Device, Method, and System for Providing an Electronic Reading Environment

Abstract

A device, method, and system for providing an electronic reading environment are described herein. The device, method, and system convert standard electronic text into a hyper-text document. The hyper-text document transforms standard electronic text into access points that allow a reader to further explore each word, group of words, or image in the hyper-text document. Navigational aids and features assist in combining the advantages of paper-based and electronic-based text into one electronic reading environment for reading any electronic text.

1 .- 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of assisting in the assimilation of electronic information, the method comprising:
 converting an electronic document into a hyper-document so that each word in the hyper-document comprises an access point; and   generating a map that graphically represents an exploratory search from a first selected access point to a second selected access point.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the access point is configured to be selectable so as to initiate an electronic search for information related to the word. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 updating the map so that the map represents viewed search results returned based on selection of a given access point.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first selected access point leads to a plurality of access points within a plurality of electronic documents by conducting an electronic dictionary lookup and returning the plurality of electronic documents. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first selected access point leads to a plurality of access points within a plurality of electronic documents by conducting an electronic encyclopedia lookup and returning the plurality of electronic documents. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first selected access point leads to a plurality of access points within a plurality of electronic documents by conducting a web search and returning the plurality of electronic documents. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein converting the electronic document into the hyper-document further comprises that images in the hyper-document comprise access points. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the map provides access to electronic documents previously accessed in the exploratory search. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the map provides a node for previously accessed electronic documents within the exploratory search. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the map is orbital, and wherein the electronic document is at a center of the map. 
     
     
         30 . A method of simulating paper-based text in an electronic environment, the method comprising:
 converting an electronic document into a hyper-document so that words in the hyper-document comprise respective access points;   receiving markings of the electronic document, wherein a marking includes an electronic textual note on the electronic document; and   generating a map that graphically relates the marked document and electronic documents in a manner that shows relationships between the electronic documents, wherein the electronic documents are returned by exploring via the respective access points.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising exploring a given access point by using an electronic reference source to return a given electronic document that is related to the given access point. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the respective access points are configured to be selectable so as to initiate an electronic search for information related to the word. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising:
 updating the map so that the map represents viewed search results returned based on selection of a given access point.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the respective access points lead to a plurality of access points within a plurality of electronic documents by conducting one of an electronic dictionary lookup and returning the plurality of electronic documents, an electronic encyclopedia lookup and returning the plurality of electronic documents, or a web search and returning the plurality of electronic documents. 
     
     
         35 . A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions that when executed by a computing device cause the computing device to perform functions comprising:
 converting an electronic document into a hyper-document so that each word in the hyper-document comprises an access point; and   generating a map that graphically represents an exploratory search from a first selected access point to a second selected access point.   
     
     
         36 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 35 , wherein the access point is configured to be selectable so as to initiate an electronic search for information related to the word. 
     
     
         37 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 36 , wherein the functions further comprise:
 updating the map so that the map represents viewed search results returned based on selection of a given access point.   
     
     
         38 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 35 , wherein the first selected access point leads to a plurality of access points within a plurality of electronic documents by conducting one of an electronic dictionary lookup and returning the plurality of electronic documents, an electronic encyclopedia lookup and returning the plurality of electronic documents, or a web search and returning the plurality of electronic documents. 
     
     
         39 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 35 , wherein the map provides a node for previously accessed electronic documents within the exploratory search.