Abstract: An information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a word processor is disclosed. A main unit includes at least a processing unit for processing input data, and a main unit memory connected to the processing unit. A display device is attachable to and detachable from the main unit case and includes at least a display device memory for storing data of the main unit supplied through a connector to be connected to a main unit connector when attached, a display for displaying the stored content, a control unit for controlling the display, a pair of speakers, and a power supply for supplying powers to the display device memory, the display device and the control means when detached.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hot spot is normally centered in an area of contact between a user's finger and a touch screen to position the hot spot on an icon or other feature thereby selecting a program or function corresponding to the icon or feature. When the contact area is near an edge, the hot spot is offset toward the edge so that it coincides more closely to the center of the users finger, thus allowing an icon or other feature adjacent the edge of the screen to be more easily selected. In another embodiment, a cursor is displayed on a touch screen at a location that is offset from the contact area between a finger and the screen. The cursor, which is used as the hot spot of the computer, is normally offset above the contact area except when the contact area is close to the bottom of the screen.

Abstract: An electronic picture frame receives a removable flash memory card, or related non-volatile digital recording medium, which exist at miniature scale, having stored images, audio and data and includes means for displaying, arraying, fixing, and generally enjoying same in the traditional modes by which photographic images have been known and cherished over time. Economic efficiency dictates the structure and network and system software are likewise compatible, providing apparatus effective for automatic cycling of digital still photographs, and for use in combination with local area networks. However, the electronic frame functions as a free standing unit and may be used without the need or complex or high technology interfacing assistance. A process for displaying digital still photographs stored on known non-volatile digital storage media is likewise taught.

Abstract: A hand-held portable computer is disclosed. The computer includes a housing at least partially enclosing computer electronics, a visible display screen supported by the computer housing and a handle assembly connected to the computer housing. The handle assembly includes a handle support, a support retainer affixed to the housing at a location opposite the screen and a handle supported by the handle support. The support retainer adjustably connects the handle support to the computer housing. In the preferred embodiment, the handle support is rotatably adjustable with respect to the computer housing. The handle support includes an annular ring having a plurality of indentations on one surface and the support retainer includes a detent which engages a selected one of the indentations to secure the handle support in a desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface. The first and second body portions are pivotally hinged to rotate between a first position, in which said first plane and said second plane are at an obtuse angle, and a second position, in which the first plane and the second plane are oblique, such that in the second position the control panel is rotated at an angle greater than 180 degrees from the mounting surface. A hinged housing for an electronic device having a first body portion defining a first plane and having a surface with a control panel and a second body portion defining a second plane and having a mounting surface.

Abstract: An information input/output apparatus processes display of information on a display unit such as an LCD by instructing and operating an input device such as a transparent flat touch panel arranged on the display. The apparatus has a display controller for allowing the display to display a display area pattern for instructing that information which was input from the input device is displayed by the display on a page unit basis. A first pattern to roughly instruct a page, a second pattern to instruct the pages before and after the present page position, and a third pattern to instruct a page by directly inputting a page number are displayed in the display area pattern. The display controller discriminates which one of the first, second, and third patterns is indicated by the instruction operating position of the input device and displays the information of the corresponding page to the display.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided with a housing, a display, input means, a microprocessor, a control arrangement, a memory, a power source, one or more interfaces for data exchange with a peripheral device. The display preferably provided as an LCD-display has dimensions such that with it approximately one page of a book can be illustrated at normal size, this display being integrated in a flat, frame-like housing. The input means for controlling the device are provided as a touch-screen in the display. A station for receiving and sending signals by way of a radio network allows the exchange of electronic data, such as for example E-mails, faxes, data from the Internet or the like, which can be visualized on the display. The electronic device according to the invention provides the considerable advantage that it is very light-weight and is easy to carry, can be used very universally and in this case has a relatively large display.

Abstract: A mobile radio apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus body having a connector portion at one side thereof. A main display is mounted on the apparatus body. An auxiliary display includes a terminal portion and is removably connected to the side of the apparatus body with the terminal portion mating with the connector portion of the apparatus body. The auxiliary display connected to the apparatus body assists the main display in displaying data at the time of, e.g., transmission or receipt. When the apparatus is carried by the user, the auxiliary display is dismounted from the apparatus body. The apparatus therefore achieves a great display capacity without being increased in size.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing an electronic book is disclosed, comprising generating a first label capable of being utilized to indicate a relationship with a first element of an electronic book and generating a second label capable of being utilized to indicate a relationship with at least one of the first element and a second element of an electronic book. The first label and second label are capable of being utilized to access at least one of the first element from the first label and at least one of the first element and the second element from the second label. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may specify a label to correspond with an element of an electronic book. Additionally, labels may be utilized to access the element of the electronic book by the user. Labels may also be modified by size, shape, text, color, apparent texture, and the like. Furthermore, labels may be utilized to indicate a relationship with an element.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic book comprising a structure capable of being spreaded into two sections, connected to each other by means of assembly element of the hinge type, which provides the controlled movement of said two sections upon said assembly element; to provide for the opening and closing of said electronic book; and also to provide for the passage of the several analogic and digital interconnection elements required to interconnect the components of the hardware model.

Abstract: An information display system having a housing with a location for receiving a document such as a book is provided. A location detection circuit is mounted on the housing adjacent the document and can determine any subjective selection of a location on the document. The document can have a plurality of indicia. When such indicia is selected, a control circuit can retrieve the information from a read only memory and appropriately display the information in an audible or visual manner.

Abstract: An interactive interface for visualizing results from a search of a corpus of machine-readable documents, each of which is associated with at least one category of a category hierarchy. The interactive interface includes a page object generation component, a book generation component, a page turning component, a cone tree generation component, and a cone tree rotation component. The page object generation component generates for each document of the results a link page and a content page. The link page of each document includes at least a link to categories of a category cone tree, which visually represents the category hierarchy. The content page of each document includes a portion of the document. The book generation component generates a visual representation of the pages for the documents of the results as a book. The book includes a first area for displaying a first link page of a first document of the results and a second area for displaying a first content page of the first document.

Abstract: A level adjust display apparatus and method for an on-screen display (OSD) menu of an image display device which displays function control targets in the form of an OSD menu on a screen is disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held portable computer is disclosed. The computer includes a housing at least partially enclosing computer electronics, a visible display screen supported by the computer housing and a handle assembly connected to the computer housing. The handle assembly includes a handle support, a support retainer affixed to the housing at a location opposite the screen and a handle supported by the handle support. The support retainer adjustably connects the handle support to the computer housing. In the preferred embodiment, the handle support is rotatably adjustable with respect to the computer housing. The handle support includes an annular ring having a plurality of indentations on one surface and the support retainer includes a detent which engages a selected one of the indentations to secure the handle support in a desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a main body input and output section, provided to a main body cabinet section, for displaying a plan view of an object; and a lid body input and output section, provided to a lid body, for displaying a front view of the object. The main body cabinet section and the lid body are connected to each other by hinges so as to be opened and closed. A main control section is provided for changing a display state of the object on either the main body input and output section or the lid body input and output section in a predetermined manner, in response to a change in the display state of the object on the other input and output section.

Abstract: In electronic equipment such as a communication apparatus or the like, a state of the electronic equipment can satisfactorily be displayed. At least two states of the electronic equipment can be displayed by using figures (P1 to P9) represented by changes of expressions of face portion different from one another.

Abstract: A compact size, portable audio/display electronic apparatus having a compact mass memory with the capability of entry of user originated inquirable and inquisitorial input relative to currently displayed information and the random access capability relative to the compact mass memory in retrieving data responsive the such input. The apparatus comprises recording and reproducing devices for recording and reproducing data in the form of alphanumeric information, diagram graphics, animation graphics, music, voice and other audio reproducible material. The reproducing device is employed only for the reproduction of the data, retrieving device for only retrieving the data for reproduction on a random access basis. Further, the display and reproducing device is arranged in one compact housing for the synchronized reproduction of at least two kinds of such data, e.g., the display of information and the audio reproduction of information directly associated with the displayed information.

Abstract: In a hand-held digital data reader which functions as an electronic book, a hinged housing for two displays and display controls opens and closes in the manner of a printed book. In the open position, the two displays are presented as facing pages of a book. Each display is mounted between a rounded spine end emulating the rounded page surface of an open printed book, and a tapered thumb pad emulating the tapered page ends of an open book. Thumb operated display controls are on the thumb pads. The hinge has a traveling pivot point for maintaining contact between the surfaces of the two spine ends when the book is opened and closed.

Abstract: A communication device (100) operates in first and second modes of operation including a dispatch mode of operation and a telephone mode of operation. The device (100) includes a main body (124) having a top surface (126) and a cover (102). The cover 102 selectively moves between at least a first position wherein at least a portion of the top surface (126) is covered to provide for selective operation in the dispatch mode and at least a second position wherein the top surface (126) is exposed to provide for selective operation is the telephone mode of operation. The cover (102) includes a see through section (108) covering at least a portion of the display section (114) when the cover (102) is in the first position in order to protect the display section (114) and simultaneously provide access thereto. The cover (102) also includes through access keys (106) which provide access to the keypad (116) even when the cover (102) is closed.

Abstract: A portable display device is provided having a size suitable for hand-held use and including a display screen for displaying video images and audio circuitry for providing audio signals to a user thereof. A manual input device is mounted on the portable display device and is activatable by a user for placing the portable display device in any one of a plurality of modes of operation selected from the group consisting of paging, volume control, brightness control and zoom. A sensor, also mounted on the portable display device, is configured to sense changes in tilt of the portable display device relative to a reference tilt established upon placing the portable display device in one of the plurality of modes of operation. A control is connected to the sensor and is adapted to modify parameters associated with a mode of operation selected from the plurality of modes of operation in response to the sensor sensing tilt changes when the portable display device is in the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A multipurpose learning device having a picture book including a plurality of pages, wherein the pages turned in a top-to-bottom hinged direction instead of a side-to-side hinged direction, a memory unit having audio and video data stored therein, the memory unit being detachably connected to a touch board. A surface of the touch board is declined to a predetermined angle for enabling a user to easily position an electronic pen perpendicular to the touch board. Each sheet of the picture book includes a blank page and a picture page and picture information corresponding to a picture on one of the pages is displayed on a host device, such as a television. A user moves the electronic pen over a blank page which is positioned over the touch board, and a cursor is displayed on the host device at a position corresponding to the position of the electronic pen over the blank page and touch board.

Abstract: In response to a read instruction, the confidentiality of a data entry to be read from memory is determined by referencing the state of a confidentiality flag corresponding to that data entry. If the data entry is determined to be confidential, then specified codes of the data stored in the RAM are converted into different codes, i.e., the data entry is scrambled. The data entry is then displayed using the converted codes.

Abstract: An electronic book comprising multiple, electronically addressable, page displays is described. Said page displays may be formed on flexible, thin substrates. Said book may additionally encompass memory, power, control functions and communications.

Abstract: Prior miniaturzed palm-top computers have reduced-size keyboards which are not useful for standard typing. The present invention provides a folding pocket-sized computer, comprising up to a 12" screen, a central processing unit, data storage and input means and a full size computer keyboard. It does this by having the keyboard divided into two halves hingedly connected along a fold line, whereby one of the keys is split along the fold line to permit folding of the keyboard, and by folding the screen and abutting the sections of the screen with no intervening frames.

Abstract: An image display device includes a main body having a display unit with a first display screen A and a display unit with a second display screen B and a link 56 for merging the two display screens to one. The two display units are opened and closed at the link so that the display screens are folded over each other for carrying like a book, and they are opened in a use mode to permit the recognition of the display image.

Abstract: In a system and method for tailoring information presented to a user and for tailoring the manner of information selection and presentation, an information station accepts user interchangeable information cards and system cards, the user having selected one information card from a series of information cards and having selected one system card from a series of system cards for determining the information presented to the user and for determining the manner of information selection and presentation.

Abstract: A voice book system includes a sound generating device equipped with at least a voice book. The voice book includes a front cover, a back cover and a plurality of page sheets. The voice book further contains an information storing device for storing a plurality of sound messages with respect to the content of each of the page sheets and a book connector for electrically communicating the information storing device with the sound generating device.

Abstract: A computer user interface system and method arranges a set of information hosted on a computer into a set of books, where each book includes a subset of the set of information, labels each book with a respective portion of the subset of the set of information, and selects a book from the set of books. Selecting the book from the set of books includes steps of displaying the respective portions of the books as a book document image that includes pages which correspond to the respective portions of the books, generating a command for moving through the pages, displaying an animated image of the pages of the book document being at least one of flipped, scrolled, slid and flashed images, and selecting the book when a selected one of the pages containing a selection portion of the book is earlier displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing audible sounds in response to visual indicia in the nature of an electronic book. The electronic book is constructed from a plurality of leaves which may be formed from a continuous accordion folded sheet or individual modular folded sheets joined back-to-back to form the pages of the book. During construction, a spacer is internally provided within each leaf to create at least one internal passageway opening at one end of the leaves at a location forming the book's spine. An electronic circuit having pressure sensitive switches and conductive paths is provided on the surface of a dielectric substrate using conductive ink. The switches are arranged on elongated members which are inserted into a respective internal passageway within the leaves of the book. By activation of a switch by pressure applied to visual indicia on the leaves, audible sounds are produced by an on board electronic module.

Abstract: An easily portable electronic book reading device for reading text information of documents, books etc. previously stored on a storage medium. The device generally comprises a flat screen monitor, a control panel, and a data storage/reading device. The flat screen monitor displays text information of a document being read, and optionally system control data. The control panel allows the user to control the display of information on the monitor, including selection of a document to be read; moving to a desired page; "book-marking" a desired page to allow the user to rapidly return to that page at a later time; stepping forward and backward through a document one page at a time; and controlling the size of text displayed on the monitor. The data storage/reading device, which can conveniently be provided as a CD-ROM or (preferably) a Micro-CD-ROM is provided to read text information from a removable memory medium, for display on the monitor.

Abstract: A graphic input system incorporates a digitizing tablet as an input surface. The digitizing tablet is comprised of two or more separate panels which are positioned adjacent to one another and may also comprise a mechanism for connecting the panels together, such as a hinge. The digitizing tablet, even though it is comprised of separate panels, operates as if the separate panels form a single coordinate system.

Abstract: An electronic book is provided including a plurality of PCMIA cards each with read only memory having a unique text permanently stored therein. Further provided is a portable unit comprising at least one speaker for allowing the transmission of audio signals upon the receipt thereof, a PCMCIA interface slot formed in the housing for allowing the downloading of the text of the PCMCIA card, and a speech processor/synthesizer connected to the speaker for transmitting audio signals thereto upon the receipt of text stored in the PCMCIA card. Such audio signals are representative of speech corresponding with the text. Further provided is a control mechanism adapted to download the text located within the PCMCIA card via the PCMCIA interface and further transmit the same to the speakers and the display whereby the audio signals are continuously transmitted and a user may view the text via the display.

Abstract: A system or method displays an appropriate user interface for a multi-function machine. A controller changes displayed contents of a user interface to display a functional screen corresponding to a copy-function when a document handler sensor senses a document placed in a document handler and changes the displayed contents of the user interface to display a functional screen corresponding to a facsimile-function when a telephone number sensor circuit senses a telephone being inputted through a ten-key pad. The controller also changes the display of the user interface to display a functional screen corresponding to a copy-function when a platen cover sensor senses a lifting of a platen cover. Lastly, the controller changes the display of the user interface to display a function screen corresponding to a print-function when a portable memory drive sensor senses an insertion of a portable memory device into a portable memory drive.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting a printed text with electronically stored data in the form of images, sounds and/or supplemental text. A printed book contains a plurality of pages of text. An electronic virtual book emulates the appearance of the printed book. The virtual book may only be accessed with a password that is contained in the printed book. The text of the book is augmented with information linked to the virtual book, including, for example, vocalization of the text of the book.

Abstract: An electronic book system including a portable display unit and a mated downloading stand which receives the unit in a plug-in manner so that data and power ports of the unit matably connected with respective data and power connectors of the stand. Upon insertion, data is downloaded to a memory in the unit when a data signal is supplied through the data port. The display device has a tabular shaped housing with a display screen and control buttons applied to a front planar surface of the housing. The stand is modularly designed to be stacked adjacently with additional like stands in mated connection with each other for common data and power communication. A system for preventing unauthorized use of stored book data is also provided wherein each unit is assigned a unique electronic code value, and wherein the book data on a particular storage medium may be initially accessed by any coded unit, but wherein subsequent access by other units is denied.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic information apparatus comprising an appratus body; display provided to the apparatus body for displaying a data on a screen thereof and a key board having plural input keys and provided at a front side on an upper surface of the apparatus body, the plural input keys being divided into two groups, the groups being spaced with each other, the plural input keys of each group being arranged in plural rows, row arrangement directions of the groups acrossing each other with a predetermined angle, and the group being arranged as to be substatially symmetrical with respect to a center line extending from a front end of the key board to a back end of the key board.

Abstract: A retrofitting, folding, portable keyboard for a notebook computer consists of two, pivotally-hinged halves. The two halves are hinged so that may be assume a perfectly flat, horizontal position, or, alternatively, a laterally raised and sloping configuration that provides an enhanced, ergonometric configuration to the user. Each half has its own set of keys and space bar. The keyboard of the invention has its own pointing device that takes over the pointing function of the pointing device of the dedicated keyboard provided with the notebook computer. The portable, folding keyboard of the invention also has a joystick-adapter by which a conventional joystick may be operatively coupled to the notebook computer by which games may be played. Four, bottom, pivotal feet support the keyboard on and/or above the existing keyboard provided with the notebook computer. A carrying case is provided in which the folded-up keyboard may be stored and transported.

Abstract: An electronic news receiving device receives text data for an electronic edition of a newspaper in the evening and audibly reads the newspaper to the user the next day. The newsreader includes a receiver which receives an electronic edition of a newspaper transmitted by a transmitter at an electronic news preparer's facility. The news preparer may mark words that do not conform to conventional letter-to-sound rules with a pronunciation flag and provide pronunciation data for the words with the electronic edition of the newspaper. The data may be compressed by providing a dictionary in the news receiving device and, at the preparer's facility, translating each word into a dictionary address. The transmission channel may include a telephone line, the vertical blanking interval of a television signal, a cable television channel, an AM/FM subcarrier signal or a satellite channel.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided making use of a touch pad module to implement user input functions. The electronic device includes a case having a region of thinner cross section than the remaining case side wall for receiving the touch pad module. The case is further provided with a through hole in the area of its thinner cross section for receiving control electronics of the touch pad module enabling the region of thinner cross section to physically support the touch pad module so that the module can be thinner than what is conventionally believed to be necessary to maintain its physical integrity while in use as an input device.

Abstract: A compact size, portable audio/display electronic apparatus having a compact mass memory with the capability of entry of user originated inquirable and inquisitorial input relative to currently displayed information and the random access capability relative to the compact mass memory in retrieving data responsive to such input. The apparatus includes a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing data in the form of alphanumeric information, diagram graphics, animation graphics, music, voice and other audio reproducible material. The reproducing device is employed only for the reproduction of the data, retrieving means for only retrieving the data for reproduction on a random access basis. Further, the display and reproducing device is arranged in one compact housing for the synchronized reproduction of at least two kinds of such data, e.g., the display of information and the audio reproduction of information directly associated with the displayed information.

Abstract: A compact size, portable audio/display electronic apparatus having a compact mass memory with the capability of entry of user originated inquirable and inquisitorial input relative to currently displayed information and the random access capability relative to the compact mass memory in retrieving data responsive to such input. The apparatus includes a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing data in the form of alphanumeric information, diagram graphics, animation graphics, music, voice and other audio reproducible material. The reproducing device is employed only for the reproduction of the data, retrieving device for only retrieving the data for reproduction on a random access basis. Further, the display and reproducing device is arranged in one compact housing for the synchronized reproduction of at least two kinds of such data, e.g., the display of information and the audio reproduction of information directly associated with the displayed information.

Abstract: A computer-based information browsing device including a body; a sensor device that detects a position of an instrument along one direction and a force of the instrument on the sensor device; a set of sensors actuable by said instrument, disposed on the body and configured to produce at least one state signal when at least one of the set of sensors is actuated by the instrument, a transducer circuit that converts the force and position of the instrument on the sensor device into at least one transducer signal; and an output port which outputs the at least one signal and the at least one state signal to a computer which is a set of information hosted thereon, the at least one transducer signal and the at least one sensor signal forming at least one of a direction of movement command, a change of speed command, a jump to a specified location command, and a bookmark command used by the computer to manipulate a displayed image of the set of information.

Abstract: An universal multimedia book interfacing device is disclosed in this invention. This device is used for operation with a multimedia book. The interfacing device includes a first adapting connector provided with connection compatibility for electrically connecting to several different multimedia books. Each multimedia book is provided with user interfaces for accepting user input signals therein and delivering user output signals therefrom. The universal interfacing device further includes a second adapting device provided with connection compatibility for electrically connecting to a data storage containing data relating to the multimedia books. The universal interfacing device is provided for electrically transmitting the user input signals received from one of the multimedia books to pre-designated locations in the data storage for generating user output signals and for electrically transmitting the user output signals to the multimedia books.

Abstract: A portable recording/retrieving system for self services travelers includes the following information input devices: writing board/light pen, CCD (charged coupled device) camera, and wireless microphone. These input devices may be used for inputting pictures, images, scenery, words and audio information. The input information will be processed by microprocessor and will be stored in CD or memory; light pen/writing board is used to input the words and pictures; the CCD camera, located at the front of the unit, is used for picking up pictures, scenery, words; the wireless microphone, located at the top of the light pen, is used for picking up audio information. The audio information will be digitized by an analog/digital converter and the microprocessor will process and store the digitized audio information into the main memory or CD, so that the travelers can view/hear the stored information anytime.

Abstract: A selective call receiver (100) comprises a receiver (104) for receiving a message and a controller (112) having the capability of determining the length of a received message. At least one of at least two displays (110, 120) is selected to display the received message according the received message length.

Abstract: An electronic book device has an electronic display unit having a flat panel screen and a housing for containing the flat panel screen. A cover is provided, which is hingedly and electrically connected to the electronic display unit. The housing further has a means for accessing material on a PC card and forwarding the material to the electronic display unit. The housing also has navigation keys for cursering through the material. Activation and deactivation of the electronic display unit is responsive to opening, partially opening and closing of the electronic book device. The device features a means for orientating the material on the electronic display unit responsive to an opening position of the electronic book device. In another embodiment, a data entry mechanism is operatively connected to the electronic display unit. The data entry mechanism can be implemented by using a touchscreen for the electronic display unit. In still another embodiment, a second electronic display unit replaces the cover.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a cover, an array of membrane switches disposed in a membrane switch assembly attached to the cover, and a plurality of pages attached to the cover, each of the pages having on a first surface thereof an indicia located directly over one of the switches, respectively. An electronic module is attached to the cover and is electrically connected to the array of switches. The electronic module stores a plurality of addressable sound sequences. The membrane switch assembly includes a first layer of flexible sheet material, and a layer of switch electrode conductors on the first layer of flexible sheet material defining a plurality of pairs of switch electrode conductors, each pair including a first electrode conductor and a second electrode conductor, and a plurality of conductors for connecting the electrode conductors to the electronic module.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing audible sounds in response to visual indicia in the nature of an electronic book. The electronic book is constructed from a plurality of leaves which may be formed from a continuous accordion folded sheet or individual modular folded sheets joined back-to-back to form the pages of the book. During construction, a spacer is internally provided within each leaf to create at least one internal passageway opening at one end of the leaves at a location forming the book's spine. An electronic circuit having pressure sensitive switches and conductive paths is provided on the surface of a dielectric substrate using conductive ink. The switches are arranged on elongated members which are inserted into a respective internal passageway within the leaves of the book. By activation of a switch by pressure applied to visual indicia on the leaves, audible sounds are produced by an on board electronic module.

Abstract: A data browsing apparatus displays data automatically in an automatic page-turning mode. The data browsing apparatus has dynamic picture display parameters comprising a frame display time (w), a frame display pitch (m), and a display priority (r). The dynamic picture display parameters may be calculated based on automatic page-turning options designated by users. Dynamic pictures are displayed with accuracy at the automatic page-turning interval.

Abstract: A hand held electronic book machine has a platform with a keyboard and a display for displaying text. The book machine further includes a database mounted to the platform. The database has a first memory portion storing text of a prose work and a second memory portion storing predetermined information relevant to the prose work. The database may be permanently mounted to the platform or, more preferably, removably mounted to the platform for enabling the use of the platform with different databases storing text and ancillary information for different prose works. The book machine also comprises an electronic scrolling mechanism operatively connected to the first memory portion of the database and to the display for scrolling the text on the display. Operator actuated selection componentry is operatively connected to the second memory portion of the database and to the display for permitting operator selection of portions of the predetermined information to be displayed on the display.