Method and apparatus for identifying features of multidimensional image data in hypermedia systems

A method for associating specified program actions with locations in images viewed on a computer system, the method comprising the steps of:

• displaying a two-dimensional representation of a multi-dimensional image on a computer screen, with locations in the two-dimensional image specified by values of first and second coordinates which are x and y coordinates specifying locations in a single frame of a video clip,
• selecting a particular location on the two-dimensional representation having particular values of the first and second coordinates which determines a multi-dimensional coordinate including at least a third coordinate value which is a time dimension of the video clip;
• creating a secondary image map, having entries correlating to values of the first, second, and third coordinates, with each entry holding a pointer value;
• when the particular location of the two-dimensional representation is selected, accessing a selected entry of the secondary image specified by the particular vales of the first, second, and third coordinate to retrieve a selected pointer held by the selected entry;
• utilizing a retrieved selected pointer to access hot program actions associated with the particular location in the two-dimensional image.