Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus to pre-scan and pre-treat film for improved digital film processing handling

US6864973B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
118References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 28, 2000
Grant dateMar 8, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 26, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N21/8916
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system that pre-scans and pre-treats film for improved digital film processing. The apparatus for use with the invention includes, generally, a sensor for detecting one or more imperfections on the film and a microprocessor connected to the sensor that determines the amount and extent of imperfections of the film based on one or more reference readings. The present invention may also include a tape dispenser, cleaning rollers, a blower or vacuum to remove and/or correct any imperfections in the film. One embodiment includes a cleaning system for a particle removal member which removes particles from film. The cleaning system is relatively movable and selectively contactable with the particle removal member to clean particles from the particle removal member.

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