Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for generating nodes and link definitions for a hypertext database from at least one source document which includes text and formatted properties that define a logical structure of the source document. Initially, the source document is segmented according to selected formatted properties. A node is then generated for each segment of the source document. Thereafter, link definitions are created to establish associations between the nodes so as to maintain the logical structure of the source document defined by the format properties. The nodes and link definitions can be imported to a hypertext database and searched with a hypertext engine.

Abstract: There is provided a method for specifying an operation via a graphical interface. The method comprises the steps of examining an image to distinguish a first bordered region within the image; examining the image to distinguish a second bordered region within the image; and determining a functional attribute of the second bordered region based on a position of the second bordered region relative to the first bordered region. There is also provided a system for specifying the operation via a graphical interface.