An extensible data model for hyperdocuments

Abstract

We present an extensible data model for hyperdocuments. It is intended to serve as the basis for integrating hypermedia systems with other information sources, such as object-oriented database management systems, information retrieval systems, and engineering CAD tools. Hyperdocuments are described by means of a small number of powerful constructs that integrate their structural and behavioral aspects. The different instantiations and combinations of these constructs yield an open class of hyperdocuments. Nodes, anchors, and links are all considered first-class objects and modeling constructs are applicable to all of them. These constructs permit a description of the multiple levels of functionality of an object within a hyperdocument, and the packaging of the different views of an object. Composite objects range over an extensible collection of structures including networks, sets, time-lines, and three-dimensional space CAD models.