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Description  |
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to enhanced functionality of a public telephone
network and, in particular, to a distributed imaging system with a
plurality of input/output nodes connected by a public telephone network to
central or distributed image data processing and storage facilities.
BACKGROUND ART
In major industrial countries significant resources are dedicated to
creating, processing and distributing information. To best utilize these
assets, research has been directed toward information management efforts
including how to best present the information to enhance its utilization.
To this end, various systems have been proposed for providing high quality
transmission of images with and without supporting text.
Technological support for information distribution has produced electronic
systems for creating, compiling, editing, storing, accessing, and
distributing high resolution image information. These technologies are
directed to producing and/or supporting a paperless work environment
wherein data is transmitted electronically over dedicated and public
networks. As communications capabilities for the transmission of data have
been enhanced by modern technologies, the forms of information transmitted
have correspondingly grown.
Initial attempts at electronic information transfer were limited to the
bilevel signaling of a single channel American Morse signal, followed by
more sophisticated modulation techniques supporting analog speech, low and
medium resolution facsimile images, digital data and slow and fast scan
television signals.
Image management systems offer high resolution digital image data using
computer workstations. The workstations include powerful processors, large
memories and high resolution bit-mapped displays providing 1,200 by 900
pixels (picture elements) or greater display resolution. Information for
each pixel includes multiple level bit intensity information to create
various shades of a gray scale and may include pixel color information.
For example, by representing each pixel by 8 bits of intensity data, 256
intensity levels can be displayed. Bit color information can be stored as
separate intensity levels for each of the primary colors, red, green and
blue. Using windowing techniques, multiple images can be concurrently
displayed on a monitor.
In a multi-media, multi-source information retrieval system, both textual
and image data is made avaiable to a system user on a display and/or
hard-copy printing device. Multi-media workstations combine high
resolution images with supporting text, data and other media including
video while separately maintaining the underlying image and text data.
Images are typically stored as bit-mapped data described above and text as
string data is stored using conventional encoding standards such as ASCII.
Textual information provided to a user is available from several sources
including other users, private and commercial data bases, and automated
electronic information services. High resolution image data is available
from similar sources and may include medical imaging data, photographic
images, electronic graphics, frame grabber television pictures, etc. The
original input image data can be manipulated and combined with other
displayable data including other images and text to form "composite" image
data.
Duehran et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,722 describes a method for sending a
selected message comprising binary encoded character data or facsimile
encoded data stored at a first location to any specified remote location
accessible from the first location via the public switched telephone
network. The method includes the steps of storing the messages at the
first location and thereafter receiving at the first location via the
public switched telephone network, delivery commands issued by any remote
telephone device identifying the selected message and specified remote
location. The commands are decoded to identify the selected message and
specified remote location and the selected message is recovered from the
stored messages. A telephone call is initiated to the specified remote
location and sent to a facsimile capable receiving device at the specified
remote location via the public switched telephone network in a facsimile
compatible form.
Gordon et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,184 is directed to facsimile message
transmission between end devices via a public switched telephone network
and a "process intermediary unit." The purpose of this arrangement is to
eliminate the need for the subscriber at the destination to have a
dedicated telephone line while giving the appearance at the originating
device of dedicated line transmission.
The intermediary unit includes a block of telephone number addresses
(TNA's) which may be leased or purchased. These addresses, which are
associated with particular subscribers, do not represent dedicated
telephone lines. When used, communication is established with a "local
node" by means of a DID trunk line if one is available. For long distance
communication, a number of local nodes are interconnected by a digital
data transmission network. At least some of the transmitting/receiving
devices have unique telephone number addresses which, when used, results
in telephone connection with the intermediary unit, the telephone number
addresses being recorded and used by the intermediary unit to identify the
receiving devices to which data is to be transmitted.
Gillon et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,348 is directed to communication of
facsimile data. Facsimile image signals are transmitted from facsimile
sources by means of simple standard user interfaces and the telephone
lines. A facsimile call is set up by dialing a destination number to
automatically route to data storage facilities of a switched network.
Facsimile data stored in the network is transmitted to a facsimile
destination. The switched network may be a private switched network, a
public switched network or a private branch exchange. The network may be
arranged to distribute a facsimile document to a plurality of destinations
with only one transmission from any source. If the destination is
unavailable, the facsimile signals can be stored until the destination
becomes available.
Neudorfer Pat. No. 4,935,955 is directed to a system for interfacing
central office facsimile telephone lines and internal office facsimile
machines. Roll-over lines from the central office are utilized to
automatically sequence up from the main facsimile telephone number as
additional facsimile transmissions arrive. Incoming and outgoing facsimile
transmission data is placed in memory storage after being received and
before being transmitted. The combination of rollover and memory storage
makes the system transparent to the outside sender, since all incoming
facsimile transmissions dial the same main telephone number. Similarly,
outgoing messages are transparent to the internal facsimile machine
operators, since their messages are sent to the interface unit, stored in
memory and then sent out over the next free facsimile telephone line.
Baran et al Pat. No. 4,893,333 describes an interactive facsimile system
and method of information retrieval which permits unmodified CCITT
(Consultative Committee for International Telephony and Telegraphy) Group
III and IV facsimile transceivers to interactively select and retrieve
facsimile pages from a shared facsimile database fax serve system. The
remote facsimile transceiver user marks a paper selector sheet form using
a pencil or pen. The selector sheet is transmitted via the remote
facsimile transmitter to the fax server unit. The fax server unit
processes the facsimile signal rapidly, interpreting the selector sheet
and selecting the pages desired to be retrieved prior to the normal CCITT
time out. In this way the requested information may be returned during the
same telephone call. Alternatively the fax server initiates an automatic
call back with the information desired. The system permits facsimile
transceivers to be used as interactive terminals for selective retrieval
of text and graphics, without requiring alphanumeric keyboard interaction
or the need for manual intervention.
Takavama Pat. No. 4,491,873 describes a common control system for
controlling a plurality of facsimile terminal apparatuses. A buffer memory
is provided for storing picture data. The contents of the buffer memory is
then stored in a magnetic disk memory having a large storage capacity.
Contents of the disk memory are transferred to another facsimile terminal.
The control system receives picture signal information from outside fax
terminals. This received data is stored in a first-in, first-out (FIFO)
memory, decoded and stored in a buffer memory, and thereafter transferred
to a disk memory. The image signal can be retrieved from the disk memory,
transferred to the buffer memory and transmitted to a designated facsimile
terminal.
While various systems for providing and processing image data are
available, and more are under development, the systems are not easily
integrated to accommodate sharing and distribution of information between
systems. Local networks interconnect workstations at a user site and
gateways can be used to interface the local network with other similar
systems. However, because of incompatibility between systems, interfacing
between different systems is difficult or impractical. Due to initial
costs of system procurement, training, and maintenance of a particular
imaging or multi-media system, users are reluctant to invest in present
state-of-the-art systems which may be obsolete in the near future. Still
another problem with present imaging systems is unavailability of
compatible image data bases. A further shortcoming of imaging systems is
the relatively high start-up costs of required software and hardware.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a system providing
remote centralized or distributed image processing.
Another object of the invention is to integrate users of different systems
into a distributed processing system using available hardware.
Still another object of the invention is to provide automatic data routing
between and among users according to scripted routing maps.
A still further object of the invention is automatic user identification
for access verification and billing purposes.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, it is integrated with a
telecommunications system which includes a plurality of switches
interconnected by trunks, a plurality of subscriber stations arranged in
groups with each group being served by one of the switching means, a
plurality of subscriber lines connecting each switching means with the
group of subscriber switching stations served thereby, and a switching
network in each switching means for establishing communication paths
between calling subscriber stations and called subscriber stations. A
backbone digital data network transmits digital data using a first
communications protocol. A gateway interface receives command and digital
image data signals having a second communications protocol from one of the
subscriber stations and converts second communications protocol of the
command and digital image data signals into the first communications
protocol. The gateway supplies the converted command and digital image
data signals to the backbone network. The digital image data signals may
include multilevel pixel intensity data to provide a graduated gray scale
capability.
An image memory stores bit mapped image data as multilevel pixel density
information. A processor receives the converted command and digital image
data signals from the backbone network and, in response, selectively
stores and retrieves the image data into and out from the image memory
means over the backbone network.
According to another aspect of the invention, a real time interactive
distributed image processing system includes a plurality of remote user
terminal stations for inputting and processing image processing commands
from a respective user. Each of the remote user terminal stations includes
a local processor responsive to the image processing commands for
supplying image manipulation commands and data retrieval and storage
commands. An input is provided for original image data, i.e., image data
prior to further processing, the image data including multilevel pixel
intensity information. Each remote terminal station further includes a
composite image data output for supplying composite image data, i.e.,
image data after manipulation, including multilevel pixel intensity
information.
A central processor includes data storage connected to the central
processor means for storing the original and composite image data and a
graphics processor receiving the image manipulation commands from the
input/output means and, in response, retrieving and combining the original
image data to form the composite image data. Further associated with the
central processor is a routing table memory for storing sequences of
addresses, and a communications processor responsive to automatic number
identification (ANI) data and to the addresses stored in the routing table
for supplying the composite image data. Providing connectivity for
transmitting the image manipulation commands and the data retrieval and
storage commands from the remote user terminal stations to the central
processor means and for transmitting the original image data and the
composite image data from the central processor means to the remote user
terminal station is a public switched telephone system for connecting the
remote user terminal stations to the central processor means. Automatic
number identification facilities are used for automatically supplying the
ANI data identifying ones of the remote user terminal stations on the
public switched telephone network.
Another feature of the invention includes user billing facilities for
providing an indication of user system utilization including (i) storage
requirements, (ii) processing usage, and (iii) input/output usage. The
data storage can include short term electronic memory and long term
optical memory devices. The long term optical memory device can be a write
once, read many (WORM) drive.
The above and other objects, feature and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a distributed imaging system including user
interfaces.
FIG. 2 is a data structure of image data including routing, access and data
history fields.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a typical imaging workstation.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The distributed imaging system provides centralized image processing to end
users and access to a range of image management capabilities residing on a
"shared" platform distributed through a switched telephone system. The
shared platform functions as a service bureau in delivering such
capabilities to end users.
The switched telephone system includes facilities for providing image and
database management functionality as well as tools to build and manage
user applications. The functionality is hardware/software based and is
provided to end users over various network communications facilities. End
users of the system maintain local equipment (i.e., workstations,
scanners, etc.).
The distributed imaging system embodies an image platform based on the
Client-Server model with standard communications interfaces to service
multiple separate user groups accessing different applications. User
groups can supply applications programs which are stored and run on the
central hardware in support of respective user requirements. The image
server operations are provided as functional primitives. User applications
are provided by combining the primitives in a control script.
The distributed imaging architecture is illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to
that diagram multiple customer sites are illustrated at A, B, C and D
connected to the telephone network and imaging facility at E.
Referring to the topmost site A user premise indicated generally at 8, a
first user may have a local area network (LAN) 10 connecting workstations
12, a document scanner 14 and a host computer 16. A similar user premise
installation 17 is illustrated at LAN 18 in the lowermost user premise
site illustrated at B. The LANs can be one of several commercially
available hardware and software configurations for interconnecting
workstations or personal computers (PCs) with various peripherals, routers
and/or gateways. ETHERNET is an example of a commercial LAN providing
sufficient bandwidth for the efficient transfer of high resolution image
data. Similarly, commercially available routers 30 interface LAN 10 to the
central office backbone network 28 and include circuitry for performing
protocol conversion between networks. Routers 30, gateways 32 and bridges
34 perform similar functions, primarily differing in the number of layers
converted to interface the respective networks.
Routers 30 support one or more physical links. Upon receipt of digitized
data in a packet format, the router examines the data to select the
required output link. In some protocols, such as X.25, the routing
decision is made at call-establishment. If the protocol does not include
this information, then each packet of data is examined by router 30 to
correctly route the data. The routing capability of the Public Telephone
Network is functionally equivalent to routers 30.
Gateway 32 is another interconnection device which implements all seven
layers of two entirely different protocol stacks. The gateway 32 functions
as a multilayered protocol converter.
Routers 30 can be connected using a standard two or four wire subscriber
loop to a local office at data rates of 4800 to 9600 baud. Connectivity
can alternatively be provided by an ISDN or T1 link to support data
transfer rates of up to 1.544 megabits per second. Using switched
multi-megabit digital service (SMDS), higher data transfer rates are
possible. Layered on the physical connectivity, protocols such as TCP/IP
(transmission control protocol and internet protocol), ISO, SNA (systems
network architecture), and SDLC (system or synchronous data link control)
to provide required handshaking between routers and the respective
networks.
A different LAN configuration 21 is depicted at 20 at another user premise
B. This ring architecture LAN connects workstations 22, a scanner 24 and
host computer 26. A still further user premise installation or plural
installations are indicated at site C comprising fax machines 27 and 29
and a personal computer (PC) 31. These devices are connected through an
analog or digital voice or data switch 44 and provide signals which are
carried in the voice channel. The configuration at site D is essentially
the same as at site A, differing in that bridges are used to interface the
local area network bus 18 to backbone network 28.
The user LANs 10, 18 and 20 are respectively tied to backbone network 28
through routers 30, bridges 34 and gateways 32. The minimum hardware
configuration required in order to tie into the system is a PC linked to
telecommunications line capable of transmitting data to the bus 28. As
discussed above, the line can be a standard class user loop supporting
analog signals between approximately 300 and 3400 Hz usable at rates of up
to 4800-9600 baud. Alternatively, wider bandwidth connectivity can be
provided over digital transmission media to support higher data
transmission rates.
The public telephone switching system installation illustrated at E
includes long term storage shown as optical storage in the "jukebox" 34
tied to the bus by a file server 36. The jukebox includes a plurality of
robotically changeable media such as optical disks which can be WORM
(write once, read many) or erasable. The format of the optical disks
includes 51/4, 10, 12 or 14 inch type platters. Alternatively, the jukebox
can include a mechanism for changing and reading/writing magnetic format
media such as of VCR tapes. The jukebox is intended to be for additional
data storage. Data stored in the jukebox may have a high degree of data
compression to maximize data storage capacity of the device.
Short term magnetic storage is provided at 38 also tied to the bus through
a file server 40. The short term storage can include hard disk drives,
bubble memories, solid-state disks, and other high speed access mass
storage devices. The magnetic storage is used to support system virtual
memory requirements and for storage of system data and programs, index
information and application programs and data including image data. A fax
server 42 including fax storage 43 is connected between the bus and the
switch 44 connected to fax or PC terminals 27, 29 and 31.
The main processor is shown at 50 and includes an associated magnetic disk
database storage (not shown) for storing system routines and data and
applications programs, indices, text and images. With appropriate
software, processor 50 performs system security functions as well as image
data manipulation such as image cropping, scaling including image
reduction and enlargement, windowing, rotation, translation, etc. Other
functions supported by processor 50 can include optical character
recognition, relational keyword index searching, conceptual searching,
image enhancement, colorization, solarization, and combining image data
with other image data and/or text data to form composite image data.
Processor 50 can also support security functions such as data
encryption/decryption and electronic signature processing using, for
example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Data
Encryption Standard (DES). Data encryption increases system security and
further restricts unauthorized use of information transmitted to, and
stored on, the backbone network. In cooperation with the respective user
terminal and/or local computer, data is encrypted using a key known only
to the user. The user can supply a key to decrypt data for system use if
required for system performed data manipulation routines. Data decryption
keys can also be supplied to destination end users to regenerate the
original data.
Electronic signatures can also be supported by processor 50. Using a
security key such as an electronic Personal Identification Number (PIN), a
user can have the system append the user's electronic signature to a
document, i.e., provide an electronic signature stamping of the document
to indicate approval, authorization, or to authenticate the document. The
electronic signature can be the user's PIN encrypted using the DES.
The imaging equipment supporting system functionality resides at a central
facility or MOC (Minicomputer Operations Center). The short term storage
receives input from the scanners and stores the data for approximately 60
days of short term storage. Beyond that the data will be automatically
ported over to the long term optical storage where it remains for about a
year or longer. Following that the disks are taken out of the jukebox and
shelved for indefinite storage. The fax server constitutes an | | |
