US Patent 7167158 Scanning electronic book

An electronic book for presenting text and/or graphics includes a scanner for scanning data cards bearing a pattern encoding the text and/or graphics. The electronic book further includes a programmed processor for decoding the text and/or graphics and a screen for displaying same. In a preferred embodiment the electronic book is provided in a compact foldable housing with an appearance similar to a conventional book including a flexible and foldable screen. The housing includes a spine having a recess to allow the folded screen to loop without damage occurring due to creasing.