Maltweb multi-axis viewing interface and higher level scoping

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product for navigating in a multi-dimensional space containing an electronic publication formed from predefined portions of text-based data encoded using a markup language are disclosed. A selected predefined portion is displayed in a first display region. A point on a primary axis of the multi-dimensional space corresponding to the displayed pre-defined portion is also displayed. Also, a method, apparatus and computer program product for publishing an electronic publication formed from predefined portions of text-based data encoded using a markup language are also disclosed. Predefined portions are stored in terminal nodes. Higher level nodes are provided for organising the terminal nodes into an hierarchical structure embodied in said electronic publication. Each higher level node contains the identity of a parent node, a position indicator for the higher level node and an associated identifier.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of navigating in a multidimensional space containing an electronic publication comprising a plurality of predefined portions comprising text-based data, said method comprising:
 causing or allowing the display of at least one of said plurality of predefined portions as a first predefined portion in a first display region, said first predefined portion comprising text-based data and being associated with at least one link, wherein said first predefined portion is stored and corresponds to a first point on a first axis of said multidimensional space;   utilizing or allowing utilization of information related to said first predefined portion to allow navigation on the first axis or a second axis to at least a second predefined portion related to said first predefined portion; and   causing or allowing the display of information corresponding to a second point or a plurality of points of said first axis or second axis.