How to Use Image Annotation

The main user interface component of the Image Annotation prototype is the Annotation Window (Figure 1). It displays a list of all annotations on the currently viewed image. Each annotation is marked with the username of its creator and the time and date of its last modification. A set of icons provide additional information and functionality:

	Indicates that this annotation is associated with a specific image area
	Placeholder for this annotations popularity rating (not implemented yet)
	Icon to vote for this annotation (popularity rating not implemented yet)
	Icon to vote against this annotation (popularity rating not implemented yet)
	Icon to report this annotation to the moderator for inappropriate or offensive content via e-mail

Creating an Annotation

You can create a new annotation by clicking on the Annotate or Annotate Fragment links at the top of the Annotation Window. In both cases, a form for entering a title and annotation text will open. You can also choose between making your annotation public or private. A public annotation is visible to everyone, whereas a private annotation is visible only to you.

The Annotate Fragment link will also open the Drawing Panel (Figure 2). The Drawing Panel allows you to draw a shape to indicate a specific area on the image to which your annotation pertains. You can select between different types of shapes, stroke sizes and stroke colours.

If you choose to create a polygon-shaped area, you will need to click on the image for every point of the polygon. The points will be connected with lines as you click. Place the last point near the first point to close the polygon. If you decide to draw a freehand shape you will need to click once to start the draw mode and then move the mouse. Click again when you are done.

Furthermore, you can use the and symbols on the image or your mousewheel to zoom in and out. The image can be dragged to navigate to a different area.

Replying to an Annotation

You can reply to an existing annotation using the Reply or the Reply with Fragment link below the annotation. Again, the difference between the two is that Reply with Fragment will open the Drawing Panel.

Editing and Deleting

You can modify or delete your own annotations using the Edit and Delete links. Please note that as long as there are replies to an annotation, it can not be edited or deleted!