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EP0197734A2 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Microform reading apparatus

Assignee: Rank Cintel Ltd
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Filing: 1986-03-27
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2006-03-27
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Abstract

Abstract @ A microform reader for reading microfilm filmed at a reduction of about 200 times forms an image of a selected page on the microform on a linear solid state sensor which scans down the image of the page to produce a line-by-line or video-type representation of the page for transmission to a remote location. Selected lines of the sensor output are analysed to provide a determination of image parameters and enable the image-forming system to be adjusted to improve the transmitted image quality. Thus each filmed page carries at its head a registration target of well defined shape such that a selected scanned line yields precise information as to the X-Y location of the page. Also selected pages include a focussing target including a pattern carrying a black/white discontinuities. Analysis of the scanned line representing the discontinuities gives a measure of the accuracy of focus enabling appropriate adjustment to be made automatically.

Inventors

  • 👤 Melvyn James Lampard

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-06 04:56
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00002; H04N1/00007; H04N1/00013; H04N1/00026; H04N1/00029; H04N1/00045; H04N1/0005; H04N1/00053; H04N1/00063; H04N1/00071; H04N1/00082; H04N1/00681; H04N1/00684; H04N1/00702; H04N1/00742; H04N1/00761; H04N1/00763; H04N1/00766; H04N1/00785; H04N1/00787; H04N1/024; H04N1/028; H04N1/04; H04N1/10; H04N1/1013; H04N1/1021; H04N1/1039; H04N1/1043; H04N1/19; H04N1/191; H04N1/192; H04N1/193; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/04; H04N2201/0402; H04N2201/0404; H04N2201/041

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim 151 words
Apparatus for visibly reproducing minaturised pictorial information recorded on film, the apparatus including an image-forming system comprising a light source, means for registering an appropriate film portion in the path of light from the source, and optical imaging means for optically forming an image of the film portion in an image plane: and electronic signal forming means comprising electronic light sensor means in the image plane arranged to scan the image to produce an electrical output signal representative of a portion of the film, and means responsive to light passed through the film to adjust the image forming system; characterised in that the adjustment means is connected to the output of the scanning light sensor means, and by means for analysing the output of the light sensor means to provide determination of one or more image parameters and for adjusting the image-forming system in accordance therewith to improve the displayed picture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 151 words
Apparatus for visibly reproducing minaturised pictorial information recorded on film, the apparatus including an image-forming system comprising a light source, means for registering an appropriate film portion in the path of light from the source, and optical imaging means for optically forming an image of the film portion in an image plane: and electronic signal forming means comprising electronic light sensor means in the image plane arranged to scan the image to produce an electrical output signal representative of a portion of the film, and means responsive to light passed through the film to adjust the image forming system; characterised in that the adjustment means is connected to the output of the scanning light sensor means, and by means for analysing the output of the light sensor means to provide determination of one or more image parameters and for adjusting the image-forming system in accordance therewith to improve the displayed picture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 37 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the analysing means determines the position of a scanned line of the image relative to a registration target on the film portion, and adjusts the registration means in response thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 29 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the analysing means determins the focus of the image seen by the sensor and adjusts the optical imaging means in response thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 21 words
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for causing operation of the analysing means on initial switch-on of the apparatus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 21 words
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for causing periodic operation of the analysing means during operation of the apparatus.

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