An Interactive Video Information Terminal

The development of computer-controlled laser video disc players provides computer systems with access to thousands of highresolution video images. Roughly 50 000 individual pictures or nearly 30 minutes of full motion video can be randomly retrieved in a matter of seconds. Coupled with a touch sensitive display, a very exciting information retrieval system results. This paper documents a prototype video information terminal built using a laser video disc, an infrared touch sensing device, and a speaker phone, all controlled by a minicomputer. Our initial experience with this sytem is described.