System and method for annotating web-based document

Abstract

Computer users may integrate any annotation, including ink, highlighter, text-based notes and audio, directly into a Web-based document (WBD) displayed by a Web browser. This integration enables others to view the personalized annotated WBD, which retains its original active links and properties, over the Internet without the need for specialized software. Annotations are integrated into WBDs by freezing the WBD, overlaying an image file containing the annotations onto the WBD, and enabling browser events to pass through the image layer. Annotations may also be integrated into WBDs by using component object technology. By collecting and organizing annotated WBDs, users can be provided with an intuitive Web-based interface for accessing, viewing and searching the annotated WBDs. Users may annotate blank WBDs, effectively converting their Web browsers into online notebooks/scrapbooks. Users may also be provided with many interface techniques, such as dog-ears and its associated navigation tools, splitting pages, turning pages, selecting and copying various portions of a WBD (including shaking out a copy), and marking menus suited for right-handed or left-handed users.

1 . A method for visually organizing collections of annotated Web-based documents, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) receiving a plurality of annotated documents, each of the annotated documents including a Web-based document associated with corresponding annotation data;    (b) generating a thumbnail image for each of the annotated documents to permit a visual recall;    (c) associating searchable attributes of the annotation data with a searchable index; and    (d) obtaining a subset of the annotated documents from the plurality of annotated documents by searching the corresponding attributes in the searchable index.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the attributes include at least one of an annotation element, a time and date of an annotation event, an author of the annotated document, a predefined category, a set of text-based comments and a Website associated with the annotated document.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the annotation element includes at least one of ink marks, highlight marks, text-based windows, and audio dictations.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the attributes include at least one of ink-mark colors, highlight mark colors, and ink-mark shapes.