Abstract: A software tool providing a single access mechanism for diverse and varied information spaces. The invention incorporates a plurality of navigator interfaces, including: a "How do I?" navigator, an Index navigator, a Tree navigator, and a Search Term navigator. Each navigator operates across the entire information space, allowing the user to find information in any available online source. The user can switch between the various navigators at will. The present invention presents search results to the user in a uniform manner through iconographic and textual descriptions of the information at the other end of the link. The user then selects the information to view. After the user has performed a search of the information space and viewed the description of the search results, the invention also allows the user to perform a "cross reference" operation, the results of which can be viewed using the same or different navigator.

Abstract: Software implementing a display technique called "miniviews." Miniviews provide a single viewing mechanism for information from a variety of sources and keep supplemental and related information within easy reach by a user without interrupting the flow of a main information concept. Miniviews are displayed when predetermined portions of the surrounding browser is expanded and can be displayed in any order as predetermined by the author, depending on the portions of the surrounding browser expanded by the user. Miniviews reference the original copy of the information displayed therein, such that if the information at the single location is changed, information displayed in the miniview is also changed. A miniview of information attempts to duplicate the appearance of the native browser for that information. At the same time, where a native browser allows the user to range freely through a certain type of information, miniviews only allow a predetermined amount of information from given source to be displayed.