ISQL(ID:7507/)for Image SQL Hoene et al extensions to sequel to premit IR of images (initially for radiology) References: Research into visual languages is varied, and growing in popularity. The concept of generalized icons is a framework for the design of the next generation of visual languages. Low-cost systems that use visual languages to create, transmit, display, manipulate, and retrieve visual information are now feasible. Research into these information systems is spurred by the convergence of new technology in the fields of graphics, image processing, video, and microelectronics, and by the growing interest in multimedia communications. However, the term visual language means different things to different people. To some, it means that the objects handled by the language are visual -- a languagefor processing visual information or a visual information processing language. To others, it means the language itself is visual -- a languagefor programming with visual expression or a visualprogramming language. The first type, what I call visual information processing languages, usually deals with objects that have an inherent visual representation -- pictorial objects that are associated with a certain logical interpretation. The languages themselves, however, may not have a visual representation. Usually, these are traditional linear lan guages that have been enhanced with library subroutines or software packages to deal with visual objects. Visual information processing languages are used in applications like image processing, computer vision, robotics, image database management, office automation, and image communications. The second type, what I call visual programming languages, usually deals with objects that do not have an inherent visual representation. This includes traditional data types such as arrays, stacks, and queues and application data types such as forms, documents, and databases. Presenting these objects visually is helpful to the user. For the same reason, the languages themselves should be presented visually. In other words, both programming constructs and the rules to combine these constructs should be presented visually. Visual programming languages are used in applications like computer graphics, user interface design, database interface design, form management, and computer- aided design. These two types do not exhaust all the possibilities. The objects dealt with by a visual language can be inherently visual, or inherently non-visual but with imposed visual representation. The programming language constructs can be visual or linear. Therefore, there are four types of visual languages, which are summarized in Table 1. This classification is consistent with the classification of Shu, who distinguishes three types of visual languages, those that (l) support visual interaction, (2) allow programming with visual expressions, and (3) process visual information. The fourth category, not present in Shu's classification, is the visual language that deals with visual objects and is itself visually represented. I call this the iconic visual information processing language. Extract: ISQL Hoehne and his coworkers describe an extension of the SQL database language, ISQL, that provides tools for handling images in an interactive environment. It is implemented in a prototype image information system for radiology. |