Using a simple input device to browse through content on a graphical display

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for browsing through content on a display, wherein the display presents a graph containing nodes representing content that are coupled together by links, the method comprising:

• displaying a focus node in a prominent position in the display;
• displaying other nodes in other positions in the display;
• receiving a selection command that selects a link from the focus node to a selected node;
• and
• in response to the selection command, changing the display so that the selected node becomes the focus node by,
• moving the selected node to the prominent position in the display;
• and
• rearranging the other nodes to appear in other positions in the display.

An apparatus for browsing through content, comprising:

• a display mechanism that is configured to present a graph containing nodes representing content that are coupled together by links on the display;
• wherein the display mechanism is configured to display a focus node in a prominent position in the display;
• wherein the display mechanism is configured to display other nodes in other positions in the display;
• a navigation mechanism that is configured to receive a selection command that selects a link from the focus node to a selected node;
• and
• wherein in response to the selection command, the navigation mechanism is configured to change the display so that the selected node becomes the focus node by,
• moving the selected node to the prominent position in the display;
• and
• rearranging the other nodes to appear in other positions in the display.

A means for browsing through content on a display, wherein the display presents a graph containing nodes representing content that are coupled together by links, comprising:

• a display means for displaying a focus node in a prominent position in the display;
• wherein the display means additionally displays other nodes in other positions in the display;
• a selection means for receiving a selection command that selects a link from the focus node to a selected node;
• and
• a changing means, wherein in response to the selection command, the changing means changes the display so that the selected node becomes the focus node by,
• moving the selected node to the prominent position in the display;
• and
• rearranging the other nodes to appear in other positions in the display.