Authoring tool comprising nested state machines for use in a computer

Abstract

According to the invention, an authoring tool comprises at least one nestable graphic state and transition machine, hereinafter referred to as a 'state machine', each state machine comprising one or more states and zero or more transitions, each transition interconnecting a first state, known as the 'from.sub.-- state', with a second state, known as the 'to.sub.-- state'. The first and second states can be the same state or different states. For each state in the plurality of states there can be any number of transitions, including zero, emanating therefrom and directed thereto. Each state machine has a state designated as its 'current state' which changes in response to users actions or other events. Each state machine also has an initial state which is the state that is designated as the current state when the multimedia title is launched. The authoring tool allows an author to view a state machine simultaneously in several different formats, providing a full view and a map view. State machines can be nested, i.e. a state machine can be contained by another state machine. Preferably, separate user and author views are provided so that an author can manipulate a multimedia product and simultaneously observe the effect such manipulation has on the multimedia product from the user's point of view. Preferably, a plurality of modes are provided, each mode being geared toward particular functionality within the invention and a mechanism is provided so that a user of the invention can selectively switch between modes.