Abstract: An information processing system automatically identifies the page of a book, notebook, flip chart, writing pad, or the like. The system uses an optical sensor to read an identification code printed on each page (and the cover) of the book and processes the code to determine identifying information (e.g., page number) for the page. The optical sensor and related components are adjacent to the book and operate unobtrusively, yet reliability, at a distance therefrom. The system, which uses ambient light and selectively activates its own light source, is capable of operating under variable lighting conditions and requires no manual intervention by the user. In addition, the system is reliable and robust in that it allows standard printing techniques to be used to print the identification code on each page of the book.

Abstract: A multimedia linking device automatically links user notations (e.g., handwritten notes) made on a page to time-varying data (e.g., audio). Consequently, a user can take notes while observing a multimedia presentation, for example, and later review the notes and the corresponding segments of the recorded multimedia presentation. This dynamic linking capability also enables a user to add new notes during playback, which are automatically linked to the segment of the multimedia presentation playing when the new notes are made. Similarly, new recordings can be appended to the multimedia presentation and they will be automatically linked to corresponding user notations. The user can also stop the playback of the recording and add new notes which are automatically linked to the segment of the multimedia presentation that was playing when the playback was interrupted.

Abstract: A web-based transcription and reporting system allows quick transcription of large numbers of utterances and provides reports on the transcription data in logical reports with linked access to underlying data. The system includes time-saving transcription aids such as buttons defining common noise events and anomalies. These transcription aids additionally may be accessed via keyboard shortcuts. Features of the web protocol are included in the transcription process. Reports are generated from the transcribed data meeting a set of reporting criteria. Reports are presented in one of a set of standard forms, wherein all standard forms include drill-down linking to increasingly detailed levels of supporting data.

Abstract: Representing HTML documents audibly includes the steps of assigning (214) unique sounds to HTML tags and events encountered in an HTML document, producing the associated sounds whenever those tags or events are encountered (218), and representing encountered text as speech (220). Speech and non-speech sounds may be produced simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. A corresponding system (10) is also disclosed.