US3704068A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Micro-image recording and read-out system
Assignee: Personal Communications Inc
•
Filing: 1971-04-21
•
Granted: 1972-11-28
•
Expires: 1991-04-21
Abstract
Abstract A microimage technique for recording information such as the pages of a book, in a reduced scale on a film surface, and for reproducing the microimages of the pages in an enlarged scale by means of an optical reader whose overall dimensions are comparable to those of an ordinary book. The pages of the book are recorded as multiple microimages on the film surface of a micro-record in an interlaced fashion, whereby the characters constituting each page are interspersed with the characters of the other pages. The reader is provided with a lens matrix constituted by a planar array of lensettes having short focal lengths, each of which is adapted to enlarge a respective individual character in the group of characters forming the text of a microimage representing a single page. The reader includes means to index the multiple-image microrecord relative to the matrix whereby successive microimages are presented on a screen parallel to the matrix. The screen dimensions are comparable to those of an original page. The optical throw or distance between the lens matrix and the screen is extremely short, whereby the depth of the reader may be as small as one inch.
Inventors
- 👤 Adnan Waly
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:59
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B21/00; G03B21/10; G03B21/11; G03B15/00; G03B15/08; G06; G06K; G06K17/00; G06K17/0016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A micro-image recording and read-out system for recording in a reduced scale information derived from a plurality of pages or documents to produce a multiple-image microrecord and for selectively reading out the images of said microrecord in an enlarged scale, said system comprising: A. means to record the characters or bits of information constituting the text of each page or document on a planar recording surface in a manner effecting a dispersion of the characters or bits of information to define a character pattern that is distinct from and interlaced with the character patterns defined by the recordings of the other pages or documents on the same recording surface, thereby to create said multiple-image microrecord; and B. means to read-out said microrecord including a lens matrix disposed in parallel relation to said recording surface and constituted by an array of lensettes which are dispersed on the matrix to assume positions which are optically in axial registration with the characters or bits of information in the particular character pattern on said recording surface which is in alignment with the matrix, whereby the optical axes of the lensettes all lie in parallel relation at right angles to said recording surface, C. means to illuminate the aligned pattern on said recording surface, and D. means to index the recording surface relative to the matrix to selectively align the character patterns on the multi-image micro-record with said array of lensettes to effect projection thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
A micro-image recording and read-out system for recording in a reduced scale information derived from a plurality of pages or documents to produce a multiple-image microrecord and for selectively reading out the images of said microrecord in an enlarged scale, said system comprising: A. means to record the characters or bits of information constituting the text of each page or document on a planar recording surface in a manner effecting a dispersion of the characters or bits of information to define a character pattern that is distinct from and interlaced with the character patterns defined by the recordings of the other pages or documents on the same recording surface, thereby to create said multiple-image microrecord; and B. means to read-out said microrecord including a lens matrix disposed in parallel relation to said recording surface and constituted by an array of lensettes which are dispersed on the matrix to assume positions which are optically in axial registration with the characters or bits of information in the particular character pattern on said recording surface which is in alignment with the matrix, whereby the optical axes of the lensettes all lie in parallel relation at right angles to said recording surface, C. means to illuminate the aligned pattern on said recording surface, and D. means to index the recording surface relative to the matrix to selectively align the character patterns on the multi-image micro-record with said array of lensettes to effect projection thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lensettes on said matrix are optically adapted to project the related character or bits of information in a short throw that is not greater than two inches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said throw is less than one inch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said lensettes has a relatively narrow angle of field and is uncorrected for aberrations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system as set forth in claim 2 further including a translucent screen in parallel relation to said matrix to present to a viewer the images projected thereon by said lensettes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said matrix is constituted by a molded plastic panel having an array of convex bosses formed on one surface thereof to define said lensettes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said matrix is constituted by a molded plastic panel having a first array of convex bosses formed on one surface thereof, and a second array of convex bosses formed at corresponding positions on the opposing surface thereof, each pair of corresponding bosses constituting a tandem lensette.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said recording surface is transparent and is back-illuminated by said illumination means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said according surface is opaque and is front-illuminated by said illumination means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said illumination means is constituted by a light conductive pipe having a trunk section for conducting light from a common source to a multiplicity of light conducting branches, each branch leading to a respective character or information bit in the aligned character pattern on said recording surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
223 words
A compact optical reader for a multiple image micro-record on which the text of each one of a plurality of pages or doCuments is recorded in a reduced scale in a manner effecting a dispersion of the characters or bits of information to define a character pattern that is distinct from and interlaced with the character patterns defined by the recordings of the other pages or documents, said reader comprising: A. means to support said micro-record in a plane; B. a lens matrix disposed in parallel relation to said micro-record to project a selected character pattern and constituted by an array of lensettes that are dispersed on the matrix to assume positions which are optically in axial registration with the characters or bits of information in the particular character pattern on said micro-record which is aligned with the matrix, whereby the optical axes of the lensettes all lie in parallel relation at right angles to said plane; C. means to illuminate said micro-record; D. a screen disposed in parallel relation to said matrix at right angles to said optical axes to present the images of the characters or bits of information projected by said lensettes; and E. means to index the micro-record relative to the matrix to successively align the character patterns therein with said array of lensettes for presentation on said screen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
223 words
A compact optical reader for a multiple image micro-record on which the text of each one of a plurality of pages or doCuments is recorded in a reduced scale in a manner effecting a dispersion of the characters or bits of information to define a character pattern that is distinct from and interlaced with the character patterns defined by the recordings of the other pages or documents, said reader comprising: A. means to support said micro-record in a plane; B. a lens matrix disposed in parallel relation to said micro-record to project a selected character pattern and constituted by an array of lensettes that are dispersed on the matrix to assume positions which are optically in axial registration with the characters or bits of information in the particular character pattern on said micro-record which is aligned with the matrix, whereby the optical axes of the lensettes all lie in parallel relation at right angles to said plane; C. means to illuminate said micro-record; D. a screen disposed in parallel relation to said matrix at right angles to said optical axes to present the images of the characters or bits of information projected by said lensettes; and E. means to index the micro-record relative to the matrix to successively align the character patterns therein with said array of lensettes for presentation on said screen.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
66 words
A reader as set forth in claim 11 wherein the lensettes on said matrix are optically adapted to project the related character or bits of information in a short throw that is no greater than two inches, whereby the distance between said screen and said micro-record is short and the reader is in the form of a shallow-box whose depth is substantially equal to said distance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said character patterns are interlaced on the micro-record in the X and Y directions, and said indexing means is adapted to incrementally shift said micro-record relative to said matrix in the X and Y directions to effect a read-out of said patterns.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said character patterns are interlaced on the micro-record relative to said matrix in the X direction to effect a read-out of said patterns.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said micro-record is in microfiche form.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as set forth in claim 14, wherein said micro-record is in film strip form.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as set forth in claim 16, wherein said film strip is supported in a casette and said indexing means serves to advance the film in said casette incrementally.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
182 words
An optical reader for micro-records which comprise a record medium bearing on microscopic scale, a plurality of data sets, said data sets including a plurality of data sub-sets, said sub-sets each comprising at least one data bit, said reader comprising: A. means to illuminate said micro-record; B. image-receiving means positioned for read-out of said data sets; C. lens matrix means separable from said microrecord and configured to project an image of a selected data set to said image receiving means; D. said lens matrix means comprising a plurality of lens means, each optically confined to a corresponding sub-set of a data set and in axial alignment therewith to project said sub-set to said image-receiving means whereby all of the subsets of a selected data set are simultaneously projected to said image receiving means, the axes of the lens means lying in parallel relation at right angles to said record medium; and E. means to displace said record medium relative to said lens matrix means to select and project the sub-sets of another data set to said image-receiving means for read-out of same.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
182 words
An optical reader for micro-records which comprise a record medium bearing on microscopic scale, a plurality of data sets, said data sets including a plurality of data sub-sets, said sub-sets each comprising at least one data bit, said reader comprising: A. means to illuminate said micro-record; B. image-receiving means positioned for read-out of said data sets; C. lens matrix means separable from said microrecord and configured to project an image of a selected data set to said image receiving means; D. said lens matrix means comprising a plurality of lens means, each optically confined to a corresponding sub-set of a data set and in axial alignment therewith to project said sub-set to said image-receiving means whereby all of the subsets of a selected data set are simultaneously projected to said image receiving means, the axes of the lens means lying in parallel relation at right angles to said record medium; and E. means to displace said record medium relative to said lens matrix means to select and project the sub-sets of another data set to said image-receiving means for read-out of same.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
58 words
A reader as defined in claim 18, in which the sub-sets of one data set are interlaced with the sub-sets of other data sets with the sub-sets of each data set being located relative to each other according to a predetermined pattern, and in which said lens means are situated relative to each other according to said pattern.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
84 words
A reader as defined in claim 19, in which said Record medium contains some data sets having their sub-sets interlaced according to one pattern and other data sets having their sub-sets interlaced according to a different pattern and in which said lens matrix means include means to render operative one or the other of two different lens matrices, one matrix having its lens means arranged according to said one pattern and the other matrix having its lens means arranged according to said different pattern.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
48 words
A reader according to claim 19, in which said indexing means include means to provide a total relative movement along one axis which is approximately equal to the product of the magnification of said lens means and the corresponding axial dimension occupied by one sub-set of said micro-record.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A reader as defined in claim 19, in which said sub-sets are interlaced along one axis and said indexing means include means for providing corresponding single-axis indexing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
A reader as defined in claim 19, in which said sub-sets are interlaced in two coordinate directions and said indexing means include means for producing relative motion along corresponding coordinate axes.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A reader as defined in claim 18, in which said matrix includes a plastic sheet having said lens means integrally formed therein.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
A reader as defined in claim 18, in which said image-receiving means comprise a screen for visual observation of said read-out.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
A reader as defined in claim 18, in which said illuminating means comprise a light pipe having a plurality of branches for illuminating a selected data set.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
An optical reader as defined in claim 18, which is particularly adapted for compact configuration in that said lens means are configured to have a projection distance not substantially greater than about 3 inches.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
61 words
An optical reader as defined in claim 18, which is particularly adapted for compact configuration in that the field occupied by a sub-set is in the order of about 2 mils square and wherein said lens means each comprise lenses having a size in the order of about several millimeters and a projection distance in the order of about several inches.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for changing the size of an image between a microscopic size and a legible size, wherein said image comprises a plurality of data sets, said data sets including a plurality of data sub-sets, and wherein said sub-sets each comprise at least one data bit, comprising: A. a site for said data in legible size; B. a medium for storing said data in microscopic size; C. lens matrix means located between said site and said medium and physically separated from said medium to transfer images therebetween; D. said lens matrix means comprising a plurality of lens means each optically coupled to a corresponding sub-set of a data set between said site and said medium whereby all of the sub-sets of a selected data set are simultaneously transferred, the axes of said lens means being optically aligned with the plurality of data sub-sets, said axes lying in parallel relation; and E. means to produce relative displacement between said lens matrix means and said medium for the transfer of other data sets.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for changing the size of an image between a microscopic size and a legible size, wherein said image comprises a plurality of data sets, said data sets including a plurality of data sub-sets, and wherein said sub-sets each comprise at least one data bit, comprising: A. a site for said data in legible size; B. a medium for storing said data in microscopic size; C. lens matrix means located between said site and said medium and physically separated from said medium to transfer images therebetween; D. said lens matrix means comprising a plurality of lens means each optically coupled to a corresponding sub-set of a data set between said site and said medium whereby all of the sub-sets of a selected data set are simultaneously transferred, the axes of said lens means being optically aligned with the plurality of data sub-sets, said axes lying in parallel relation; and E. means to produce relative displacement between said lens matrix means and said medium for the transfer of other data sets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3084453A
Cited
US3592542A
Cited
US3459111A
Cited
US3611899A
Cited
US3580675A
Cited
US3609035A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-11-28 | 1976-05-29 | 1976-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-11-28 | 1980-05-29 | 1980-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-11-28 | 1984-05-29 | 1984-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |