Patent US 6,131,100

The present invention discloses a menu system that produces code consistent with software routines that generate menu data for an open hierarchical data structure. The structure provides the basis for a content menu. Both the menu and the structure are distinctive because they enable multiple paths to flow to the same information object at the end of a menu path. The primary challenge to generating menu data for this type of menu system involves coordinating sources of data. The present invention discloses a graphical user interface means for menu developers to access sources of data, and generate the predefined code consistent with the software means to generate menu data.