Extensible Ereader Framework for Named Entity Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic book readers lack a standardized framework for extending or adding functionality, as each device and format has specific interaction capabilities, limiting the ability to implement additional features across different platforms.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for providing information about named entities in electronic books, allowing clients to request and receive layer information associated with specific content ranges, enabling enhanced interaction features such as annotations, definitions, translations, and search functionalities through a networked environment involving a repository, processing server, and client device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ereader functionality is built-in to specific devices and formats, then device-specific reading capabilities are ensured, but the ability to extend or add new functionality across different platforms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal framework that enables multiple functionalities (annotations, definitions, translations, search) to be added across different ereading devices and formats. The framework defines standardized interfaces and data structures that allow diverse functionality to be integrated without requiring device-specific implementations, thus achieving multi-functionality while maintaining compatibility across platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ereading functionality is segmented into modular components including distinct layers for different functions (annotation layer, definition layer, translation layer, search layer), standardized data structures for named entities, and separate processing modules. This segmentation allows individual functionalities to be developed, updated, and extended independently while maintaining the overall system integrity across different devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized framework for ereader tools is implemented, then functionality extension and cross-platform compatibility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized intermediate data structures and interfaces that act as mediators between diverse ereading devices and the various functionality layers. These intermediaries include standardized named entity data structures, uniform content range representations, and common API interfaces that simplify integration while managing the underlying complexity of cross-platform compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework enforces homogeneous data structures and interfaces across all functionality layers and device types. By standardizing how named entities are represented, how content ranges are defined, and how layers communicate with devices, the system reduces complexity through consistency rather than requiring complex adaptation logic for each device-format-functionality combination.
Data Source
AI summary
Information about named entities referenced in an electronic book (ebook) is provided to a client device. An ebook identifier identifying the ebook is received from the client device. A set of layers available for use with the ebook is determined. The layers in the set provide information associated with the ebook and a layer in the set provides information associated with named entities referenced in content of the ebook. A content range identifying a range of content of the ebook for which layer information is requested and an identification of one or more of the layers in the set for which layer information is requested is received from the client device. Layer information associated with the ebook content identified by the content range for the identified layers is transmitted to the client device. The transmitted layer information includes information associated with named entities referenced by ebook content.