An automated, video tape-based image archiving system

We have developed an image storage and retrieval system that makes use of a Super-VHS video tape recorder, and a personal computer fitted with an interface board and a video frame grabber. Under PC control, video images are acquired into the frame grabber, a numeric bar code is graphically superimposed for identification purposes, and the composite images are recorded on video tape. During retrieval, the bar code is decoded in real-time and the desired images are automatically retrieved. This video tape-based system, enables the images to be previewed and retrieved much faster than if stored in digital format.