Abstract: A system and method of using published electronic documents to create communications links between different readers and authors, as well as to connect readers of similar types of documents. The original documents may have been optically scanned paper publications, and thus need not initially contain any electronic metadata. These readers and authors may be previously unknown to each other. Here document readers use user-side software (either installed or web-based) on their computerized devices, and these, in turn, communicate with cloud servers running server-side software. Users indicate documents of interest and may assert authorship over some of the documents. The system automatically scans the documents, extracts authorship information, and can use this authorship information to establish electronic links between the readers and authors.

Abstract: System and method of enhancing previously published PDF document files, including files signed or locked to prevent further editing, with enhancement data stored external to the PDF document files. Here an internet server (enhancement server) is configured with a database that stores a plurality of PDF document files, linked with corresponding PDF document URL, enhanced content data, and statistics. When the enhancement server receives a particular PDF document URL request, it returns annotated PDF information that combines the original PDF document and the enhanced content data. This annotated PDF information can be viewed in the GUI of a remote computerized device. The enhancement server can also receive user input from the remote device, store user uploaded data and files, update user statistics, and use this data to enhance the PDF files further. Applications include PDF linked Q&A, lectures, walkthroughs, enhanced media, and chat sessions.

Abstract: A system and method of using published electronic documents to create communications links between different readers and authors. The original documents may have been optically scanned paper publications, and thus need not initially contain any electronic metadata. These readers and authors may be previously unknown to each other. Here document readers install user-side software on their computerized devices, and these, in turn, communicate with cloud servers running server-side software. Users indicate documents of interest and may assert authorship over some of the documents. The system automatically scans the documents, extracts authorship information, and can use this authorship information to establish electronic links between the readers and authors. Users can exchange comments within the context of any given document, have these comments relayed to authors or other users, and receive context-specific replies back.