Method for converting two-dimensional data into a canonical representation

This invention relates to customization of data into a representation suitable for presentation in different formats, including aural and limited visual formats. This invention relates specifically to selection of data in a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) so that it is suited for rendering in another form such as an audio format or a visual format other than the source format. A method is provided for converting two-dimensional data, particularly information in HTML format, into a canonical representation for rendering in aural or other visual forms wherein each element of interest is selected based on it being part of a mathematically regular expression, namely any expression that can be parsed in a tree. To perform the selection, the container of the element is located, and then the local route of the element within the parsed tree is followed, such that a signature of the element built upon this identification can be constructed and stored for later use in retrieving and rendering the value of the element of interest. The element of interest can thereafter be rendered through an appropriate language translator of interest to the querier. As a further refinement of the invention. the method searches for repeated elements and then stores only one of the selected repeated elements, such as the first repeated element.