Abstract: A data storage and retrieval method is disclosed for storing a unitary serial data in such a fashion that it can be read out multiple times in real time. The solution to the concurrent demand for serial data lies in the mapping of the data on a storage device using a method that presumes, but does not require, multiple concurrent access. The data set is resequenced from its logical data structure and stored on a medium adapted for use by the data storage and retrieval drive such that the new sequence appropriately supports concurrent use demand. In accordance with the invention, a serial data set, such as a movie, is segmented into substantially equal data subsets which is hardware capability determinative in that data storage and retrieval device data transfer rates are significantly greater than end user data transmission-reception rates. The data set is thus segmented in accordance with the number of threads to be supported for the concurrent demand.

Abstract: A computer system includes a display and software that enables the system to create, change and delete, title-containing blocks and their interrelations, as shown on the display. The system employs keyed inputs to implement its commands and has a data structure that includes a world plane, segmented into rows and columns containing title fields. The data structure is used in a method which creates from a list of titles, a display of title blocks and graphical interconnections. The method comprises: positioning and displaying a list of titles and associated commands in the world plane; displaying a keyboard input of a command in the command field of at least a title to which the command applies; positionally adjusting the title in the display with respect to other titles, in accordance with the command; and graphically interconnecting the adjusted title with at least another title in the list of titles, the graphical interconnection being produced automatically in response to the command.