Abstract
Hypertext involves linking related information blocks together to form a network. It is suitable to access information in a nonlinear fashion with a flexible structure. However, when the hypertext technique is applied to manage mass data such as engineering documents, the large number of nodes and links involved can cause problems such as data access navigation and versioning control. This paper introduces a structured hypertext data model with a version control mechanism.
In our model, the structure node is defined and can be used to reduce the number of visible nodes during browsing through the logical structure of the hypertext network. As a result, the network structure becomes clearer, relatively easier to navigate through the network and to prevent users from disorientation during data access or browsing operations. The structure node provides a high level abstract mechanism, implies more knowledge and supports visual presentation of the hypertext network. In this model, the version node is a special kind of structure node which is used as a means to support versioning. Compared with other hypertext systems or models, the proposed model is better suited to the needs of engineering data management. A formal description of this model also is presented along with a description of the write-multiple Optical Disk based Electronic Archives Management System (ODEAMS), which was developed on the basis of this model.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
R. Akscyn, D. McCracken, and E. Yoder, “KMS: A distributed hypermedia system for managing knowledge in organizations,” Communication of the ACM, Vol. 31, No. 7, pp. 820–835, 1988.
R. Akscyn, E. Yoder, and D. McCracken, “The data model is the heart of interface design,” in Proc. ACM CHI'88, Washington, DC, USA, May 15–19, 1988, pp. 115–120.
T. Caltin, P. Bush, and N. Yankelovich, “Internode: Extending a hypermedia framework to support annotative collaboration,” in Proc. ACM Hypertext'89, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Nov. 5–8, 1989, pp. 365–378.
B. Campbell and J.M. Goodman, “HAM: A general purpose hypertext abstract machine,” Communications of the ACM, Vol. 31, No. 7, pp. 856–861, 1988.
J. Conklin, “Hypertext: An introduction and survey,” IEEE Computer, Vol. 20, No. 9, pp. 17–41, 1987.
A. Dattolo and V. Loia, “Collaborative version control in an agent-based hypertext environment,” Information Systems, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 127–145, 1996.
N. Delisle and M. Schwartz, “Context: A partitioning concept or hypertext,” ACM Trans. Office Information System, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 168–186, 1987.
S.J. DeRose and D.G. Durand, Making Hypermedia Work: A User's Guide to HyTime, Kluwer Academic Publishers: Norwell, USA, 1994.
A. Haake and D. Hicks, “VerSE: Towards hypertext versioning styles,” in Proc. ACM HYPERTEXT'96, Washington DC, USA, March 16–20, 1996, URL: http: //www.cs.unc.edu/∼barman/HT96/.
B.J. Haan et al., “IRIS hypermedia services,” Communication of the ACM, Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 36–51, 1992.
F.G. Halasz, “Reflections on notecards: Seven issues for the next generation of hypermedia systems,” Communication of ACM, Vol. 31, No. 7, pp. 836–852, 1988.
ISO/IEC 10740, Hypermedia/Time-Based Structuring Language: HyTime, International Organization for Standardization, 1992.
P. Kochevar, “Bridging the gap between visualization and data management: A special visualization management system,” in Proc. IEEE Visualization'93, San Jose, California, USA, Oct. 25–29, 1993, pp. 94–101.
H. Maurer, “Hyper-G now Hyperwave: The Next Generation Web Solution, Addison-Wesley,” Harlow Publishing Company: England, 1996.
J. Nielsen, Multimedia and Hypertext: The Internet and Beyond, Academic Press Limited: Boston, 1995.
J. Nielson, Hypertext and Hypermedia, Academic Press Limited: Boston, 1990.
A. Spoerri, “InfoCrystal: A visual tool for information retrieval,” in Proc. IEEE Visualization '93, San Jose, California, USA, Oct. 25–29, 1993, pp. 150–157.
Y. Wang et al., “Hypertext technology and its application to engineering data management,” Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology (English Edition), Vol. E-3, No. 1, pp. 20–25, 1996.
N. Yankelovich, B.J. Haan, N.K. Meyrowitz, and S.M. Drucker, “Intermedia: The concept and the construction of a seamless information environment,” IEEE Computer, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 81–96, 1988.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Law, K.C., Wang, Y. & Ip, H.H. A Structured Hypertext Data Model with Versioning for Engineering Documents. Multimedia Tools and Applications 19, 241–258 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023225313601
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023225313601