Abstract: A technique for permitting the creation of multimedia titles in the form of flip books or stories comprising individual scenes includes simplified techniques for establishing navigation both internal and external navigation. The present invention provides a part or framework usable in a power tool environment which enables individual scenes within a multimedia story being created to be linked directly to parts or applications external to the multimedia story such that processing can jump directly from a scene to an external application or part. Additionally, the present invention provides improved navigation between scenes within a multimedia story and the ability to embed stories within individual scenes of the story.

Abstract: A multimedia title comprised of a plurality of parts is synchronized on a computer system. A co-tool automatically synchronizes at least one of the parts with reference to relative time. The co-tool may comprise a co-begin tool, a co-end tool, a co-occur tool, or a meet tool.

Abstract: An authoring tool is enabled to create special effects on an image using a color scale. A pattern file is used to map the image to the desired effect. By assigning meaning to one or more of the colors in the color scale, an image will be produced in accordance with the pattern file and the selected colors.

Abstract: Parts for a multimedia title may be extended indefinitely relative to time with a user interface tool. A part for a multimedia title is provided with edges having a wrap handle affixed to one edge. By dragging and dropping the wrap handle to a wrap corral, the part will play or be visible indefinitely.

Abstract: A unique event may be generated for a particular part at a particular time that is synchronized with an arbitrary event raised by an arbitrary part for a multimedia title using an interface tool. The particular part of the arbitrary event is visually specified and a time event specifier is placed on the particular part at the particular time in order to generate the unique event. The unique event is displayed as a graphical representation which may be directly manipulated by the developer. In addition, the event specifier may initiate the unique event at a predetermined recurring interval.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method which enable programs written in procedural languages to respond reactively to messages from event driven interfaces. An interface is provided between programs or window procedures written in procedural languages and the standard message queues of a standard event driven user interface, operating system and graphic engine. The interface pulls messages intended for the programs off of the queues and then forwards them to the appropriate program upon receipt of a call from the program.