Abstract: An office automation system that provides for the incorporation of documents of all types by integrating images into the system. A minicomputer-based system includes applications such as word processing, data base, and mail, each of which can access image documents. Bulk storage of document images is provided using a variety of storage media such as microfilm, microfiche, and optical disks. An image access subsystem provides to each of the office automation applications uniform access to images stored on all of the media. The image access subsystem can use a hardward controller to handle some of the complexity of retrieval of images from the image storage devices. A relational data base system is used to organize the stored images so as to provide flexible access to the images and to isolate any effects of reconfiguration of the image storage system.

Abstract: A digital imaging file processing system for processing and filing digitized documents is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment a distributed data processing system implements the invention and is comprised of a central computer linked to the following components: a document processor; optical character recognition device; mass storage devices; a printer; and at least one intelligent workstation computer. The document processor automatically digitizes a stack of documents without the need for user intervention. A unique header page is used in each group of documents to be digitized, and gives the document processor such pertinent information as the scanning resolution, whether the processor is to look for yellow highlight marks, and the copy quality of the documents in the batch. Other information includes instructions per the use or non-use of the optical character recognition device, and filing or indexing instructions. A unique yellow highlight mark detection method and means are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic imaging camera is provided for recording either continuous moving video images in analog format or high resolution still images in digital format. The electronic imaging camera includes an electronic viewfinder in which either the continuous moving images or low resolution still images may be played back. An accessory may be releasably connected to the electronic imaging camera to facilitate playback of the high resolution still images on a separate video display device.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus is provided for a record/playback device to provide control signals to actuate the device for recording, for playing back or retrieving, and for reversing or rewinding operations. The control signals are derived from separate switches and transmitted along a single signal conductor. A logic circuit responds to the signals on the single conductor to activate different output lines selectively for the different operations. The record/playback device typically is of the type that records and plays back audio information, or that records and projects visual information.