Dynamic pagination of text and resizing of image to fit a document

Abstract

Dynamic pagination for electronic documents, such as electronic books, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method first processes a document made up of at least text, as a number of segments. Second, the method determines a number of page breaks within a predetermined segment. This segment, for example, may be entered into the memory of a viewing device, such as an electronic book device. Third, the method renders a predetermined page within the predetermined segment, and finally displays the predetermined page. For example, the page can be displayed on a display device such as a flat-panel display of an electronic book device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 410,414, filed Oct. 1, 1999, entitled “Dynamic Pagination of Text and Resizing of Image to Fit a Document”. This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,026 entitled “Balanced View Generation for Electronic Documents”. The entirety of each is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to electronic documents such as electronic books, and more particularly dynamic pagination of such electronic documents. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Documents, such as books, magazines, etc., are increasingly being distributed in an electronic manner. For example, books distributed electronically are commonly referred to as electronic books. The terminology electronic document is used herein to refer to any type of document that is stored and / or distributed in an electronic manner. Such so-called electronic documents can be viewed on general-pu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Embodiments of the invention provide for advantages not found in the prior art. For example, embodiments allow for quick pagination of electronic documents regardless of the host device on which they are being viewed. By having the document made up of a number of segments, which may, for example, correspond to chapters of a book, only one segment at a time has to be paginated on-the-fly. Furthermore, only the currently desired page of the segment needs to be rendered for display. The invention also provides for flexibility in different types of host devices on which the electronic documents may be viewed. By paginating pages dynamically, electronic books under embodiments of the invention can look quite good on devices ranging from palm-sized personal computers (PC's) to twenty-one inch monitors.

Problems solved by technology

Second, the method determines a number of page breaks within a predetermined segment.

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