Patent · US Expired

Electronically controlled microfilm photographic image utilization device

US4174890A · kind A · utility

29Cited by
10References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 25, 1978
Grant dateNov 20, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06K17/0019
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An electronically controlled photographic image utilization device is arranged to transport a roll of microfilm having all images printed thereon in separate photographic areas, each area being arranged in a microfiche-type format. The photographic image utilization device has an automatic call-up feature so that any given photographic area may be selected in a first dimension and projected responsive to the push of a button, the operation of a rotary switch or both. A special bar code is printed along the edge of the film and used in conjunction with a closed loop film control system to eliminate the need for precise, clock-controlled synchronization between the film transport and the code reading. Preferably, the bar code is read by optical electronic sensors. Responsive thereto, the electronic control system accurately positions a selected photographic image, on the microfilm, within a viewing area. Thereafter, and while the film transport is being held stationary, any image on the microfilm may be selected for projection by a manual movement in second and third dimensions of a simple lens positioning mechanism which is small, compact, and easily moved. The reader may also be op…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.