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QUICKSCANŽ Indexed-Video: An image-based, broadband electronic publishing system.
George L. Van Valkenburg
Timeshift Video Services, Ltd.
PO Box 385
Mangonui 0557, New Zealand
(64)(9) 406-1018
quickscan@xtra.co.nz
website: www.quickscan.org
Abstract: VCR owners are induced to record QUICKSCANŽ-indexed images delivered at up
to 1500 per minute (PAL), and view them frame-by-frame or as running video. This technique of alphanumeric indexing with embedded
menus brings varying levels of interactivity to existing VCRs with no added equipment. Accessing is intuitively similar to
magazines and catalogues. European and global investment and development opportunities require structured market tests over
a wide range of applications.
CONCEPTS:
1. A video image can emulate a computer screen for storage, transmission
and display purposes, within its resolution parameters.
2. All VCRs and video players are inherently interactive.
Stop, pause, play, rewind, fast-forward, all are interactive commands we use without thinking. To make these functions useful
for information retrieval, requires a framework of position and heading." Where am I now and where do I want to go?
In
the video editing suite, this capability is provided by SMPTE/EBU Timecode, both visible and machine-readable. But timecode
is not appropriate for the public or business user with a video device. In fact, there are valid questions as to whether it
was ever the correct approach for its intended purposes.
3. Consumer VCRs have different levels of precision in locating
information. A few can display a single frame and step forward and backwards; many more have a clear stillframe and frame-advance;
virtually all can show a visible picture during fast-forward and rewind.
Therefore, closed-user groups can equip themselves
with optimum terminal devices, while public services must be designed with regard to the assumed capabilities of the VCRs
in the hands of the audience.
QUICKSCANŽ indexed-video electronic publishing, uses familiar alphanumeric indexing
information, not timecode, and usually includes embedded menus or index pages in familiar locations, i.e., beginning, end,
at regular intervals, or between chapters. This technique closes the loop, and makes each electronic publication self-contained
and self-teaching.
The visible mode is adaptable to all existing VCRs with no additional hardware. It can be advertiser-supported,
and can be designed to survive standards conversation and other quality degredation with no loss of accuracy in content.
The
machine-readable mode requires an adapter, or a new reader-function in the VCR. [OR DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER] It is appropriate
to a smaller set of applications which are not offered free to the user.
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