Patent Publication Number: US-2009241054-A1

Title: Electronic book with information manipulation features

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/336,247 entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK SELECTION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed Nov. 7, 1994; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/237,828, filed on Jan. 27, 1999, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ELECTRONIC LINKS; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/289,957, filed on Apr. 13, 1999, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS; U.S. application Ser. No. 08/160,194, entitled ADVANCED SET-TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS, filed Dec. 2, 1993; and U.S. application Ser. No. 08/906,469, entitled REPROGRAMMABLE TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS OFFERED ON A TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed Aug. 5, 1997, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/160,281, entitled TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS OFFERED ON A TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM, filed Dec. 2, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,785, dated Aug. 25, 1998, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention is directed to an electronic book unit having one or more electronic books. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for manipulating information such as text and graphics within electronic books. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Sparked by the concept of an information superhighway, a revolution will take place in the distribution of books. Not since the introduction of Gutenberg&#39;s movable typeset printing has the world stood on the brink of such a revolution in the distribution of text material. The definition of the word “book” will change drastically in the near future. Due to reasons such as security, convenience, cost, and other technical problems, book and magazine publishers are currently only able to distribute their products in paper form. This invention solves the problems encountered by publishers. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     An electronic book viewer incorporates advanced information manipulation features that enhance the functionality of the electronic book viewer. In an embodiment, information in an electronic book including text, mathematical formulas, data, graphics, and still and moving images may be selected for manipulation. A processor in the viewer uses software modules to execute information manipulation commands. Information may be highlighted by selecting a portion of the electronic book using a cursor or similar selection device, and then sending a command to the viewer&#39;s processor to initiate the highlighting process. For example, text shown on a page of the electronic book may be selected for highlighting. Highlighting may include changing font style, size, format (bold, italics or normal), or color, for example. In the disclosure that follows, the terms information and images will be understood to refer to all manner of data, graphics, text, videos, formulas and any other information or images. 
     Using other software modules, the viewer&#39;s processor may be used to cut and paste, or copy and paste images from one portion of the electronic book to another portion of the electronic book. Similarly, images or content from other electronic documents can be cut and pasted, or copied and pasted into the electronic book. 
     The viewer&#39;s processor also may use software modules to annotate portions of the electronic book, to display the annotated portions, and to move annotations within the electronic book. 
     In another embodiment, the viewer may display multiple electronic books. For example, the viewer may display information or images from two electronic books in a side-by-side fashion. The two electronic books also may be displayed in a picture-in-picture format. The viewer is not limited to displaying only two electronic books, and may display three or more electronic books, using well-known image processing routines. 
     In yet another embodiment, the viewer may use multiple screens to display an image from a single electronic book or to display images from multiple electronic books. The multiple screens may be hinged and electronically connected to fold like pages in an actual book. The multiple screens also may snap into place to form electrical connections. A single image may be expanded to fit on all the multiple screens. For example, a map of the world may be expanded from a single screen format to a three screen format. The multiple screens may also be used to display multiple pages of the electronic book. The displayed multiple pages may be consecutive or non-consecutive pages within the electronic book. The multiple screens also may be used to display multiple pages from more than one electronic book, or to display a page from an electronic book, and information from another electronic document or information source. For example, a first screen may display a page from the electronic book and a second page may display a digital television signal. The second screen also may display images that are linked to the page displayed on the first screen. A method and apparatus for links in an electronic book are described in detail in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/237,828, filed on Jan. 27, 1999, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ELECTRONIC LINKS, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In still another embodiment, information from other sources may be displayed in a picture-in-picture format on the viewer&#39;s screen. For example, a live television program may be displayed in a picture-in-picture window of the screen at the same time that the text of an electronic book is displayed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the primary components of the electronic book selection and delivery system. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic showing an overview of the electronic book selection and delivery system. 
         FIG. 3   a  is a schematic of the delivery plan for the electronic book selection and delivery system. 
         FIG. 3   b  is a schematic of an alternate delivery plan. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an operations center. 
         FIG. 5   a  is a flow diagram of the processing at the operations center and uplink. 
         FIG. 5   b  is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for an uplink site. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for a four component home subsystem. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a schematic of a two unit home subsystem. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of the processes performed by the video connector. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram for an example of a library unit. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by the library on the received data stream. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of the processes performed by the library unit on information requests from the viewer. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing the components for an example of a viewer. 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by the viewer on an information request from a subscriber. 
         FIG. 13  is a chart depicting the menu structure and sequencing of menus in the menu system. 
         FIG. 14   a  is a schematic of an introductory menu. 
         FIG. 14   b  is a schematic showing an example of a main menu. 
         FIGS. 14   c ,  14   d ,  14   e ,  14   f ,  14   g ,  14   h ,  14   i  and  14   j  are schematics showing examples of submenus. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of an electronic book system for a bookstore or public library. 
         FIG. 16   a  and  FIG. 16   b  are schematics of hardware modifications or upgrades to a set top converter. 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic showing a set top terminal that includes a data receiver and data transmitter. 
         FIG. 18   a  is a schematic of a book-on-demand system. 
         FIG. 18   b  is a schematic of an operations center supporting a book-on-demand system. 
         FIG. 19  is a flow chart of a process for highlighting, cutting and pasting, copying and pasting, and annotating text in an electronic book. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic illustrating an example of highlighting text in an electronic book. 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic illustrating an example of cutting and pasting, and copying and pasting, text in an electronic book or between electronic books. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic illustrating an example of annotating text in an electronic book. 
         FIG. 23  is a flow chart of a process for displaying multiple pages of an electronic book. 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic illustrating an example of viewing multiple pages in an electronic book. 
         FIG. 25  is a flow chart of a process for displaying one or more pages of an electronic book on a viewer having multiple screens. 
         FIG. 26   a  is a schematic illustrating a first viewer having multiple screens. 
         FIG. 26   b  is a schematic illustrating a second viewer having multiple screens. 
         FIG. 26   c  is a schematic illustrating presenting an image on a viewer having one screen. 
         FIG. 26   d  is a schematic illustrating presenting an image on a viewer having two screens. 
         FIG. 26   e  is a schematic illustrating presenting an image on a viewer having four screens. 
         FIG. 27  is a flow chart of a process for displaying picture-in-picture images of electronic books. 
         FIG. 28   a  is a schematic illustrating use of an inset image within a main image for picture-in-picture viewing of electronic books. 
         FIG. 28   b  is a schematic illustrating use of a side-by-side images for picture-in-picture viewing of electronic books. 
         FIG. 28   c  is a schematic illustrating use of an inset image within a main image for picture-in-picture viewing of an electronic book and other information such as graphical images or video. 
         FIG. 28   d  is a schematic illustrating use of a side-by-side images for picture-in-picture viewing of an electronic book and other information such as graphical images or video. 
         FIG. 29   a  is a schematic diagram of an electronic book home system for receiving and displaying multiple signals in a picture-in-picture format. 
         FIG. 29   b  shows the electronic book viewer displaying multiple images from separate information services. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic book selection and delivery system provides a new way to distribute electronic books to bookstores, public libraries, schools, and subscribers or users. In the discussion that follows, subscribers and users will be understood to refer to an individual or individuals who interface with the electronic book or any part of the electronic book selection and delivery system. The technological breakthroughs of this invention provide a secure system for both delivering selected electronic books and receiving payments. The system has an unusual combination of features that provides the consumer with an electronic book unit that has a high tech aura while being very practical, portable, and easy to use. 
     The clear advantage of the system is that it eliminates the distribution of any physical object such as a paper book or computer memory device from any book or text distribution system. The purchase of an electronic book may become a PAY-PER-READ™ event avoiding the overhead, “middle-men,” printing costs, and time delay associated with the current book distribution system. Published material and text such as the President&#39;s speech, a new law, a court decision on abortion, or O. J. Simpson&#39;s testimony can be made immediately available to the consumer at a nominal fee. 
     The system is a novel combination of new technology involving the television, cable, telephone, and computer industries. It uses high bandwidth data transmissions, strong security measures, sophisticated digital switching, high resolution visual displays, novel controls, and user friendly interface software. 
     The primary components of the text delivery system are the subsystem for placing the text onto a signal path and the subsystem for receiving and selecting text that was placed on the signal path. A preferred embodiment of the system includes additional components and optional features that enhance the system. The system may be configured for use by bookstores, public libraries, schools and consumers. 
     The system for consumer use is made up of four subsystems, namely: (1) an operations center, (2) a distribution system, (3) a home subsystem including reception, selection, viewing, transacting and transmission capabilities, and (4) a billing and collection system. 
     The operations center performs several primary functions: manipulating text data (including receiving, formatting and storing of text data), security encoding of text, cataloging of books, providing a messaging center capability, and performing uplink functions. The system delivers the text from the operations center to consumer homes by inserting text data into an appropriate signal path. The insertion of text is generally performed with an encoder at an uplink site that is within or near the operations center. If the signal path is a video signal path, the system can use several lines of the Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI), all the lines of the analog video signal, a digital video signal or unused portions of bandwidth to transmit text data. Using the VBI delivery method, the top ten or twenty book titles may be transmitted with video during normal programming utilizing existing cable, satellite, wireless or broadcast transmission capability without disruption to the subscriber&#39;s video reception. Using the entire video signal, thousands of books may be transmitted within just one hour of air time. Nearly any analog or digital video distribution system may be used to deliver the video signal with included text. 
     The text data may also be transmitted over other low and high speed signal paths including a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network) having a high speed connection such as an asynchronous digital subscriber line (ADSL) connection. Other delivery methods and systems are described in detail in copending applications U.S. application Ser. No. 09/289,957, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS, and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/289,956, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY METHODS, both filed Apr. 13, 1999, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The home subsystem performs four primary functions: connecting to the video distribution system, selecting text, storing text, and transacting through a phone or cable communicating mechanism. The components of the home subsystem may be configured in a variety of hardware configurations. Each function may be performed by a separate component, the components may be integrated, or the capability of existing cable set top converter boxes and televisions may be utilized. Preferably, a connector, library unit and an electronic book unit, or viewer unit, are used. The connector portion of the home subsystem receives the analog video signal and strips or extracts the text from the video. The home library stores the text signal, provides a user friendly software interface to the system and processes the transactions at the consumer home. The viewer provides a screen for viewing text or menus and novel user friendly controls. The viewer may also incorporate all the functionality of the home subsystem. 
     The viewing device is preferably a portable book shaped viewer which stores one or more electronic books for viewing and provides a screen for interacting with the home library unit. A high resolution LCD display is used to both read the books and to interact with the home library software. An optional phone connector or return-path cable connection initiates the telephone calls and, with the aid of the library, transmits the necessary data to complete the ordering and billing portion of the consumer transaction. The user friendly controls include a bookmark, current book and page turn button. The billing and collection system performs transaction management, authorizations, collections and publisher payments automatically utilizing the telephone system. Alternative ordering and billing methods and systems are described in detail in copending applications U.S. application Ser. No. 09/289,957, filed on Apr. 13, 1999, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS, and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/289,956, filed on Apr. 13, 1999, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY METHODS. 
     In an embodiment, the primary components of the electronic book selection and delivery system  200  are an encoder  204 , a video distribution system  208 , a connector  212 , and a text selector  216  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The encoder  204  places textual data on a video signal to form a composite video signal. Although the composite signal may contain only textual data, it usually carries both video and textual data. A variety of equipment and methods may be used to encode text data onto a video signal. The video distribution system  208  distributes the composite video signal from the single point of the encoder  204  to multiple locations which have connectors  212 . The connector  212  receives the digital or analog video signal from the video distribution system  208  and separates, strips or extracts the text data from the composite video signal. If necessary, the extracted text data is converted into a digital bit stream. Text selector  216  works in connection with the connector  212  to select text. 
     Using a connector  212  and text selector  216  combination, various methods of selecting and retrieving desired text from a composite or video signal are possible. Text may be preselected, selected as received or selected after being received and stored. A preferred method is for the connector  212  to strip or extract all the text from the video signal and have the text selector  216  screen all the text as received from the connector  212 . The text selector  216  only stores text in long term or permanent memory if the text passes a screening process described below. 
     An overview of the electronic book selection and delivery system  200  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The delivery system  200  includes: an operations center  250  including an uplink site  254 , a video distribution system  208 , a home system  258  including a video connector  212 , a library  262 , a viewer  266 , and a phone connector  270 , telephone system  274 , an internet web site  279  and a billing and collection system  278 . Also as shown in  FIG. 2 , the home system  258  may include connections to a television  259  and a personal computer  261 . The television  259  and the personal computer  261  may be used to display menu screens, electronic books, electronic files, or any other information associated with the delivery system  200 . In addition, the television  259  and the personal computer  261  may provide control function that replicate and supplement those of the viewer  266 . 
     The operations center  250  receives textual material from outside sources  282  such as publishers, newspapers, and on-line services. Alternately, the outside sources may maintain electronic books at the Internet web site  279 . The outside sources  282  may convert textual and graphical material to digital format, or may contract with another vendor to provide this service. The operations center  250  may receive the textual and graphical material in various digital formats and may convert the textual material to a standard compressed format for storage. In so doing, the operations center  250  may create a pool of textual material that is available to be delivered to the home system  258 . The textual material may be grouped by books or titles for easy access. 
     As used herein, “book” means textual or graphical information such as contained in any novels, encyclopedias, articles, magazines or manuals. The term “title” may represent the actual title assigned by an author to a book, or any other designation indicating a particular group, portion, or category of textual information. The title may refer to a series of related textual information, a grouping of textual information, or a portion of textual data. For example, “Latest Harlequin Romance”, “Four Child Reading Books (Ages 10-12)”, “Encyclopedia ‘BRITANNICA’™”, “President&#39;s Speech”, “Instruction Manual”, “Schedule of 4th of July Events”, “Pet Handbooks”, “Roe v. Wade”, and “The Joy of Cooking” are suitable titles. Also, the title may be a graphical symbol or icon. Thus, a picture of a wrench may be a title for a repair book, a picture of a computer a title for a computer book, a graphical symbol of a telephone a title for a telephone book, a drawing of a dagger a title for a mystery book, a picture of a bat and ball a title for a sports book and a picture of tickertape a title for a business book. The term “electronic book” refers to the electronic counterpart to a “book.” 
     The operations center  250  includes an uplink site  254  for placing the text onto a video signal and sending the composite video signal into a video distribution system. The uplink site  254  would generally include an encoder  204  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) to encode the text onto a video signal. 
     Many analog and digital distribution systems  208 , or other telecommunications systems, can be used with the delivery system  200 , such as a cable television distribution system, a broadcast television distribution system, video distributed over telephone systems, distribution from the Internet, direct satellite broadcast distribution systems, and other wired and wireless distribution systems. 
     The home system  258  performs five primary functions: (1) connecting with a video distribution system, (2) selecting data, (3) storing data, (4) displaying data, and (5) handling transactions. An important optional function of the home sub-system  258  is communicating using a telephone communication system  274 . The home system  258  is made up of primarily four parts: a video connector  212  or similar type of connector for connecting with the video distribution system  208 , a library unit  262  for storing and processing, an electronic book, or viewer unit,  266  for viewing menus and text and a telephone connector  270  for connecting with a telephone communications system  274 . In an alternate arrangement, the viewer  266  may include all the functionality of the home system  258 . 
     The billing and collection system  278  may be co-located with the operations center  250  or located remote from the operations center  250 . In an embodiment, the billing and collection system  278  is in communication with the home system  258  via telephone-type communication systems (for example  274 ). Any of a number of telephone type communication systems, such as, a cellular system, will operate with the billing and collection system  278 . The billing and collection system  278  records the electronic books or portions of text that are selected or ordered by the subscriber. The collection system will charge a subscriber&#39;s credit account or bill the subscriber. In addition, the billing and collection system  278  will monitor that amount due to publishers or other outside sources  282  who have provided textual data or other services such as air time to enable the text delivery system  200  to operate. 
     When electronic books are provided via the Internet web site  279 , the billing and collecting functions may be incorporated into the Internet web site  279 . For example, a subscriber may pay for an electronic book selection by entering a credit card number into a data field of a page of the Internet web site  279 . In this configuration, a separate billing and collection system may not be required. 
       FIG. 3   a  is an expanded overview of a delivery plan  301  for the delivery system  200 . The delivery plan  301  supports various types of subscribers and various billing systems.  FIG. 3   a  shows that publishers  282  will provide text transfer  302  to the operations center  250 ′ and receive payments  306  from the billing and collection system  278 ′. A separate channel uplink site  254 ′ is shown in this configuration receiving data  310  from the operations center  250 ′. The operations center  250 ′ has three separate sections ( 318 ,  322 ,  326 ) one for text receiving, formatting and re-entry  318 , a second for security encoding  322  and a third section for catalog and messaging center functions  326 . 
     The billing and collection system  278 ′ shown has two sections ( 330 ,  334 ) one for transaction management, authorizations and publisher payments  330 , and the other for customer service  334 . The customer service section  334  provides for data entry and access to customer account information. Transaction accounting information  338  is supplied to credit card companies  342  by the transaction management section  330  of the billing and collection system  278 ′. The credit card companies  342  provide billing  346  to customers either electronically or by mail. 
     Three methods for communicating between the subscriber base  348  and the billing and collection system  278 ′ are shown: by telephone switching  350  alone, cellular switching  354  and telephone switching  350  combined, and by use of the cable system  358  and the telephone switching  350 . The system shown supports both one-way  362  and two-way cable communication  366  with subscribers. Public libraries and schools  370  as well as bookstores  374  may use the delivery system  301 . 
     Public libraries and schools  370  would have a modified system to allow the viewer  266  to be checked-out or borrowed while bookstores  374  would rent or sell the viewer  266  and sell the electronic books. The bookstores  374  as well as the public libraries and schools  370  may be serviced by cable  378 . Optional direct broadcast systems (DBS)  382  can also be used with the delivery system  200 . The DBS  382  may provide the electronic books using digital satellite technology, with the electronic books being received via a backyard satellite antenna, for example. 
       FIG. 3   b  is an alternate delivery plan  301 ′ that provides for electronic book selection and delivery using the Internet. In  FIG. 3   b , the publishers  282  provide the electronic books to be posted at the Internet web site  279 . The publishers may convert the text and graphical data to digital format, compress the digital data, and upload the compressed digital data to the Internet web site  279 . Alternately, the publishers  282  may arrange for an outside conversion activity  283  to convert the text and graphical data to digital format. The conversion activity  283  may then provide the digital data to the Internet web site  279 . For example, a large on-line bookstore could gather publications in electronic form from a variety of publishers, or could convert hard-copy books to electronic form, and post the electronic books on the Internet such as at the Internet web site  279 . 
     The electronic books may then be transferred via a public switched telephone network (PSTN), for example, direct to a subscriber  285 , a library  286  and a bookstore  287 . The library  286  and the bookstore  287  may also provide electronic books to the subscriber  285 . 
     I. The Operations Center 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic of an operations center  250  which includes an uplink  254 . The operations center  250  gathers text or books by receiving, formatting, storing, and encoding. A data stream  302  containing text is received at the operations center  250  by a data receiver  402 . The data receiver  402  is under the control of a processor  404 . After reception, the data stream is formatted using digital logic for formatting  406  which is also under the control of the processor  404 . If any additional text is being generated at the operation center  250  locally for insertion into the distributed signal, the text generation is handled through text generator hardware  410  which may include a data receiver and a keyboard (not shown). Following processing by the text generator  410 , the additional text can be added to the text received by the combining hardware  414  that includes digital logic circuitry (not shown). 
     The processing at the operations center  250  is controlled by a processor  404  which uses an instruction memory  416 . The processor  404  and instruction memory  416  may be supplied by a personal computer or mini-computer. To perform the catalog and messaging functions, the operations center  250  uses a catalog and message memory  420  and the text generator  410  if necessary. 
     The data stream of text, catalog and messages is preferably encoded by security module encoding  424  prior to being sent to the uplink module  254 . Various encoding techniques may be used by the security encoding module  424  such as the commercial derivative of NSA&#39;s encryption algorithm (Data Encryption System (DES)) and General Instrument&#39;s DigiCipher II. Following encoding, the encoded text may be stored in text memory  428  prior to being sent to the uplink  254 . A first-in-first-out text memory arrangement may be used under the control of the processor  404 . Various types of memory may be used for the text memory  428  including RAM. The operations center  250  may use file server technology for the text memory  428  to catalog and spool electronic books for transmission as is described below. 
     To transmit textual data (i.e., electronic books), the delivery system  208  uses high bandwidth transmission techniques such as those defined by the North American Broadcast Teletext Standard (NABTS) and the World System Teletext (WST) standard. Using the WST format (where each line of the Vertical Blanking Interval contains 266 data bits), a four hundred page book, for example, may be transmitted during programming using four lines of the Vertical Blanking Interval at a rate of approximately one book every 1.6 minutes (63,840 bits per second). Alternatively, electronic books may be transmitted over a dedicated channel, which interrupts programming so that 246 lines of video can be used to transmit approximately 2,250 books every hour (3.9 Mbits per second). A teletext type format is the simplest but possibly the slowest text format to use with the delivery system  200 . In either event, an encoder  204  is utilized at an uplink site  254  to insert textual data into the analog video signal. In many other respects, the delivery of the textual information is completed using existing cable television plant and equipment. 
       FIG. 5   a  is a flowchart of the steps involved in processing text from the publisher or provider  282  that occurs at the operations center  250 . As shown in block  500 , the publisher  282  processes data files of text for books, compresses, encrypts and sends the data files to the operations center  250  or uplink  254 . Text files for books are preferably sent one book at a time. As shown in block  504 , the uplink  254  or operations center  250  receives and processes the data stream from the publisher  282 . Generally, part of this processing includes encryption and error correction. 
     As shown in block  508 , files are broken into smaller packets of information. Header information is added to the packets. The bit stream is converted from a serial digital bit stream to an analog bit stream that is compatible with an NTSC video signal. Block  512  shows the switching of analog data into the video lines of a video signal. The analog data is generally placed either in the VBI or the active video lines. In some instances, it may be preferable to utilize unused portions of bandwidth (such as 5-40 MHZ, 70-75 MHZ, 100-109 MHZ or other guard bands) instead of the video lines. 
       FIG. 5   b  is an example of a hardware configuration to perform some of the functions for blocks  508  and  512 . A video feed  516  is received and processed through a sync stripper  520 . The stripped sync signal  532  is used by the digital logic control  524 . The digital logic control  524  receives the sync signal  532  and a serial digital bit stream  528  for processing. The digital logic control  524  passes the serial digital bit stream to the Digital to Analog converter  536  and outputs a control signal  540  for the video switch  544 . The video switch  544  integrates the video feed  516  and analog data stream  548  into a video feed with analog data signal inserted  552 . 
     As an alternative to cable, satellite, broadcast, or other television delivery methods, the public telephone system may be used to transmit books to the subscribers. An average electronic book would take about 7 minutes to transmit over the public telephone system. Using the telephone system, it is not necessary to combine video and text into a composite signal. In most other respects, the operation center would remain similar whether text delivery was by telephone or cable. File server technology (such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,875, entitled AUDIO/VIDEO FILE SERVER INCLUDING DECOMPRESSION/PLAYBACK MEANS, issued to Mincer, et al., and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,695, entitled FILE SERVER SYSTEM HAVING HIGH-SPEED WRITE EXECUTION, issued to Noveck, et al., incorporated herein by reference) may be used at the operation center with a telephone system text delivery method. 
     As another alternative to cable, television, and telephone system delivery, the public telephone system may be used to provide access to the Internet, where the Internet web site  279  may be accessed. Electronic books may be ordered, paid for, and delivered directly from the Internet web site  279  over the telephone system. 
     In any delivery system using the telephone system, individual subscribers may increase the electronic book deliver rate by incorporating high speed modems or other communication devices such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connector, or by use of an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) 
     II. The Home System 
     The hardware configuration for a four component home system  258  is shown in  FIG. 6   a .  FIG. 6   b  shows a hardware configuration for a two component home system. The hardware components may also be incorporated into a single unit that communicates with a terminal in a television delivery system or with a telephone system by use of a modem, for example. The home system  258  performs several functions, such as receiving data and video transmissions, stripping (or extracting) the data from the video signal, screening and storing the data, providing user friendly interface controls and software, displaying menus and text, processing transactions, initiating telephone calls and transmitting billing data. Various hardware configurations may be utilized to achieve the desired functions of the home system  258 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , the home system  258  can be configured to utilize the reception and channel tuning capability of the current installed subscriber base of cable converter boxes and televisions  601 . The home system  258  can also be designed as an advanced set top terminal converter box with menu generation capability, electronic memory and a telephone modem as described in section V below. 
     The electronic components which make up the home system  258  can be arranged in a variety of ways. In the four unit system of  FIG. 6   a  the viewer  266  and library unit  262  are wired together while the remaining components communicate through RF transceivers  604 . In a simple version of the home system  258  there are only two units, the library unit  262  and a viewer  266 .  FIG. 6   b  shows a two unit home system  258  with certain optional features. Finally, all the functionality of the home system  258  may be incorporated into one electronic book unit, or viewer. 
     The viewer  266  is generally equipped with a high resolution viewing area  602 , digital logic (including a key  605 , security  606 , and a microprocessor  621 ), video graphics control and memory  607 , power supply circuitry  602  (not shown), an optional battery  603  and an optional RF transceiver  604 . In a two unit arrangement, the library unit  262  contains the connector function to the video distribution system  208 , connector function to a public telephone communications system, and memory  600  (which may be removable and portable  600 ′). More specifically, the library unit  262  would include data stripping functions  617 , digital logic  609 , memory storage  600 , power circuitry  610 , optional telephone connections  611  (including cellular or PCN  611 ′), optional battery (not shown), optional tuner module  613  and an optional RF transceiver  604 . The video connector  212  and the public telephone system connection  270 , as well as the removable portable memory unit  600  of the library unit  262  may be broken out into separate components. ( FIG. 6   b  shows a removable portable hard disk memory  600 ′ with removable cartridges  614 .) Finally, the home system  258  may include an attached keyboard  267  or a wireless keyboard  268 . Both the attached keyboard  267  and the wireless keyboard  268  may be used to communicate with the viewer  266  (not shown) or the library unit  262 . 
     The wireless keyboard  268  may communicate via radio frequency (RF) signaling, for example. Therefore, the home system  258  may have as many as six separate components which communicate with each other. The two, three, four, five or six separate components which make up the home system  258  can communicate with each other in a variety of ways, including hardwired connection  615 , RF transceiver  604 , and other wireless methods. 
     RF communications are preferred in the home because they allow separate components to be located throughout the home without restriction. The data communicated between the units is preferably secure data. In addition, the library unit  262  may provide power to the viewer  266  through the hardwired connection  615 . 
     Alternatively, a single unit may perform all of the home system  258  functions. The single unit should use light-weight materials, including a light-weight battery. A single unit eliminates the need to communicate (externally) between units. The single unit is less expensive and eliminates duplicative processing, memory storage and power circuitry. 
     To receive and strip the data from the video signal at the consumer&#39;s home, either a cable interface device or cable connector  212  is used. The cable connector device includes a tuner  613 , while the cable interface device makes use of existing tuning equipment in the home. In either configuration, data is stripped from the video signal and stored at the subscriber&#39;s location in the library unit  262 . The phone connector  270 , and modem  611  initiate telephone calls and transmit ordering and billing information to the operations center  250  or billing and collection system  278 . Alternatively, the phone connector  270  and the modem  611  may be used to provide access to the Internet to order and receive electronic books from an Internet web site. A digital connector  619  is provided to communicate digital information with the set top  601 . The library unit  262  is the intelligent component of the home system, incorporating the hardware and software necessary to store the text data, generate menus and effect the purchase transactions. In addition to an RF transceiver  604 , the library unit  262  also includes the necessary jacks and connections to allow the delivery system  200  to be connected to the viewer  266 . As shown in  FIG. 6   b , the library  262  communicates the text data (electronic book) to the viewer  266  in a secure format which requires a key  605  for decryption. The text is generally only decrypted page by page just before viewing. 
     a. The Video Connector 
       FIG. 7  shows the flow of the processes performed by the video connector  212 . The video connector receives the video signal  608 , tunes to the channel containing the text data  612 , strips the text data from the video signal  616 , and communicates the text data stream to logic components in the library  620 . 
     The connection to the video distribution system is preferably a cable connector to a cable television delivery system, as shown in  FIG. 6   b . The cable connector includes a data stripper circuit  617 , which accepts video input from either a set top converter, TV or VCR  601 , or an optional tuner block  613  that receives the CATV signal through the cable connector  212 ′. The data stripper circuit  617  strips data out of the video, and outputs a digital bit stream to the digital logic portion  609  of the library unit  262 . The data is embedded in the video signal either in the vertical blanking interval or the active video portion in an encrypted and compressed format. The data stripper circuit  617  can be placed inside the set top converter box  601 , TV, or in the library unit. The data stripper circuit  617  outputs the digital bit stream to be used by the library digital logic  609 . 
     The video connector  212  may also contain a channel tuner module  613  that can tune to the video channel and provide access to the video that contains the data to be stripped. Using the optional tuner module  613 , a set top converter, VCR, or TV tuner is not needed in the home system. The optional tuner module  613  would instead receive the CATV signal directly through the cable connector  212 . 
     b. Library 
     An embodiment of the library unit  262  for a two unit home system  258  is shown in both  FIG. 6   b  and  FIG. 8 . The embodiment shown includes the following optional parts: the video connector  212 , phone connector  270 , RF transceiver  604 , and battery pack  624  in addition to a removal portable memory  600 ′, microprocessor  628 , instruction memory unit  632 , digital logic  636 , and power unit  640 . 
     The library unit  262  contains a digital logic section  609  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) which includes the microprocessor  628 , the digital logic  636  and the instruction memory unit  632 . The microprocessor  628  is preferably a secure microprocessor such as the Mot SC21 device sold by Motorola. The digital logic section  609  will receive the serial digital bit stream from the data stripper circuit  617  and process the data. Error correction will also be performed by the digital logic section  609  and the data will be checked for proper address. If the address of the data is correct and the library unit  262  is authorized to receive the data, the data will be transferred to the memory storage unit  600 ,  600 ′. Authorization to receive the data is provided by the cable headend or another distribution point. An authorization code may be sent in the serial digital bit stream. The digital logic section  609  will send appropriate text and graphical data to the memory storage unit  600 ,  600 ′. It transfers this data in a compressed and encrypted format and the data remains stored in a compressed and encrypted format. 
     i. Memory Storage Unit 
     The memory storage unit of the library may be a removable portable memory unit  600 ′ (as shown in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b  and  8 ). A variety of options are available for memory storage: a hard disk drive, a hard disk with removable platters, and a CD ROM, or a MEMORY STICK™. Referring to  FIG. 6   b , a hard disk drive unit  600 ′ which contains removable platters may also be used. This would provide virtually unlimited library storage capacity. Data (i.e., electronic book files) may be stored in the memory storage unit in a compressed and encrypted format. As is also shown in  FIG. 6   b , the data may also contain a key or unique ID number that matches the ID or key of the viewer  266 . This matching of a unique key or ID number prevents unauthorized transfer of text data from the memory storage unit to an unauthorized viewer. Small memory devices such as smart cards, electronic memory cards or PCMCIA cards (personal computer memory card industry association) may also be used to store the data. 
     ii. Power Circuitry 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6   b  and  8 , the library unit  262  may accept power from either AC wall power  610 , DC power  640 , or optional battery power  624 . The power circuitry  610 ,  640  may provide all the voltage necessary from either the battery  624  or AC unit for the various circuitry in the library. The power circuitry  610 ,  640  may also provide power to the viewer  266  through a single data cable when connected to the viewer. The power circuitry  610 ,  640  will recharge the battery using AC power when in operation. With the optional battery unit  624  installed, the library unit  262  becomes a portable unit and can still provide power to the viewer  266 . In order to extend battery life, power conservation measures may be utilized, such as shutting down the memory system when not in use. When the viewer  266  is being utilized and the library circuitry is not being utilized, virtually all power may be shut down to the library unit  262 . 
     iii. Connection to the Public Telephone System 
     The connection to the telephone system may be provided by a modem  611 . Various available modems may be used to perform this function. As shown in  FIG. 6   b , cellular phone or PCN phone connections  611 ′ may also be provided. When the home system  258  is first initialized, the modem may be used to transfer the name and credit card information of the consumer to the billing and collection system  278 . The telephone connection  270  may be utilized each time an electronic book is purchased by a consumer to complete and record the transaction. The telephone connection  270  may also be used as a means for receiving the electronic books from the operations center  250  or from an Internet web site, by-passing the video distribution system  208 . The phone connection  270  may be a separate unit as shown in  FIG. 6   b.    
     iv. Library Processing 
       FIG. 9  shows an example of some basic processing performed by the library unit  262  on the data stream  651  received from the video connector  212  or stripper circuit  617 . First the data stream  651  is checked for error correction by block  650 . If an error is detected, block  654  de-interleaves the data followed by block  658  running a FEC (Forward Error Correcting) algorithm. The combination of block  650 ,  654  and  658  perform the error correction needed on the data stream. If no error correction is necessary the data proceeds to block  662  where packets are individually checked for packet address. 
     If the address is a unique address, block  666  checks whether the address of the packet matches the library box ID number. The library box ID number is a unique number associated with that library unit  262  which is used to ensure security of the data. Block  670  determines whether an electronic file has already been opened into which the data packet can be saved. If no data file has been opened then block  674  opens a new data file for that packet. If an electronic file has been opened, then the packet is saved in that electronic file on disk, block  678 . Next, the process checks to see if this is the last packet for a particular book for a particular textual data block being received  682 . If it is the last packet of information, then 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. 
     If the packet address is checked and the address is determined to be a broadcast address, the process determines the type of message that is being sent  690 . The message may be an index of book titles, menu (and menu graphics) information, announcements, special offerings, discounts, promotions, previews etc. The message is then stored in appropriate electronic message file  694  and the process is returned to block  650  to receive another data packet and perform another error check. 
     Using the process of  FIG. 9 , the library unit  262  is able to receive, store and update directories related to the textual data and graphical data (that can be used to depict pictures in a given book or to generate menus). Variations of the processes are possible depending on the format of the data and operating system of the library unit  262 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an example of the processing of information requests from the viewer  266  at the library unit  262 . Information requests from the viewer  266  are received either through the cable connecting the viewer  266  to the library unit  262  or through wireless transmissions such as RF. It is possible in some embodiments for subscribers&#39; requests to come from a set top terminal  602  (see Section V). 
     Information requests received from the viewer  266  generally fall into three categories: (1) directory data of electronic books stored in the library unit  262 , (2) index of all available electronic books on the system, and (3) requests for a specific electronic book (Block  700 ). A get directory process  704  answers a request from the viewer  266  for a directory of data showing the electronic books stored at the viewer  266 . The directory of data is sent to the viewer  266  so that it may be displayed to the subscriber. A get index process  708  handles requests from the viewer  266  for an index of all available electronic books on the home system  258 . The library unit  262  will obtain an index of all the available books on the system and transmit that index, process  712 , with menu information to the viewer  266 . An open file process  716  replies to a request from the viewer  266  for a specific electronic book. The library unit  262  opens an electronic file for the specific electronic book requested by the viewer  266  and transmits the record or transmits the information  720  on a packet-by-packet basis to the viewer  266 . This process of transmitting the specific electronic book, record, or packets to the viewer  266  continues until the last record or packet has been sent,  724 . 
     In addition to the processes shown on  FIG. 10  in handling a request for a specific electronic book, the library unit  262  also orders and receives specific electronic books from the operations center  250  using the process as described in the open file process  716 . Following a request for a specific electronic book which is not stored at the library unit  262 , the library unit  262  will proceed to determine the next available time the electronic book will be on the video distribution system  208  and ensure reception and storage of that electronic book (process not shown). In performing this process the library unit  262  will transmit to the viewer  266  information on when it will obtain the text data for the electronic book so that the subscriber may view the electronic book. In addition to timing information, price and other ordering information may also be passed by the library unit  262  to the subscriber. 
     c. The Viewer 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the viewer  266  showing its internal components. The viewer  266  of  FIG. 11  is similar to the viewer  266  depicted in  FIG. 6   b . The viewer  266  is designed to physically resemble a bound book. The viewer  266  is made up of five primary components and six optional components: (1) LCD display  602 , (2) digital circuitry (not shown), (3) video graphics controller  607 ′, (4) controls  740 , (5) book memory  728 , (6) optional power supply circuitry  736 , (7) optional battery  603 ′, (8) optional RF transceiver  604 , (9) optional cellular or mobile communicator ( 608 ), (10) optional keyboards  267  and  268 , and (11) a speaker/microphone  608 ′. 
     (1) A high resolution LCD screen  602 , preferably of VGA quality, is used by the viewer  266  to display text and graphic images. The screen is preferably the size of one page of a book. A two page screen or two screens may also be used with the viewer  266 . 
     (2) Digital circuitry that includes a secure microprocessor  621 , instruction memory  732 , and digital logic. Data is transferred to the viewer  266  in compressed and encrypted format. The secure microprocessor  621  compares the ID number of the viewer  266  with the incoming data stream and only stores the text data if the ID number of the viewer  266  matches that within the incoming data stream. It is preferred that the viewer  266  not output text data or other data and that the data is decompressed and decrypted only at the moment of viewing and only for the current page being viewed. These measures are preferred because they provide additional security against unauthorized access to data. 
     (3) A video graphics controller  607 ′ that is capable of assisting and displaying VGA quality text and graphic images is included in the viewer  266 . The graphics controller  607 ′ is controlled by the digital circuitry described above. Text may be displayed in multiple font sizes. 
     (4) The viewer  266  of  FIG. 11  has touch panel controls  740 . These unique and novel controls  740  allow the consumer to select stored electronic books and electronic books from catalogues, move a cursor, and turn pages in a book. Typically, preferred controls  740  include forward and reverse page buttons  742 ,  741 , a ball (or trackball)  743  for cursor movement, one or more selection buttons  745 , a current book button  747  and a bookmark button  749  (see  FIG. 14   a ). 
     The controls  740  should be easy to use and conveniently located. Referring to  FIG. 14   a , the controls for the viewer  266  may be located below the screen  602  at the bottom portion of the viewer  266 . The next page turn button  742  is the most used button  740  and may be located towards the right edge of the page. The subscriber is likely to use right hand thumb movements to work the controls particularly the page turn buttons  741 ,  742 . Therefore, it is preferred that the buttons be arranged in such a manner that the buttons are easily controlled by a subscriber&#39;s right thumb. Generally, this can be accommodated either on the lower portion of the viewer  266  (as shown) or along the right hand margin of the viewer  266  (not shown). The current book button  747  and bookmark button  749  are usually the least used of the controls  740 . Therefore, in the example shown those buttons  747 ,  749  are located on the inside portion towards the binder of the viewer  266 . 
     Locating the ball  743  or other cursor movement device (such as four pointer arrows—not shown) in the bottom center of the viewer  266  is both easier for the subscriber to use and easier in manufacturing the viewer  266 . The selection buttons for the cursor  745  are preferably located below the middle diameter of the cursor ball  743  on the right and left sides of the ball as shown. If pointer arrows are used for cursor movement, a selection button  745  may be located in the center of the four arrow buttons (not shown). Again, the most used controls should be located where a subscriber&#39;s right hand thumb would normally rest. 
     (5) Book memory  728  for at least one electronic book or more of text is included in the viewer  266 . The memory  728  stores text and any graphics which represent pictures in a book. The memory  728  can also store menu graphics data. Two different memory  728  devices may be used in the viewer  266 , one for the instructions for the microprocessor  621  in the digital circuitry and a second type of memory may be used for the book memory  728  (and graphics). Various memory devices available on the market may be used such as, ROM, RAM or a small hard disk. Since an electronic book requires approximately 0.6 megabytes of storage, a small hard disk providing approximately 60 MBytes of storage provides memory to store approximately 100 electronic books. The large hard disk drives currently available allow for storage of thousands of electronic books. 
     Text for books may be displayed in various font sizes. To accommodate various fonts for display, a variety of fonts are stored in instruction  732  or book memory  728 . Thus larger or smaller fonts may be recalled from memory  621 ,  728  to create displays desired by the subscriber. 
     (6) Power supply circuitry  736  in the viewer  266  will accept power from either an AC power source or from an optional battery  603 ′, or the library unit  262 . The power supply circuitry  736  provides the necessary voltages to accommodate the various systems within the viewer  266 . 
     (7) An optional battery  603 ′ is provided in a preferred embodiment. The battery  603 ′ is automatically recharged when AC power is available. 
     (8) An optional RF transceiver  604  which provided two-way data link between the viewer  266  and other components of the home system can also be included in the viewer  266 . 
     (9) Also, the viewer  266  may include a cellular transceiver for mobile communications. 
     (10) The optional wired (attached) keyboard  267  and wireless (e.g., RF) keyboard  268  (see  FIG. 6   a ) may be used with the viewer  266  to provide communications between the subscriber and the viewer  266 . 
     (11) The speaker and microphone  608 ′ allow the viewer  266  to provide audio signals to the subscriber, and allow the subscriber to provide an audio input. The speaker and microphone  608 ′ may be used in conjunction with the cellular transceiver  608  or other telecommunications equipment to provide for reception and transmission of telephony and data. 
     The viewer  266  of  FIG. 11  has parts available for providing connections to: a library  744 , electronic card memory  748 , CD ROM units  752 , and a portable memory unit  756  (such as that shown in  FIG. 6   b    600 ′). Various electronic memory cards such as PCMCIA can be used with this viewer  266 . 
     Security, low power consumption and excellent display technology are desired features of the viewer  266  design. The viewer  266  should be lightweight and portable. The viewer  266  contains a software operating system that allows electronic books to be stored, read and erased and includes the capability to order electronic books and retain them in memory  728  for a predefined period of time determined by the system operator. The software can be configured to allow the electronic book to be read during a period of time (i.e., two weeks) and then automatically erased, read once and erased, or held in memory permanently. Each viewer  266  has a unique key  605 . All of the data storage is encrypted with the key  605  for an individual viewer  266  to prevent more than one viewer  266  accessing the text file or electronic book file. 
       FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of some of the processes executed by the viewer  266 . Generally, the viewer  266  receives inputs from the subscriber through touch panel controls  740 . Alternately, the viewer  266  receives inputs from a touchscreen display, the attached keyboard  267 , or the remote keyboard  268 . The subscriber&#39;s information requests are then processed through an information request process  800  by the viewer  266 . 
     If the subscriber requests a menu of available electronic books, a select available book process  804  will select a book menu. An open file process  808  will open the electronic files which list the electronic books that are available (related to the category of topic of the menu) and display the menu with the names of the available electronic books. 
     If the subscriber selects a particular electronic book to read, then a select a book process  812  will process the selection and determine the electronic file that contains the specific electronic book. An open file process  816  will open the file for that specific book and normally access the first page. (If a pointer has already been set in that electronic book&#39;s file, the process may default to that page.) A decision process  820  will then determine which page needs to be displayed. The decision process  820  will determine whether a next page, previous page or a book marked page needs to be displayed. If the pointer for the electronic file is not in the correct location then a get previous page process  828  will move the pointer and obtain the previous page of data from the stored file. Otherwise, a get next page process  824  will normally obtain the next page of text from the stored electronic file. A decrypt and decompress process  832  will decrypt and decompress the text data and send the data to the video display. The video display will generally have a video display memory associated with it and the decrypt and decompress process  832  will send the data directly to that video display memory. The circuitry for the display then completes the process of displaying the page of text. 
     If the subscriber, through the controls  740 , requests (from the information request process  800 ) that the power be turned off, then a process,  836 , of turning the power off will be initiated. A save pointer process  840  saves the pointer in memory to the page number in the book that the viewer  266  is currently reading. A close files process  844  closes all the electronic files and signals the power circuitry to shut down the power to the various circuits in the viewer  266 . The subscriber may also use the controls  740  to access other electronic files using electronic links embedded in a particular electronic file. An electronic link system will be described later in detail. 
     With these examples of basic processes the viewer  266  is able to display book selections and display text from those books. 
     d. Menu System 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 13 , the delivery system  200  may have a menu system  851  for selecting features and electronic books from the delivery system  200 . The operating software and memory required for the menu system  851  may be located at the viewer  266  (e.g., the instruction memory  732  and/or book memory  728 ). However, it may also be located at the library unit  262  (e.g., the instruction memory  632 ) or the library unit  262  and the viewer  266  can share the software and memory needed to operate the menu system  851 . Since the menus are usually displayed on the viewer  266  and it is preferred that the viewer  266  be capable of operating in the absence of the library unit  262 , the basic software and memory to create the menus is more conveniently located at the viewer  266 . 
     The menu system  851  allows sequencing between menus and provides menu graphics for graphical displays such as on the LCD display  602  of the viewer  266 . In a system which uses a set top converter these menus may also be displayed on a television screen. In the simplest embodiment, the menus provide basic text information from which the subscriber makes choices. In more sophisticated embodiments, the menus provide visual displays with graphics and icons to assist the subscriber. 
       FIG. 13  depicts a menu system  851  with sequencing. The primary menus in the system are an introductory menu  850 , a main menu  854  and various submenus  858 . In the embodiment shown, there are three levels of submenus  858 . In certain instances one or two submenus  858  is sufficient to easily direct the subscriber to the selection or information requested. However, there are features in which three or more submenus  858  make the user interface more friendly for the subscriber. Each level of submenus  858  may consist of multiple possible menus for display. The particular menu displayed depends on the selection by the subscriber on the previous shown menu. An example of this tree sequence of one to many menus are the help submenus  887 ,  888 . Depending upon the specific help requested, a different level two help menu is displayed to the subscriber. 
     An example of an introductory menu  850  is shown on  FIG. 14   a . Generally the introductory menu  850  introduces the viewer  266  to the system and provides initial guidance, announcements and instruction. The introductory menu  850  is followed by a main menu  854 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 14   b . The main menu provides the viewer  266  with the basic selection or features available in the system.  FIG. 14   b  is an example of a main menu  854  offering many additional features and submenus  858  to the subscriber. For example,  FIG. 14   b  shows that the viewer  266  is able to choose by a point and click method, many options including: (1) free previews, (2) books you can order, (3) books in your library, (4) your current book, (5) help, (6) on-line services and (6) other system features. Following a selection on the main menu  854 , a corresponding submenu  858  is shown. 
       FIG. 13  shows thirteen available primary or first level submenus. They are (1) account set up  862 , (2) free previews  866 , (3) book suggestion entries  855 , (4) books in your library  872 , (5) books you can order  878 , (6) your current book  884 , (7) help  887 , (8) available features  890 , (9) messages  893 , (10) account information  896 , (11) outgoing message submenu  898 , (12) show links  970 , and (13) create links  980 .  FIG. 14   c  is an example of a first level submenu for electronic books in your library  872 . This “Book In Your Library” example submenu  872  shows six available electronic books by title and author and provides the subscriber with the ability to check a different shelf of books  874  or return to the main menu  854 .  FIGS. 14   d  and  14   e  show example submenus  858  for electronic books that may be ordered using the “Books You Can Order” submenu  878 . 
       FIG. 14   f  is an example of an order selection and confirmation menu  880 ′, which provides a “soft keyboard”  975  for the subscriber to use in placing an electronic book order and which confirms the subscriber&#39;s order. In this particular example, the subscriber is required to enter a PIN number to complete the subscriber&#39;s order. The “soft keyboard”  975  could be configured as a full alpha-numeric keyboard, and may be used by the subscriber to add additional information related to a book order. An alpha-numeric or similar password may be used to ensure the subscriber is an authorized subscriber. In an embodiment, the subscriber confirms an order with a PIN or password and then receives a final confirmation screen. The final confirmation screen is primarily text and may state: Your book order is now being processed via CABLE.
         Your book will be delivered overnight and your VISA account will be charged $2.95.   Your book will be available for reading at 6:00 AM EST tomorrow. Make sure that:
           1. your Library Unit and Cable Connection Unit are plugged in with aerials up tonight; and   2. you tune your cable converter to THE BOOK Channel. The TV set does not have to remain on.
 
or similar language.
   
               
     Examples of the “Account Set Up Menu”  862  and further submenus  858  related to account set up (which provide instructions and account input  864 ) are shown in  FIG. 14   g  and  FIG. 14   h . These submenus  858  allow initialization of an account at the operations center  250  and orders to be charged to credit cards. The submenus  858  include the ability to enter data related to your desired PIN number or password, credit cards, phone numbers, etc. It is preferred that the account set up be performed using the telephone system. A confirmation menu verifies that the account has been properly set up with the desired PIN or password and credit card. 
     Free previews for books  866  are also provided by submenus ( 868 ,  870 ). Examples of the free preview menus are shown in  FIG. 14   i  and  FIG. 14   j .  FIG. 14   i  shows a menu depicting various electronic books for which previews are available for viewing. Following an electronic book selection, a screen submenu showing an excerpt of the selected electronic book cover&#39;s description is provided along with an excerpt from a critic&#39;s review of the selected electronic book. In a preferred embodiment, this preview screen for a particular electronic book also allows the subscriber to select a submenu which provides information about the author. The book preview submenu may also include a still video picture or graphics portraying a book cover or a scene from the electronic book. An example of such a still video picture or graphics is shown in  FIG. 14   j  which depicts a preview screen  870  about the author. The video may also be provided according to MPEG standards as a short moving video clip. Such a clip could be an interview with the author, for example. The author&#39;s preview screen  870  shows a picture of the author, provides a short biography, and may allow the subscriber to order the author&#39;s books. The price for ordering the authors various electronic books may also be shown on the menu. Alternatively, the previews may be provided through an electronic link system, which is described in detail in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/237,828, filed on Jan. 27, 1999, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK ELECTRONIC LINKS, the disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In addition to free previews, in more sophisticated embodiments, the delivery system  200  provides the subscriber with an electronic book suggestion feature (see  855 ). This is accomplished using the menu system  851  and the processor with associated memory located at the viewer  266 , library unit  262  or at the distribution point ( 1020  or  250 ). When necessary, information for the program suggestion feature is sent in the text data of the composite or video signal to the home system  258 . With this feature, books or authors are suggested to a subscriber based upon historical data of the subscriber&#39;s previous orders, demographics or mood of the subscriber, other indicators, and/or by text word searches. 
     In a book suggestion embodiment, text word searches of preview information (such as book cover descriptions, critics reviews and biographies about the author) and/or text of books or other titles are performed by the library unit  262  using databases stored in the library memory  600 . Personalized book or author suggestions are made to the subscriber by obtaining information from the subscriber indicative of general subscriber interests. Subscriber entries are solicited from the subscriber preferably using the electronic book suggestion entries submenu  855 . The system uses these subscriber entries either directly or indirectly to search for books or authors to suggest to the subscriber. 
     Generally, the book suggestion methods may be categorized into two categories, either responsive methods (which respond to a series of subscriber menu entries), or intelligent methods (which analyze data to suggest an electronic book). Using a responsive or intelligent method, the delivery system  200  determines a list of suggested titles or authors and creates a second or third level submenu  856 ,  857  to suggest the titles for subscriber selection. 
     Responsive methods of suggesting titles include, for example, the use of mood questions, searching for authors, and keyword searching. Using the instruction memory  732  and menu generation hardware (e.g.,  607 ) of the viewer  266 , a series of mood questions can be presented on menus to determine a subscribers interest at a particular time. For this methodology, the operations center&#39;s  250  processor  404  and instruction memory  416  assign each title mood indicators (and subindicators) from a group such as light, serious, violent, short, long, dull, exciting, complex, easy-read, young theme, old theme, adventure, romance, drama, fiction, science-fiction, etc. These indicators are sent to the home system  258  with the text data and are stored in library memory  600 . Based upon the subscriber entries, the processor  404  associates a set of indicators with the subscriber&#39;s request and a set of electronic books with matching indicators are located for suggesting to the subscriber. 
     Responsive searches for authors or keywords (a search word provided by the subscriber) are generally performed by the library processor  628  and instruction memory  632  on data stored in the library memory  600 . For example, a keyword given by the subscriber may be searched for a match in library memory  600  storing the book reviews, critics and previews databases. Thus, if a subscriber provided an entry of the word “submarine” on an appropriate submenu, the title “Hunt For Red October” may be located by the library processor  628  using instruction from a routine in the instruction memory  632 . 
     Intelligent methods of suggesting programs include analyzing personal profile data on the subscriber and/or historical data about the subscriber such as past books ordered by the subscriber (or buy data). This method is preferred in a book on demand system and can be performed at the distribution point or operations center  250  by the on-site processor  404  using subscriber databases stored in memory  428 . The home system  258  receives the text data including program suggestion information from the distribution point or operations center  250  and generates the program suggestion submenus  855 ,  856 ,  857  using the same text data receiving  212  and viewer menu generation hardware (e.g.,  607 ,  621 ) described above. Software routines and algorithms stored in instruction memories (e.g.  632 ,  732 ) are used to analyze historical data and book ordered data to determine a line of books to suggest to the subscriber. 
     The algorithms for this powerful feature of suggesting books or authors to subscribers are disclosed in great detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,549, entitled REPROGRAMMABLE TERMINAL FOR SUGGESTING PROGRAMS OFFERED ON A TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM, issued Sep. 24, 1996, and are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , submenus  858  are shown on the “Books In Your Library” submenu  872  and are preferably broken into shelf numbers with submenus for each shelf  874 ,  876 . The submenus  858  for the “Books You Can Order” submenu  878  is similarly broken out into submenus by shelves  880 ,  882 . These shelves may each be a category or genre of books. Electronic books may be grouped into categories such as best sellers, novels, fiction, romance, etc. See  FIG. 14   d.    
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the submenu  858  for “Your Current Book”  884  allows a subscriber to select a current book  884  and then determine what page to view. This selection is confirmed with a level two submenu  885 . The help submenu  887  provides the subscriber with additional help screens  888 . The submenus  858  for available features  890  are preferably broken out into a sequence of separate submenus for each feature  891 ,  892 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , messages can also be sent with the delivery system  200 . A level one message screen provides the subscriber with the ability to select from various messages the subscriber has pending  893 . Each message is then shown on a separate submenu screen  894 ,  895 . The message may contain text and graphics. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , account information is shown on a level one submenu  896  and then follow-on submenus  858  show the recent orders and your account balance  897 . There is also a level one submenu for outgoing messages  898  which has a follow-on submenu used as an input screen  899 . 
     In addition to the specific features and submenus described in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14   a  through  FIG. 14   j , many other variations and features are possible. When a book is finally selected for viewing the title page  886  will appear on the screen followed by a page of text. 
     III. The Billing and Collection System 
     The billing and collection system  278  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) utilizes the latest technology in electronic transaction and telephone switching to track orders, authorize deliveries, bill consumers, and credit publishers automatically. The telephone calls initiated by the phone connector  270  are received by the billing and collection system  278  which responds immediately without human intervention by placing the order and charging the consumers credit card account. Data is compiled periodically and publishers  282  are credited for sales of their books or other text. The billing and collection system  278  may also connect with subscribers through two-way cable connections, cellular, or other communication means. 
     In an embodiment, the billing and collection system  278  communicate with the operations center  250  to track changes in available books and to provide statistical data to the operations center  250 . 
     IV. Public Library, School, and Bookstore System 
     The electronic book system can be modified to be used at public libraries, schools and bookstores.  FIG. 15  shows one possible arrangement of components for a public library, school or bookstore location. The main unit at a public library, school or bookstore is the file server  900 . The file server  900  is a large electronic memory unit that can store thousands of electronic books. Various electronic storage means may be used in the file servers, such as hard disks, read-write CD ROMs and read-only CD ROMs. 
     The system comprises five components; the file server  900 , a converter or video connector  904 , a controller  908 , a viewer  912 , and a catalog printer  916 . The software for controlling the system is primarily located in the controller  908 . The converter or video connector  904  is similar to those described above. In this configuration the controller unit  908  monitors the data being transferred to the file server  900  by the converter  904 . The controller  908  is preferably provided with a viewing screen and several control buttons. When it is necessary to have a larger screen to perform more sophisticated controlling of the system a viewer  266  may be connected to the controller  908  and the viewer screen and controls  740  may be used. 
     The controller  908  is only able to download books to public viewers  912  which are authorized to receive books from the particular file server  900 . For security reasons it is not desirable that the public viewer  912  have access to more than one file server  900 . In this way, security can be maintained over the text data for books. It is preferred that the public viewer  912  be limited to receiving one or two electronic books at a time from the controller  908 . When the subscriber of the public viewer  912  needs a new or additional electronic book, the subscriber returns the viewer  912  to the school or public library where the subscriber receives a new electronic book from the controller  908 . 
     In order to track the electronic books that are available on the file server  900 , the titles of the available books may be printed on a catalog printer  916 . The catalog printer  916  is connected to the library controller  908  and the titles of the electronic books are downloaded to the catalog printer  916 . None of the coded text for any of the electronic books can be printed using the controller  908  and catalog printer  916  of this system. In order to maintain security over the data, none of the electronic book data is allowed to be downloaded to the printer  916 . Once a complete printout of available electronic book titles, magazines, or other textual material is complete, a hard copy of the catalog  920  can be maintained at the file server  900 . 
     The system shown may also be used at bookstores. The bookstores can rent the public viewer  912  to customers with the text for one or two electronic books loaded onto the public viewer  912 . The public viewer  912  may be provided with an automatic timeout sequence. The timeout sequence would erase the textual data for the books after a certain period of time, for example, two weeks. It is expected that after a period of time (perhaps within two weeks) the renter would return the public viewer  912  to the bookstore and receive additional electronic books for viewing. Using this arrangement, it is also possible for the bookstore to (permanently) sell a viewer  912  to a regular customer. The customer then returns to the bookstore from time to time to receive textual data for an electronic book which the customer can then store permanently on the customer&#39;s own viewer  912 . Various other configurations are possible for bookstores, schools and public libraries using the file server  900  and public viewer  912  described. 
     V. Use of a Set Top Converter 
     Existing set top converters such as those made by Scientific Atlanta or General Instruments are presently unequipped to handle the delivery system  200  of the present invention. Although set top converters may be built which include the library functions, hardware modifications are necessary in order to use the delivery system  200  with existing set top converter technology. 
       FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b  are examples of hardware modifications or upgrades. A port is used to attach hardware upgrades described below to a set top terminal. Two upgrades are possible to set top converters  601  to assist in receiving and selecting electronic books. A menu generation card upgrade ( FIG. 16   a ) and an information download unit ( FIG. 16   b ). Each of these upgrades may be connected to the set top terminal unit through an upgrade port. A four wire cable, ribbon cable, IEEE 1394 firewire interface, USB interface, or the like may be used to connect the upgrade to the set top converter  601 . 
     A card addition  950  to a set top converter  601  is depicted in  FIG. 16   a . The card  950  shown provides the additional functionality needed to utilize the book selection system with existing set top converter  601  technology. The card  950  may be configured to slip inside the frame of a set top terminal and become part of the set top terminal, an advanced set top terminal. The primary functions the card  950  adds to the set top converter  601  are the interpreting of data signals, generating of menus, sequencing of menus, and, ultimately, the ability of the subscriber to select an electronic book using either the television or a viewer  266 . The card  950  also provides a method for a remote location, such as the cable headend, to receive information on electronic books ordered. The electronic books ordered information and control commands may be passed from the cable headend to the card  950  using telephone lines. 
     The primary components of the card  950  are a PC chip CPU  952 , a VGA graphic controller  954 , a video combiner  956 , logic circuitry  958 , NTSC encoder  960 , a receiver  962 , demodulator (not shown), and a dialer  611 ′. The card  950  operates by receiving the data text signal from the cable headend through the coaxial cable. The logic circuitry  958  of the card  950  receives data  964 , infrared commands  966 , and synchronization signals (not shown) from the set top converter  601 . Menu selections made by the viewer  266  on the remote control are received by the set top converter&#39;s  601  IR equipment and passed through to the card  950 . The card  950  interprets the IR signal and determines the electronic book (or menu) the subscriber has selected. The card  950  modifies the IR command to send the information to the set top converter  601 . The modified IR command contains the channel information needed by the set top converter  601 . Using the phone line  968  and dialer  611 ′, the card  950  is able to transmit electronic books ordered information to the cable headend. It is also possible to receive the electronic books over the telephone lines and by-pass the video distribution system. In this embodiment, the telephone system may be used to provide access to an Internet web site to order and receive electronic books. 
     These commands are passed through the interface linking the set top terminal&#39;s microprocessor with the microprocessor of the hardware upgrades. In this way, subscriber inputs, entered through the set top terminal keypad or remote control, can be transferred to any of the hardware upgrades for processing and responses generated therein can then be sent back to the set top terminal for display. In a preferred embodiment the IR commands  966  are transferred from set top terminal  601  to hardware upgrade. 
     Hardware upgrades may include a microprocessor, interactive software, processing circuitry, bubble memory, and a long-term memory device. In addition to these basic components, the hardware upgrade may make use of an additional telephone modem or CD-ROM device. 
     The information download hardware upgrade  1001  (shown in  FIG. 16   b ) allows the subscriber to download large volumes of information from the operations center  250  or cable headend using the set top converter  601 . The hardware upgrade  1001  will enable subscribers to download data, such as electronic books and magazines, to local storage. Primarily, the hardware upgrade  1001  is an additional local storage unit  1003  (e.g., hard disk, floppy, optical disk or magnetic cartridge and may include a microprocessor  1005 , instruction memory  1007 , and a random access memory  1009 , as shown in  FIG. 16   b ). Preferably, a small portable viewer  266  is also provided with the upgrade  1001  to enable downloaded text to be read without the use of a TV. 
     The downloadable information may be text or graphics supplied by the operations center  250  or cable headend. With this upgrade, electronic books may be downloaded and read anywhere with the portable viewer  266 . Using this upgrade, books may be downloaded and stored in compressed form for later decompression. The electronic books would be decompressed only at the time of viewing. Important text that the public desires immediate access may made available through this system. Text such as the President&#39;s speech, a new law, or a recent abortion decision rendered by the Supreme Court may be made immediately available. 
     In an embodiment, electronic book ordering information is stored at each set top terminal until it is polled by the cable headend using a polling request message format. An example of a polling request message format consists of six fields, namely: (1) a leading flag at the beginning of the message, (2) an address field, (3) a subscriber region designation, (4) a set top terminal identifier that includes a polling command/response (or P/F) bit, (5) an information field, and (6) a trailing flag at the end of the message. A similar response frame format for information communicated by the set top terminal to the cable headend in response to the polling request may be used. 
       FIG. 17  shows a preferred set top converter that includes a data receiver  617 ′ and a data transmitter  1011 . The data transmitter provides upstream data communications capability between the set top converter  601  and the cable headend. Upstream data transmissions are accomplished using the polling system described and, using a data transmitter  1011 . Both receiver  617 ′ and transmitter  1011  may be built into the set top converter  601  itself or added through an upgrade module. Regardless of the specific hardware configuration, the set top terminal&#39;s data transmission capabilities may be accomplished using the hardware shown in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 17  shows RF signals, depicted as being received by a data receiver  617 ′ and tuner  613  working in unison. Both of these devices are interfaced with the microprocessor  1013 , which receives inputs  1015 , from the subscriber, either through a set top converter&#39;s keypad, a remote control unit or the viewer  266 . All cable signals intended for reception on the subscriber&#39;s TV are accessed by the tuner  613  and subsequently processed by the processing circuitry  1017 . This processing circuitry  1017  typically includes additional components (not shown) for descrambling, demodulation, volume control and remodulation on a Channel 3 or 4 TV carrier. 
     Data targeted to individual set top converters is received by the data receiver  617 ′ according to each set top converter&#39;s specific address or ID. In this way, each addressable set top converter only receives its own data. The data receiver  617 ′ may receive set top converter  601  specific data in the information field of the signal frame described or on a separate data carrier located at a convenient frequency in the incoming spectrum. 
     The received data includes information regarding electronic books and menus available for selection. The subscriber may enter a series of commands  1015  using a keypad or remote control in order to choose an electronic book or menu. Upon receipt of such commands, the microprocessor  1013  instructs the tuner to tune to the proper frequency of the channel carrying data and subsequently instructs the processing circuitry  1017  to begin descrambling of this data. 
     Upon selection of the electronic book, the microprocessor  1013  stores any selection information in local memory (not shown) for later data transmission back to the cable headend. The microprocessor  1013  coordinates all CATV signal reception and also interacts with various upstream data transmission components. Typically, the data transmitter  1011  operates in the return frequency band between 5 and 30 MHZ. In an alternative embodiment, the frequency band of 10 to 15 MHZ may be used. Regardless, however, of the frequency band used, the data transmitter  1011  sends information to the cable headend in the information field of the response frame described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of variations and combinations of the above-described set top terminal hardware components may be used to accomplish upstream data transmissions. 
     VI. Books-on-Demand System 
     The electronic book system  200  described may also be configured in a book-on-demand style.  FIG. 18   a  shows one example of a configuration for a books-on-demand system. A books-on-demand system requires more powerful two-way communications between the consumer&#39;s home, bookstore, school or public library and either the operations center  250  or a distribution site  1020  such as the cable headend. This type of two-way communication can be provided by the hardware shown in  FIG. 17  and described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18   a , in a books-on-demand system, the subscriber selects the electronic book to be download from an available menu of electronic books (see for example  FIGS. 14   d  and  14   e ). The data for menus of available books is usually sent to the subscriber location by the distribution site  1020 . After the subscriber&#39;s menu selection, information about the subscriber selection (or request) is then communicated to either a distribution point  1020  (such as a cable headend or an Internet web site) or the operations center  250 . Upon receipt of this request, the needed textual and graphical information for the book is spooled and sent to the subscriber. In this manner, books are only sent when requested by the subscriber and are sent immediately upon demand for the book (or text). 
     In order to support such a books-on-demand system, the text delivery and distribution must be conducted on a strong nodal architectured distribution system, such as, a video-on-demand cable or telephone television system, an Internet web site, or through use of individual telephone access on the public telephone system. 
     The books-on-demand system allows for a greater selection of electronic books to the subscriber and limits the amount of communicated book data that is unnecessary or unneeded. It also provides the electronic book to the subscriber in a much timelier fashion. 
     In addition to a stronger distribution system, a books-on-demand system requires a distribution point  1020  to have more sophisticated equipment to access and “spool out” the textual information. This can be accomplished using file server technology  1024  for storing the electronic books and ATM  1028  or telephone-type switching (not shown) to distribute the textual information. The file server  1024  and distribution technology that can be used in configuring such a books-on-demand system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,875 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,695, cited above. 
       FIG. 18   a  shows an embodiment for a books-on-demand system that utilizes file server technology. In addition to electronic books, the embodiment of  FIG. 18   a  will support distribution of nearly any digital data. Electronic books or textual files are received from publishers  282  and other sources through local feeds  1032 , ATM  1028 , or by satellite dish  1036 . The data is then stored in memory  1040  at the file server  1024 . The distribution point  1020  may be a cable headend that receives requests from subscribers and delivers text to subscribers over a two-way communication system (such as a video-on-demand system (VOD)  1044 ). Alternately, an Internet web site may serve as the distribution point  1020 . 
     The library unit  262  can be connected to either a basic premium-type service cable system  1048 , a near video-on-demand type cable system (or pay-per-view (PPV)  1052 ) or a video-on-demand cable system  1044 . In connecting with either of these three systems the library unit  262  may access the cable directly or may access the system through a set top terminal  601 ′,  601 ″, or  601 ′″. 
     Using the two-way video-on-demand system  1044 , a subscriber is able to request a specific electronic book title and receive that text immediately following its request. To accomplish this, the distribution point  1020  transmits a list of available electronic books through the cable delivery system to the library unit  262 . The library unit  262  displays the list of available electronic books on a menu or similar format. As described earlier, it is preferred that the library unit  262  use menus which list categories of available electronic books to form its request from the distribution point  1020 . After selecting an electronic book, the library unit  262  sends a request signal on the two-way communication system  1044  back to the distribution point  1020 . This request signal can be handled in two ways. The library unit  262  either initiates the request or the distribution point  1020  polls the various libraries on to the two-way system  1044 . Upon receiving the request for the electronic book title, the text associated with that book title is transmitted to the library unit  262  using the two-way cable system  1044 . 
       FIG. 18   b  is an expanded view of a preferred operations center  250  that supports a regional or national books-on-demand system. In fact, the operations center  250  shown supports distribution of nearly any digital data. The operations center  250  supports multiple feeds to receive digital information by tape  1060 ,  1060 ′, ATM  1028 , or satellite  1036 . The information is processed through an input MUX  1064  and a small file server  1068  before reaching the master file server  1072 . Digital data such as electronic books received from publishers  282  is then stored on the master file server  1072 . It is preferred that the digital data is stored compressed in a standard format such as MPEG2. 
     A system controller  1076  provides control over the regional or national books-on-demand system. Electronic books may be packaged into groups to provide feeds to various cable headends. In addition, scheduling and marketing research are conducted at the operations center  250 . In order to handle the scheduling and market research, electronic book buy data is received at the operations center  250  through a multiplexer  1082 . Electronic book buy information can be provided by the operation center  250  to the billing and collection system  278 . 
     The operations center  250  is also equipped to insert messages or advertisements into the file server. These messages or advertisements will eventually be received by the subscribers. 
     The master file server  1072  uses an output multiplexer  1080  and ATM  1028  as well as satellite connections to distribute digital data. In a preferred embodiment, cable headends receive text data on electronic books from the master file server  1080  through the output multiplexer  1028  and an ATM system  1028 . After receiving the electronic book data, the cable headends store the books in a local file server  1024 .  FIG. 18   a &#39;s distribution point  1020  is an example of a cable headend which may receive data from the operations center  250  of  FIG. 18   b  through an ATM hookup  1088  or satellite hookup. 
     VII. Information Manipulation Features for Electronic Books 
     An electronic book may include various features for manipulating text or other information within it. As discussed below, those features include highlighting, copying and pasting, cutting and pasting, and annotating information. Other features include simultaneously displaying multiple pages selected by a subscriber, displaying one or more pages on a viewer having multiple screens, rotating images and sizing images. 
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart of an information manipulation process  901  for highlighting, cutting and pasting, copying and pasting, and annotating text or other information in an electronic book. The information manipulation process  901  may be implemented within the viewer  266 , the library  262 , or a combination. For example, the image manipulation process  901  may be implemented by software modules residing within the instruction memory unit  632  for execution by the library processor  628  or within the instruction memory  732  for execution by the viewer processor  621 , or a combination. Within the information manipulation process  901 , the display page module or process  801  provides for displaying a page on the viewer  266 . The page display may be accomplished using the process shown in  FIG. 12  in which the subscriber selects a particular electronic book for viewing. The description that follows assumes the viewer processor  621  performs all software module execution steps. 
     In the select text process  803 , a subscriber selects text or other information, which may be accomplished by using controls  740  to manipulate the curser to select a portion of text. In particular, the subscriber may select displayed text or other information by moving the cursor across the information to be selected using a trackball  743  while depressing a selection button  745  (see  FIG. 11 ). Other types of selection are possible, such as using a touch-sensitive screen and permitting the subscriber to select information by touching the appropriate part of the screen, or using other types of cursor-control devices, including peripheral devices, and selection buttons to manipulate a cursor over information to be selected. 
     The viewer  266  may provide an indication of the selected text or other information by showing the text or other information shaded, showing the text in an alternate color, or using another type of indicator. If the subscriber selects a command process  805 , such as a highlight command, a highlight decision process  815  is executed and the processor  621  determines if the subscriber has requested any particular type of highlighting. The term highlighting refers to providing an indication of text or other displayed information in order to distinguish the highlighted text from other displayed information. If the subscriber has selected a highlighting option using the process  817 , the processor  621  alters the selected information to highlight the information according to the subscriber-entered option. Otherwise, the processor  621 , using a default process  819 , alters the selected information to highlight it according to a default option. The highlighted information is then stored and displayed by the processor  621  using a store process  821 . 
     If the subscriber entered a copy command, the processor  621 , using a copy process  807 , copies and stores the selected information as identified by the subscriber during the select text process  803 . If the subscriber entered a cut command, the processor  621  executes a remove process  809  and removes and stores the selected information. Upon receiving a paste command, as determined during execution of a paste process  811 , the processor  621 , using an insert process  813 , inserts the stored information, typically at a location of the cursor, and displays and stores the changes. 
     If the subscriber entered an annotate command, the processor  621 , using text process  823 , permits the subscriber to enter a text or other annotation. An annotation may include, for example, text, graphical information, still images, video clips, multi-media information or an electronic link identifier. A subscriber may indicate a location to enter an annotation by, for example, using the controls  740  (see  FIG. 14   a ) to select text or other information to annotate under control of the processor  621  executing the select text process  803 . Alternatively, the subscriber, using controls  740  to position the cursor, may create an annotation under control of the processor  621  using the subscriber position cursor process  881 . 
     Using an insert process  825 , the processor  621  inserts the annotation, and displays and stores the changes. The annotation is typically inserted at a location of the cursor identified using the positions cursor process  881 , or proximate to the selected information identified using the select text process  803 , so that the subscriber may choose where to enter the annotation within a particular displayed page of the electronic book. The subscriber may alternatively move a location of the annotation elsewhere within the page by using the controls  740  to select the annotation and move the annotation to a new location. The subscriber can cut, copy, and paste the annotation. Using a reposition process  826 , the processor  621  repositions the annotation, if moved by the subscriber. 
     Using a receive another command process  827 , the processor  621  determines if the subscriber has entered another command. If the subscriber has entered another command, the process repeats. In addition, if the subscriber selected information to annotate, the processor  621  may indicate the selected information along with the annotation by, for example, highlighting the selected information or displaying the selected information within a box or other type of border. 
       FIGS. 20-22  are examples of text screens illustrating use of the commands in the information manipulation process  901 .  FIG. 20  is an example of a text screen  1200  on the viewer  266  displaying highlighted text  1201 . In an embodiment, the text screen  1200  includes a task bar  1214  having a number of sections  1215 - 1227  and  1231  for selecting particular commands. The term section ( 1215 - 1227  and  1231 ) refers to a definable portion of the screen, and the phrase task bar ( 1214 ) refers to a collection of sections for permitting selection of various commands. For instance, a subscriber may select a highlight command by manipulating the controls  740  to select the highlight section  1215  using the cursor or by using a particular key stroke. A subscriber also may select a menu section  1231  in task bar  1214  in order to view menus on the viewer  266 , such as the menus identified in  FIG. 13 , and then may select an electronic book for viewing from the menus. The act of selecting a section may involve, for example, positioning the cursor or a pointer over the section using the trackball  743  and depressing the selection button  745  to “click on” the section. Other cursor-control devices, including peripheral devices, may be used to select a section. 
     In this example, highlighted text  1201  is shown as shaded. Other types of highlighting may be used such as, for example, illustrating the text or other displayed information in a different color, in a box, in a different font, in bold, in italics, underlined, or in reverse video. In addition, the subscriber may highlight other types of information in addition to text. The viewer  266  may present highlighting options by presenting a section with options when the subscriber selects the highlight section  1215 . Alternatively, the viewer  266  may include a screen for setting various display and other controls, which may include a section for setting highlighting options. In addition, although the task bar  1214  includes the sections  1215 - 1227  and  1231  in contiguous horizontal form, the sections of the task bar  1214  may be displayed vertically on the left or right margin, scattered among the screen, or in some other geometric representation. 
     Typical cut, copy, and paste commands are illustrated by a text screen  1202  shown in  FIG. 21 . A subscriber may select cut, copy, and paste commands by manipulating the controls  740  (the trackball  743  and the selection button  745 ) to select, respectively, sections  1216 ,  1217 , and  1218  using the cursor, or by using particular key strokes. The text screen  1202 , which may be displayed on the viewer  266 , corresponds to the text screen  1200  shown in  FIG. 20 . In this example, the highlighted text  1201  has been cut, copied, and pasted. In particular, the first sentence in highlighted text  1201  has been cut and pasted at location  1203 . The second sentence in highlighted text  1201  has been copied and pasted at location  1204 . Although these commands are illustrated with text, they may apply to other information such as, for example, graphical information, still images, or video clips. Although the example in  FIG. 21  is shown as cutting and pasting, and copying and pasting, text within one electronic book, the viewer  266  typically may cut and paste, and copy and paste, text or other information between two or more electronic books, or between electronic books and other data sources such as word processing programs. When text is added or deleted from an electronic book, the electronic book typically automatically repaginates. 
       FIG. 22  is an example of an annotated screen  1205  on the viewer  266  displaying an annotation  1206  within the text. The subscriber may select an annotate command by manipulating the controls  740  (the trackball  743  and the selection button  745 ) to select an annotate section  1219  using the cursor or by using a particular key stroke. Upon selection of the annotate section  1219 , the viewer  266  may present section  1206  at a location of the cursor and permit the subscriber to enter text or other information into section  1206 . The annotation may include text, graphical information, still photos, video clips, or multimedia information. The information may include subscriber-entered information, default information provided by the viewer  266 , or a combination. The annotation may be displayed, for example, in a box, highlighted, or as codes or symbols. The annotation may cover the text beneath it, or the text beneath the annotation may scroll around the annotation. Text for annotation may be created using the remote wired keyboard  267  or wireless keyboard  268  shown in  FIG. 6   a . Text may also be created using a soft keyboard displayed on the viewer  266 . The soft keyboard may be displayed during the annotation step and may be hidden at other times. 
       FIG. 23  is a flow chart of a multiple display process  903  for displaying multiple pages. The process  903  may be implemented within the viewer  266 , the library  262 , or a combination. For example, the process  903  may be implemented by software modules residing within the instruction memory unit  632  for execution by the library processor  628  or within the instruction memory  732  for execution by the viewer processor  621 , or a combination. The process  903  may be used by the subscriber to view a plurality of pages within an electronic book. For example, instead of viewing consecutive pages, as typically presented on the viewer  266 , the subscriber may wish to view non-consecutive pages, such as those having related information. Therefore, the viewer  266  may display, for example, on a split screen, two or more pages selected by the subscriber. 
     In the multiple display process  903 , the processor  621 , executing a display page module or process  829 , displays a page. Using a request process  831 , the processor  621  receives a multiple page view request. A receive process  833  is used by the processor  621  to receive a selection of pages. In response, using a display process  835 , the processor  621  retrieves, formats, and displays the selected pages of the electronic book. Formatting may involve reducing the size of the pages and appending them together to display as one image on the viewer  266 . A decision process  837  determines if additional pages are selected. If so, the display process  835  again retrieves and displays the newly selected pages. 
       FIG. 24  is an example illustrating how two pages  1229  and  1230  may be displayed simultaneously on the viewer  266  within one split-screen  1228 . The subscriber may select multiple page view by manipulating the controls  740  (the trackball  743  and the selection button  745 ) to select a multi-page section  1220  in the task bar  1214 , and the subscriber may enter pages to view within a page section  1221  of the task bar  1214 . In addition, the subscriber may select pages from different electronic books for simultaneous viewing by selecting the menu section  1231  to select another electronic book or other information source and, if necessary, select a page by entering a page or pages in the page section  1221 . 
     Therefore, the subscriber may select which particular pages among any of the pages in the electronic book are to be displayed on the viewer  266 . Although the pages are shown displayed as a side-by-side image, the pages may be displayed vertically. In addition, although only two pages are shown displayed, the viewer  266  may format varying number of pages to be displayed. For example, the viewer  266  may receive a selection of four pages and display the four pages in four equally sized sections of the viewer  266 . In addition, the viewer  266  may display the page numbers along with the page content. Although only text is shown, pages may contain other types of information such as, for example, graphical, video, or multimedia information. When multiple pages are displayed, information contained on each of the multiple pages may be manipulated as described herein. For example, if four pages from an electronic book are displayed simultaneously, the subscriber may elect to manipulate information on the third page. To do so, the subscriber may operate the controls  740  (the trackball  743  and the selection button  745 ) to select the third page and to then manipulate information on, or associated with, the third page. For example, the subscriber may select a paragraph of text in the third page, copy the text, and then scroll or drag the copied text to the first page of the four displayed pages. 
       FIG. 25  is a flow chart of a multiple screen display process  905  for displaying pages on an electronic book viewer having multiple screens. The process  905  may be implemented within the viewer  266 , the library  262 , or a combination. For example, the process  905  may be implemented by software modules residing within the instruction memory unit  632  for execution by the library processor  628  or within the instruction memory  732  for execution by the viewer processor  621 , or a combination. Displaying images on multiple screens involves formatting one or more pages to be displayed on a number of associated screens. For example, as shown in  FIG. 26   a , an electronic book viewer  266 ′ may include three screens,  1211 ,  1212 , and  1213 . The screens may be connected in a variety of positions, such as horizontally, vertically, T-shape, rectangular, square, or some other geometric configuration. 
     The screens  1211 ,  1212 , and  1213  may be physically connected by hinges  1241  and  1242 , including electrical connections between screens for transmitting electronic book content and commands. As another example, as shown in  FIG. 26   b , a viewer  266 ″ may include three screens  1211 ′,  1212 ′, and  1213 ′ that snap together, or become otherwise joined together, by physical and electrical connectors, as represented by arrows  1243  and  1244 . The subscriber may select a multiple screen view by manipulating the controls  740  (the trackball  743  and the selection button  745 ) to select a multi-screen section  1222  in the task bar  1214 , as shown in  FIG. 24 , or by using a particular key stroke, and the subscriber may enter pages to view within the page section  1221  of the task bar  1214 . At least one of the screens  1211 - 1213  and  1211 ′- 1213 ′ may include the task bar  1214  for selecting a command and entering pages. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , in the multiple screen display process  905 , the processor  621 , executing a display page module or process  839 , displays a page. Next, using a request process  841 , the processor  621  receives a request for display on multiple screens. Using a receive process  843 , the processor  621  receives selected pages, which the subscriber may specify by manipulating the controls  740 . Next, in a determination process  859 , the processor  621  determines a number of screens in the viewer  266 , which may be accomplished by electronically interrogating the connections between screens to determine how many screens are interconnected. 
     The processor  621  next uses a format process  845  to format the page or pages for display on the multiple screens. Using the format process  845 , the processor  621  determines the number of pages for display and compares that number with the number of screens available for displaying the page or pages. If only one page was selected, the processor  621  uses a first format process  847  to format the selected page for display across all screens in the viewer  266 . If the number of selected pages is less than the number of screens, the processor  621  uses a second format process  849  to format the selected pages for display. One method of formatting is to equally distribute the selected pages across the screens, which involves resizing and scaling up or scaling down the pages for display among the available screens. If the number of selected pages equals the number of screens, the processor  621  uses a third format process  851  to format the selected pages to display one page per screen. If the number of selected pages is greater than the number of screens, the processor  621  uses a fourth format process  853  to format the selected pages to display them equally distributed across the screens, which involves resizing and reducing the pages to fit among the screens. 
     The processor  621  uses known techniques for sizing a page to fit an available screen. For example, the processor  621  may apply sub-sampling routines to create a thumbnail image of a page, and then may display the thumbnail image in a reduced size window on a screen. For example, an electronic atlas may include many full page maps. A select number of the maps may be displayed on the viewer screen by first creating thumbnail images, and then arranging their display on the viewer screen. In this way, several full page images may be viewed and compared in a convenient manner. For example, nine full page maps from the electronic atlas may be displayed simultaneously on the viewer screen. Digital data compression techniques for images (including text and images) are well known and need not be repeated here. For example,  Data Compression In Digital System , by Ray Hoffman, (Chapman &amp; Hall, 1977), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes such data compression techniques. 
     An image displayed on the viewer  266  may be scaled down by dropping, or decimating, rows and columns of pixels within the image. Alternatively, each pixel in the reduced-size image may be created by averaging neighboring pixels in the original image. 
     To make an image larger, the existing pixels in the original image may be replicated in two dimensions. However, such a scaled-up image is likely to be “blocky.” To avoid the blocky appearance, each pixel in the scaled-up image is created by applying a color smoothing or dithering algorithm to pixels in the original image. 
     The scaling up and down may be performed with text and graphic images, and with still (for example, JPEG) and moving (for example, MPEG 2) images. These and other techniques may be used to display multiple images on a single screen, multiple images on multiple screens and multiple images on multiple screens. 
     Once the selected pages have been resized, the processor  621 , using a display process  855 , sends the formatted page or pages to the viewer screen(s) for display. Then, using display process  883 , the processor  621  displays the formatted page or pages on the multiple screens of the viewer  266 . The processor  621  uses decision process  856  to determine the number of screens changes. This may occur by the subscriber adding additional screens to the viewer  266  or removing screens from the viewer  266 , if the viewer  266  contains removable screens or the capability to deactivate particular screens. If this occurs, the processor  621  returns to the determination process  859  to determine the number of screens and then formats the page or pages accordingly. Otherwise, the processor  621  determines if additional pages are selected using decision process  857 . 
       FIGS. 26   c ,  26   d , and  26   e , in which each box represents one screen, illustrate the display of a page or pages on multiple screens. If a single image  1245  represents one page,  FIG. 26   d  illustrates enlargement of the page to display the page as a first image  1246  and a second image  1247 .  FIG. 26   e  illustrates enlargement of the page to display the page as a first image  1248 , a second image  1249 , a third image  1250 , and a fourth image  1251 . In comparison, if the first image  1248 , the second image  1249 , the third image  1250 , and the fourth image  1251  together represent one page,  FIG. 26   d  illustrates reduction of the pages to display the pages as the first image  1246  and the second image  1247 , and  FIG. 26   c  represents reduction of the pages to display the pages as the single image  1245 . If the first image  1248 , the second image  1249 , the third image  1250 , and the fourth image  1251  each represent one page,  FIG. 26   e  illustrates display of one page per screen, alternatively,  FIG. 26   e  shows an enlargement of a single page to four screens. 
     VIII. Picture-in-Picture Feature for Electronic Books 
     Picture-in-picture viewing permits the subscriber to simultaneously display on the viewer  266 , pages or portions of two different electronic books, or content from an electronic book and another information source, such as video or multimedia information. The electronic book for viewing may be selected from electronic books stored in the viewer  266  or an associated library viewer  262 , or may be obtained from a received signal. The other information source, when used, may be received using an electronic or electromagnetic signal such as a television signal, video signal, cable television signal, or wireline or wireless telephone or data source signal. For example, while viewing an electronic book the subscriber may want to simultaneously view a television program or a particular video. 
     When electronic content is obtained from memory, a system for picture-in-picture viewing formats the two or more electronic books, or electronic books and other electronic information, for simultaneous display. When electronic content is obtained from a received signal, the viewer  266  performs necessary decoding or other processing for simultaneously displaying a page of an electronic book along with the other electronic information. 
     a. Picture-in-Picture Process 
       FIG. 27  is a flow chart of a picture-in-picture viewing process  907  for picture-in-picture viewing of electronic books and other electronic information. The process  907  may be implemented within the viewer  266 , the library  262 , or a combination. For example, the process  907  may be implemented by software modules residing within the instruction memory unit  632  for execution by the library processor  628  or within the instruction memory  732  for execution by the viewer processor  621 , or a combination. In the picture-in-picture viewing process  907 , the viewer  266 , using a display page module or process  863 , displays a page of a first electronic book. Using the receive request process  865 , the processor  621  receives a request for picture-in-picture viewing from the subscriber along with an identification of a second information source, such as a second electronic book, a television signal, a video signal, still photos, content from the Internet, electronic book electronic links, or multi-media information. Using a decision process  867 , the processor  621  determines if the subscriber entered a request for a particular type of picture-in-picture viewing format, which may include, for example, use of an inset image or side-by-side images. If the subscriber did not enter a particular type of picture-in-picture viewing format, the processor  621  uses a default process  873  to format the first electronic book and content from the second information source for picture-in-picture viewing according to a particular default format setting. 
     Otherwise, the library  262  or the viewer  266  formats the first electronic book and the content from the second information source according to the subscriber-entered option. In particular, if the subscriber requested an inset image, the processor  621 , using an inset image process  869 , formats the first electronic book and the content from the second information source for displaying content from the second information source as an inset image within the first displayed electronic book. Using a reposition process  909 , the processor  621  then repositions the inset image and reformats the first electronic book, if the inset image is moved by the subscriber. If the subscriber requested side-by-side images, the processor  621  uses a split screen process  871  to format the first electronic book and content from the second information source for display as side-by-side images. After displaying the picture-in-picture images, each display functions independently, permitting the subscriber to advance pages in the first electronic book, for example, by selecting the displayed image of the first electronic book. Using reverse images decision process  875 , the processor  621  determines if the subscriber entered a request to reverse the displayed images. If so, the processor  621  executes a reverse format process  877  to reverse the display. The processor  621  then uses a decision process  879  to determine if the subscriber entered a request for different viewing. If the subscriber entered a different viewing request, the processor  621  returns to the decision process  867 . Various multimedia experiences, programs, and displays may be created using two or more images. 
       FIGS. 28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , and  28   d  are examples of displays for picture-in-picture viewing. In the display of  FIG. 28   a , a portion of a first electronic book is displayed as a main image  1207 , and a portion of a second electronic book is displayed as an inset image  1208 . In the display of  FIG. 28   b , side-by-side images display a portion of a first electronic book  1209  adjacent a portion of a second electronic book  1210 . In the display of  FIG. 28   c , a portion of a first electronic book is displayed as a main image  1207 ′, and content from a second information source, such as a television or video signal, is displayed as an inset image  1208 ′. In the display of  FIG. 28   d , side-by-side images display a portion of a first electronic book  1209 ′ adjacent to content  1210 ′ from a second information source such as a television or video signal. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28   a  and  28   c , the viewer  266  typically formats the content  1207  and  1207 ′ from the electronic book so that the content  1207  and  1207 ′ wraps around the inset images  1208  and  1208 ′, respectively, in order to display a portion of the content  1207  and  1207 ′ that would otherwise be concealed by inset images  1208  and  1208 ′. In this manner, content from the electronic book is not obstructed because the inset image does not overlay the main image. This is particularly well-suited for text. In addition, if the subscriber moves a location of the inset image  1208  or  1208 ′, the processor  621  uses the reposition process  909  to reformat the content  1207  and  1207 ′ to display the portion concealed by the new location of the inset image  1208  or  1208 ′, respectfully. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the main image  1207  and  1207 ′ may be formatted so that the inset images  1208  and  1208 ′, respectively, overlay and obstruct the portion of the main image at the location of the inset images. If the main image  1207  or  1207 ′ is a television or video signal, then the viewer  266  typically overlays the inset image  1208  or  1208 ′ to avoid distortion of the main image as may occur with wrapping the main image around an inset image. In addition, the subscriber may typically position the inset image anywhere within the main image by using the cursor and the controls  740  to select and move the inset image to a new location. The size of the inset image may also be changed. 
     The subscriber may select picture-in-picture viewing by manipulating the controls  740  (the trackball  743  and the selection button  745 ) to select a p-i-p section  1223  in the task bar  1214 , or by using a particular key stroke. In order to display an inset image, as shown in  FIG. 28   a , the subscriber may select an inset section  1225 . To display the electronic books as side-by-side images, as shown in  FIG. 28   b , the subscriber may select a split section  1224 . The subscriber may switch between the inset view and the split image view by selecting the split section  1224  and the inset section  1225  for the desired view. The subscriber may reverse or swap the displayed images by selecting a swap section  1226  in the task bar  1214 . Upon selecting the swap section  1226 , the viewer  266  switches positions of the images. By selecting a normal view section  1227 , the subscriber may exit the picture-in-picture mode and return to normal viewing, in which case the main image  1207  or left image  1209  becomes the sole displayed image, for example. The subscriber may select the first and second electronic books, or the first electronic book and the second information source, for viewing by selecting the menu section  1231  on the task bar  1214  and selecting particular electronic books or other information sources from the displayed menu. 
     b. Picture-in-Picture Tuning: Electronic Book and an Information Source 
     The viewer  266  or the home system  258  may be used to provide picture-in-picture capability with one or more signals coming from an information source or a component that is external to the home system  258 .  FIG. 29   a  shows an embodiment of the home system  258  that is intended to display multiple images in a picture-in-picture format. In  FIG. 29   a , the home system  258  comprises a single unit, namely the viewer  266 . The viewer  266  includes the digital logic  609 , the microprocessor  621 , the memory  607 , and the LCD  602 . The functions of these components have been described previously. Also included in the viewer  266  is a data connector/converter  617 ′. The data converter  617 ′ includes the functions of the tuner  613 , data stripper  617 , modem  611  and RF transceiver  604  described in connection with  FIG. 6   b . The data converter  617 ′ receives data signals from wired or wireless communications paths and passes the signals to the digital logic  609  for processing and display on the LCD  602 . The data converter  617 ′ may for example receive signals from a wireless keyboard  268 , a telephone  275 , a personal computer  261 , a video camera  273 , a television  259  or a set top terminal  601 . As shown in  FIG. 29   a , all of these components may communicate with the viewer  266  using either wired or wireless communication paths. The viewer  266  may also receive data signals from the Internet web site  279 . Data signals from the Internet web site  279  may be received directly from the Internet or by using the personal computer  261 , for example. The data converter  617 ′ receives the data signals from one or more of the multiple sources shown in  FIG. 29   a  and converts the signal into an appropriate format for display on the LCD  602 . The received signal may be displayed as text, a JPEG image, or an MPEG image, for example. The data converter  617 ′ may also receive audio and output the audio to a speaker  608 . Alternately, the audio may be converted to text and displayed on the LCD  602 . Text information displayed on the personal computer  261 , using for example a word processing program, may be sent to the data converter  617 ′ and displayed as text on the LCD  602 . Television signals received at either the set top terminal  601  or the television  259  may be displayed as video signals on the LCD  602 . The video camera  273  may provide a live video feed to the viewer  266  for display on the LCD  602 . Commands or text typed in using the keyboard  268  may be displayed on the LCD  602 . Finally, web pages such as a web page available at the web site  279  may be displayed on the LCD  602 . The memory  607  may store programs and menus to allow the subscriber to select which of the multiple information sources will provide a display on the viewer  266 . For example, the subscriber may decide to display an electronic book on the viewer  266  and concurrently to display in a window on the LCD  602 , a live feed from the video camera  273 , and in another window on the LCD  602 , a broadcast television program being received by the television  259 , for example. 
       FIG. 29   b  shows an example of the multiple information sources being displayed on the viewer  266 . In  FIG. 29   b  the menu bar  1214  shows the menu selection  1231  and the p-i-p selection  1223 . The subscriber has elected to use the p-i-p function and the menu bar therefore displays four window options  1244 - 1247 . In  FIG. 29   b  the subscriber has elected to play the text from an electronic book using window one  1244 , a television show using window two  1245  and a video feed from a video camera using window three  1246 . Window four  1247  is not used. The result is shown as the text in a full width, upper window  1207 ″ television show in a split with lower window  1240  and a video feed in a second split window  1241 . 
     There are many practical uses for the multiple screen, split screen and picture-in-picture features of the viewer  266 . Examples of uses of these features include, but are not limited to, the following. 
     For example, while in the garage working on a vehicle the subscriber can use the viewer  266  to help make a repair easier. The subscriber can use part of the LCD  602  to display the instructions to make the necessary repair on the automobile, can also display schematics, drawings and/or pictures of the parts, a short video on how to make the repair, as well as continuously watching the video camera  273  showing the front door or baby&#39;s crib. 
     When the car repair is completed, the subscriber can move the viewer to the kitchen where the subscriber can have one, two or more of the following on the viewer  266 : a list of ingredients, text of a recipe, a video on how to mix the ingredients, listing of measurement conversions, and a video feed from a child&#39;s play room. More simply, the subscriber can read a book in the backyard while simultaneously watching the baby&#39;s playpen indoor on a video feed. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments described above, it is evident that many alterations, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be only illustrative. Various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims and their equivalents.