System and method of enriching non-linkable media representations in a network by enabling an overlying hotlink canvas

Abstract

Techniques are provided for enriching a non-linkable media representation presentable at a user terminal. In an illustrative embodiment, a hotlink canvas receives a hot link composition from an action enabling kernel and displays hotlinks in the hotlink canvas by overlaying a transparent panel on top of the non-linkable media whereby the non-linkable media becomes interactive and hyperlinkable. The hotlink canvas provides the following functions: query media current position and state; forward media position and state to the action enabling kernel; receive contending hotlink candidates from the action enabling kernel; pick one hotlink among a set of hotlink candidates; compose hotlinks by receiving hotlinks meta data from the action enabling kernel; display range contours of hotlinks on the media object by overlaying a hotlink canvas; perform an action specified; request the action enabling kernel to handle an action; and decouple hotlinks in otherwise linkable media.