A method for converting a document which contains words and images which is
intended to convey information in a traditional, linear format into a
document or display in which the words and images are rearranged so that
the result is laid out in a pictorial representation which makes it much
easier for a person using the document to understand its content. To
create the easier to understand pictorial/graphical representation, a
document, in its original format, is stored so that it can be accessed by
a user using a personal computer or work station. A user accesses the
document in its original format, selects portions of the document, and
each selected portion is assigned a category for subsequent processing.
The categories which may be assigned are selected from among the
following: i) structural, ii) functional, iii) procedural, iv) time based,
and v) event based. Additional categories may be added as a function of
the desired end result and specific sub-parts or diagrams. Once the
categories have been assigned to selected portions of the document, a new
document is created which displays the information in the original
document in a much easier to understand pictorial/graphical
representation.
