Method and apparatus for identifying referenced content within an online presentation environment

A computer implemented method for identifying referenced content within an online presentation environment comprising:

• logging, within a pointer location log in a computer memory, locations of a presentation pointer as the presentation pointer is used during the presentation;
• storing in the computer memory a first time when a statement begins to be entered into the online presentation environment;
• storing in the computer memory a second time upon completion of the statement entered into the online presentation environment;
• computing, using a processor coupled to the computer memory, an estimated location of the presentation pointer using the first time and the second time, wherein the pointer location estimate is a weighted mean that estimates the position of the pointer prior to entry of the statement;
• retrieving from the pointer location log a specific location that is nearest the estimated location;
• and
• storing the specific location to identify the specific content in relation to the statement.

Apparatus for identifying referenced content within an online presentation environment comprising:

• a collaboration server for supporting the online presentation environment comprising a presentation;
• a presenter computer, coupled to the collaboration server, for manipulating a presentation pointer within the presentation;
• at least one participant computer, coupled to the collaboration server, for viewing the presentation and entering a statement regarding the presentation;
• wherein the collaboration server, upon entry of the statement related to specific content being presented within the online presentation environment, executes a pointer location generator for logging, within a pointer location log, locations of the presentation pointer as the presentation pointer is used during the presentation;
• storing a first time when the statement begins to be entered;
• storing a second time upon completion of the statement;
• computing an estimated location of the presentation pointer using the first time and the second time, wherein the pointer location estimate is a weighted mean that estimates the position of the pointer prior to entry of the statement;
• retrieving from the pointer location log a specific location that is nearest the estimated location;
• storing the specific location to identify the specific content in relation to the statement, and identifies the specific content within the presentation;
• and
• upon subsequent selection of the statement, displays the specific content.