Abstract: A selection extender instructs a data retrieval system to identify an excerpt demarcated by a first and last symbol. Generic destination indicators identify digital destinations with which an excerpt can be associated. An information record can be provided with a selection extender and/or generic destination indicators thereon. An input device may receive a selection extender and/or generic destination indicators in any of a variety of ways including scanning, movement detection, sound detection, touch activation, handwriting or other input mechanism.

Abstract: A selection extender instructs a data retrieval system to identify an excerpt demarcated by a first and last symbol. Generic destination indicators identify digital destinations with which an excerpt can be associated. An information record can be provided with a selection extender and/or generic destination indicators thereon. An input device may receive a selection extender and/or generic destination indicators in any of a variety of ways including scanning, movement detection, sound detection, touch activation, handwriting or other input mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for audio review of statistical or financial data provides a non-visual mechanism for user review of one or more data sets. Financial or statistical data is analyzed and used to select musical elements, which are then generated for the user to hear a pattern of one or more data sets. The values of individual data elements can be assigned to pitches directly or a melody generating program may intelligently map the shape of the data to a melody. Statistics of the data set may be used to modify the melodic content, either by mapping deviations of data values from statistical norms or by mapping the statistics of the data set onto statistics of the generated melodies. Timbre or instrument type may be used to distinguish between simultaneously-played multiple data sets, with an individual instrument assigned to each data set.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and retrieving information relevant to selected text of written materials is provided. A multiple page text having spatial symbology corresponding to the text is provided and the spatial symbology corresponding to selected text is scanned with an optical scanning device and transmitted to a processor. The processor has a memory and is in communication with the optical scanning device. The information retrieved may be a digital form of the selected text that may be further manipulated. In further embodiments, the processor is in communication with a local area network or a wide area network and information in data sources along the network may be retrieved. The processor may also be in communication with a computer monitor, a printing device, or any combination of the above. In still further embodiments, a microphone is in communication with the processor and oral annotations to the selected text are recorded through the microphone.

Abstract: A system combines and integrates the graphic symbols of a document with spatial symbology. A scanning device, such as an optical scanner, and a microprocessor in communication with the scanning device enable a user to retrieve and manipulate desired sections of the document for later use or physical electronic production.

Abstract: A scanner for reading characters from a string of characters recorded on a substrate. The scanner includes a character scanner that is used with a stroking motion parallel to the string of characters that permits the user to view the line being scanned as the scanner is moved across the page. A line-by-line scanner with a wide area of view may be mounted along the side of the scanner to be used in scanning a page or column on a line-by-line basis. The character scanner may include a lens of variable magnification so as to accommodate variable size print. A microphone mounted on the scanner permits the input of voice sound information. The scanner may be in communication with a computer through a cable or a wireless transmitter/receiver. The value of each pixel detected by the scanner is determined by comparing the light reflection value with a threshold that is adjusted in accordance with the values of pixels detected and averaged over previous frames.

Abstract: A hand-held scanner is provided for reading characters from a string of characters recorded on a substrate. The scanner may be held like a pen and moved, in contact with the substrate, along the string of characters. Movement of the scanner is sensed by a sensor. An optical system views a small area of the substrate and an optical detector detects the relative intensity of light reflected from each of several points in the area of view. To facilitate tracking, a portion of the string of characters adjacent to the area of view is clearly visible to the user. The scanner includes memory for storing codes representing individual characters. The scanner may include a computer, connected by a cable, or may be self-contained and battery operated.