Technical Specifications of an Information Database

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801

Construction of an information database involves translation from traditional printed media to electronic media. Electronic form inherently increases the functionality of the original information. Unique features and functionality of each element type must be fully exploited. The element types include text, outline, picture, line art, graph, schematic, work sheet, table, database, equation, video, and sound. A common nomenclature for key words, data fields, graph titles, graph labels, table headings, variable names, and input labels is necessary to enable integration of all elements. Common functions include opening and closing files, displaying an element, processing user input, exchanging data among elements, and matching element content to a search key.

Key Words: information • database • computer • multimedia

Submitted on September 30, 1991
Accepted on April 20, 1992