WO2015151063A1

WO2015151063A1 - A digital book and a method of creating it

Info

Publication number: WO2015151063A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/052449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Elvin; Niell Glen ELVIN
Original assignee: KAPLAN, Margaret Lynne
Priority date: 2014-04-02
Filing date: 2015-04-02
Publication date: 2015-10-08

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer implemented method for creating an interactive digital book having a plurality of objects in context with text content arranged sequentially as pages of the book, the method comprising the steps of displaying an authoring user interface with a book format on an output device; receiving input from the input device, the input including a create new object command at an input position selected by the input device on the output device; converting the input into an object using an authoring editor means, the object being one of a text object, a figure object, a table object, a calculator object, a video object, a data input object and an external link object; determining a location in the text content corresponding to the input position; storing the object in the text content at the determined location using the authoring user interface, and updating the display of the authoring user interface to represent the object and data stored in the book.

Description

A DIGITAL BOOK AND A METHOD OF CREATING IT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method of developing and digitally presenting technical handbooks and textbooks, and a digital book created by such a method.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Technical handbooks and textbooks are characterised by the inclusion of technical information, data and figures therein. The difference between a handbook and a textbook is found in the intended use. A textbook is used for the purpose of studying technical information and principles. A handbook presents the results in an accessible form, typically for practical application.

Typical textbooks contain: (a) theory (including figures and graphs), (b) examples, and (c) exercise questions (problems intended for the reader to attempt without a solution). Typical handbooks contain: (a) a summary of theory, (b) tables of data, and (c) figures and graphs. Technical students and practicing technical professionals would use a textbook to learn about a subject. The same people would use a handbook for quick reference and to obtain rapid technical solutions. Tables of data give the reader the ability to pick pre-determined solutions that have been compiled by the author.

Handbooks and textbooks have been available for a long time in written and printed form, and only more recently in digital form. The more recent digital form represents for handbooks and textbooks the conversion of a conventional paper page, containing typically text, graphs and tables, into a data file which is stored in a format which renders it accessible to document reader software. An example of such is the commonly available Portable Document Format ("PDF") from the company Adobe ® used to store and present such a page. In this format, the electronic page is not much more than the electronic equivalent of the paper page.

There are some versions of PDF documents and associated software that allows electronic pages and documents, including books, to be changed by annotation and adding, for example, signatures. This does not change the original content of the electronic book - such additions merely represent the electronic version of marking up a conventional paper book by means of, for example, a text highlighter or making annotations in the book (such as those typically made in text books by students).

The present problem with textbooks and handbooks is that information is presented on a typed page or on a computer screen in a static manner. The reader does not interact with the information except to obtain values, and to learn. For example, the values in a table remains static irrespective of the problem that a reader wishes to solve.

A further problem with static tables is that it can only contain a limited number of rows and columns - the tables are physically limited in size and therefore scope. The typeface of a book cannot be smaller than a generally accepted minimum font otherwise it would be illegible to many people. The size of a page from a textbook or handbook generally falls in about the A5 to A4 size range (with some variance to this), which means there is a physical limit on the amount of data that can legibly be represented on any given page and therefore in any given table in a textbook or handbook.

This requires the data of a table to be represented in respect of spaced apart values of variables on which the data depends, and by default means not all data can be represented for a given set of variables. This requires a user of the table to interpolate and in some instances even extrapolate to determine a value for a data point. When it comes to engineering that is sometimes not advisable.

This is true even for digital books, with one reason for that being that most digital books are created by merely converting the original "hard copy content" in an electronic format, such as PDF. Even when digital books are created for this medium, the physical size of the display screen on which such books are to be read are considered. Most readers do not wish to read a book, or at least dislikes reading a book, that includes content that requires scrolling left and right whilst reading it. This limits the extent to which content may be included for display on an output device such as a computer screen. This is even more problematic for displaying values in a table, where the output device screen width and the minimum font that is still legible for most readers determine how much data can be represented in a table. This is perhaps most noticeable when considering the difficulty of displaying information on an output screen of a smartphone or tablet computer (both of which have screens much smaller than those of desktop computers). The amount of space available on the output device determines the amount of data that can be displayed.

Of course it is also difficult to represent a value for a data point that depends on more than two variables in a table of rows and columns, since one variable is represented in the rows and another variable in the columns, with their intersections displaying values for data points. If the data point depends on three variables then the third variable has to be fixed for a table. This requires then the inclusion of a number of tables with the fixed value of the third variable differing in each table.

For example, if data point X is a function of variables A to C, then a specific table may represent X as a function of A and B in rows and columns for a specific set value of C. Another table will be required to represent the value of X for the same ranges of A and B with a different set value of C. It may also be required to represent the value of X with A and C in the rows and columns for a set value of B; and similarly in other tables for a set value of A with B and C in the rows in columns.

This may result in a very bulky handbook which still cannot represent all relevant data points for a given set of interrelated variables.

Some conventional books, especially text books and handbooks, usually each has a list of references or a bibliography. These are limited to static representations of references in a list. If a reader wishes to refer to such reference he has to seek it independently. Often such references are outdated or unavailable.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a method of creating book which at least partly overcomes the abovementioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of this invention there is provided a computer implemented method for creating an interactive digital book having a plurality of objects in context with text content arranged sequentially as pages of the book, the method comprising the steps of displaying an authoring user interface with a book format on an output device; receiving input from the input device, the input including a create new object command at an input position selected by the input device on the output device; converting the input into an object using an authoring editor means, the object being one of a text object, a figure object, a table object, a calculator object, a video object, a data input object and an external link object; determining a location in the text content corresponding to the input position; storing the object in the text content at the determined location using the authoring user interface, and updating the display of the authoring user interface on the output device to represent the object and data stored in the book. There is further provided for the method to include the steps of displaying an initialization screen on the output device; accepting initialization input including a page object and character objects from the input device; storing the character object and an associated name and an associated character icon in the interactive book; storing the page object and a page name in the interactive book; displaying the page name in the initialization screen; and identifying a first page to be executed.

There is still further provided for the method to include displaying the text content of the book in chapters and for the method to further comprise the steps of displaying an initialization screen on the output device; accepting initialization input including a chapter object from the input device; storing the chapter object and an associated chapter name in the interactive book; displaying the chapter name in the initialization screen; and identifying a first chapter to be executed.

There is also provided for the external link object to comprise a hyperlink to external data sources, including internet addresses or content stored in any one or more linked databases.

There is further provided for the data input object to comprise a data input mask displayed on the output device for selection of data input to at least one variable associated with a figure object, a table object or a calculator object, preferably a plurality of variables to present a value representative of a data point associated with the combination of the input variables in respect of an underlying relationship between the variables represented by the input mask.

There is further provided for the method to include the step of displaying a link input, accepting input to link a data input mask with a table object, and accepting input to the input mask specifying a list of predetermined values associated with the table object, to provide a user with an option for selection of a variable from a predetermined list of values associated with the figure object, table object or calculator object, preferably from a drop-down list displayed on the output device.

There is further provided for the table object to comprise a multi-dimensional table with a plurality of series of values in more than two dimensions, for data to be selected from the multi-dimensional table by means of data input through the input mask linked to the table, and for data to be represented as values from at least, and preferably each, of the series of values comprising the multi-dimensional table. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer implemented method for executing an interactive digital book having a plurality of objects stored in context with text content, the method comprising the steps of retrieving text and objects representing an interactive digital book from an active digital book memory; identifying a chapter or page to be executed, the chapter or page having associated text and optionally at least one associated object; identifying objects associated with the identified chapter or page object; and executing the chapter or page objects according to their order in the digital book memory by performing a sequence of programmed instruction steps corresponding to the first page of the identified chapter object or page object, as the case may be, and associated objects and processing the output signals to generate the interactive digital book on an output device.

There is further provided for the method to include the steps of generating the interactive digital book on the output device includes determining whether the at least one associated object is an input dependant object; identifying an input dependant object associated with the object from a group of input dependant objects including a calculator object, a figure object, and a table object, receiving input for the input dependant object from the input means, calculating a result to the received input by executing a stored calculation associated with the calculator object, or drawing a figure based on the received input by retrieving a stored figure and displaying dimensions in respect of the figure based on the input; or populating a table with values determined by executing a stored calculation associated with the table object or retrieving values from a library associated with the table object; and updating the display of the interactive digital book to represent the calculated result for the input dependant object.

There is also provided for the input means to comprise a data input mask displayed on the output device for selection of data input to at least one variable, preferably a plurality of variables to present a value representative of a data point associated with the combination of the input variables in respect of an underlying relationship between the variables represented by the input mask.

There is still further provided for the input mask to provide an option for selection of a variable from a predetermined list of values, preferably from a drop-down list displayed on the output device.

There is further provided for the dimensions of the figure to be displayed based on the input to the input mask, and for the figure to represent the configuration of at least some of the input variables in respect of the subject of the underlying relationship between the variables in respect of such input mask.

There is still further provided for the plurality of objects further to include multimedia objects, tool objects, example objects, and problem set objects.

There is further provided for the table object to comprise a multi-dimensional table with series of values in more than two dimensions, for data to be selected from the multi-dimensional table by means of data input through an input mask, and for data to be represented as values from at least, and preferably each, of the series of values comprising the multi- dimensional table.

There is yet further provided for the method to include displaying on the output device a set of data with an associated set of questions and answers, with the platform configured to display on the display screen the question set and to provide input means for answers to the question set to be input by a reader, and for submission of answers by the reader for transmission to a remote server configured to receive, evaluate and score the answers, and store the score in association with a unique identifier associated with the reader. There is still further provided for the storage of a set of questions and associated answers, with the platform configured to display on the output device a questionnaire to present the questions to a user of the interactive digital book; providing input means for the user to input answers to the questions; and receiving input for the answers from the input means and determining a score for the answers and storing the score in association with a unique identifier of the user. There is still further provided for the method to include transmitting the answers to a remote server configured to receive, evaluate and score the answers.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of a method for creating and using an interactive digital book according to the invention is described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: shows a user interface displayed on a computer screen of an interactive digital book created according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

shows a digital table/tool on a page of the book;

shows the dynamic figures associated with the digital table/tool of Figure 2; and

shows an interactive problem set included in the book.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described above the invention relates to a method of creating, or composing, an interactive digital book and to digital books created by such method. It also extends to an authoring editor and a user interface presented used to create and display such interactive digital books.

The method according to the invention is most easily realized using an interface, i.e. a platform that incorporates text, multi-media, tools (such as calculators), and other interactive features. The method is most easily implemented in software executed on a personal or hand held/portable computer.

A principal aim of the invention is to create an "eBook", herein referred to as the book (102). In this embodiment the interactive digital book (102) relates to civil engineering and more specific structural steel connections. It will be appreciated that the method may be utilised to prepare an eBook on any other topic, and especially any other technical topic to which it is best suited due to its novel and unique manner of calculating results and presenting this to a user of the eBook. The book (102) is an interactive digital book that allows a reader or user to calculate values in a multi-dimensional table. This is notably different from conventional hard copy books, or electronic versions thereof, in which tables are restricted to a 2 dimensions- i.e. X-Y on a physical page.

However, the content presented by the interactive digital book (102) according to this invention is standardized. This may appear to be a restriction on the results presented to the user. However, when dealing with complicated content, e.g. steel connections or concrete detailing, the reader should be guided to utilize only standard connections/details.

Merely using software driven calculations to derive a result and present that to a user any input, including non-standard. Such an approach would have resulted in "theoretical" and "non-practical" calculations, which may give a user of such software a false sense of security that his non-standard solution is acceptable. In reality, the design might be poor, non- implementable, or even dangerous. This follows the saying of garbage in = garbage out.

The book (102) created and used according to the methods of the invention presents, like a normal hard copy book only standardized solutions that have been tested and are well understood. This is in line with the reality for most applications which should only use standardized solutions.

The standardized solutions, are region specific, have been well researched/tested, and are well accepted by all parties from manufacturers, to contractors to engineers (in this instance in respect of steel connections or concrete detailing in civil engineering).

The methods of the invention extend to the authoring and the using of an interactive digital book. Such an interactive digital book first has to be authored or created before it can be used. The explanation of the authoring will be more readily appreciated and shortened if the use of the interactive digital book is first explained. This is followed by an explanation of the steps in authoring such a book.

As mentioned in the background section the electronic versions of conventional textbooks suffer from significant drawbacks. In particular, this extends to the static nature of the information presented by such electronic textbooks. As pointed out, there is no interaction between the reader and values presented in a table, irrespective of the problem a reader may wish to solve.

Implementation of the invention provides several advantages over the presently available handbooks and textbooks:

• It brings handbooks and textbooks to life by infusing them with interactive tables

(calculators), figures, interactive references and multimedia;

• It brings example problems to life by allowing a reader to change the problem to

reflect his interests/needs;

· It enables the reader to take tests or exams for certificates or self-learning. In addition the tests or exams can be adjudicated by the book itself or by a third party; and

• It maintains real-time access to external resources.

The invention allows for two-way interaction between the reader and the resource, with the resource being dynamic and relevant to a specific problem that the reader wishes to solve. The book thus becomes a teaching aid and a practical guide - in effect fusing a textbook and handbook into one, and amplifying it with dynamic and case-specific relevant content.

An overview of the novelty of the present invention is a method that allows:

· Dynamic text;

• Interactive book including table/calculator;

• Sketching tool specific to a reader-centric problem, with sketches that are to scale relevant to the problem of interest to the reader;

• Video tutorial/education;

· Tailored technical data fed from third parties (resources);

• Self-evaluation capability and external verification of results for certification; and

• Standard features such as text search, multimedia and widgets.

One aspect of the invention relates to an electronic interface or so-called platform (100) that is used to provide access to a digital book (102). The method utilised with this platform (100) is described with reference to Figure 1 . This shows the interactive digital book (102) relating to civil engineering and more specific structural steel connections (as mentioned above).

The platform (100) provides functionality in the form of chapters (101 ) of the interactive digital book (102). Below the chapters (101 ) several actionable options are provided, including: an introduction (200), static text (120), interactive examples (210), a calculator or tool (140), a video player (150), electronic testing (160) and a general resource (170).

In a traditional book pages can be flipped. In this interactive digital book (102) prepared according to the method of the invention pages can also be flipped and searched using a toolbar (125). Pertinent or regular advertisements (1 10) can appear in the book (102). The advertisements (1 10) can be targeted to the reader depending on how the book (102) is being read, i.e. the text (120) can be altered or augmented by the platform (100). The advertisements or resources (1 10) can also be a resource specific to the platform (100), book (102), chapter (101 ) or text (120). Multiple advertisements or resources (120) can be present on any one page.

Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the calculator or tool (140) which in this embodiment is a digital table. The method includes grouping information relating to the digital table together. For example in Figure 2 the general input to the table is in the left column (310). The detailed input is in the central column (320). The data processing is on the right (330), with commands displayed that include "CALCULATE", "SHOW CONNECTION", and "PRINT" and the results are directly below grouped in (340). The input accepted from the user is standardised input, from which standardized output may be generated, the importance of which is described above. This is done by means of an input mask which presents the user with a choice of selectable values, tailored to keep the input standardized. For clarity a schematic (106) is also shown in the top portion of the tool or calculator (140). This new method differs from a traditional table and a spreadsheet calculation in that tables on a page are static and can only take a limited number of inputs - usually two - and produce one output. The digital tool or calculator (140) is not a spreadsheet. Spreadsheets cannot be readily included in books. The tool or calculator (140) forms an integral part of the platform (100) and is different to analysis and calculation software, in that the input and output can interact with the text (120), chapters (101 ) and examples (210).

Furthermore the digital tool or calculator (140) can be used to document the specific example considered by the reader via printing to digital media or paper, by making use of the included "Print" button (104), as shown in Figure 2. In effect the reader, through his interaction with the platform (100) and the digital book (102), has created new content, thereby customizing the book. This customized example can be sent to or shared with other readers who themselves can import and open the example in their book from the platform (100).

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a dynamically produced sketch (105) of an example problem solved in Figure 2 when the button 'show connection' is pressed. It must be emphasised that the sketch is dynamic. It is drawn to scale and represents the inputs and outputs from the digital tools/calculator (140) of example 2. This drawing to scale of the sketch (105) is extremely important to a reader, since it places the result of the input to the digital tools/calculator (140) visually in context to the reader with an accurate scale output.

The sketch (105) includes dimensions (s, g, I, W and L) that are calculated and the elements of the connection (107) represented by such are shown to scale in the sketch (105) in Figure 3. For this the problem posed by the reader is analysed in context of the book, which in this instance relates to a specific type of structural steel connection used in civil engineering. The dimensions of the elements making up the specific connection (107) are used to configure the sketch (105) to ensure it is represented to scale. The connection (107) is shown in a plan view (108) and side view (109), both to scale.

To determine the elements of the specific connection (107), a library of standard connections is accessed by the calculator to determine the correct connection (107) to represent and to require input for the dimensions thereof, which are used for the sketch (105). In this manner the main emphasis is the book (102) is achieved, which is to inform the reader how numbers in a table/calculations are derived, instead of just simply providing the reader with those numbers (as the prior art handbooks did). The reader does not simply see a number, but rather (if he wants) can see the derivation/control/calculation of the number, which is especially powerful in a table. This information can then be used to change the number. For example, if the reader is calculating capacity of a connection, and the information reported to the reader is: "Controlled by: yielding of end plate". If the reader wants to increase the number in the table he would increase the end plate against yielding (via making it thicker). Furthermore the digital sketch can be published by the reader via printing to digital media or paper using the "Print" button (104) in Figure 2). In effect the reader, through its input to the calculator (140) in the book (102) has published new content, thereby customizing the book (102). This customized sketch (105) can be sent/shared with other readers who themselves can import and open it in their own books from the platform (100). Figure 4 gives an example of an interactive test/quiz. Its purpose is for the reader to perform an evaluation of how well the contents of the book (102) have been comprehended. The test can be in the form of a quiz (self-directed) or for certification by a third party. The interactive test/quiz can be accessed from any point in the platform, for example (160) in Figure 1 . The test/quiz can have several components: (a) technical questions, (b) the name of the reader (410), (c) authentication/certification details (420) and (d) automatic marking and submittal of the results to a third party (430). The name (410) can be registered with an external party and authentication done electronically.

In general the book (102) has been developed so as to enable it to interact with the reader and communicate with third party/parties through the internet using email. The platform (100) can be used to track performance and use. This information can be communicated to interested parties for content relevance and tailored advertising.

The present invention therefore provides a method of allowing the reader to interact dynamically with the contents of the book (102), which comprises a handbook and a textbook. The reader can modify the content/ examples to reflect his specific interest. A simple illustration of this would be how a reader can change input values in a problem and obtain relevant solutions. Another example would be a multidimensional table. Current tables, since they are displayed on a page, can have two or at most three input variables. To solve this problem, multiple tables might be required. The present invention allows for tables of data to have any number of input variables.

The platform can contain multimedia as well as verifiable exam problem for the purpose of attaining credit/ certificates from a third party.

In the invention, the platform (100) can not only provide the list of references but enable the reader to connect to the references or external resources directly, e.g. via linking, email. Furthermore, the external resource (such as a reference) can also provide dynamic and timely information to the reader. With the layout and content of an interactive digital book created according to the invention having been explained, the method of creating it will be more readily appreciated.

The method to author the interactive digital book described above includes the steps of executing a computer program to display an authoring user interface with a book format on an output device in the form of a computer display screen.

The author provides inputs to the interface by means of an input device - in this instance a pointer (a "mouse") and a keyboard. The author may initiate a new chapter and a new page for such a chapter, each of which is provided with a name. This content is saved on the non- transitory memory that the book is stored on.

On the first page of the chapter the author inputs text at a desired location, typically at the top left if he is following the conventional layout of a book.

The author is also able to select a "create new object" command at any position on the page. The object may be any one of text object, a figure object, a table object, a calculator object, a video object and an external link object. Once the type of object is selected, from a dropdown list, the content for the object needs to be input.

If the object is a user-input dependant object, then an option is presented to the author to create an input mask. This will create the input mask through which the user will provide values for the object. Through the input mask the author is enabled to specify the input required to solve a specific problem, and also to provide standardised input to ensure that only a standardized solution will be presented to the reader/user.

The author is also prompted to provide the method for determining the result of the input to the object. If the object is a calculator, then the author inputs the formula for determining the result. If the object is a figure object he inputs a drawing and identifies where he wishes the input to appear on the drawing that will be represented to the user.

The author is also allowed to input data to a library of standard values for standard connections. This is linked to the input mask which limits the possible input values to standardized values stored in the library, and provides upon execution of the calculation a standardized output In this manner the author is allowed to input the entire contents for the book (102) into the platform, with the various types of objects located at the appropriate locations throughout the book (102). When the author is done with input he saves the content and is prompted to provide the initialization screen, which will be executed first once a reader uses the book (102).

It will be appreciated that the above description is given by way of example only. It is possible to alter aspects of the embodiment without departing from the essence of the invention.

It is envisaged that the book (102) may find useful application in many fields, including engineering (of which the above civil engineering examples are but one field), medical, pharmaceutical, scientific, legal, tax and auditing, to name but a few. The method may be used to create an industry or technical field specific book, which provides a reader with relevant and current resources.

Claims

A computer implemented method for creating an interactive digital book having a plurality of objects in context with text content arranged sequentially as pages of the book, the method comprising the steps of displaying an authoring user interface with a book format on an output device;

receiving input from the input device, the input including a create new object command at an input position selected by the input device on the output device; converting the input into an object using an authoring editor means, the object being one of a text object, a figure object, a table object, a calculator object, a video object, a data input object and an external link object;

determining a location in the text content corresponding to the input position;

storing the object in the text content at the determined location using the authoring user interface, and

updating the display of the authoring user interface to represent the object and data stored in the book.

A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

displaying an initialization screen on the output device;

accepting initialization input including a page object and character objects from the input device;

storing the character object and an associated name and an associated character icon in the interactive book;

storing the page object and a page name in the interactive book;

displaying the page name in the initialization screen; and

identifying a first page to be executed.

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the text content of the book is displayed in chapters and the method further comprises the steps of:

displaying an initialization screen on the output device;

accepting initialization input including a chapter object from the input device;

storing the chapter object and an associated chapter name in the interactive book; displaying the chapter name in the initialization screen; and

identifying a first chapter to be executed.

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the external link object comprises a hyperlink to external data sources, including internet addresses or content stored in any one or more linked databases.

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the data input object comprises a data input mask displayed on the output device for selection of data input to at least one variable associated with a figure object, a table object or a calculator object, to present a value representative of a data point associated with the combination of the input variables in respect of an underlying relationship between the variables represented by the input mask.

A method as claimed in claim 5 in which the data input mask provides for selection of data input to a plurality of variables to present a value representative of a data point associated with the combination of the input variables in respect of an underlying relationship between the variables represented by the input mask.

A method as claimed in claim 6 which includes the step of displaying a link input, accepting input to link a data input mask with a figure object, a table object or a calculator object, and accepting input to the input mask specifying a list of predetermined values associated with the figure object, table object or calculator object, to provide a user with an option for selection of a variable from a predetermined list of values associated with the figure object, table object or calculator object, preferably from a drop-down list displayed on the output device.

A method as claimed in claim 7 in which the table object comprises a multidimensional table with a plurality of series of values in more than two dimensions, for data to be selected from the multi-dimensional table by means of data input through the input mask linked to the table, for data to be represented as values from at least, and preferably each, of the series of values comprising the multi-dimensional table.

A computer implemented method for executing an interactive digital book having a plurality of objects stored in context with text content, the method comprising the steps of:

retrieving text and objects representing an interactive digital book from an active digital book memory; identifying a chapter or page to be executed, the chapter or page having associated text and optionally at least one associated object;

identifying objects associated with the identified chapter or page object; and executing the chapter or page objects according to their order in the digital book memory by performing a sequence of programmed instruction steps corresponding to the first page of the identified chapter object or page object, as the case may be, and associated objects and processing the output signals to generate the interactive digital book on an output device.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 in which the step of generating the interactive digital book on the output device includes determining whether the at least one associated object is an input dependant object;

identifying an input dependant object associated with the object from a group of input dependant objects including a calculator object, a figure object, and a table object, receiving input for the input dependant object from the input means,

calculating a result to the received input by executing a stored calculation associated with the calculator object, or

drawing a figure based on the received input by retrieving a stored figure and displaying dimensions in respect of the figure based on the input; or populating a table with values determined by executing a stored calculation associated with the table object or retrieving values from a library associated with the table object;

and updating the display of the interactive digital book to represent the calculated result for the input dependant object.

1 1 . A method as claimed in claim 9 or 10 in which the input means comprises a data input mask displayed on the output device for selection of data input to at least one variable, preferably a plurality of variables to present a value representative of a data point associated with the combination of the input variables in respect of an underlying relationship between the variables represented by the input mask.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1 1 in which the input mask provides an option for selection of a variable from a predetermined list of values, preferably from a dropdown list displayed on the output device.

13. A method as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12 in which the dimensions of the figure is displayed based on the input to the input mask, and the figure represents the configuration of at least some of the input variables in respect of the subject of the underlying relationship between the variables in respect of such input mask.

14. A method as claimed in claim 10 in which the table object comprises a multidimensional table with series of values in more than two dimensions, for data to be selected from the multi-dimensional table by means of data input through an input mask, for data to be represented as values from at least, and preferably each, of the series of values comprising the multi-dimensional table.

15. A method as claimed in claim 9 in which the plurality of objects further includes multimedia objects, tool objects, example objects, and problem set objects.

16. A method as claimed in claim 9 which includes the step of displaying on the output device a set of data with an associated set of questions and answers, with the platform configured to display on the display screen the question set and to provide input means for answers to the question set to be input by a reader, and for submission of answers by the reader for transmission to a remote server configured to receive, evaluate and score the answers, and store the score in association with a unique identifier associated with the reader.

17. A method as claimed in claim 9 which includes a stored set of questions and associated answers, with the platform configured to display on the output device a questionnaire to present the questions to a user of the interactive digital book; providing input means for the user to input answers to the questions; and receiving input for the answers from the input means and determining a score for the answers and storing the score in association with a unique identifier of the user.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 in which the method further comprises transmitting the answers to a remote server configured to receive, evaluate and score the answers.