An Interaction Engine for Rich Hypertexts: Abstract
In semantically rich hypertexts it is attractive to enable
presentation of a network of nodes and links at different levels of
abstraction.
It is also important that the user can interact with the hypertext
using a command repertoire that reflects the chosen abstraction level.
Based on a characterization of rich hypertext we introduce the concept
of an interaction engine that governs the separation between internal
hypertext representation and external screen presentation.
This separation is the key principle of the HyperPro system.
The HyperPro interaction engine is based on simple rules for
presentation, interpretation of events, and menu set up. Much of the
power of the interaction engine framework comes from the organization
of these rules relative to the type hierarchy of nodes and links, and
relative to a hierarchy of so-called interaction schemes.
The primary application domain discussed in the paper is program
development and program documentation.
Keywords: tailorability, interaction engine, aggregated views,
event control, program development.