JP2002536736A - E-book with library catalog menu and search function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This is an electronic book selection and distribution system that distributes books and other text information, and further catalogs and searches electronic books. Textual information is encoded on the electronic signal and transmitted over any one of a number of different media. The viewer or the library unit stores the electronic book and performs display on the viewer. The user can catalog and view electronic book menus organized and stored based on various criteria. The user can further search for a specific electronic book from the stored electronic books.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Related application]

This application is based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/336, filed Nov. 7, 1994.
247, "Electronic Book Selection and Delivery System". The latter is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 991,074, filed Dec. 9, 1992, entitled "Television Program Packaging and Delive."
ry System with Menu-Driven Subscriber Access "and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 160,194, filed Dec. 9, 1993, entitled" Advanced Set-top Te
rminal for Cable Television Delivery Systems ", all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 237,828 filed Jan. 27, 1999. "Electronic Book Elect
ronic Links ". This application is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[Prior art]

Inspired by the idea of the Information Super Highway, the distribution of books will revolutionize. Since Gutenberg's invention of mobile typeset printing, the world has never been at the forefront of such a revolution in the distribution of textual material. "Books" (
The definition of the word book will change dramatically in the near future. Security, convenience,
Due to cost, and other technical issues, book and magazine publishers can currently only distribute their products in paper form. The present invention solves the problems experienced by publishers.

[0003]

Summary of the Invention

A first system according to the present invention produces an electronic signal containing a representation of text data. The system sends and receives electronic signals and displays specific library menus associated with text data based on selections entered by a user.

[0004] A second system according to the present invention produces an electronic signal that includes a representation of text data. The system sends and receives electronic signals, searches text data based on parameters entered by a user, and finds a portion of the text data related to the parameters.

[0005] A first method according to the invention involves coding text data on an electronic signal. The electronic signal is transmitted over a transmission medium and received from the transmission medium. A specific library menu is displayed based on the selection entered by the user in connection with the text data.

A second method according to the invention involves coding text data on an electronic signal. The electronic signal is transmitted over a transmission medium and received from the transmission medium. The text data is searched based on a parameter entered by the user, and a part of the text data related to the parameter is found.

A third method according to the present invention generates and displays a specific menu for a plurality of electronic books. A plurality of electronic books are stored for display on an associated viewer.
Requests for menus related to these electronic books are received from users. Menus are generated based on the user's request and displayed on the viewer.

[0008] A fourth method according to the present invention searches a plurality of electronic books. A plurality of electronic books are stored for display on an associated viewer. A request for a search related to these electronic books is received from a user. An electronic book search is executed based on a user request, and the search result is displayed on a viewer.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The electronic book selection and transport system according to the present invention is a new way to distribute books to bookstores, libraries, and consumers. Technical breakthroughs of the present invention provide a reliable electronic system for delivering selected books and receiving payment. This system provides consumers with everyday and familiar devices that are highly practical, portable and easy to use, while at the same time having the high technology appeal.

[0010] An obvious advantage of the present invention is that moving physical symmetry, such as paper books and computer memory devices, has been removed from the book distribution system. Purchasing a book becomes a pay-per-read ^™ event, avoiding the overhead, "middle man", printing costs, and time delays associated with current book distribution systems. President's speech, new legislation, ruling on abortion, OJ
Published materials and texts, including Simpson's testimony, at minimal cost
It may be immediately available to consumers.

[0011] The system of the present invention is a new combination of new technologies related to the television, cable, telephone, and computer industries. It uses high-bandwidth data transmission, strong security methods, advanced digital switching, high-resolution visual displays, and user-friendly interface software.

The basic components of the text delivery system are a subsystem that places text on a video signal and a subsystem that receives and selects text placed on a video signal. Preferred embodiments of the system include additional components and optional features that enhance the system. The system can be configured for use by bookstores, libraries, and consumers. The consumer system consists of four subsystems. A (3) home subsystem including receiving, selecting, reading, trading, and transmitting functions; and (4) a billing and collection system.

An operations center performs a number of basic functions. Processing text data (including receiving, formatting and storing text data);
Security encoding of texts, cataloging of books, provision of messaging center functions, and execution of uplink functions. The system delivers text from an operations center to a consumer's home by inserting data into an analog video signal. Insertion of text is generally performed by a text generator and encoder at an uplink site located at or near the operations center. The system can send text data using multiple lines during a vertical blanking interval (VBI), all lines of an analog video signal, or using a digital video signal. VBI
With the delivery method, the top 10 or 20 book titles can be transmitted with video during normal programming using existing cable or broadcast transmission capabilities without interrupting subscribers' video reception. . With the entire video signal, thousands of books can be transmitted within just one hour of broadcast time. Nearly any analog or digital video distribution system can be used to distribute video signals containing text.

The home subsystem performs four essential functions. Connection to a video delivery system, selection of text, storage of text, and commerce through telephone or cable communication mechanisms. The components of the home subsystem can have various hardware configurations. Each function may be performed by a separate component, which may be integrated or may utilize existing cable set-top converter box and television capabilities. Preferably, a connector, a library unit, and a viewer unit are used. The connector portion of the home subsystem receives the analog video signal and separates or extracts the text from the video. The home library stores text signals, provides a user-friendly interface to the system, and processes transactions at the consumer's home. The viewer provides a screen for viewing text or menus.

The viewing device is preferably a portable book-like viewer that provides a screen for reading and reading one or more books and interacting with the home library unit. High-resolution LCD displays are used for both reading books and interacting with home library units. An optional telephone connector or return path cable connection initiates the telephone call, transmits the required data with the assistance of the library, and terminates the order and the billing portion of the consumer's commerce. The billing and collection system automatically manages transactions, authorizes, collects, and pays publishers using a telephone system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the basic components of the electronic book selection and distribution system 200 include an encoder 204, a video distribution system 208, a connector 2
12 and a text selector 216. The encoder 204 converts the text
The data is placed on the video signal to form a composite signal. Various devices and methods can be used to encode text data onto a video signal. Video distribution system 208 distributes video signals from a single point of encoder 204 to multiple locations having connectors 212. Connector 212 receives digital or analog video signals from video distribution system 208 and separates, separates or extracts text data from the composite video signal. If necessary, the extracted text data is converted to a digital bit stream. Text selector 216 works with connector 212 to select text.

With the combination of the connector 212 and the text selector, various methods are possible for selecting and retrieving desired text from composite or video signals. The text can be pre-selected, selected upon receipt, or selected after being received and stored. The preferred method is for connector 212 to separate all text from the video signal and cause text selector 216 to screen all text received from connector 212. Text selector 216 stores the text in long-term or permanent memory only if the text passes the screening process described below.

An overview of the preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. The system 200 includes an operations center 250 including an uplink site 254, a video distribution system 208, a home subsystem 258 including a video connector 212, a library 262, a viewer 266, a telephone connector 270, Telephone system 27
4 and a billing and collection subsystem 278. The operations center receives text material from external sources 282, such as publishers, newspapers, and online services. The operations center 250
Receives the material in various digital formats and converts it to a standard compressed format for storage. When doing so,
The center 250 creates a pool of text material that can be delivered to the home system. Usually, textual materials are used for easy access.
They are grouped by book or title. Operation Center 250
Include an uplink site that places text on the video signal and sends the composite video signal to the video distribution system. Uplink sites generally include an encoder (shown in FIG. 2) that decodes the text onto the video signal.

Many analog and digital video distribution systems 208 can be used with the text distribution system 200. For example, cable television distribution systems, broadcast television distribution systems, video distributed via telephone systems, direct satellite broadcast distribution systems, and other wired and wireless distribution systems. Almost any distribution system that can carry video signals can be used with this text distribution system. Also, as described below, text can be distributed without using a video signal. For example, texts can be exported to the Internet, WAN, LA
N and the like can be expressed and transmitted in an electronic signal via the network 201. Transmission over the network 201 includes analog or digital electronic signals using wired or wireless transmission, and includes known techniques for transmitting signals over networks such as the Internet.

The home subsystem performs five basic functions. That is, (1) connection with the video distribution system, (2) data selection, (3) data storage, (4) data display, and (5) processing of various transactions. An important optional feature of the home subsystem is communication using a telephone communication system. The home subsystem is basically composed of four parts. A video connector 212 or similar type connector for connecting to a video distribution system; a library unit 262 for storage and processing; a viewer unit 266 for viewing menus and text; 274 and a telephone connector 270 for connection.

The billing and collection subsystem 278 may be co-located with the operations center 250 or may be remote from the operations center. The billing and collection subsystem 278 is connected to the home
Communicate with subsystems. Any number of telephone-type communication systems, such as cellular systems, operate with billing and collection systems. Billing and collection system 2
78 records the book or part of the text selected and ordered by the subscriber. The billing and collection system 278 charges the subscriber's credit account or charges the subscriber. Further, the billing and collection system 278 may include text data or
Monitor the amount of money that the publisher or other external source that has provided other services, such as airtime, to operate the text delivery system 200 is entitled to.

FIG. 3 is an expanded overview of a preferred delivery plan for electronic book selection and delivery system 301. This is a comprehensive delivery plan that supports different types of users and different billing systems. FIG. 3 shows publisher 282 providing text transfer 302 to operations center 250 'and receiving payment 306 from billing and collection system 278'. Separate channels
An uplink site 254 'is shown in this configuration and the operation site
Data 310 has been received from the center 250 '. Operation Center 2
50 'has two independent parts (318, 322, 326). That is,
A first part 318 for receiving, formatting and re-entrying the text;
A second part 322 for security encoding and a third part 326 for catalog and message center functions.

The collection and billing system 278 ′ shown has two parts (330 and 33).
4). First, a part 330 responsible for managing, authenticating, and paying publishers, and second, a part 334 responsible for customer service. Customer service portion 334 provides data entry and access to customer account information. The transaction account information 338 is provided to the credit card company 342 by the transaction management portion 330 of the billing and collection system 278 '. The credit card company 342 bills the customer 346 electronically or by mail.

There are three ways of communicating between the subscriber base 348 and the billing and collection system 278 ′. A combination of cellular switching 354 and telephone switching 250 and a combination of cable system 358 and telephone switching 350. The system shown supports one-way 362 and two-way 366 cable communication with a subscriber. Libraries and schools 370 in addition to bookstores 374 can also use this delivery system.

Libraries and schools 370 may have a modified system that allows viewers to check out or lend, and bookstores 374 to rent viewers and sell e-book data. Bookstores 374 as well as libraries and schools 370
Can also receive the service of the cable 378. An optional direct broadcast system (DBS) 382 can also be used with the system 200.

I. Operation Center FIG. 4 is an overview of the operation center 250 including the uplink 254. The operations center 250 collects text or books by receiving, formatting, storing, and encoding. Data including text
Stream 302 is received by data receiver 402 at the operations center. Data receiver 402 is under the control of processor 404. As received, the data stream is formatted using digital logic 406 for formatting, also controlled by processor 404. If any additional text is to be generated at the operations center 250 for any local insertion into the signal being distributed, this text generation will occur at the data receiver and keyboard (not shown). ) Are handled through the text generator hardware 410. After processing by the text generator, the additional text can be added to the received text by the compositing hardware 414 including digital logic circuitry (not shown).

The processing in the operation center is performed by the processor 4 using the instruction memory 416.
04. The processor and the instruction memory are provided by a personal computer or a minicomputer. To perform catalog and messaging functions, operations center 250 uses catalog and message memory 420 and, if necessary, a text generator.

The text, catalog and message data streams are preferably encoded by a security encoding module before being sent to the uplink module 254. Various coding techniques can be used. For example, NS
A: A commercial derivative of the encryption algorithm, a data encryption system (DE
S), a DigiCipher II from General Instruments, etc., is used by the security encoding module 424. After encoding,
The encoded text may be stored in text memory 428 before being sent on uplink 254. A first-in first-out text memory configuration is provided by processor 40.
Preferably, it is used under the control of 4. Various types of memory, including RAM, can be used for text memory 428. The operation center
Using file server technology for text memory 428, catalog and spool the books to be transmitted, as described below.

To transmit text data, the delivery system 200 uses a high bandwidth transmission technology as defined by the North American Broadcast Teletext Standard (NABTS) and the World System Teletext (WST) standard. . Using the WST format (each line of the vertical blanking period contains 266 data bits), for example, a 400 page book can be converted to a vertical blanking period at a rate of approximately one book in 1.6 minutes. Four lines can be used to transmit during programming (63840 bits per second). Alternatively, books can be transmitted using a dedicated channel. In this case, the programming is interrupted and approximately 2250 books can be transmitted per hour using 246 lines of video (3.9 megabits per second). The teletext type format is the simplest but probably the slowest text format that can be used with this system. In each case, text data is inserted into the analog video signal using an encoder at the uplink site. In many other respects, the delivery of textual information is made using existing cable television plants and equipment. Finally, text and graphics information can be transmitted over any communication network, including the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet.

FIG. 5 a is a flow diagram of the steps that occur in operations center 250 involved in processing text from a publisher or provider 282. As shown in block 500, the publisher 282 processes, compresses, and encrypts the text file of the book, and sends the data file to the operations center or uplink. The text files for multiple books are preferably sent one book at a time. As indicated at block 504, uplink 254 or operations center 250 receives and processes the data stream from publisher 282. Generally, part of this processing includes encryption and error correction.

As indicated at block 508, the file is divided into smaller packets of information. Header information is added to the packet. The bit stream is converted from a serial digital bit stream to an analog bit stream compatible with NTSC video signals. Block 512 illustrates the switching of a video signal of analog data to a video line.
Analog data is placed on either the VBI or the active video line.

FIG. 5 b is an example of a hardware configuration that performs some of the functions for blocks 508 and 512. Video feed 516 is received and processed via synchronization stripper 520. The synchronization signal 532 is output from the digital logic control 52.
4 used by Digital logic control 524 receives synchronization signal 532 and serial digital bit stream 528 for processing. Digital logic control 524 sends the serial digital bit stream to digital to analog converter 536 and outputs control signal 540 for video switch 544. Video switch 544 is connected to video feed 516.
And an analog data stream 548 into the video feed 552 with the analog data signal inserted.

[0033] Instead of a cable or television delivery method, the books can be transmitted to the subscriber using a telephone system. Through a public telephone system, an average book is transmitted in about 7 minutes per book. With a telephone system, it is not necessary to combine video and text into a composite signal. In most other respects, the operations center remains similar whether the delivery of the text is by telephone or by cable. (“Audio / Video File Server Including Decompression / Playback Means” given to Mincer et al. In US Pat. No. 5,262,875;
No. 5,218,695 issued to Noveck et al., "File Serve
r System Having High-Speed Write Execution ", file server technology (both incorporated herein by reference) may be used in operations center 250 with text delivery methods by telephone system. Preferably, the telephone transmission takes place, for example, via a network 201 such as the Internet or via a telephone system 274.

II. The hardware configuration for the home subsystem 258 of the home subsystem 4 component is shown in FIG. 6a. FIG. 6c shows a two component home subsystem. The home subsystem 258 receives data and video transmissions, strips data from video signals, screens and stores data, provides user-friendly interface software, displays menus and text, and provides commercial transactions ( Transaction), initiate a telephone call, transmit billing data, and so on. Various hardware configurations can be used to achieve the desired functionality of the home subsystem. For example, as shown in FIG. 6c, home subsystem 258 includes:
The cable converter box and television 601 can be configured to take advantage of the currently installed subscriber-based reception and channel tuning capabilities. The home subsystem 258 can also be designed as an advanced set-top terminal converter, described below in Section V, such as menu generation capabilities, electronic memory and telephone modems.

The electronic components that make up the home subsystem 258 can be configured in various ways. In the four-unit subsystem of FIG.
6 and library 262 are wired together, while the remaining components communicate via RF transceiver 604. Home subsystem 258
In this version, the library 262 and the viewer 266 are housed in a housing as two units. In another version of the home subsystem 258, the functions of the library 262 are integrated into the viewer 266, as shown in FIG. include.

FIG. 6 c shows a two-unit home subsystem with some optional features. The viewer 266 has a high-resolution viewing area 6.
02, digital logic (including key 605, security 606, and microprocessor 621), video graphics control and memory 607,
A power supply circuit 602 (not shown), an optional battery 603, and an optional RF transceiver 604 are provided. In a two-unit configuration, the library 262 includes a connector function to the distribution system 200, a connector function to the public telephone communication system, and a memory 600 (which may be a removable portable type 600 '). More specifically, the library 262 includes a data strip function 617,
Digital logic 609, memory storage 600, power supply circuit 610, optional telephone connection 611 (including cellular or PCN 611 '), optional battery (not shown), optional tuner module 613, , An optional RF transceiver 604. Video connector 212 and public telephone system connection 270 may be separated into separate components, similar to removable portable memory unit 600 of library 262. (FIG. 6c shows a removable portable hard disk memory 600 ′ with a removable cartridge 614.) The home system 258 includes an attached keyboard 267 or wireless keyboard 2.
68. Attached keyboard 267 and wireless keyboard 268 are both used to communicate with viewer 266 or library unit 262.
The wireless keyboard 268 can communicate, for example, via radio frequency (RF) signaling. Thus, home subsystem 258 will have up to six separate components communicating with each other. The two, three, four, five or six separate components that make up the home subsystem 258 can communicate with one another in various ways. This includes, for example, a hardwired connection 615, an RF transceiver 604, and other wireless methods.

At home (home, home), RF communication is preferable.
This is because communication allows separate components to be placed without restriction throughout the home. The data communicated between the units is preferably data whose security is guaranteed. Further, library 262 can power viewer 266 via hardwired communication link 615.

Either a cable interface device or a cable connector is used to receive and strip data from the video signal at the consumer's home. Cable connector devices include tuners, while cable interface devices make use of existing tuning equipment in the home. In either configuration, the data is separated from the video signal and
The location of the subscriber at 62 is stored. Telephone connector 270 and modem 611 initiate a telephone call and transmit order and billing information to operations center 250 or billing and collection system 278. Telephone connector 270 can also be used to receive e-books from distribution system 200. Library 2
62 is an intelligent component of the home subsystem that stores the text data, generates menus, and contains the necessary hardware and software to implement the purchase transaction. In addition to RF transceiver 604, library 262 includes the necessary jacks and connections to allow the system to be connected to viewer 266. As shown in FIG. 6c, the library 262 communicates the text data to the viewer 266 in a secure format that requires a key 605 for decryption. The text is generally read shortly before being read,
Decoded only for each page.

A. Video Connector FIG. 7 shows the process flow performed by the video connector 212. The video connector receives the video signal 608, tunes to the channel containing the text data 612, separates the text data from the video signal 616, and routes the text data stream to logic channels in the library 262.
Communicate to components.

The connection to the video distribution system is preferably as shown in FIG.
Cable connector to cable television distribution system. The cable connector includes a data stripper circuit 617, which can be a set-top converter, a TV or VCR 601, or a cable connector 2
Optional tuner block 613 for receiving CATV signal via 12 '
Receives video input from either Data stripper circuit 617 separates the data from the video and outputs a digital bit stream to digital logic portion 609 of library unit 262. The data is embedded in an encrypted and compressed format in the vertical blanking interval or active video portion of the video signal. The data stripper circuit 617 can be located inside the set-top converter box 601, TV or library unit. Data stripper circuit 617 outputs a digital bit stream used in digital logic 609 of the library.

[0041] Video connector 212 includes a channel tuner module 613 that can provide access to video including video channel tuned data. With the optional tuner module 613, no set-top converter, VCR or TV tuner is required in the home subsystem. Optional tuner module 613 includes cable connector 2
The CATV signal can be received directly via 12 '.

B. An embodiment of a library 262 for a library two-unit home subsystem is:
It is shown in both FIG. 6c and FIG. The embodiment shown includes the following optional parts: That is, the removable portable memory 60
0 ', microprocessor 628, instruction memory unit 632, digital logic 636, and power supply unit 640, as well as video connector 212.
, A telephone connector 270, an RF transceiver 604, and a battery pack.

The library 262 includes a microprocessor 628 and digital logic 636
And a digital logic unit 609 (not shown in FIG. 8) that includes an instruction memory unit 632. Microprocessor 628 is preferably a highly reliable microprocessor such as the MotorSC21 sold by Motorola. The digital logic unit 609 includes a serial digital bit
The stream is received from the data stripper circuit 617 and the data is processed.
Error correction is also performed by digital logic 609, and the data is checked for the appropriate address. The data address is correct and the library 262
Is approved to receive the data, the data is transferred to the memory storage units 600 and 600 '. Authorization to receive the data is provided by the cable headend or other distribution point. The authorization code can be sent in a serial digital bit stream. Digital logic 609 sends the appropriate text and graphics data to memory storage units 600 and 600 '. This data is transferred in a compressed and encrypted format and stored in the compressed and encrypted format.

I. Memory Storage Unit The memory storage unit of the library 262 may be a removable portable memory unit (shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 8). Various options are available for memory storage. That is, a hard disk drive of 80 megabytes or 200 megabytes, a hard disk having a removable platter, a CD-ROM, or the like. Referring to FIG. 6c, a hard disk drive unit 600 'including removable platters is also available. This results in the library gaining almost unlimited storage capacity. The data is stored in a compressed and encrypted format on a memory storage unit. As shown in FIG. 6c, the data is
It has a key or unique ID number that matches D or the key. Unique key or ID
Such a matching of the numbers prevents the transfer of text data from the memory storage unit to unauthorized viewers. Smart card,
Data can also be stored using a small memory device such as an electronic memory card or a PCMCIA (personal computer memory card industry association) card.

Ii. Power Circuit As shown in FIGS. 6c and 8, the library 262 is powered from either AC wall power or optional battery power. The power supply circuit preferably supplies all necessary voltages from either the battery 624 or the AC unit to various circuits in the library. Preferably, the power supply circuit, when connected to the viewer, provides power to the viewer via a single data cable. When the optional battery unit 624 is installed, the library 262 becomes a portable unit and can provide power to the viewer 266. To extend battery life, power saving measures are taken, such as shutting down the memory system when not in use. Viewer 26
When 6 is used, the library circuit is not used and almost all power is shut off to the library.

Iii. Connection to the Public Telephone System Connection to the telephone system is preferably provided by a modem 611. Various available modems can be used to perform this function. As shown in FIG. 6c, a cellular or PCN telephone connection 611 'may also be provided. When the home subsystem 258 is first started, a modem is used to transfer the consumer's name and credit card information to the billing and collection subsystem 278. Telephone connection 270 is used each time a book is purchased by a consumer to complete and record a transaction. Telephone connection 270 receives text data from operations center 250 and may be used as a means to bypass the video distribution system. Telephone connection 270 may be a separate unit, as shown in FIG. 6c. Alternatively, using the network 201, the operation center 2
Text data from 50 can be received and the video distribution system can be bypassed.

Iv. Library Processing FIG. 9 illustrates some of the basic processing performed by library 262 on a data stream received from video connector 212 or stripper circuit 617. First, the data stream is checked by block 650 for error correction. If an error is detected, block 654 deinterleaves the data, then block 658 runs the FEC (forward error correction) algorithm. The combination of blocks 650, 654 and 658 performs the necessary error correction on the data stream. If error correction is not required, the data proceeds to block 662, where the packets are individually checked for packet addresses.

If the address is a unique address, block 666 checks whether the packet's address matches the library box ID number. The ID number of the library box is a unique number associated with the library 262, and is used to confirm data security. Block 6
70 determines if the electronic file has already been opened and data packets have been saved therein. If the data file has not been opened, block 674 opens a new data file for the packet. If the electronic file is open, the packet is saved to the electronic file on disk at block 678. Next, the process checks if it is the last packet of a particular book for the particular block of text data being received. If it is the last packet of information, the electronic file is closed and the directory of available electronic files is updated (686). Following either block 682 or 686, the process returns to receive another data packet from the data stream received from the data stripper block.

[0049] If the packet address is checked and it is determined that the address is a broadcast address, the process determines the type of message being sent (690). Next, the message is sent to the appropriate electronic message file 694.
And the process returns to block 650 to receive another data packet and perform another error check.

Using the process of FIG. 9, the library can receive, store, and update directories associated with text and graphics data that can be used to represent images in a given book. . Several variations of the process are possible, depending on the format of the data and the object orientation of the library 262.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which the library 262 processes an information request from the viewer 266. The information request from the viewer 266 is sent to the viewer 2
66 is received via a cable connecting the library 66 to the library 262 or via wireless transmission such as RF. In one embodiment, the subscriber's request may come from set-top converter box 602.

The information received from the viewer 266 generally belongs to three categories. That is, (1) the directory data of the electronic book stored in the library 262, (2) the index of all the electronic books available in the system, and (3) the request for a specific electronic book (block 700). is there. process·
Block 704 responds to a request from viewer 266 for a directory of data indicative of an electronic book stored in viewer 266. The directory of data is sent to the viewer 266, where it is displayed to the subscriber. Process block 708 processes requests from viewer 266 for indexes of all electronic books available on the system. The library 262 obtains the indexes of all the electronic books available in the system, transmits the indexes in the process 712, and provides the menu information to the viewer 266. Process block 716 responds to a request from viewer 266 for a particular electronic book. The library 262 opens the electronic file of the specific electronic book requested by the viewer 266 and transmits records or information to the viewer on a packet-by-packet basis (720). Viewer 266 for specific e-books, records or packets
This process of transmitting the last record or packet is sent (7
Continue until 24).

In addition to the process shown in FIG. 10 in processing a request for a particular electronic book, the library 262 also provides the operations center 250 with a particular electronic book using the process described at 716. Order and receive books. When a request is made for a specific electronic book that is not stored in the library 262, the library 262 determines the next time the electronic book exists in the video distribution system 208, and receives and stores the electronic book. (This process is not shown). When performing this process, the library 262
Transmits to the viewer 266 information about when to obtain the text data of the e-book, thereby allowing the subscriber to view the e-book. In addition to timing information, price and other order information is stored in a library
Unit 262 can send to the subscriber.

C. Viewer (The Viewer) Figure 11 is a block diagram of a viewer 266 is shown its internal components. The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 corresponds to the viewer 266 shown in FIG.
Is the same as The viewer 266 is designed to be physically similar to a bound book. The viewer 266 is composed of five basic components and four optional components. (1) LCD display 602, (2) digital circuit (not shown), (3) video graphics controller 607 ', (4) controls 740, (5) book memory 728,
(6) optional power supply circuit 736, (7) optional battery 603 '
, (8) optional RF transceiver 604 and (9) optional cellular or mobile communication device (not shown).

(1) A high resolution LCD screen, preferably of VGA quality, is used in the viewer 266 to display text and graphics images. This screen is preferably the size of one page of a book.

(2) A digital circuit including a highly reliable microprocessor 621, an instruction memory 732, and digital logic. When the data is transferred to the viewer 266, it has a compressed and encrypted format. The highly reliable microprocessor 621 compares the ID number of the viewer 266 with the incoming data stream, and if the ID number of the viewer 266 matches the ID number inside the data stream, only the text data Is stored. Preferably, the viewer 266 does not output text or other data, but is decompressed and decoded only when viewing and only for the page currently being viewed. Such measures are preferred because doing so provides additional security against unauthorized access to the data.

(3) A video graphics controller 607 ′ capable of assisting and displaying VGA quality text and graphics images is provided by the viewer 2.
66. The graphics controller 607 'is controlled by the above-described digital circuit. Text can be displayed in multiple font sizes.

(4) The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 has touch panel-type controls (operating device) 740. Using the controls 740, the consumer can select a stored book and a book in the catalog, move the cursor, and flip through the pages in the book. Typically, the preferred controls include a next and previous button 741, a ball 743 for cursor movement, and a select button 74.
5, a current book button 747, and a bookmark button 749 (see FIG. 14a). Other control functions can be incorporated in the touch panel-type controls 740. For example, a touch pad is used. Finally,
The display 602 can be touch sensitive.

(5) Book memory 72 for at least one book or more text
8 is included in the viewer 266. Memory 728 stores text and any graphics that represent photographs in the book. The memory 728 has a menu
Graphics data can also be stored. In the viewer 266, two different memory devices 728 can be used. The first is for instructions to the microprocessor 621 in the digital circuit, and the second can be used for the book memory 728. Various commercially available memory devices such as a ROM, a RAM, and a small hard disk can be used. One book requires about 0.6 megabytes of storage, so a small hard disk that provides about 60 megabytes of storage can provide memory for about 100 books. The text of the book can be stored in various font sizes, and larger or smaller fonts can be recalled from memory 728 as needed.

(6) The power supply circuit 736 in the viewer 266 receives power from either the AC power supply, the optional battery 603 ′, or the library 262. The power supply circuit provides the necessary voltages for various systems within the viewer 266.

(7) An optional battery 603 ′ is provided in the preferred embodiment. Battery 603 'is automatically recharged when AC power is available. (8) An optional RF transceiver 604 that provides a bidirectional data link between the viewer 266 and other components of the home subsystem,
It can also be included in the viewer 266.

(9) Also, the viewer 266 may include a cellular transceiver (not shown) for mobile communication. The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 includes a library connection 744, an electronic card memory 74,
8, with parts providing a CD-ROM device 752 and a portable memory device 756 (such as 600 'shown in FIG. 6c). Various electronic memory cards, such as PCMCIA, can also be used with this viewer 266.

Security, low power consumption, and excellent display technology are characteristics that are required in the design of the viewer 266. Viewer 266 must be lightweight and portable. Viewer 266 is software that includes the ability to store, read, and delete electronic books, and to order books and keep them in memory for a predetermined time determined by the system operator. Includes operating system. The software allows the book to be read for a period of time (eg, two weeks) and then automatically erased afterwards, erased once read, or permanently stored in memory , Etc. can be configured. Each viewer 266 has a unique key 605. All data storage is encrypted using the key 605 for the individual viewer 266, preventing multiple viewers 266 from accessing text or book files.

FIG. 12 a is a flowchart of some of the processes performed by the viewer 266. Generally, the viewer 266 includes a touch panel type control 74.
0 receives input from the subscriber. The subscriber's information request is then processed by the viewer 266 (800).

If the subscriber requests a menu of available books, process block 804 selects a book menu. Process block 808 opens an electronic file listing the available books (related to the topic category in the menu) and displays a menu with the names of the available books.

When the subscriber selects a particular book to read, process block 812 processes the selection to determine an electronic file containing the particular electronic book. Process block 816 opens the file for that particular e-book and typically accesses its first page. (If the pointer is already set in the file of the electronic book, this process reaches the pointer by default.
) Process block 820 then determines which pages need to be displayed. Process block 820 determines whether to display the next page, the previous page, or the bookmarked page. If the pointer to the electronic file is not in the correct location, process block 828 moves the pointer to get the previous page of data from the stored file. Otherwise, process block 824 typically retrieves the next page of text from the stored electronic file. Process block 832
Decrypts and decompresses text data and sends the data to a video display. The video display generally has a video display memory associated with it, and process block 832 sends data directly to the video display memory. The circuitry for the display completes the process of displaying a page of text.

If the subscriber makes a request to power off via controls 740 (from process block 800), the process 8 of powering off
36 is started. Process block 840 saves in memory a pointer to the number of pages in the book that viewer 266 is currently reading. process·
Block 844 closes all electronic files and instructs the power supply circuit to shut off power to various circuits of the viewer 266. As an example of such a basic process, the viewer 266 can display book selections and display text from those books.

FIGS. 12 b and 12 c are flowcharts of additional processes performed by the viewer 266, and include functions for displaying various library menus and searching for electronic books. These processes are realized by software stored in the memory 732 and controlling the operation of the microprocessor 621 in the viewer 266. Alternatively, these processes may be performed by microprocessor 628 in library 262. Furthermore, they may exist as modules implemented as software, hardware or a combination thereof.

These processes allow the user to view different types of library menus based on various criteria, thereby increasing the versatility of the viewer in providing information to the user. be able to. For example, a user can search and view all electronic books by a particular author or with a particular title from those stored in that viewer 266. In addition, the user can view electronic books of a specific category or genre. The user can select a specific electronic book by viewing the electronic book searched using such a menu function. Thus, the library menu and search functions provide greater flexibility and versatility when the user browses and searches for electronic books, and allows the user to manually search the displayed list of electronic books. The trouble of finding a specific book from the plurality of electronic books is reduced or eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 12b, process block 801 displays a main library menu. Process block 803 determines whether the user has entered a request for a particular type of library menu, but this process corresponds to process block 800 for an information request. To enter a request, the user operates controls 740 to enter various selections or other information. If the user does not request any particular type of library menu, process block 805 generates and formats a default library menu. This library
The menu includes, for example, a numerical list of stored electronic books. The viewer 266 can also display this default menu.

A traditional library of paper, hardcopy, books, etc. can be organized according to one of several different classification schemes. For example, a law library can organize books using the Library of Congress (LC) classification system. Dewey Decimal Clas
sification = DDC) is the most widely adopted book classification system worldwide. Both LC and DDC systems classify books according to one of several classes. For example, DDC divides knowledge into ten main classes. For example, the DDC number for a particular book can be a nine digit number. DDC systems are available in electronic formats used in online classification schemes.

Categorization by LC number is described, for example, in Lois Mai Chan, “Immroth's Guide to
the Library of Congress Classification, "Libraries Unlimited, Inc., pp.
19-51 (4th ed., 1990). This textbook is incorporated herein by reference. Categorization by LC number and DC number is described, for example, by Shiela S. Intner & J
ean Weihs, "Special Libraries: A Cataroguing Guide," Libraries Unlimited
, Inc., pp. 211-241 (1998). This textbook is also incorporated in the present application.

Books can also be categorized according to International Standard Book Number (ISBN). Generally, an ISBN is a unique number that identifies a book and is assigned by various agencies. Publishers apply to these agencies to obtain a range of ISBNs with unique prefixes and assign that number to the books they publish. Publishers choose which of these numbers to assign to their books, but the prefix usually identifies the publisher and the ISBN is typically unrelated to the subject of the book to which it is assigned. is there. The ISBN typically has a length of ten characters, the first nine characters identify the book, and the last character is used as a checksum. For ISBN, for example, "The
ISBN System User's Manual, "International ISBN Agency, Druckerei Gerike
GmbH, 1000 Berlin 36, pp. 4-23 (1986). This textbook is also incorporated in the present application.

Once a library is organized according to a classification scheme such as DDC, a particular book can be easily found by its DDC number. Further, with an online DDC system, a particular book can be found, for example, by using author and title information. If the author's name is specified, the computerized DDC system can create a list of all books by that author in the library. You can then view a screen display or printout that provides a list of each book and the associated DDC number. With the DDC number, the subscriber can find the desired book on the library shelf.

In addition to a book classification system, libraries can logically organize books with common themes or characteristics. For example, books on physics will be located at one physical location in a library. The physical presence of a book on a bookshelf helps subscribers find material on a desired topic.

The electronic book home system 258 has an electronic equivalent of a physical bookshelf. For example, as shown in FIG. 14u, the default menu is optional, but a display that provides an illustration of a bookcase containing books of a particular category in a specific bookcase, such as bookshelves 874 and 876. including.

In addition, home system 258 includes a book classification system that allows subscribers to organize their e-books in a manner similar to that used in libraries. That is, an e-book can be organized according to, for example, DDC or a similar system. The DDC system can be adapted to the distribution system 200 by using an electronic version of the DDC system. Any electronic book provided by a content provider can have, for example, a DDC number as part of its electronic data. Home system 258 may incorporate software that interprets the DDC system and generates a database of what is currently maintained in home system 258.

FIG. 14v shows an electronic book library classification system 1200 that can be used to organize electronic books. As shown in FIG. 12b, when a user enters a request for a particular type of library menu, process block 807 displays options for various library menus and requests from the user for a library menu. Receive. The types of the library menu include, for example, the following. An alphabetical list or index by electronic book title (process block 809); an alphabetical list by electronic book author (process block 811);
Or a list by DDC number (process block 813), a list of electronic books included in a particular category (process block 815), and a menu defined by the user of the book (process block 817). The categories here may include, for example, all e-books relating to a particular subject and one or more DDC categories. Examples of categories are shown in FIG. 14d.

With the options defined by the user, the user can define a menu, for example, all e-books belonging to a certain category and by a certain author, or e-books for a certain time. To enter text to identify user-defined or other options, the viewer 266 provides the user with a list of each letter of the alphabet as shown in FIG. Allow the user to enter text information using controls 740. Alternatively, the user can use a wired or wireless keyboard to enter information. Examples of displayed menus or other information included in the index include a summary (e.g.,
Summary) or end note.

Process block 819 generates a library menu based on either user entered options or user defined options. The occurrence of a menu typically occurs by accessing data associated with the e-book, which may include a header file associated with each e-book and containing information about the e-book. Alternatively, the accessed data may include text within the electronic book, such as an ISBN, LC or DDC number, or the entire text of the electronic book. Accordingly, process block 819 generates a library menu using header information or by searching the entire text of the electronic book or a portion thereof.

The information contained in the header file is used to identify and categorize each electronic book for display and search purposes. When a new electronic book is loaded into the viewer 266 or the library unit 262, this header information is extracted from the header file and stored in a database such as the memory 600 or 600 'included in the viewer 266 or the library unit 262. Is stored. When the user makes a selection from the menu, the viewer 266 or software on the library unit 262 retrieves header information for all electronic books that have access to this database and retrieves the relevant information for each database record. The fields serve to determine whether the e-book matches the requested criteria and, if a match is found, compile the resulting information for the e-book.

[0082]

[Table 1]

The process may either display a default menu, such as all e-books according to the selected display option (process block 805), or display only e-books that match the selected search option. Supports one. The header information associated with each electronic book typically includes the information shown in Table 1 and may be stored, for example, in a record or other database structure.

The book summary and end note information associated with each e-book can be displayed on the viewer 266 along with the title, thereby adding the particular e-book before deciding whether to read it. Information to the user. The summary and end note information includes information entered by the user, such as the user's notes, and is typically stored in a "user entered note" field in a header file for each book.

The user can also create user-defined criteria associated with each electronic book. Alternatively, the user can create a note associated with each electronic book and view it later. Information created by this user is also stored in the database.
These user-defined criteria and notes may be entered using the provided alphabet to enter textual information and operate the controls 740 as described above, or using the controls 740 via an on-screen keyboard. Keys on the keyboard can be selected or created via the viewer 266 or a remote keyboard electronically coupled to the library unit 262.

The appropriate library in either process block 805 or 819
After the menu is generated, process block 821 displays the library menu on viewer 266. The library menu provides instructions for e-books in the menu. For example, as shown in FIG. 14C, books are listed by title and author. When the library menu is displayed, the user typically has the option to select and view a particular electronic book. Process block 823 determines whether the user has selected a particular electronic book instruction. The selection of the electronic book includes, for example, placing a cursor on the instruction of the book using the ball 743 and selecting the electronic book using the button 745. If the user selects an electronic book, process block 825 searches for and displays the selected electronic book on viewer 266. This is shown, for example, in FIG. 14s.

Process block 827 determines if the user has another request for a library menu. If so, process block 807 displays the library menu options and the process of displaying the library menu is repeated.

In addition to displaying various types of library menus, the viewer 266
Alternatively, the library 262 allows the user to search a stored database of electronic books. An example of this search process is illustrated in FIG. 12c. Process block 829 receives the search request, which corresponds to process block 800 that receives the information request. Process block 831 includes a search and
Display options to allow the user to select a particular type of search.

FIG. 14w shows an example of a main menu on the viewer 266 displaying search options. The user can select one of the sections 1201 and enter options, which selection is made by "clicking" on the appropriate section with the cursor. In section 1202, the user enters text to search. Here, as described above, the user inputs text using the displayed characters or keyboard, or using other types of keyboards. For a user-defined search, the viewer 266 prompts the user to select multiple search criteria by selecting the appropriate section 1201 and entering text into the section 1202 for each selected criteria. .

Process block 833 receives search parameters entered by the user, which may include, for example, one of the following:
That is, a word or a group of words in the title (process block 83)
5) or other classification number such as LC or DDC, author name (process block 837), ISBN (process block 839), category type (process block 841), and user defined criteria (process Block 843). User-defined criteria are useful for a user to create a particular type of search that includes varying parameters. For example, a user may desire a search that seeks to find all electronic books that belong to a certain category and have a certain word in the title. The user can enter text information that may be required for the search parameters by operating controls 740 using the provided alphabet, as described above. This is shown in FIG. 14j.

Upon receiving one or more search parameters, process block 845
Searches a database of stored e-books in library 262,
Find all eBooks that meet your search criteria. This search is a process
This can be accomplished using the process described above in connection with block 819.
Process block 847 determines whether the requested electronic book was in the database. This system can be used to connect e-books with, for example, the appropriate fields of the header information shown in Table 1 for all stored e-books, the full text of the e-book, and a portion of the full text of the e-book. By accessing and searching for relevant data, the requested electronic book can be searched.

[0092] This search is accomplished using search algorithms known in the art. Examples include the following: Sequential search, Basic sequential search, Self-organizing sequential search, Move-to-front method, Self-organizing sequential search, Transpose method, Optimal sequential search, Jump search, Sort type array Search, binary search, interpolation search, interpolation sequential search, hashing, practical (practical) hash function, uniform probing hashing, random probing hashing, linear probing hashing, double hashing, quadratic Hashing, ordered and split sequence hashing, reorganization schemes, optimal hashing, direct chaining hashing, separate chaining hashing, correlated
coalesced) hashing, scalable hashing, linear hashing, external hashing with minimal internal storage, full hashing, recursive structure search,
Binary Tree Search, Randomly Generated Binary Tree, Random Binary Tree, Height Balanced Tree, Weight Balanced Tree, Balancing by Internal Path Reduction, Heuristic Organization on Binary Tree, Optimal Binary Tree search, rotation in binary tree, deletion in binary tree, m-ary search tree, B-tree, 2-3
Tree, symmetric binary B-tree, 1-2 tree, 2-3-4 tree, B-tree
Trials on variations, indexed and indexed sequential files, digital trees, hybrid trees, word dictionaries,
Digital search tree, compression trie, Patricia tree, multidimensional search,
For example, a quad tree or a K-dimensional tree.

If no electronic book meeting the search parameters is found, process block 849 typically displays a message on viewer 266 that the electronic book was not found. If an electronic book is found, process block 851 displays the results of the search on viewer 266 and provides an indication of the one or more electronic books found. For example, as shown in FIG. 14c, a list of electronic books by title and author is provided. The user
Typically, there is an option to select any of the found e-books, including operations similar to those performed by process blocks 823 and 825. After the search, process block 853 determines whether the user requests another search.

D. Menu System The electronic book system preferably has a menu system for selecting functions and books from the electronic book system. The operating software and memory required for the menu system are preferably located in the viewer 266. However, it may be arranged in the library 262 or the library 262
And the viewer 266 may share software and memory required for the operation of the menu system. Since the menu is usually displayed on the viewer 266, it is preferable that the viewer 266 can operate even when the library 262 does not exist. The basic software and memory for creating menus are
It is more convenient to be arranged in the viewer 266.

A preferred menu system is one that provides sequencing between menus and provides menu graphics for graphical display, such as on a viewer 266. In systems using set-top converters, these menus can also be displayed on a television screen. In the simplest embodiment, the menu provides only basic textual information from which the subscriber can select. In more complex embodiments, the menu provides visual indications and icons to assist the subscriber.

FIG. 13 shows a menu system with sequencing. The basic menus in this system are an introduction menu 850, a main menu 854, and a plurality of sub-menus 858. In the embodiment shown, there are three levels of submenus. In some cases, one or two submenus may be sufficient to easily direct the subscriber to the information selected or requested. However, there are functions that provide a user interface that is more user-friendly if there are three or more submenus. Each level of the submenu can be composed of various menus. The particular menu displayed depends on the subscriber's choices for the menu shown above. An example of this tree sequence in the menu is
Help submenus 887 and 888. Different menus are displayed depending on the specific help requested.

An example of the introductory menu 850 is shown in FIG. 14a. Generally, the introductory menu 85
0 directs the viewer 266 to the system and provides initial guidance and instructions.
The introductory menu 850 is followed by a main menu 854, an example of which is shown in FIG.
Is shown in The main menu provides the viewer 266 with the basic choices or functions available in the system. For example, FIG. 14b shows that the viewer 266 can select six available options by a point-and-click method. (1) free preview, (2) books available for order, (3) books in your library, (4) your current book,
5) help and (6) other system functions. After selection in the main menu, a submenu is shown.

FIG. 13 shows ten available basic or first level submenus. (1) account settings 862, (2) free (free) preview 866, (3) books 872 in your library, (4) books 878 you can order, (5) your current books 884, (6) Help 887, (7) Available functions 890, (8) Message 893, (9) Account information 896, and
(10) A submenu 898 of the message to be sent (outgoing). FIG. 14c is an example of a first level submenu called Books 872 in your library. This "Books in Your Library" submenu shows six available books by title and author, allowing subscribers to check different shelves and return to the main menu . FIGS. 14d and 14e show
FIG. 14 shows other submenus for books that can be ordered using the “Books You Can Order” submenu.

The “Account Setup Menu” 862 and its submenus related to account setup (giving instructions and account inputs 864) are shown in FIGS. 14f-14m.
These submenus allow you to open an account in the operation center,
If ordered, the credit card can be charged. These submenus also include the ability to enter data related to your credit card.

A free preview of the book 866 is also given by the submenu (868, 870). Examples of the free preview menu are shown in FIGS. 14n, 14o, and
This is shown in FIG. 14p.

Referring to FIG. 13, a submenu 872 “Books in Your Library” is displayed.
Are shown above, preferably divided into bookshelf numbers with submenus for each bookshelf 874 and 876. Similarly, the sub-menu above the sub-menu 878 "Books you can order" has bookshelves 880 and 8
It is divided into submenus by 82. Each of these bookshelves may be a book category or genre. Books can be grouped into categories such as bestsellers, novels, fiction, and romance. See FIG. 14d.

Referring to FIG. 13, the submenu “Your current book” allows the subscriber to select the current book 884 and determine which page to read. This selection can be confirmed using the submenu 885. The help submenu may provide the subscriber with an additional help screen 888. The submenu for available functions 890 is preferably
It is divided into separate submenus for each function 891 and 892. Examples of these functions include the library menu and search functions described in relation to FIGS. 12b and 12c.

Referring to FIG. 13, a message can be sent using the electronic book selection and delivery system. The level 1 message screen allows the subscriber to select among the various messages 893 that the subscriber has. Next, each message is sent to a separate submenu screen 894 and 895
Shown above. One example of such a submenu is shown in FIG. 14q.

Referring to FIG. 13, account information is shown above the level 1 submenu 896, followed by recent orders and the balance of your account 89.
7 is shown. There is also a Level 1 submenu for the send message 898 with a subsequent submenu used as the input screen 899.

In addition to the specific functions and sub-menus shown in FIG. 13 and FIGS. 14a to 14q, many other variations and functions are possible. FIG. 14r is an example of a main menu with additional functions and submenus available. FIG.
Examples of available functions 890 identified in FIGS. 12b and 12c
And the library menu and search function described in relation to.

When the book is selected for final reading on the screen, it is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 14s for the title and for the page of text as shown in FIG. 14t for the title. Appear in.

III. Billing and Collection System The billing and collection system uses the latest technology in e-commerce and telephone exchange to track orders, authenticate delivery, charge consumers, and automatically pay publishers. Telephone calls initiated by the telephone connector are received by a billing and collection system, which responds immediately without human intervention by receiving the order and charging the consumer's credit card account. The data is compiled periodically, and publishers get paid for book sales. The billing and collection system can also connect to the subscriber via a two-way cable connection, cellular or other means of communication.

The billing and collection system preferably communicates with the operations center to track changes to available books and provides statistics to the operations center.

IV. Libraries and Bookstore Systems The electronic book system according to the present invention can be modified for use in public libraries and bookstores. FIG. 15 illustrates a possible arrangement of components for a public library or bookstore location. The main unit in a public library or library is a file server 900. File server 900 is a large electronic memory unit that can store thousands of books. Various electronic storage means such as a hard disk, a read / write CD-ROM, and a read-only CD-ROM can be used for the file server.

This system is composed of five components. That is, a converter or video connector 904, a controller 908, a viewer 912, and a catalog printer 916. The software that controls the system
Basically, it is located on the controller. Converter or video connector 9
04 is similar to the one described above. In this configuration, the controller unit 908 monitors the data being transferred to the file server by the converter 904. Controller 908 preferably includes a viewing screen and a plurality of control buttons. If it is necessary to have a larger screen to perform more advanced control of the system, a viewer can be connected to the controller 908 and the viewer screen and controls
And can be used.

The controller 908 can download a book only to viewers 912 that are authorized to receive the book from a particular file server. For security reasons, it is not desirable for public viewer 912 to access multiple file servers. In this way, security regarding the text data of the book can be maintained. The public viewer 912 is preferably restricted to receiving one or two books at a time from the controller 908. When users of the public viewer 912 need new or additional books, they can return the viewer to the library where they can receive new books from the controller 908.

The available book titles can be printed on a catalog printer 916 to track the books available on the file server. The catalog printer 916 is connected to the library controller 908, and the title of the book is downloaded to the catalog printer 916. The coded text of any book cannot be printed using the system's controller 908 and catalog printer. In order to maintain data security, no book data is allowed to be downloaded to a printer. Upon completion of a complete printout of available book titles, magazines or other textual material, a hard copy of catalog 920 will be
It can be kept on a file server.

The system shown can also be used in bookstores. The bookstore rents a public viewer 912 to the customer and copies the text of one or two books to the viewer 9.
12 can be loaded. The viewer 912 can have an automatic timeout sequence. This timeout sequence is, for example, 2
After a certain period, such as a week, the text data of the book is deleted.
After about two weeks, the borrower is expected to return the public viewer 912 to the bookstore and receive additional books to read. With such a configuration, a bookstore can (permanently) sell the viewer 912 to regular customers. In that case, the patron can occasionally drop in at a bookstore to receive the text data of the book and permanently store it on his own viewer 912. For bookstores and libraries, the above-mentioned file server and viewer 9
Various other configurations using 12 are also possible.

V. Use of Set-Top Converters Existing set-top converter boxes, such as those made by Scientific Atlanta and General Instruments, are currently the book selection of the present invention. The system cannot be handled. Although it is possible to create a set-top converter that includes library functionality, using the book selection system of the present invention with existing set-top converter technology requires hardware modifications.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show examples of hardware modifications. Using the port, a hardware upgrade described later is attached to the set-top terminal. The set-top converter 601 can be upgraded in two ways to assist in receiving and selecting electronic books. The menu generation card upgrade (FIG. 16a) and the information download unit (FIG. 16b). Each of these upgrades can be connected to a set-top terminal unit via an upgrade port. The upgrade can be connected to the set-top converter 601 using a 4-wire cable, a ribbon cable, or the like.

The addition 950 of the card to the set-top converter 601 is shown in FIG. 16a. The card 950 shown is compatible with the existing set-top converter 60.
It provides the additional functionality needed to use a book selection system with one technology. The card 950 can be configured to be inserted inside the frame of the set-top terminal to become a part of the set-top terminal, ie, an advanced set-top terminal. The basic functions that the card 950 adds to the set-top converter 601 include data signal interpretation, menu generation, menu sequencing, and, ultimately, using either a television or viewer 912. The ability to allow the viewer 912 to select a book. In addition, card 950 provides a way for a remote location, such as a cable headend, to receive information about an ordered book. Book order information and control commands can be sent from the cable headend to the card 950 using a telephone line.

The basic components of the card 950 include a PC chip CPU 952, a VGA graphics controller 954, a video combiner 956, and a logic circuit 9.
58, NTSC encoder 960, receiver 962, demodulator (not shown), and dialer 611 '. Card 950 operates by receiving a data text signal from a cable headend via a coaxial cable. Logic 958 of card 950 receives data 964, infrared commands 966, and synchronization signals (not shown) from set-top converter 601. Menu selections made by the viewer 912 on the remote control are received by the IR device of the set-top converter 601 and sent to the card 950. Card 9
50 interprets the IR signal and determines the book (or menu) selected by the subscriber.
The card 950 modifies the IR command and sends the information to the set-top converter 6
Send to 01. The modified IR command includes the channel information required by set top converter 601. Using telephone line 968 and dialer 611 ', card 950 can send book order information to the cable headend. It is also possible to receive books over a telephone line and bypass the video distribution system.

These commands can be sent via an interface linking the microprocessor of the set-top terminal with the hardware upgrade microprocessor. In this way, subscriber input, though entered via the keypad or remote control of the set-top terminal, can be forwarded to any hardware upgrade for processing, where it is generated. The response can be returned to the set-top terminal for display. In a preferred embodiment,
The IR command 966 is transferred from the set-top terminal 601 to a hardware upgrade.

Hardware upgrades include a microprocessor, interactive software, processing circuitry, bubble memory, and long-term memory devices. In addition to these basic components, hardware upgrades may utilize additional telephone modems or CD-ROM devices.

Information Download Hardware Upgrade 1001 (FIG. 16b) allows subscribers to download large amounts of information from an operations center or cable headend using set-top converter 601 Become. The hardware upgrade 1001 allows a subscriber to download data such as books and magazines to a local storage. Basically, the hardware upgrade 1001 is an additional local storage unit (eg, a hard disk, floppy, optical disk or magnetic cartridge, and a microprocessor 1005 as shown in FIG. 16b).
, Instruction memory 1007, and RAM). Preferably,
An upgrade 1001 is also provided for the small portable viewer 912, which allows the downloaded text to be read without using a TV.

The downloadable information is text or graphics provided by the operations center or cable headend. With this upgrade, books can be downloaded and read anywhere using a portable reader. With this upgrade, books can be downloaded, stored in a compressed format, and later decompressed. Defrost books only when you view them.
Important text that the public wants to have immediate access to will be available using this system. Presidential speeches, new laws, and the latest abortion decisions made by the Supreme Court can be made readily available.

In the preferred embodiment, book order information is stored on each set-top terminal until it is polled by the cable headend using a polling request message format. An example polling request message format consists of six fields. A set top terminal identifier including (1) a rising flag at the start of the message, (2) an address field, (3) a subscriber area designation, and (4) a polling command / response (ie, P / F) bit. , (5) the information field, and (6) the last falling flag of the message. A similar response frame format for information communicated by the set-top terminal to the cable headend in response to a polling request may be used.

FIG. 17 shows a preferred set-top terminal including a data receiver 617 ′ and a data transmitter 1011. The data transmitter provides ascending (upstream) data communication capability between the set-top terminal 601 and the cable headend. Upstream data transmission is achieved using the polling system described above and further using the data transmitter 1011. Receiver 617
'And the transmitter 1011 can both be incorporated into the set-top terminal 601 itself, or added via an upgrade module. Regardless of the specific hardware configuration, the data transmission capability of the set-top terminal can be achieved using the hardware shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows an RF signal received when the data receiver 617 ′ and the tuner function together. Both of these devices have an interface with a microprocessor 1013,
Receives input 1015 from the subscriber via either the keypad, remote control or viewer 912 of the set-top terminal. All cable signals intended to be received at the subscriber's TV are accessed by tuner 613 and thereafter processed by processing circuit 1017. This processing circuit 1017
It typically includes additional components (not shown) for descrambling, demodulation, volume control, and re-modulation on channel 3 or 4 TV carriers.

Data directed to individual set-top terminals is received by the data receiver 617 'according to the specific address or ID of each set-top terminal. In this way, each addressable set-top terminal receives only its own data. The data receiver 617 'receives data specific to the set-top terminal 601 in the information field of the previously described signal frame or on a separate data carrier located at the appropriate frequency in the incoming spectrum. .

Any data received includes information about the book and menus available for selection. The subscriber uses a keypad or remote control to enter a series of commands 101.
Enter 5 and select a channel or program. Upon receiving such a command, the microprocessor 1013 of the set top terminal instructs the tuner to tune to the appropriate frequency of the channel carrying the data, and then the processing circuit 1
017 is instructed to start descrambling this data.

Upon selecting a book, the microprocessor 1013 stores all selection information in a local memory (not shown) and later returns the data to the cable headend. Set-top terminal microprocessor 1013 coordinates all CATV signal reception and further interacts with various upstream data transmission components. Typically, the data transmitter 1011 is between 5 and 30M
It operates in the feedback frequency band of HZ. In another embodiment, a frequency band of 10 to 15 MHZ is used. However, regardless of the frequency band used, the data transmitter 1011 sends information to the cable headend in the information field of the response frame described above. One skilled in the art will be able to consider numerous alternatives and use the combination of set-top terminal hardware components described above to achieve upstream data transmission.

VI. Book-On-Demand System The electronic book system described in this application can also be configured in a book-on-demand style. FIG. 18a shows an example of a configuration for a book on demand system. Book-on-demand systems require stronger two-way communication between a consumer's home, bookstore or library and either the operations center 250 or a distribution site 1020 such as a cable headend. This type of two-way communication can be provided by the hardware shown in FIG. 17 and described above.

Referring to FIG. 18a, in a book-on-demand system, a subscriber selects a book to download from available menus on the book. Available menus are typically sent by the distribution site 1020 to the location of the subscriber. After he makes a selection, information about his selection (or request) is communicated to either a distribution point 1020 (such as a cable headend) or an operations center. Upon receiving this request, the text and graphics information needed for the book is spooled and sent to the subscriber. In this way, the book is sent only upon request from the subscriber and immediately upon request for the book.

To support such demand systems, text transport and distribution is a nodal architectured distribution system such as video-on-demand cable and telephone television systems. Either above or through the use of individual telephone calls in the public telephone system.

According to the book-on-demand system, a wider range of books can be selected for the subscriber, and the communication amount of unnecessary or undesired book data can be limited. Also, books can be provided to subscribers much more quickly.

In addition to the more powerful distribution system, the book-on-demand system has a distribution point 1
020 requires more sophisticated devices to spool out textual information. This can be achieved using file server technology 1024 for storing books or telephone-type switching (not shown) for distributing textual information. File servers 1024 and distribution techniques that can be used to construct such a book-on-demand system are described in US Pat. Nos. 5,262,875 and 5,218,695, which have already been cited. Have been.

FIG. 18a shows an embodiment of a book-on-demand system using file server technology. In addition to books, the embodiment of FIG. 18a supports almost any distribution of digital data. Books or text files are
Local feeds 1032 and ATMs from publishers 282 and other sources
Received via 1028 or by satellite dish 1036. Preferably, distribution point 1020 is a cable headend that receives requests from subscribers and delivers text via a two-way communication system (such as video on demand (VOD) 1044).

The library 262 includes a basic premium type service cable system 1048, a near video on demand type cable system,
Alternatively, it can be connected to any of the video on demand cable systems 1044. When connecting to any of these three systems, the library 262 can access the cable directly or access the system via set-top terminals 601 ', 601 ", 601'". You can also.

Using the interactive video-on-demand system 1044, a subscriber can request a particular book title and receive the text immediately after the request. To accomplish this, distribution point 1020 transmits a list of available books via the cable distribution system to library 262. Library 262 displays a list of available books on a menu or similar format. As noted above, library 262 preferably uses menus that list available book categories and form requests from distribution point 1020. After selecting a book, library 262 sends a request signal over interactive communication system 1044 to distribution point 1020. This request signal is 2
Can be handled in two ways. Either the library 262 initiates the request, or the distribution point 1020 polls the various libraries onto the interactive system 1044. Upon receiving a request for a book title, the text associated with the book title is transmitted to the two-way cable system 104.
4 is transmitted.

FIG. 18b is an enlarged view of the operations center 250 supporting a regional or national book-on-demand system. In fact, the operations center 250 shown supports almost any distribution of digital data. The operation center 250 has the tapes 1060, 1060
', Supports multiple feeds to receive digital information via ATM 1028 or satellite 1036. The information reaches master file server 1072 after being processed via input MUX 1064 and small file server 1068. Digital data such as books received from publisher 282 is stored in master file server 1072. The digital data is preferably stored compressed in a standard format such as MPEG2.

The system controller 1076 is responsible for regional or national book-on-demand
Controls the system. Books are packaged in groups,
Provides feed to various cable headends. Further, scheduling and market research are performed in the operation center 250. To process scheduling and market research, book purchase data is received at operations center 250 via multiplexer 1082. Book purchase information can be provided from the operations center 250 to the billing and collection subsystem.

[0138] The operation center 250 also has a function of inserting a message or an advertisement into the file server. These messages and advertisements are ultimately received by the subscriber.

[0139] The master file server 1072 includes an output multiplexer 1080 and an ATM.
1028 are used in addition to satellite connection points for distributing digital data. In the preferred embodiment, the cable headend converts the text data for the book to the master data via output multiplexer 1028 and ATM system 1028.
Received from file server 1080. Upon receiving the digital book data, the cable headend stores the book on the local file server 1024. Distribution point 1020 in FIG. 18A is an example of a cable headend that receives data from operation center 250 in FIG. 18b via ATM hookup 1088 or satellite hookup.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the basic components of an electronic book selection and distribution system.

FIG. 2 is an overview diagram showing an overview of an electronic book selection and distribution system.

FIG. 3 is an overview of a distribution plan for an electronic book selection and distribution system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an operation center.

FIG. 5 includes FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIG. 5a is a flowchart of the processing in the operation center and the uplink. FIG. 5b is a block diagram of a hardware configuration for an uplink site.

FIG. 6 includes FIGS. 6a to 6c. FIG. 6a is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for a four component home subsystem. FIG. 6b is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for a single component viewer and library for the home subsystem. FIG. 6c is an overview of a home subsystem consisting of two units.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by the video connector.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for an example library unit.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by the library on a received data stream.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a library unit in response to an information request from a viewer.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing components for an example viewer.

FIG. 12 includes FIGS. 12a to 12c. FIG. 12a is a flowchart of some of the processes performed by the viewer on an information request from a subscriber.
FIG. 12b is a flowchart of the process performed by the viewer in response to an information request from a subscriber to display various library menus. FIG. 12c is a flowchart of a process performed by the viewer in response to an information request from a subscriber to search for an electronic book.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a menu structure and the progress of menus in a menu system.

FIG. 14 is composed of FIGS. 14a to 14w. FIG. 14a is an overview of the introduction menu. FIG. 14B is a schematic view showing an example of the main menu. 14c to 14q are schematic views showing examples of submenus. FIG. 14r is an overview diagram showing another example of the main menu. FIG. 14S and FIG. 14T are schematic views showing examples of screens for one book. FIG. 14u is an overview diagram showing an example of a main menu. FIG. 14v is an overview of the electronic book classification system. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an overview diagram illustrating an example of a menu that provides a search option.

FIG. 15 is an overview of an electronic book system for a bookstore or public library.

FIG. 16 is an overview of hardware modifications or updates to the set-top converter, configured with FIGS. 16a and 16b.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a set-top terminal including a data receiver and a data transmitter.

FIG. 18 is composed of FIGS. 18a and 18b. FIG. 18a shows a book-on-demand
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system. FIG. 18b is an overview of an operations center supporting a book-on-demand system.

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──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 17/60 ZEC H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 Z (81) Designated country EP (AT , BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM) , GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP , KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Asmussen, Michael El. Virginia, USA 20171, Herndon, Meadow Hall Drive 2627 F-term (reference) 5B075 KK07 KK13 PP13 PQ02 PQ05 PQ54 UU11 5C062 AA11 AA13 AA25 AA29 AB20 AB23 AB38 AC05 AC22 AC34 AC51 AE01 AE07 AE15 BD06

Claims (106)

[Claims] 1. A method for transmitting and receiving a text and indicating said text.
A system for displaying an electronic signal, wherein the text is transmitted as an electronic signal, wherein the processor generates an electronic signal including a representation of text data, and is connected to the processor for transmitting the electronic signal. A transmitter, a connector for receiving the electronic signal, and a display connected to the connector for displaying a specific library menu based on a selection entered by a user in relation to the text data. A system characterized by the following. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor produces the electronic signal as a video-formatted composite signal. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor generates the electronic signal as a signal transmitted over a telephone system. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the display displays an electronic representation of a book on a bookshelf associated with the text data. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the display includes a title, an author, an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) associated with the text data.
Formatting the menu according to a classification number or category. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said display comprises a microprocessor for receiving an indication of a selected portion of said text data identified by said menu, and wherein said selection of said text data is performed. A system for displaying a displayed portion. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the display displays a default menu. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a set top terminal having a memory for storing the selected text data, and wherein the display comprises a television. Features system. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said display comprises a portable handheld viewer. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor comprises an encoder. 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter module comprises a broadcast television transmitter. 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter comprises a cable television transmitter. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said connector further comprises a cable connector for extracting text data from a video formatted composite signal. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is connected to the connector, is a library unit for processing the text data, and includes digital logic for screening the text data. A first memory storing the text data, and a viewer electronically communicating with the library unit and displaying the text data as text. A system characterized in that: 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said library unit and said viewer are contained in a common housing. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the viewer stores text data received from the library unit.
And a microprocessor connected to the second memory and controlling the function of the viewer; a digital display circuit connected to the microprocessor for creating a display; and connected to the digital display circuit. And a liquid crystal display for displaying text. 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said second memory for storing text data comprises a removable electronic card memory. 18. A method for distributing text material in the form of text data using an electronic signal and a transmission medium, the method comprising coding text data on the electronic signal, and transmitting the electronic signal via the transmission medium. Transmitting the electronic signal from the transmission medium; and displaying a specific library menu based on a selection input by a user in relation to the text data. Method. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of coding comprises the step of producing said electronic signal as a video-formatted composite signal. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said displaying comprises displaying an electronic representation of a book on a bookshelf associated with said text data. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the displaying step comprises formatting the menu according to a title, author, ISBN, classification number or category associated with the text data. how to. 22. The method of claim 18, receiving an indication of a selected portion of the text data identified by the menu; and displaying the selected portion of the text data. A method, further comprising: 23. The method of claim 18, wherein said displaying comprises displaying a default menu. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein said receiving comprises receiving said video signal from a set top terminal having a memory for storage of said selected text data, wherein said displaying is performed. Displaying the menu using a television. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein the displaying step comprises displaying the menu using a portable handheld viewer. 26. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of coding includes the step of coding the text data on the electronic signal using an encoder. 27. The method of claim 18, wherein transmitting comprises transmitting the electronic signal using a broadcast television transmitter. 28. The method of claim 19, wherein the transmitting comprises: transmitting the text data without any video; and filling the entire channel of video with the text data. Sending the text data using a cable television transmitter. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said receiving comprises extracting text data from a video formatted composite signal. 30. The method of claim 18, wherein said displaying comprises: a library connected to said connector for processing said text data.
Using the unit; and electronically communicating with the library unit using a viewer to display the text data as text. 31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising using a common housing containing the library unit and the viewer. 32. Transmitting and receiving text transmitted as an electronic signal;
A system for searching, comprising: a module for generating an electronic signal including a representation of text data; a module connected to the module for generating the electronic signal, transmitting the electronic signal; and a module for receiving the electronic signal; A module connected to a module that receives the electronic signal, the module searching for the text data based on a parameter input by a user, and finding a part of the text data related to the parameter. A system characterized by the following. 33. The system according to claim 32, wherein the module for producing an electronic signal comprises a module for producing the electronic signal as a video-formatted composite signal. 34. The system of claim 32, wherein the search module comprises a module for searching the text data according to a title, author, ISBN, classification number or category associated with the text data. A system characterized by the following. 35. The system of claim 32, comprising: a module for receiving an indication of a selected portion of the text data identified by a result of the search module; and a module for receiving the selected portion of the text data. A display module; and a display module. 36. The system of claim 32, further comprising a module for displaying information relating to a result of the search module. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the display
The system of claim 1, wherein the module comprises a module for displaying an electronic representation of a book on a bookshelf related to the text data. 38. The system of claim 33, wherein the module for receiving the electronic signal comprises a set-top terminal having a memory for storing the selected text data, and wherein the display module comprises a television. A system, comprising: 39. The system of claim 36, wherein said display module comprises a portable handheld viewer. 40. The system of claim 36, wherein the module for producing the electronic signal comprises an encoder. 41. The system according to claim 32, wherein said transmission module comprises a broadcast television transmitter. 42. The system of claim 33, wherein the text data is sent without any video to fill an entire channel of video, and wherein the transmission module comprises a cable television transmitter. A system characterized by the following. 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the module for receiving the electronic signal further comprises a cable connector having a module for extracting text data from the video-formatted composite signal. And the system. 44. The system of claim 33, wherein the module for producing the electronic signal places the text data during a vertical blanking interval of a video-formatted composite signal, and wherein the selecting module comprises: text·
A system comprising a vertical blanking period extractor for selecting a portion of data. 45. The system of claim 36, wherein the display module is connected to the connector and is a library unit for processing the text data, the digital logic being for screening the text data. And a memory that stores the text data, and a viewer that electronically communicates with the library unit and displays the text data as text. Features system. 46. The system of claim 45, wherein the library unit and the viewer are contained in a common housing. 47. The system according to claim 45, wherein the viewer comprises: a memory for storing text data received from the library unit; and a microcontroller connected to the memory for controlling a function of the viewer. A system, comprising: a processor; a digital display circuit connected to the microprocessor for creating a display; and a liquid crystal display connected to the digital display circuit for displaying text. 48. The system of claim 47, wherein said memory for storing text data comprises a removable electronic card memory. 49. A method of distributing text material in a text data format using an electronic signal and a transmission medium, the method comprising coding text data on the electronic signal, and transmitting the electronic signal via the transmission medium. Transmitting the electronic signal from the transmission medium; searching the text data based on a parameter input by a user to find a part of the text data related to the parameter; A method comprising: 50. The method of claim 49, wherein said coding step comprises the step of generating said electronic signal as a video-formatted composite signal. 51. The method of claim 49, wherein the searching comprises searching the text data according to a title, author, ISBN, classification number or category associated with the text data. And how. 52. The method of claim 49, receiving an indication of a selected portion of the text data identified by the results of the search, and displaying the selected portion of the text data. A method, further comprising: 53. The method of claim 49, further comprising displaying information related to a result of the search. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the displaying comprises displaying an electronic representation of a book on a bookshelf associated with the text data. 55. The method of claim 50, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving the video-formatted composite signal from a set-top terminal having a memory for storage of the selected text data. ,
The method of claim 11, wherein the displaying comprises displaying the menu using a television. 56. The method of claim 53, wherein the displaying comprises displaying the menu using a portable handheld viewer. 57. The method according to claim 49, wherein said coding comprises coding said text data onto said electronic signal using an encoder. 58. The method of claim 49, wherein transmitting comprises transmitting the electronic signal using a broadcast television transmitter. 59. The method of claim 50, wherein the transmitting comprises: transmitting the text data without any video; and filling the entire channel of video with the text data. Sending the text data using a cable television transmitter. 60. The method according to claim 59, wherein said receiving comprises extracting text data from a video formatted composite signal. 61. The method of claim 53, wherein said displaying comprises: a library connected to said connector for processing said text data.
Using the unit; and electronically communicating with the library unit using a viewer to display the text data as text. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising using a common housing containing the library unit and the viewer. 63. Transmitting and receiving text transmitted as an electronic signal;
A system for displaying an indication of the text, means for generating an electronic signal including a representation of textual data; means connected to the means for generating the electronic signal for transmitting the electronic signal; Receiving the electronic signal, and displaying a specific library menu related to the text data based on a selection input by a user. System to do. 64. An electronic book catalog system for use with an electronic book unit, wherein the connector is coupled to the electronic book unit and receives data related to the electronic book and including book classification data; and the received data. And a processor that processes the stored data and creates an index of the electronic book. 65. The system according to claim 64, wherein the index is:
A system defined by a user as a rising index that includes one of an author, a time period, a book type, and a book classification. 66. The system of claim 64, wherein the index is a standard library index. 67. The system according to claim 66, wherein said library index is a Dewey decimal classification system. 68. The system of claim 66, wherein the library index is the United States Congress Library Classification System. 69. The system of claim 64, wherein the index comprises an input to the electronic book. 70. The system of claim 69, wherein an index entry is automatically generated when the electronic book is received at the electronic book unit. 71. The system of claim 69, wherein the index entry is generated manually after the electronic book is received. 72. The system of claim 64, wherein the index is displayed on a display. 73. The system of claim 64, wherein the e-book unit is used to order an e-book, and if the ordered e-book matches an index e-book, the e-book unit is placed in the ordered e-book. Providing a menu window that indicates that an e-book is present in the e-book unit. 74. The system according to claim 64, wherein the electronic book is transported to the electronic book unit via a communication network. 75. The system according to claim 74, wherein said communication system is a cable television system. 76. The system according to claim 74, wherein said communication system is a wireless television system. 77. The system according to claim 74, wherein said communication system is a broadcast television system. 78. The system according to claim 74, wherein said communication system is a public switched telephone system. 79. The system according to claim 74, wherein said communication system is a wireless telephone system. 80. The system of claim 64, wherein the entire index is displayed on a display. 81. The system according to claim 64, wherein a part of the entire index is displayed on a display. 82. The system of claim 81, wherein the portion of the overall index is based on a user-defined input, wherein the user-defined input is from a group including author, book category, keyword, and time. A system characterized by being selected. 83. The system of claim 80, wherein said display is a viewer. 84. The system according to claim 80, wherein said display is a television. 85. The system according to claim 80, wherein said display is a personal computer. 86. The system according to claim 80, wherein said display is a printer. 87. The system of claim 80, wherein the displayed index indicates information related to the electronic book, wherein the information includes a title, an author, and a date of publication. 88. The system of claim 87, wherein the information further comprises one of a summary and an end note. 89. A method for generating and displaying a specific menu for a plurality of electronic books, comprising: accessing data associated with the plurality of electronic books; Receiving from the user, generating the menu based on the user's request, and displaying the menu on a viewer. 90. The method according to claim 89, wherein said displaying comprises displaying an electronic representation of said electronic book on a bookshelf. 91. The method of claim 89, wherein the displaying step comprises formatting the menu according to a title, author, ISDN, classification number or category associated with the electronic book. Method. 92. The method of claim 89, receiving an indication of a selected one of the electronic books identified by the menu, and displaying at least a portion of the selected electronic book. A method, further comprising: 93. The method according to claim 89, wherein said displaying comprises displaying a default menu. 94. The method of claim 89, wherein said displaying comprises displaying said menu using a portable handheld viewer. 95. The method of claim 89, further comprising receiving the electronic book via an electronic signal. 96. The method of claim 89, further comprising storing the plurality of electronic books for display on the viewer. 97. The method of claim 96, wherein said storing comprises storing said electronic book in said viewer. 98. A method of searching for a plurality of electronic books, comprising: accessing data related to the plurality of electronic books; executing a search for the accessed data; and displaying a result of the search in a viewer. Displaying on a menu format above; and selecting using the displayed menu to view one of the electronic books. 99. The method of claim 98, further comprising receiving a search request from a user related to the electronic book. 100. The method of claim 98, wherein the step of searching further comprises the step of searching for the electronic book according to a title, author, ISDN, classification number or category related to the electronic book. how to. 101. The method of claim 98, wherein said displaying comprises displaying an electronic representation of a bookshelf including instructions for the electronic book identified by the results of the search. 102. The method of claim 98, receiving an indication of a selected one of the electronic books identified by a result of the search; and retrieving at least a portion of the selected electronic book. Displaying, further comprising: displaying. 103. The method of claim 98, wherein said displaying comprises displaying the results of said search using a portable handheld viewer. 104. The method of claim 98, further comprising receiving the electronic book via an electronic signal. 105. The method of claim 98, further comprising storing the plurality of electronic books for display on the viewer. 106. The method of claim 105, wherein said storing comprises storing said electronic book in said viewer.