Abstract

A method and apparatus for event-tagging data entries as separate data segments in a data file. The data file is stored in the memory of a computer including a processor that executes instructions to carry out the method of the invention. As a user enters data, such as with a computer "pen" in a pen-driven notebook computer, the processor determines whether each data entry is one of a set of predefined data entry events. Such events may include areas on the screen that the user is entering his or her notes, such lines or paragraphs, such that whenever the user begins a new line or paragraph, that is tagged as a new event. An event may also be a particular time interval; for instance, data entry may be tagged every minute, or every ten minutes. An event may also relate to the type of data that the user is entering, such as graphical data vis-a-vis handwritten or text data, and/or may relate to the fact that a given data entry is of a different type of data than an adjacent data entry. The event-tagged segments are used to synchronize display of the data segments with a series of event signals, for instance to play back the development of the document comprising the data file in synchrony with the playback of a videotape of the meeting or other event at which the notes and/or drawings were made. Conversely, the event signals may be used to drive the videotape player or another external device. The event tagging of the data file also provides a useful mechanism for reconciling different versions of the data file on a segment-by-segment basis.