Bookmark with integrated electronic timer and method therefor

摘要

A bookmark ( 12 ) uses an integrated electronic timer circuit ( 18 ) to track reading time. A flat substrate ( 14 ) marks the page of the book. A header ( 16 ) is integral with the substrate. The header has a cavity for housing the electronic timer, a display ( 20 ) for displaying the timer count value, and a plurality of control buttons ( 22 - 28 ) for controlling the electronic timer. A sensor ( 54 ) can sense an external condition such as light or touch to control the electronic timer. A light source ( 56 ) is provided in the header. The substrate may contain a magnifying viewing port. The electronic timer has a memory ( 42 ) for storing the timer count values for individual and cumulative reading sessions.