Abstract: A garment for use with an electronic device is provided that has a front surface. A pocket is included that has a window. The pocket has an attached portion that is non-removably attached to the front surface. The pocket has a releasable portion that is releasably attachable to the front surface.

Abstract: A garment for use with an electronic device is provided that has a front surface. A pocket is included that has a window. The pocket has an attached portion that is non-removably attached to the front surface. The pocket has a releasable portion that is releasably attachable to the front surface.

Abstract: A system and method to create and update an electronic photo album using a portable electronic book. The method comprises inserting a removable storage device into a portable electronic book, the removable storage device containing electronic photographs generated by a digital camera. The method further comprises uploading the electronic photographs to an information services system. The information services including a centralized bookshelf and a personal photo albums module associated with the portable electronic book, the centralized bookshelf including electronic reading materials requested and owned by the portable electronic book. The personal photo albums module including electronic photographs owned by the portable electronic book.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to efficiently generate and switch page display views on a portable electronic book. The method includes generating an ebook binary file including a plurality of book views, each of the plurality of book views including information needed to generate page display images representing content of a reading material in a font having a particular font point size. The method further includes parsing the ebook binary file and generating the page display images representing content of a reading material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatic formatting a hypertext document. The hypertext document is parsed to identify a formatting tag. A tag operation is performed on the hypertext document according to the identified formatting tag to generate a formatted document.

Abstract: A method for on-line controlling caching of an image on a viewing device to efficiently display the image on the viewing device. The method comprises the following steps: (a) sending from a server to the viewing device an image tag included in a hypertext language code, the image tag having attributes, the attributes specifying the image; (b) parsing the hypertext language code including the image tag; (c) searching for a copy of the image in a cache memory of the viewing device using the image tag attributes; (d) displaying the copy of the image if the copy of the image is found in the cache memory and is current; (e) fetching the image from the server if the copy of the image is not found in the cache memory or if the copy of the image is not current; and (f) storing the fetched image and the image tag attributes in the cache memory.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for electronically distributing digital contents. The digital contents include textual, graphical and pictorial information. At least one portable electronic book is operative to request a digital content from a catalog of distinct digital contents, to receive and display the requested digital content in readable form. An information services system is in electrical communication with the portable electronic book to perform authentication and rendering the requested digital content. An authentication server authenticates the identity of the requesting portable electronic book. A copyright protection server renders the requested digital content sent to the requesting portable electronic book readable only by the requesting portable electronic book. At least one primary virtual bookstore is in electrical communication with the information services system. The primary virtual bookstore is a computer-based storefront accessible by the portable electronic book.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for exchanging information between an electronic book and a cartridge. The electronic book has an on-board storage and the cartridge contains a cartridge storage. It is determined if the cartridge is present. If the cartridge is present, a transfer mode is identified. The information between the on-board storage and the cartridge storage is then transferred according to the identified transfer mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for authenticating an information exchange between a host and a guest on a network. The host has a host key and the guest has a guest key. An authenticating server authenticates the guest. The authenticating server uses the host key and the guest key. The guest authenticates the authenticating server using the guest key. The host authenticates the guest and the authenticating server using the host key.

Abstract: A method for on-line displaying and updating a dynamic menu included in a page requested by a viewing device from a server. The dynamic menu has at least one item. The viewing device has a display screen and a menu function key for displaying a default menu when the viewing device is off-line. The method includes the following steps: (a) sending the page to the viewing device as a hypertext language code, the hypertext language code including a menu tag which specifies the dynamic menu; (b) receiving the page at the viewing device; (c) parsing the hypertext language code to identify the menu tag; (d) displaying the page on the display screen; (e) displaying the dynamic menu on the display screen when the menu function key is activated; and (f) performing a dynamic action when one item of the dynamic menu is selected by an action of a user of the viewing device.

Abstract: A fastener for timber decking, fences, pallets and the like comprises a joist attachment plate (11), with one or more fastening apertures (12) therein, one or more spacing flanges (13) locatable between joists (20) and planks (30), a plank spacer (14) extending between adjacent planks (30) and axially aligned plank engaging teeth (17, 18) extending from opposed sides of the plank spacer (14) to engage respective side surfaces of adjacent planks (30).

Abstract: An electronic publication publishing and distribution system is provided for dissemination of written materials that can be read on a portable electronic book. A host computer contains an inventory of written materials in electronic form, that can be selected and then downloaded into the portable electronic book's memory. The host computer keeps track of the transactions, and encodes the data prior to downloading, using an encryption system involving a security number that is unique to the portable electronic book. The encrypted data cannot be decrypted until it is resident in the memory of the portable electronic book. Upon receipt of the encrypted data, the portable electronic book decrypts the data, and can display the text of the original material on its display screen. The portable electronic book has a central processing unit with an operating system for controlling the functions of the portable electronic book.

Abstract: In accordance with the method, first and second substantially parallel conductors are placed along a pathway and coupled to a controller in a manner so that each may carry a current independently controllable by the controller. A sensing coil is placed in a vehicle having a coil axis approximately perpendicular to the plane of the conductors so as to sense the varying magnetic field caused by varying currents through the two conductors. The controller repetitively provides a half-cycle of current of a given frequency in one of the two wires, immediately followed by another half-cycle of current of the opposite polarity or direction in the other of the two wires.

Abstract: A voice track is recorded on one track of a dual track recording device, typically a tape recorder. On a second track of the recorder an animation signal is recorded characterized by the signal having a frequency at any given time indicative of the then currently desired animation condition. A character is provided having a tape playback unit therein for playing back such pre-recorded dual track tapes, the character having an amplifier and speaker for reproducing the audio information, and a servo motor having a drive system for driving the character mouth elements and eyes with the desired animation, the drive system having a feedback device thereon for providing a feedback signal to the servo motor control. The electronics in the character which is responsive to the animation control signal provided by the playback unit to provide the servo motor drive signal effectively updates the servo motor drive signal on each cycle of the animation control signal received from the playback unit.

Abstract: A cursor control device having particular application to a computer display system is disclosed. The cursor control includes a unitary frame, having a domed portion substantially surrounding and retaining a ball which is free to rotate. X-Y position indicating means are provided, such that rotation of the ball provides signals indicative of X-Y positions on the display system. The ball is free to "float" in the vertical direction within the dome, and thereby maintain good surface contact. X-Y positions are established by movement of the control device over a surface. A display system and method is disclosed for use in conjunction with the cursor control device, which permits a user to select command options simply by movement of the displayed cursor over a "pull-down" menu bar.