Programmable virtual book system

Abstract

An electronic information browsing system that provides a book-like interface—a virtual book—for presenting electronic contents. Specifically, an electronic information browsing system that allows users to configure its behavior via data and program specification encapsulated in a dynamic file format. Configurable behavior includes but not limited to the kind of contents to be displayed in the virtual book, the sources of the contents to be displayed, the static aspects of the virtual book such as the book dimensions and the dynamic aspects of the virtual book such as when a page is to be flipped, how the flipping of pages is contingent upon the execution of certain pre-specified events, etc.

1 . A method for controlling an electronic book, comprising steps of: 
 controlling said electronic book with an electronic book behavior specification containing a static specification; and    controlling said electronic book with a dynamic specification, said dynamic specification configured to allow an electronic book behavior to be reprogrammed via a user-initiated command or an automatically-initiated command.