CRISTAL Data Storage:

A major obstacle in assembling extensive information bases around
video imaging technologies is that of permanent data storage
solutions (relating to cost, volume, and access time).  Storage
devices such as hard disks or optical WORM drives have inherent
limitations in terms of storage capacity and access speed when
handling high resolution image files, unless complex image
compression techniques, such as fractal geometry algorithms, can
be successfully incorporated into the system.  There are
additional storage and display technologies that represent
promising alternatives to the methods explored in this research,
including CD-ROM and erasable magneto-optical devices. 

While data compression methods can improve upon these
contemporary digital storage solutions, image storage on analog
rather than digital media may provide a feasible storage
alternative for the near term.  Videodisc systems continue to
offer significant advantages as an image storage medium.  A
twelve inch laser disk can accommodate 54,000 single frame images
or 30 minutes of real time analog video recordings per side. The
costs associated with videodisc mastering systems are declining,
and systems (nonstandard format) are currently available in the
twenty thousand dollar range.  

<dfile39>   CRISTAL: Configuration
<dfile45>   CRISTAL: Frame Grab
<dfile61>   CRISTAL: Limitations 2.
<dfile62>   CRISTAL: Summary