The present invention allows computer users to 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. The
present invention collects and organizes annotated WBDs, and provides
users 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. The
present invention also provides users with many novel 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.
