AU2014100574A4 - Apparatus, system and method for producing a three-dimensional mind map - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention resides in an apparatus, method and system for producing a three-dimensional mind map which enables users to organise information in a three-dimensional hierarchical and visual layout and navigate through the depths and levels of a three-dimensional mind map. The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for producing a three-dimensional mind map comprising at least one recursive node. ...kw : : X", -------------------------------------- 420 430 443 444

Description

1 TITLE APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A THREE DIMENSIONAL MIND MAP 5 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to mind mapping. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for producing a three-dimensional mind map. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention has broader application and is not 10 limited to that particular use. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Mind mapping is used to diagrammatically represent and visually outline ideas and/or information. A mind map is often created around a 15 central topic, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. It is an image-centered diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of information. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical manner, it encourages a brainstorming approach to any given organisational task, 20 eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant conceptual framework to work within. Mind maps are increasingly used to help people generate, classify and/or organize ideas and information and view such ideas and information in a hierarchical, visual layout. Mind maps are used for brainstorming, project management, work 25 flow analysis, organizational charts, problem-solving, decision-making, 2 and other suitable purposes. There are software programs that enable people to easily create 2D or 3D mind maps. In known mind mapping software applications, users create topics in a mind map by inserting or importing texts and graphic 5 elements into generic topics. However, as a project or the information to be organised grows, a three-dimensional landscape view is more desirable to enable a user to take in more information at a glance. As with a 2D mind map or concept map, in a 3D mind map there are nodes and connections between the nodes. But instead of lines showing those 10 connections, their locations show their relationship. United States Patent No. 20120317108 discloses a collaborative brainstorming tool comprising a three dimensional, information-centric holographic user interface for creating a mind map. A holographic engine displays a three dimensional hologram of a mind map that can be rotated 15 and viewed from different angles outside of the main developer device. The holographic view presents an extended view that is rotatable around an axis in order to provide additional information. The mind map interconnects the idea image graphics with idea links represented by line segments within the mind map. These interconnections represent relations 20 among the idea graphics and each idea image and may have one or more multiple connections to other ideas. United States Patent No. 6121971 discloses a method and system which provides a group of task related objects, wherein each task group is composed of objects related to a particular user task, and associated with 3 each task group is a viewpoint in the 3D space. For example, a desk icon could be pointed to and clicked on so that the user viewpoint would then move closer to the desk, in a position where the drawers could be seen. A particular drawer could be clicked on and then opened, revealing a 5 plurality of files. Thereafter, a particular file could be clicked on, and a representation of that file would be removed from the drawer and provided for access to the user. This invention relates to organizing and navigating within a three-dimensional (3D) environment within a display on a computer system. It uses various objects in a 3D representation as 10 containers rather than the typical Windows environment in which there are a plurality of windows and icons to be clicked on that may or may not be representative of the particular task that is to be performed. US Patent No. 5812134 discloses a system and a method for presenting a three-dimensional graphic display of information within an 15 information base and allowing the user of the information base to efficiently navigate through, and interact with, the information base by following a graphically-implied path of search progression. The system graphically depicts the organization of the information base as "molecules" consisting of structured parallel "threads" of connected nodes each 20 encompassing a specific aspect of the overall database. Related elements of different threads may be connected by a link. Within a given thread, the component nodes, which share a commonality of subject, are arranged in a natural, linear progression which reflects the organizational structure of the information subject represented by the thread. It is possible to rotate 4 the orientation of the molecules relative to the viewer of the computer screen. United States Patent No. 20120303629 discloses a system which supports users in retrieving stored information quickly and easily through 5 associative linking. A concept map or mind map displays the relationships between the information and the tags with which it has been associated. In a mind map view, the information is represented on the screen as a textual or graphical element, and lines emanating from this element connect the element graphically to textual or graphical elements 10 representing the associated tags, which are labeled as such. In an embodiment with a three-dimensional spatial representation, three dimensional navigation is facilitated. For example, hovering over an item will reveal other tags or items that may initially be occluded in the two dimensional view. A contextual or fly-out menu pops up in spring-loaded 15 fashion after a brief delay to reveal further choices based on associated tags or keywords related to the highlighted item. Some of the main disadvantages or problems of the mind maps of the prior art can be summarised as follows: 1. Problem of Data Visualisation - Cognitive Dissonance between Whole 20 and Parts: Existing mind mapping systems, both 2D and 3D, do not offer navigation either to the top level of the map, or to each of its branches and levels, so as to be able to view its particularities at a glance, or return to a global overview at a glance. They thus lack a system to mediate or resolve the dissonance between understanding the overall structure of a 5 mindmap, and the details of its parts. 2. Problem of Navigation: Existing 3D mind mapping systems do not offer navigation to each component and/or level of the map. Many only offer panning or zooming on nodes, or if they involve navigation, prioritise other 5 concerns (e.g. usage of representational metaphors) over ease of navigation and elegant presentation of content, such that they cannot resolve the above problem. 3. Problem of Task Management: Although mind maps are often used as project management tools, they are still generally used for the 10 brainstorming or conceptualisation component of projects, while a separate task management application is often used to track implementation. These latter tools tend to be based around a restrictive 'Projects' and 'Tasks' model. While some may offer recursive tasks through which to properly structure a project, they are also limited in their 15 capacity for visualising tasks, being essentially non-graphical text input systems. As users increasingly begin to use mind maps for more and more purposes, there is a desire to be able to embed rich content, such as graphics, tables, charts, videos, etc. into the mind map and be able to 20 interact more with the mind map. Consequently, it would be desirable to produce a three-dimensional mind map that enables users to easily organise, view and navigate through content. The reference to any prior art in this specification is and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior 6 art forms part of the common general knowledge. In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus, system and method for producing a three-dimensional mind 5 map that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, 10 system and method for producing a three-dimensional mind map, that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus, system and method for producing a three-dimensional mind map which enables users to organise information in a three-dimensional hierarchical and visual layout and navigate through a three-dimensional 20 mind map. According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional mind map comprising: computer readable program code components configured to cause 7 at least one parent node to be displayed to a user and edited via an interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause at least one child node to be created and associated with the at least one 5 parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause generating a three-dimensional map comprising at least two hierarchical layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at 10 least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer; and computer readable program components configured to enable the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map. 15 Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause the hierarchical layers to be positioned at different depths within the three-dimensional map. Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to enable the user to navigate back and forth 20 through and around the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map. Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause the at least one child node to be recursive. Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable 8 components configured to cause the at least one parent node and the at least one child node to be in the form of a flower. Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause the at least one parent node and the at 5 least one child node to consist of a specific content type. Suitably, the content types include, but are not limited to the following: goals, comments, categories, users, links and pages. Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause the at least one parent node and the at 10 least one child node to comprise at least one field relating to the content type of the node. Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause the position of the node within the map to be dependent on and reflective of its relationship with related nodes. 15 Preferably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause a window to be displayed in association with a node. Suitably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to provide at least one display mode for the window including, 20 but not limited to, small, medium, large and off. Suitably, the apparatus comprises computer readable components configured to cause an icon associated with a site from which the window content originates to be displayed in association with a node in the off mode.

9 According to a further aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a computer readable medium and/or computer program comprising computer readable components configured to produce a three-dimensional mind map comprising: 5 computer readable program code components configured to cause at least one parent node to be displayed to a user and edited via an interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause at least one child node to be created and associated with the at least one 10 parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause generating a three-dimensional map comprising at least two hierarchical layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at 15 least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer; and computer readable program components configured to enable the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map. 20 Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to cause hierarchical layers to be positioned at different depths within the three-dimensional map. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to enable the user to navigate back and 10 forth through and around the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to cause the at least one child node to 5 be recursive. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to cause the at least one parent node and the at least one child node to be in the form of a flower. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer 10 readable components configured to cause the at least one parent node and the at least one child node to consist of a specific content type. Suitably, the content types include, but are not limited to the following: goals, comments, categories, users, links and pages. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer 15 readable components configured to cause the at least one parent node and the at least one child node to comprise at least one field relating to the content type of the node. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to cause the position of the node within 20 the map to be dependent on and reflective of its relationship with related nodes. Preferably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to cause a window to be displayed in association with a node.

11 Suitably, the computer readable medium comprises computer readable components configured to provide at least one display mode for the window including, but not limited to, small, medium, large and off. Suitably, the computer readable medium comprises computer 5 readable components configured to cause an icon associated with a site from which the window content originates to be displayed in association with a node in the off mode. According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a method for producing a three 10 dimensional mind map comprising the following steps: displaying at least one parent node to a user and enabling the at least one parent node to be edited via an interactive communication means; creating and associating at least one child node with the at least 15 one parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication means; generating a three-dimensional map comprising at least two hierarchical layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned 20 spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer; and enabling the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map.

12 According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in system for producing a three dimensional map, the system comprising: an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional mind map coupled 5 to be in communication with a server comprising a storage facility via a communications network. Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided 15 by way of example only, wherein: FIG 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional mind map according to embodiments of the invention; FIG 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for producing the three dimensional mind map according to embodiments of the present invention; 20 FIG 3 shows an interactive screen for displaying at least one parent node to a user to edit and provide input; FIG 4 shows further detail of the screen of FIG 3 for creating at least one child node related to the parent node; 13 FIG 5 shows further detail of the screen of FIG 3 illustrating additional features of the parent node; FIG 6 shows further details of a different embodiment of the screen of FIG 3 for generating a three-dimensional mind map; 5 FIG 7 shows further details of the screen of FIG 6 displaying a single node of the three-dimensional mind map; and FIG 8 shows further details of the screen of FIG 6 displaying a three-dimensional mind map with a windowing functionality. Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings 10 are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to an apparatus, method and system for producing a three dimensional mind map which enables users to organise information in a three-dimensional hierarchical and visual layout and navigate through the 20 depths and levels of a three-dimensional mind map. The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for producing a three dimensional mind map comprising a recursive node. For convenience sake, the three-dimensional mind map will be described herein for mapping goals, comments, categories, users, links and pages. To provide 14 an example of how the present invention can be implemented in a commecialised platform, the invention shall be described for use as a social collaboration platform such as one targeted to freelancers and co working communities and/or spaces. Freelancers can utilise the invention 5 to set goals, share them on social media and assign them to friends and colleagues. The platform can also facilitate any associated transactions. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be modified to suit any other suitable content and/or application. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as 10 required. Referring to Fig 1, the apparatus 100 for producing a three dimensional mind map 500 is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises an interactive communication means 150 including a processor 110 operatively coupled 15 to one or more input devices 120, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, controller and/or other suitable input device. Processor 110 is operatively coupled to one or more output devices 130, such as a screen, printer and/or other suitable output device. Processor 110 is also operatively coupled to a storage medium in the form of memory 140. 20 Memory 140 comprises a computer readable medium 141, such as a read only memory (e.g., programmable read only memory (PROM), or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), a random access memory (e.g. static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), or hybrid 15 memory (e.g., FLASH), or other types of memory as are well known in the art. The computer readable medium 141 comprises computer readable program code components 142 for generating the three-dimensional mind map in accordance with the description of the present invention, at least 5 some of which are selectively executed by the processor 110 and are configured to cause the execution of the embodiments of the present invention described herein. A database 143 comprising mind map data and information relating to the content type of the mind map is provided in memory 140 of 10 apparatus 100 and/or in storage device 308 of the system. The database is interrogated on the basis of input by the user via the interactive communication means 150 to generate a three-dimensional mind map as described in detail hereinafter. Examples of apparatus 100 include, but are not limited to, personal, 15 laptop or notebook computers, Pads, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia devices, mobile telephones and other computing devices. It will be acknowledged that the computer program components 142 will be compatible with, and response to, the different web platforms dependent on the type of apparatus. For example, Pads, 20 tablets, mobile telephones and other touch devices will have swipeable content. Referring to Figure 2, a system 300 for producing a three dimensional mind map is provided in accordance with embodiments of the 16 present invention. The system 300 comprises one or more apparatus 100 as described above coupled to be in communication with a communications network 302 such as a local area network (LAN) and/or global communications network such as the Internet 306, via conventional 5 wireless and/or wired connections. Apparatus 100 is coupled to be in communication with a storage device 308, such as a server or other computing device, via global communications network 306 and/or communication network 302, and/or internal storage device as appropriate. 10 With reference to FIG 3, a computer-implemented apparatus 100 for producing a three-dimensional mind map is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises at least one interactive screen 400 for displaying at least one parent node 410 to a user and enabling the at least one parent node 410 to be edited, 15 and creating and associating at least one child node 420 with the at least one parent node 410, based on input 430 by the user via the interactive communication means 150. The at least one interactive screen 400 is presented to a user via a web browser provided on an apparatus 100. There is a single main parent node which acts as the origin for the three 20 dimensional map. However, in an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that multiple parent nodes can be provided as the origin(s) for the three dimensional map. As illustrated in FIG 3, the nodes 410, 420 are in the form of a flower. As illustrated in FIG 3, the design comprises flowers in the form a 17 "fire flower" depicted against a night sky. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable representation could also be adopted. It is envisaged that the colour, style and dimensions of the flower can be varied as desired to suit personal preferences and/or different applications. Furthermore, it is 5 envisaged that the colour, style and/or dimensions of the flower can be used to indicate various information and/or a status for the node. In particular, it is envisaged that the type of flower and/or colour of the flower can be utilised to represent the different types of links between the nodes 410, 420. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that it may be possible 10 to preview links. In a three-dimensional map the size of the flower can be reflective of its position within the three-dimensional space of the map and its relationship with related nodes. In further embodiments of the present invention, it will be acknowledged that various designs, graphical and visual effects can be incorporated as desired to increase the aesthetic 15 appeal and user experience. Such effects include, but are not limited to, fade-in and fade-out effects, customised drop-down menus and datepicker widgets and other suitable flourishes and effects. The nodes 410, 420 consist of a specific content type 450 whereby all the nodes can be of the same content type and/or a combination 20 thereof. The content types for the nodes 410, 420 include, but are not limited to, the following: goals, comments, categories, users (i.e. a user's profile information), links (i.e. a URL pointing to and previewing external content) and pages (i.e. pages of HTML content that the user can manually mark up, similar to a blog entry). The content type 450 defines 18 the layout for the nodes 410, 420. In an alternative embodiment, it will be acknowledged that preferences relating to the content layout can be varied by a user. It is envisaged that browser management functionality will be provided for updating web browser URL when a user navigates 5 between the nodes 410, 420 and/or preventing content from loading if the user's web browser will not support it. The nodes 410, 420 comprise at least one field 440 relating to the content type 450 of the node 410, 420 which is adapted to receive input 430 from the user via the interactive communication means 150. The input 10 430 can be in any suitable form including, but not limited to, the following: alphanumerical data/information, pictorial data/information, uploaded files such as data, audio or video files, links or the like. The content type 450 can be integrated with a social multimedia platform such as YouTube, so that video content can be added to the nodes 410, 410 as a type of link to 15 external content. The field 440 can be an editable text field and/or a pre selected field with predetermined options such as a drop-down box, calendar or the like. As illustrated in FIG 3, the fields 440 include, but are not limited to, the following: Name, Description, Start Date, Deadline, Estimated Hours, Actual Hours, Status and Assignee. The title of the field 20 440 can be shown or hidden as desired. Associated within each field 440 is at least one tooltip 444. The tooltip 444 provides an explanation of the field 440 with which it is associated and/or flags the content required to be input by a user if the information is invalid or has been omitted. It is envisaged that the content for the fields 440 can be validated prior to 19 saving any entered information. The user can create one or more child nodes 420 which are associated with the parent node 410, using an "Add" button 441 on the parent node 410 and selecting a content type 450 from a selection 5 provided on the screen 400, as illustrated in FIG 4. A child node 420 will then appear for the user to complete by entering the necessary input 450 via the interactive communication means 150. As shown in FIG 5, the child node 420 is recursive. The child node 420 is recursive in that it can then become a parent for a further child node 420 that is created and 10 associated with it, thereby creating a grandparent, parent and child chain from the main parent node 410. It is envisaged that calculations across a recursive sequence or set of nodes 410, 420 such as, goals and sub goals, will be automated. For example, when a parent goal 410 has sub goals 420, an additional row of data 446 listing "Total Estimated Hours" 15 and "Total Actual Hours" for all the sub-goals 420 including the parent goal 410 are added to the parent goal 410, in addition to the default "Estimated Hours" and "Actual Hours" for each goal 410, 420 by itself. The user can also delete one or more child nodes 420 using a "Delete" button 442 on the node 410, 420 and selecting a deletion type 20 from a selection provided on the screen. The three-dimensional mind map will then be updated to reflect the deletion. According to some embodiments, a 'Cascade' deletion deletes the current node and all the nodes below it in the map. A 'Move Up' deletion only deletes the current node and moves the nodes below up one level.

20 The node 410, 420 can comprise at least one tab 447 for displaying and switching between multiple panes of content held within a single node 410, 420. In this embodiment, a timer 448 is provided for goals 410, 420 which enables a user to accurately track the time spent on each goal 410, 5 420. The timer 448 is in the form of a digital clock that can be operated via start, stop and reset buttons. A chart 449 is also provided which indicated the progress of completion of the goal as a percentage. Referring now to FIG 6, the apparatus 100 generates a three dimensional map 500 comprising at least two hierarchical layers such that 10 the at least one parent node 410 is in a first hierarchical layer 510a and the at least one child node 420 is in a second hierarchical layer 520b positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer 510. Each hierarchical layer 510 is positioned at a specified depth with the three dimensional map 500. The hierarchy for the three-dimensional map 500 is 15 such that first hierarchical layer 510a is the highest in the hierarchy and is positioned in the foremost layer 510 on the map 500. The second hierarchical layer 510b is positioned behind the first hierarchical layer 510a, a third hierarchical layer 510c is positioned behind the second hierarchical layer 51 Gb and so forth. 20 According to embodiments of the present invention, the position of the nodes 410, 420 within the three-dimensional map 500 is dependent on and reflective of the relationship between the nodes 410, 420. For example, the main parent node 410 is positioned in the first hierarchical layer 510a, the child node 420 is positioned in the second hierarchical 21 layer 510b. Child node 420 can also then become the parent for a further child node 421 which would be positioned in a third hierarchical layer 510c and so forth. Sibling child nodes 420 are positioned within the same hierarchical layer. The closer the nodes 410, 420 to the first layer, the 5 larger size of the flower. For example, a grandparent, parent and child node would appear as a large, medium and small sized node respectively. The apparatus 100 is configured to enable the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map 500. Preferably, the apparatus 100 is configured to enable the user to navigate 10 back and forth through and around the hierarchical layers 510 of the three dimensional map 500 using a cursor, arrow keys, touch or the like. As shown in FIG 5, a control panel 460 is provided to enable a user to navigate through the three-dimensional map. The control panel 460 contains options including, but not limited to, 'Top' to return to the parent 15 node 410 of origin, 'Up" to return to a higher hierarchical layer, the parent node of the currently viewed node, 'Previous' and 'Next' to go between siblings of the current node, which are in the same hierarchical layer. It is possible to select an individual node 410, 420 to focus on that node 410, 420 and/or display details pertaining to that node 410, 420. The selected 20 node 530 can be displayed in combination with all the child nodes 420 that are associated with the selected node 530 and its corresponding child nodes 420, as illustrated in FIG 6. Alternatively, selected node 530 can be displayed on its own, particularly if it is a sole child node, as illustrated in Fig 7. It is envisaged that the selected node 530 and/or child nodes 22 directly associated with it can be highlighted using a border 531 or any other suitable means. The cancelling of nodes 410, 420 will be managed when a user clicks a 'Cancel' button 443 (as shown in FIG 3) or moves from a new node 410, 420 without saving it. 5 FIG 8 shows the three-dimensional map 500 of the present invention incorporating a windowing functionality. According to embodiments of the present invention, a window 540 is displayed in association with a node 410, 420. At least one display mode is provided for the window including, but not limited to, Small, Medium, Large and Off. 10 Buttons representing these four modes would be visible at the top of the window. When a node 420 with a window is in the second hierarchical layer, it can be in a Small or Off mode. Buttons representing these two modes would be visible at the top of the node's window. The default will be to go 15 into Small mode as soon as the node is in the second layer. An icon associated with a site from which the window content originates (i.e. You Tube) is displayed in association with a node in the Off mode. When a node 420 with a window first appears in the background, it's default mode would be Off. No buttons to change this mode will be 20 visible when the node is in the background. If it is selected and brought to the centre of the screen, it would then automatically go into Small mode. A selected node can then be changed to Medium or Large. If another node is then selected, the node would then go into Small mode in the background. It would only revert to the initial Off mode if this is explicitly 23 chosen by the user. It is envisaged that the present invention will provide real-time updates. For example, if you load the same node 410, 420 in two separate but active browsers (including on different apparatus such as a desktop 5 and a tablet) and make an update, addition or deletion to that node 410, 420 or any of the nodes 410, 420 appearing behind it, these changes will appear in real-time in the other browser. Thus, when a user makes a change to a node 410, 420, any other user viewing a page containing that node 410, 420 will see the update on their apparatus in real-time. 10 In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the system 300 is therefore provided for producing a three-dimensional mind map 500. The system 300 comprises the processor 110 of the apparatus 100 coupled to be in communication with the storage device 308 via communications network 306. According to some embodiments, the 15 storage device 308 comprises the content type information and input 450 by a user and mapping data for the generation of a three-dimensional map. Hence, another aspect of the present invention hence resides in a computer-implemented method of producing a three-dimensional mind 20 map. The method includes displaying at least one parent node 410 to a user and enabling the at least one parent node 410 to be edited, and creating and associating at least one child node 420 with the at least one parent node 410 based on input by the user via the interactive communication means 150. The method includes generating a three- 24 dimensional map 500 comprising at least two hierarchical layers 510 such that the parent node 410 is in a first hierarchical layer 510a and the at least one child node 420 is in a second hierarchical layer 510b positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer 510a and enabling the user 5 to navigate through the hierarchical layers 510 of the three-dimensional map 500. Another aspect of the present invention hence resides in the apparatus 100 and/or computer program for producing a three dimensional mind map comprising computer readable program code 10 components configured to cause at least one parent node to be displayed to a user and edited, and at least one child node to be created and associated with the at least one parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication means. The computer readable program code components are configured to cause generating a three-dimensional 15 map comprising at least two hierarchical layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer and enable the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map. 20 Hence, embodiments of the present invention thus provide a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing systems, methods and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional mind map. The present invention provides additional interaction for the user and enables the user to easily organise, display and navigate through content 25 in a three-dimensional mind map. The present invention offers a fast and efficient way to navigate the components of the map, based upon it's spatial organisation and through this, resolves the problem of mediating the whole map with the details of its parts. It takes the concept of a 5 mindmap and gives it depth, so that you can literally 'drill down' into the screen to see the deeper levels of the mind map. The present invention also offers a simple recursive node (i.e. goal), that can be broken down to an infinite breadth and depth. It integrates the dual functions of concept mapping and task management with its recursive goal-setting system. 10 Thus, the present invention broadly integrates and simplifies these functions of scope, navigation, task management and data-visualisation into a single system, based upon and built within the recursive model of its mind-mapping system, and the data-visualisation and navigational capabilities of its 3d user interface. 15 Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 20

Claims (5)

1. An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional mind map comprising: computer readable program code components configured to cause 5 at least one parent node to be displayed to a user and edited via an interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause at least one child node to be created and associated with the at least one parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication 10 means; computer readable program code components configured to cause generating a three-dimensional map comprising at least two hierarchical layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned spatially 15 apart from the first hierarchical layer; and computer readable program components configured to enable the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional map.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer readable 20 components are configured to cause the at least one child node to be recursive.

3. A computer readable medium and/or computer program comprising computer readable components configured to produce a three dimensional mind map comprising: 27 computer readable program code components configured to cause at least one parent node to be displayed to a user and edited via an interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause 5 at least one child node to be created and associated with the at least one parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication means; computer readable program code components configured to cause generating a three-dimensional map comprising at least two hierarchical 10 layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer; and computer readable program components configured to enable the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the three-dimensional 15 map.

4. A method for producing a three-dimensional mind map comprising the following steps: displaying at least one parent node to a user and enabling the at least one parent node to be edited via an interactive communication 20 means; creating and associating at least one child node with the at least one parent node based on input by the user via the interactive communication means; generating a three-dimensional map comprising at least two 28 hierarchical layers such that the parent node is in a first hierarchical layer and the at least one child node is in a second hierarchical layer positioned spatially apart from the first hierarchical layer; and enabling the user to navigate through the hierarchical layers of the 5 three-dimensional map.

5. A system for producing a three-dimensional map, the system comprising: an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional mind map coupled to be in communication with a server comprising a storage facility via a 10 communications network.