Visage: Approach and Methodology

        Document image management is a computer application that can be
implemented in many different ways and on many different platforms.
Like many other applications, the method of implementation and chosen
platform is a function of user requirements and budget constraints.
DIDC is presenting Visage LITE as a way for users and developers
to try out this exciting technology in a simple and straight forward
manner and with the lowest possible financial investment.

        The document image management techniques used by Visage
are sophisticated and reliable.  In many ways they match or surpass
those of commercial systems requiring a huge investment in software and
equipment.  It is not a "PICTURE VIEWER" program.  It is not a program
to scan 24 bit color photos into your desktop publishing application.
Visage is about processing documents. Its purpose is to capture and
manage paper work of any kind.

        DIDC has chosen to offer a program and API which will
operate on most PCs using standard VGA display systems and the popular
and low cost Hewlett-Packard ScanJet series.  It's no speed demon, but
it works.

        Visage LITE will allow you to learn about document image
management and design and implement useful applications.    You
can easily prototype and test applications which can be implemented on
higher end platforms.  The program puts you in control by letting you
use any interface you want.  In effect, it acts as an image server to
your database application.  All you need to decide is how you want to
interface to Visage, we do the rest.

        For example, there are three different ways to invoke and create
a data link with Visage:

        1. Programmed function call- If you have an application which
           can link C or Pascal object modules (such as Microsft C,
           Borland C, Clipper, etc.), placing just one function call in
           your program will invoke all of the services of Visage.  For
           example;

             DIDC_Call_Menu(DATABASE,KEYVALUE,0,'');

           tells Visage to create an image data link using a key field
           value you provide. It then swaps into active memory with a
           pulldown menu providing all its imaging services.

        2. Command line interface- Visage can be invoked by its command
           line utility IMGCALLS.EXE to create the same data link as
           above.  This may be simply done at the DOS prompt or under
           program control by any application that supports a RUN
           command (Dbase III-IV, FoxPro, Clarion, etc.). For example,
           the following psuedo code;

             C:\>    IMGCALLS 3 DATABASE KEYVALUE 0   or

                     RUN ("IMGCALLS 3 DATABASE"+" "+KEYVALUE+" "+"0")

            tells Visage to create an image data link using a key field
            value you provide. It then swaps into active memory with a
            pulldown menu providing all its imaging services.

         3. Pop-up mode- Visage can be activated from any application
            by using its own hot key.  It will read a value from your
            screen and use it as its data link. All you need do is
            provide a simple ASCII file with the name of the field label
            you want to use.  For example;

                placing the label  "CLIENTNUM:" (no quotes) in a file
                named VISAGE.KEY and pressing CTRL-F1 from within your
                program, creates a data/image link of 1001 when the
                following data entry screen is active:

                       ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ»
                       º                                        º
                       º CLIENTNUM: 1001       DATE: 04/30/92   º
                       º                                        º
                       º NAME:  Bill Clinton                    º
                       º                                        º
                       º Project: Damage control                º
                       ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ


        However you create your image/data link, Visage autmatically
sets up its own image records and index which keeps track of scanned
images, which data they are related to and where they are located on
your media (magnetic or optical). Visage contains all the routines to
capture (from your scanner), retrive, display and print your document
images.  You do not need to code any of these functions.  Just load
Visage and call it when you need it.

        If we have peaked your interest at this point, you may try
Visage by looking for VLITE10.ZIP (or higher version, i.e. VLITE11) on
EXEC-PC or the Nantucket forum on Compuserve (GO NANFORUM, Programming
library).  For a small handling fee, you may write, call or Fax DIDC
for a copy of the latest version.


                    Document Image Development Corp.
                    270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1008
                        New York, New York 10012
               Voice: (212) 431-4084 Fax: (212) 431-4109