Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus related to a motorized platform for use in creating three dimensional images. The motorized platform includes a symmetrical steering system such that a digital camera remains focused upon a desired image target as the motorized platform is advanced. The symmetrical steering system includes a three-wheel arrangement providing a constant radius path around the image target. A pair of steerable wheels located on an inside edge of the motorized platform are operably connected with a steering linkage assembly such that the steerable wheels are angularly adjusted to define the constant radius path. A drive wheel is operably connected to a motor assembly for propelling the motorized platform along the constant radius path. A digital camera can be mounted to a tripod attached to the motorized platform and the digital camera can be operably controlled either manually or automatically as the motorized platform is advanced.

Abstract: A 3D camera system and method for generating a 3D picture from real 3D input pictures. The system includes one or more cameras, a robotic or manually driven moving platform on which the camera or cameras are adjustably mounted. The system is moved on a fan-shaped grating sheet in a format, such as curved or linear format, to produce accurate trigger signals for camera exposure at precise intervals, i.e. pictures of an object are taken at predetermined locations at precise intervals. Alternatively, an optical encoder and programmable divider can be used to trigger the cameras at programmable precise intervals. Also, a stepper or servo motor that moves the camera platform can be used to move the cameras to precise locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3D camera system and method for generating a 3D picture from real 3D input pictures. The system includes one or more cameras, a robotic or manually driven moving platform on which the camera or cameras are adjustably mounted. The system is moved on a fan-shaped grating sheet in a format, such as curved or linear format, etc., to produce accurate trigger signals for camera exposure at precise intervals, i.e. pictures of an object are taken at predetermined locations at precise intervals. Alternatively, an optical encoder and programmable divider can be used to trigger the cameras at programmable precise intervals. Also, a stepper or servo motor that moves the camera platform can be used to move the cameras to precise locations.

Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.

Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for maintaining substantially constant vertical distance between the free surface of a printing fluid in a fluid supply and printing mechanism by supporting a container against the force of gravity with a resilient member.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for a microfilm printer includes an area (planar) light source, photo detector, and digital control circuits. An averaged density reading over at least the central five to twenty percent of the area of the microfilm frame is measured. This density reading is then used to control the intensity of the exposure lamp via a digital control circuit. The spatial relationships between the elements of the light source, the microfilm frame being read, and the photodetector are optimally arranged to provide an even illumination of the portion of the microfilm frame being measured without interfering with the film exposure process and without creating undue space demands.The microfilm density measurement provided by the apparatus is used to automatically control the intensity of the exposure lamp used in the exposure of a light sensitive medium in the development of prints from the microfilm.