A Random Access System Adapted for the Optical Videodisc: Its Impact on Information Retrieval
A fast random-access picture memory employing an optical videodisc player is described. It can access one picture among 40,000 in a few seconds. In operation, numerical identification labels that are inserted for each frame are detected with a digital device. The picture-memory system is compatible with a data broadcasting system developed by the French Posts and Telecommunications Ministry and tested on the networks of Télédiffusion de France. Time-division multiplexing and BCD encoding are used to impose the digital information on the blanking-interval part of the television signal on the videodisc. Five features of the system — freeze-frame operation, electronic addressing, fast random accessing, interspersing of motion and still sequences, and association of pictures through their address codes — permit the creation of new audiovisual presentation methods with individualized and interactive applications. Numerous applications are possible, especially in industry (decentralized parts catalogs and card files) and education (individualized, interactive learning with branching lesson plans).
- Print ISSN
- 0036-1682
- Published
- 1977-02
- Content type
- Original Research
- DOI
- 10.5594/J13240