InfoStation: A Low‐Cost Electronic Document Storage, Retrieval, and Transmission System
| Published date | 01 January 1987 |
| Date | 01 January 1987 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047682 |
| Pages | 81-86 |
| Author | David Hessler |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
InfoStation:
A Low-Cost Electronic Document Storage,
Retrieval,
and Transmission System
David Hessler
Integrating a microcomputer with a
videotape recorder (VCR) and facsimile
machine produces a powerful information
handling system--InfoStation. The VCR
can be used to backup the data on the
microcomputer's hard disk, and also can
be used to archive massive amounts of
information for selective retrieval
and use. The VCR can function as a
publication medium containing both analog
and digital information that can be
retrieved by a video receiver and a
microcomputer; and the VCR can be used
to capture digital data broadcast by a
television station, for later retrieval
and use on a microcomputer. The facsimile
machine is a powerful device for inputting
bit-map images of documents into the
microcomputer and VCR, and can be used to
print and/or transmit those documents to
other facsimile machines on demand.
Kirsch Technologies, Inc. (KTI) of St. Clair,
Michigan has developed Video Memory Manager
(VMM), a video/computer interface circuit board
and software that allow computer data to be stored
and backed up on videotape using ordinary
videocassette recorders (VCRs). The company has
integrated Video Memory Manager with facsimile
machines and computer technologies; the resultant
product is InfoStation, an electronic document stor-
age,
retrieval, and data transmission system. Info-
Station's unique design makes the system both econ-
omically and technically valuable for an organization
of any size in any industry.
The system overcomes memory problems as-
sociated with other costly electronic imaging systems
using write-once optical disks as their memory
media.
InfoStation allows a document to be electronical-
ly captured as a "bit-map" image and stored in
the computer. Several types of input device can
be used to capture images over a range of input
speeds and resolutions, which vary in dots per square
inch. The basic InfoStation system uses a Group
III facsimile unit to take advantage of its transmis-
sion potential. Documents can be scanned by
the system's facsimile machine, allowing them to
be placed into memory without the need for time-
consuming entering of information through the
computer keyboard. Any document that can be
transmitted with a facsimile machine can be stored
in InfoStation, including forms, handwritten notes,
and drawings. InfoStation can send and receive
information to and from any facsimile machine
in the world. The system forms a valuable com-
munications interface that allows information to
be internationally networked. A phone line is not
Hessler is a Professor of Information and
Library Studies at The University of Michigan in
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
ISSUE 17 81
To continue reading
Request your trial