A multi-user touch system includes a surface on which are a pattern of mounted antennas. A transmitter transmits uniquely identifiable signals to each antenna. Receivers are capacitively coupled to different users, the receivers are configured to receive the uniquely identifiable signals. A processor then associates a specific antenna with a particular users when multiple users simultaneously touch any of the antennas.

A system for electronic distribution of books and other media. The system includes a number of self-service stations from which a customer can select and order items and download the ordered item to a portable reader a or smart card. The system may include cryptoprocessing capabilities in order to prevent illicit duplication and distribution of items. The self-service stations are connected to a network of servers which provide access to information and capabilities, such as access to available titles which may be stored in a remote location, the ability to provide audio and video conferencing for customer assistance or as a special feature, such as a conference with an author, or access to customer account information. The system may collect and store customer information in order to provide the customer with an enhanced shopping experience, for example by collecting and analyzing purchase information in order to identify customer areas of interest and suggest purchases likely to interest the customer.

In the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, two display units differ in size are coupled so that an edge part of one of the display units is exposed from the other display unit when the electronic apparatus is folded. An index unit is installed on the edge part and displays index tabs of data recorded in the electronic apparatus. When a user opens the folded electronic apparatus while pressing one of the index tabs, data corresponding to the designated index are extracted from the recorded data and are displayed on the display units.

A communication system having a client device, a processing server and a contents server. When the client device makes a request for textual information to the processing server, the processing server searches for and receives the requested textual information from the contents server. Then, the processing server generates both abridged textual information and voice information from the received textual information, and transmits the abridged textual information to the client device. The client device requests the voice information, which corresponds to an unabridged version of the textual information, at the user's request.

A wireless memory card reader comprises a card insertion read/write device and a host unit read/write device. The card insertion read/write device further comprises a casing with a card slot and an inner card socket for being inserted with a memory card, a printed circuit board received in the casing with a required circuit thereon, a wireless transmission driver fixed to the printed circuit board for a signal being wave-mixed, demodulated and amplified, a battery seat with at least a battery arranged at a lateral side of the casing for supplying the power needed by the circuit, a card socket fixed to the printed circuit board and connecting with the circuit for being inserted with the memory card, and an antenna connected to the printed circuit board for sending and receiving radio signals. The host unit end read/write device further comprises a casing, a printed circuit board received in the casing with a required circuit thereon, a wireless transmission driver fixed to the printed circuit board for the signal being wave-mixed, demodulated, and power amplified, and a USB lead wire with a connector extending outward from the casing.