Method and apparatus for automatic collection and summarization of meeting information

A method is applied for providing electronically collected and summarized meeting information. First, verbal sounds are electronically collected. The verbal sounds are transmitted to a processor. The processor automatically converts the verbal sounds, as collected, into an electronic text file. The text from the file is then automatically scanned and summarized, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm for identifying one or more key terms in the text file, into an electronic summary file. The text file and/or the summary file are then automatically and electronically distributed to a predetermined number of users.