Abstract: The systems and methods of this invention use an index and digital audio and/or video recordings of an activity to provide access to recently recorded material. For example, users initiate audio and/or video recordings. An index, e.g., an agenda, outlines the structure of the to be recorded event. The user selects an index item as an activity that corresponds to an index item is recorded. The recordings are then associated with the index. The user can then randomly access the recordings for playback, editing or further recording. The systems and methods of this invention additionally provide the means for correlating events and the corresponding index items with the recordings.

Abstract: By using dynamic text and an interface utilizing a familiar metaphor, reading speed and comprehension can be increased. In particular, the interface, which is based on a familiar metaphor, such as driving, allows a user to concentrate on the real task at hand, reading, as opposed to manipulation of the interface. Thus, using a combination of a familiar metaphor and rapid serial presentation, dynamic text can be efficiently negotiated.

Abstract: Identifier tags are embedded in pages of a document. Each of these identifier tags identifies the particular page that a reader is viewing. By correlating the currently read page to information stored memory, dynamic content corresponding to the currently read page can be activated. Additionally, proximity sensors are associated with one or more portions of the document. Thus, the range of dynamic content can also be activated by placing an object within the sensible area of the proximity sensors. This dynamic content can include, for example, lighting, sound effects, environmental conditions, or the like.

Abstract: A system for the capture and playback of temporal data representing a collaborative activity such as a meeting. Such temporal data is captured by one or more capture devices (e.g. audio recordings or an electronic whiteboard). Temporal data is comprised of timestreams and events. Timestreams are sets of timestamped data which represent some recordable aspect of the meeting. Events are contained within a timestream that represent natural activities that occurred during the course of the session. Events are used to create indices which provide direct access to a point or span in time during the collaborative activity. Playback of a session is performed under the control of a session access device. Coupled to the session access device are a plurality of players for playing back timestreams. The session access device utilizes event information to create a user interface for controlling session replay. The user interface is comprised of a plurality of windows.

Abstract: A system for capturing and controlling access to concurrently recorded timestreams of a session. A session is of a collaborative activity such as a meeting. Timestreams of the session are captured by various recording devices. The timestreams are analyzed to create a set of events for each timestream. An event is subsequently used as an index for replaying the session. Playback of the timestreams is done in order to recall dialogs or other events that occurred during the meeting. The timestreams are played back contemporaneously. A timeline interface having the events mapped thereon is used to traverse through the different portions of the session.

Abstract: A method of recording a real-time multimedia presentation and replaying a missed portion at an accelerated rate until the missed portion catches up to the current point in the presentation. The multimedia presentation may consist of audio, video, graphics, and text. A graphical timeline is provided to allow the user easy access to different points in the recorded presentation. All the media formats are synchronized at the accelerated rate and the audio is accelerated without changing its pitch.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a display unit (10) which displays a composite image (38); a stylus (24) which is used to "write" on the composite image (38); a way of detecting (20) the position of the stylus (24) over the composite image (38); a video camera (12) mounted a short distance away from the video display (11) and aimed at the composite image (38); a light (23) which provides uniform illumination to the composite image (38); a mechanism for preventing video feedback (26); and a computer (22). A special configuration of cables (16, 28, 30, 32, 34) is used to interconnect the display (10), the stylus (24), the position detector (20), the video camera (12) and the computer (22). Two or more workstations (11) can be electrically connected to each other via cables (34) or over a network (76). Many variations of this invention can be created by connecting other components into the computer network (76).

Abstract: Remote interactive use of a plurality of writing surfaces, such as special wall mounted whiteboards and the like, is facilitated by an apparatus which includes, for each writing surface, a translucent screen acting as the writing surface itself, a video camera located behind the translucent screen for receiving an image of indications imparted upon the translucent screen, and a video projector for projecting onto the back side of the translucent screen a composite of the images imparted upon each of the translucent screens. Backlighting of a user is employed to allow presentation of the processes of imparting, using and referring to the indicia together with the indicia itself. Proper ambient lighting also provides a limited three dimensional view of the user. Audio portions of interactive work may be captured by a microphone and transmitted to speakers in conjunction with the video portion of the interactive work.