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QUICKSCAN® works by Indexing video material at the source, in a proprietary method that makes images and
motion video retrievable by users, on existing VCRs and Digital Video Recorders like TiVo, with no additional equipment. It
is similar to time code, but significantly better for its purpose.
Whereas SMPTE/EBU time code addresses a LOCATION
on a tape or disc, the QUICKSCAN address identifies the CONTENT of the image, or QUICKSCAN page. It is a true 'unique identifier'
for audio-visual information.
Since television inherently delivers 1800 frames per minute (NTSC) or 1500 per minute
(PAL) its speed is orders of magnitude beyond any current dial up internet service. Note that each image (page) can be a reasonable
quality color photo or ±600 alphanumeric characters. Any visual language can be imaged and transmitted.
Just as "bits
and bytes" are the building blocks of the digital world, "fields and frames" are basic units of broadband television and video.
QUICKSCAN® intercepts the process at this fundamental level.
With "jog-shuttle" or editing-class VCRs and DVRs, individual
fields or frames can be used as pages of information. For lesser quality platforms, the system may be slowed down as required.
(Like Time Code, the indexing can also be machine-readable.)
"One-way" television becomes "interactive video" when
captured on a video recorder and searched using QUICKSCAN® indexing. Interactivity is "local" in the same way a CD-Rom is
termed interactive.
QUICKSCAN® content can be stored on a cassette or DVD, or downloaded over normal TV and cable
services.
In "distributed broadband multi-media" terms, think of it as "press PAUSE for text and graphics" and "press
PLAY for sound and motion". Or, think of it as "electronic microfilm".
APPLICATIONS:
QUICKSCAN® 's inherent
advantages work best with highly photographic, or high motion-video content, intended for one-to-many mass markets, delivery
globally on an advertiser-supported basis. In short, it is a natural extension of commercial television.
EXAMPLES:
Multi-media type or CD-Rom type electronic magazines, newspapers, catalogues, listing services, photo-classified ads,
etc.
Obviously the size of the database affects the speed of access by scrolling. (visual mode) But as an example,
a test WALL STREET JOURNAL in all stillframe-form, downloaded in just 47 seconds NTSC transmission time. It can be searched
from end to end on "jog-shuttle" class VCRs in less than 5 seconds.
QUICKSCAN® may offer an alternative distribution
route to video recorder platforms for existing time-dependent Internet or CD-Rom services. Conversion to Indexed-Video is
quite straightforward.
ADVANTAGES:
Global Broadband delivery to existing or easily upgraded hardware available
now. No obsolescence factor, even when HDTV is introduced.
Forced exposure to advertisers' messages during scrolling
restores traditional "display advertising" role in financing services.
Like Voicemail, which uses the existing touch
tone instrument and dial network, QUICKSCAN® uses hardware and delivery channels already in hundreds of millions of homes
and offices worldwide. International standards conversion is routine.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS:
The QUICKSCAN®
method was patented in the USA, Canada and other key markets. The patents have now expired. Expert legal opinions
have judged it defensible new art. There are also registered Service Marks and claims of Screen Copyright in the Intellectual
Property package.
The patent related to any material technically meeting the definition of "video" at the production
end and at the users end. How it is transmitted and where it is stored, is irrelevant. Cassettes, recording video discs, hard
drives may all be used.
OPPORTUNITIES:
QUICKSCAN® in its "visual mode" is offered for non-exclusive license,
similar to franchising, on terms generally based on a royalty on revenues generated by the use of the system. The cost of
entry is very low, since no capital investment is required for many applications.
There are opportunities to acquire
territorial master licenses which allow sublicensing to third parties as well as in-house use.
The development of
the "machine readable mode" of QUICKSCAN requires some development along lines clearly understood by the inventor. The goal
will be an 'open standard' for all Digital Video Recorders which can break the barrier of stand-alone set top boxes currently
in the marketplace.
There is an opportunity for joint venture market development, either globally, or territory by
territory.
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