Coming Standard for Interface Data
Between InputAccel Vendors' Modules
Provides Hope for Open Architecture
Since the AIIM show in April, 1996, a group of Cornerstone's InputAccel
module developers have traded information on creating or endorsing a standard
for interface data between InputAccel vendor modules.
In addition to supporting the universal wish that the file be easy to
understand, we at DMAC have pushed for the file to have a flat ascii format.
This enables easy reverse engineering and truly supports open architecture.
Flat ASCII SGML File Needed
Most people in the discussion also believe that the format should conform
to IBM's standard "Standard Generalized Markup Language."
Many Vendors Had Comments
One member of the group reported that an existing standard could be
used. The member promised to send a written copy of the existing standard
to all in the group. The group still waits for this standard.
File Hierarchy Appears Logical
The file hierarchy will probably be variable, as are most structures
in InputAccel, but a small consensus was reached that a logical hierarchy
could be as follows:
-
JOB
-
BATCH
-
DOCUMENT
-
PAGE
-
RECORD FORMAT
-
LINE
-
FIELD
-
WORD
-
GLYPH
-
TRANSACTIONS
Whatever the outcome of the search for a standard, if it is easy to use,
Open Architecture in image processing will take a great leap forward. Comments
on the proposed standard should be addressed to Mark Royale at Cornerstone
(408-435-8900).
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