Abstract: A document image scanner for reading a scanned document multiple times at resolutions different from the scanned resolution without rescanning. A sensor scans the source document to generate a digitized image that is stored in a memory at a first resolution. An input shifter is coupled to the memory for receiving a first number of pixels per line of the digitized image from memory. A vertical scaling element is coupled to the memory for changing a first vertical resolution to a second vertical resolution as the digitized image is transferred to the input shifter from memory. An output shifter is coupled to the input shifter for receiving a second number of pixels per line of the digitized image from the input shifter, wherein the ratio of the second number to the first number is the scaling factor. A horizontal scaling element is coupled to the memory for changing a first horizontal resolution to a second horizontal resolution as the digitized image is transferred to the output shifter from the input shifter.

Abstract: A camera for sensing image information and accurately and quickly reducing such information to a plurality of black and white analog voltages corresponding to pixels of a line image scan. A sensor of the CCD type generates a plurality of electron packets which are read out as two analog voltages. After d.c. restoration and normalization, the analog voltages are promptly converted to gray scale digital values to preserve maximum image information for subsequent processing. Thereafter, the digital signals are reordered to correspond to the physical ordering of the photocells of the sensor and applied to a hybrid digital filter for rapid hybrid (analog/digital filter) image enhancement.

Abstract: A camera for photographing the front and back of translating documents (1), having a dual optical system (4-8; 20-22), and one oscillating mirror (9) to demotionalize the images for cine-mode orientation upon a stationary microfilm strip (12) that is advanced during the interval between documents. Two microprocessors (50,56) with supporting memories (53,59) and interface elements (54,58) convert incoming instructions to correlated control information for document and film translation and scanning galvanometer actuation.

Abstract: A high efficiency cathode-ray tube magnetic deflection circuit, providing a sawtooth current waveform at a frequency of 100 kilohertz that includes a FET transistor (11) connected to an anti-phased step-down transformer (15,16,17) for driving an output transistor (18). A co-phased step-up transformer (33,34,35) connected to the deflection yoke (19) provides deflection "S" correction, and also a dynamic focus waveform. The transformers have litz wire windings.

Abstract: An electronic camera for producing a video signal corresponding to a document or the like that is moved past a linear array of CCD sensors (1). The camera output is indicated as valid only when a document is being scanned with a predetermined number of lines determined by a counter (47-49). A time delay is invoked between documents to prevent fragmentary scanning. A pulse amplifier (20-24) having a wide frequency band and very low impedance drives the CCD sensors at a high rate.

Abstract: A high speed document manipulator providing high resolution digital video-signal output. A document transport moves the documents at a high speed for entrance, flip-over and exit, and at about one-fifth that speed for video scanning while moving for producing the video signal. Servo control provides a forward and back initial motion to obtain top to bottom scanning. The servo circuit is electrically protected. The video sensor is firmly coupled to the optical system. An elongated light source, elliptical reflector and "cool" mirror provide an elongated transverse illuminated area on the document as it moves through.

Abstract: A high precision strip film drive, typically for microfiche film, that includes two spaced-apart drive rollers, separately driven by two servo electric motors. The motors are biased against each other and so maintain a constant tension on the film, while it is stationary or moving.The motors are logic controlled through a pair of rotary encoders. Each encoder is driven by one roller. The outputs of the encoders are combined to give a single servo control signal, devoid of film squew, for accurately spacing the frames upon the microfiche.The encoder electrical outputs are differently handled to provide film velocity information, and still further differently handled to provide direction of motion of the film information.Transverse orthogonal motion of the film is provided by a carriage that supports the rollers, a linear encoder, and a cable system actuated by a third servo motor.The encoder electrical outputs are even further differently handled to accurately finally position the film, as preselected.

Abstract: A system for microfilming documents that employs microprocessor control to insure fault-free operation. The aspects of operation; such as document present, size of document, size of photographic mask, the exposure parameter, and system "ready", must meet necessary criteria, or the microprocessor will halt operations and present a human-readable response as to the cause.Substitutional tables for supporting documents are available, to relate to the characteristics of the document.Simultaneous conflicting commands are executed sequentially according to a priority sequence.

Abstract: A programmable printer for printing identifying indicia upon a moving document prior to microfilming the document. The printer is adjustably stationarily mounted above a document transport table. Alpha-numeric characters are selectively formed and briefly depressed to print the desired indicia upon successively presented documents while the same are moving. A programmable microcomputer forms the characters from predetermined data and applies each in correspondence with the motion of the document at an interval of time when microfilming is not occurring.

Abstract: A microfilm camera, typically for 16 mm film, having plural coplanar friction-driven belts. The film is held to the belts by vacuum, so that the film and the belts move together.Vacuum film-loop chambers allow accurate low-inertia control of the film positioning for exposure.An intermittently rotatable shutter may be provided for appropriate exposure of the desired image upon the film.Programmable logic receives data from plural sensors and its controls drive means to correlate significant film movement and stationary periods with the functioning of opto-mechanical elements for exposing the film while it is stationary.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively, typically repetitively, moving a fixed message document to and from a photographing position on a document camera system. Logic control means on a fixed messsage carrier apparatus coact with system-operating means and transport means of the camera system to control the to and from movement. Any selected fixed message document can be handled. It is removably stored between flexible belts and cylindrical means that are in peripheral contact, and is unwound therefrom to the photographing position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A photographic exposure control for sensing and electrically processing illumination reflected from a moving document. An opto-photoelectric pickup accepts reflected illumination having a selected spectral characteristic. Electronic analog logic; (1) samples and holds the equivalent electrical magnitude of the reflected illumination, (2) provides an electrical timing interval that is the reciprocal of the electrical magnitude, (3) arranges automatically for constant exposure of the film through an adjustable electrical ramp generator, and (4) generates an "exposure stop" signal in a comparator that receives the ramp and the reciprocal timing information. The control signal thereby formulated typically accurately actuates a translational type shutter through a stepper motor to maintain a constant density of the background of images on microfilm for successive documents regardless of the background reflectivity thereof.

Abstract: A microfiche viewer structured for examining new microfiche film. The film is typically still in roll form as it comes from the microfiche camera. Plural magnifications of the microfiche image are selectively available; one, to reproduce a whole fiche upon the viewing screen for general observation of photographic quality, the other, to reproduce perhaps four frames of a whole microfiche for detailed observation of quality. The apparatus is structured for convenience in viewing. The different magnifications are obtained by selectively interposing objective lenses of different focal length in the light path adjacent to the microfiche film on the side opposite to that occupied by a light source. Motor driven film transport means are provided atop the apparatus proper.

Abstract: A compound optical system apparatus, having a main optical path with a reflector, a shutter, an objective lens, and an image-receiving surface; and an alternately activated folded auxiliary optical path, with quasi-collimative reflective elements, one closely peripherally disposed to the main optical path, for passing a relatively small auxiliary image through the objective lens and displaying it upon the image-receiving surface on the side of the main image that is opposite to the side where the one reflective element is positioned with respect to the objective lens.

Abstract: A microfiche image reproducer for exhibiting any selected frame that is upon a roll of microfiches housed in a cartridge. Coded indicia unique to each frame are printed along one edge. Sensors control motors which reel the film out of or into the cartridge and arrange transverse motion thereof to allow any frame to be exhibited through a fixed optical system. Threading is automatic.

Abstract: A recorder, as for photographing original documents on microfiche, the documents selectively having information on one or both sides, which information is to be successively recorded at high speed. After initial transport by a feed belt, a first vacuum-retaining belt having document-present actuated controls moves the document to a photographing position. Thereafter this belt is reversed in direction and the document is taken from the first belt to a second vacuum-retaining belt by pneumatic force. Adhering to the second belt, the document is rotated 180.degree., side for side, and discharged again to the first belt. A second forward motion of the first belt returns the document to the photographing station, second side up. Further forward motion discharges the document. The images upon the fiche have the same orientation for both sides of the document for easy reading. Typically, one-sided documents are turned over, but are not photographed on the second (blank) side.

Abstract: A document moving apparatus having belt and pneumatic elements under electronic logic control to translate a document to a desired position, reverse translate it to a second position, turn it over, end-for-end, by motion at right angles to the direction of the prior translation while the document is adjacent to the second position, and thereafter to again translate the document to the desired position, inverted.

Abstract: A flow camera having film that moves only when an exposure is being made. A three-piece cassette is assembled and coacts with film path rollers for easy threading upon the rotation of a knob. Subsequent rotation of the knob fastens the cassette in place and positions capstan and dancer rollers for defining the operating film path. A double spring determines the egress film tension and a lever-roller combination having mechanical connection to the ingress dancer arm determines the ingress film tension. A fast slow motion is provided by acting upon the mechanical connection between the ingress dancer arm and the ingress film clutch.

Abstract: A microfiche is titled by synchronously and incrementally imaging title information having a rotary motion upon the film carrying the microfiche that has a linear motion. Selectable drums carry the title information. Image-forming means transfers this information for the exposure of microfiche film. Equivalent motor means drive both the drum and the microfiche film. Electronic control logic connected to both of the motors accomplishes synchronous motion so that the title information is fixedly impressed with respect to the microfiche film despite the fact that both are in motion.

Abstract: A recorder, as for photographing original documents on microfiche, the documents selectively having information on one or both sides, which information is to be successively recorded at high speed. After initial transport by a feed belt, a first vacuum-retaining belt having document-present actuated controls moves the document to a photographing position. Thereafter this belt is reversed in direction and the document is taken from the first belt to a second vacuum-retaining belt by pneumatic force. Adhering to the second belt, the document is rotated 180.degree., side for side, and discharged again to the first belt. A second forward motion of the first belt returns the document to the photographing station, second side up. Further forward motion discharges the document. The images upon the fiche have the same orientation for both sides of the document for easy reading. Typically, one-sided documents are turned over, but are not photographed on the second (blank) side.