Computer users may 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. By collecting
and organizing annotated WBDs, users can be provided 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. Users may also be provided
with many 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.