system (800) for inhibiting operation of an electronic device (810) during take-off and landing of an aircraft (802) includes a transmitter (804) A receiver (806) is in communication with the transmitter (804). A controller (808) coupled to the receiver (806) has an inhibit signal line coupled to the electronic device (810).

Abstract: A system (800) for inhibiting operation of an electronic device (810) during take-off and landing of an aircraft (802) includes a transmitter (804) A receiver (806) is in communication with the transmitter (804). A controller (808) coupled to the receiver (806) has an inhibit signal line coupled to the electronic device (810).

Abstract: A method and system for encoding a book for reading by an electronic book having an internal machine-readable dictionary includes receiving data representative of text and graphical information of the book. First machine-readable data representative of a plurality of words are encoded to provide a customized dictionary which augments the internal machine-readable dictionary. Second machine-readable data representative of the text are encoded. The second machine-readable data includes a plurality of pointers which point to a corresponding plurality of words in the machine-readable dictionary and the customized dictionary. Third machine-readable data representative of the graphical information are encoded. An access authorization level is provided for reading at least one of the first machine-readable data, the second machine-readable data, and the third machine-readable data.

Abstract: An apparatus (700) for inhibiting operation of an electronic device (702) during take-off and landing of an aircraft (802) has a sensor (704) that measures a lateral acceleration. A control circuit (706) is coupled to the sensor (704) and has an output (708) coupled to the electronic device (702).

Abstract: A method of capturing and storing a quote in an electronic book includes reading machine-readable data from a removable machine-readable storage medium installed in the-electronic book, and displaying text of a book represented by the machine-readable data. A user-initiated event is received in which a portion of the text is selected. Quote data representative of the portion of the text is stored in an internal machine-readable storage medium within the electronic book. Source data representative of at least one of an author of the book and a title of the book is also stored in the internal machine-readable storage medium. The quote data and the source data are maintained in the internal machine-readable storage medium when the removable machine-readable storage medium is removed from the electronic book.

Abstract: A method of substituting names in an electronic book (100) involves selecting an original name to be replaced. In one version the original name is selected by the user highlighting the original name. A substitute name is then determined and the electronic book (100) is updated with the substitute name. In one embodiment, the user types in the substitute name.

Abstract: A method of displaying at least one reading metric in an electronic book includes reading machine-readable data from a machine-readable storage medium installed in the electronic book. The machine-readable data is representative of text of a book. At least one page of the text represented by the machine-readable data is displayed using the electronic book. A reading pace of a user is monitored over the at least one page, and the reading pace is displayed by the electronic book. An amount of the book which can be read at the reading pace during a remaining powering time for a battery which powers the electronic book can also be displayed. An estimated completion time for a portion of the book can be calculated and displayed based on the reading pace.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a book-shaped housing having a first housing member pivotably connected to a second housing member to open and close in a book-like manner. A touchscreen displays a page of the text represented by the machine-readable data. A user-initiated event selecting a portion of the text is received by the touchscreen. The touchscreen displays the portion of the text in a highlighted form. The processor stores an indicator of the portion of the text to be highlighted in the removable machine-readable storage medium to remain with the text when the removable machine-readable storage medium is removed from the electronic book.

Abstract: A reusable housing receives a memory card containing a machine-readable storage medium to interface with a device having a PC card interface within a PC card slot. The memory card has a plurality of connection points for externally accessing the machine-readable storage medium. The reusable housing includes a housing member which removably receives and retains the memory card. The housing member has an exterior dimensioned to allow insertion thereof in the PC card slot. A PC card connector is positioned on the housing member to interface with the PC card interface when the housing member is inserted in the PC card slot. The reusable housing further includes an interface which receives the plurality of connection points when the memory card is received by the housing member and connects the plurality of connection points to the PC card connector to facilitate communication between the machine-readable storage medium and the PC card interface.