Abstract: An illumination subsystem, a film guide subsystem, and an imaging subsystem are combined to form an optical system for a film conversion device which projects an image recorded on film onto the at least one optical sensor. The illumination subsystem comprises a lamp. The film guide subsystem comprises a film guide wide enough to support film moving thereover and having an aperture that permits passage of light from the lamp through the film. The imaging subsystem comprises an imaging lens and an optical sensor situated so as to receive the light passing through the aperture and the film. The three subsystems together have an optical path that is folded substantially into the shape of a “U”. This folded arrangement is achieved by placing optical beam bending elements in the optical path of the film conversion device between the illumination subsystem and the film guide subsystem, and between the film guide subsystem and the imaging subsystem.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital processor to improve efficiency and flexibility in film conversion applications is described. Analog signals corresponding to film images are digitized and provided to the reconfigurable digital processor. The reconfigurable digital processor uses programmable circuit elements, such as field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors, to perform film conversion functions. The number of programmable circuit elements can be scaled in proportion to cost or desired throughput rates, thereby offering a variety of cost-efficient film conversion devices for varying needs. The reconfigurable digital processor provides one or more outputs which are formatted to produce one or more digital motion picture files in parallel. The reconfigurable digital processor can be altered using software codes at any time to perform different film conversion functions and adapt to changes in format of digital motion picture files.

Abstract: A cost-efficient digital parallel processor to improve throughput and offer a variety of output formats in film conversion is described. Image pixels on film are translated into electrical signals by photosensitive detectors. The electrical signals are digitized by analog-to-digital converters and thereafter provided to a digital parallel processor for film conversion functions. The digital parallel processor includes two or more groups of circuit elements to facilitate parallel processing. Each group of circuit elements can process a different set of image pixels simultaneously. In addition, image pixels belonging to the same set can be processed in parallel. This two-dimensional parallel processing structure facilitates faster than real-time film conversion sessions. A supervisor control circuit monitors and controls the sequence of film conversion functions. The output of the digital parallel processor is provided to a formatter which manipulates the data to conform to one or more standard formats.

Abstract: A lamp, a film guide, and a photosensitive detector are combined into an optical system contained in a portable device that generates electrical signals representing images recorded on motion picture film. The film guide has a surface proximate to the motion picture with an aperture therein through which light from the lamp passes to image the film on the photosensitive detector. A digital processor, which is electrically connected to the photosensitive detector processes an electronic signal output by the photosensitive detector. To provide compactness, the optical system has a folded path comprising three segments each separately mounted on a different surface. The first segment includes the lamp, the second includes the film guide, and the third includes the photosensitive detector. An optical detector positioned so as to receive light from the lamp enables adjusting the device when the device is moved to a location where the temperature and other environmental conditions change.

Abstract: A digital processor to synchronize ancillary information with film images during a film conversion session is described. The ancillary information includes metadata information and audio information. The digital processor advantageously processes the ancillary information at a speed to support faster than real-time film conversion. The ancillary information can come from various sources and in various forms. Information from analog sources is digitized for processing using digital technology. A pitch adjuster frequency shifts digitized analog signals and digital input signals to achieve a selected data rate that matches the rate of film conversion. Digitally encoded input data can be decoded and re-encoded to achieve the selected data rate. A formatter manipulates the ancillary information at the selected data rate to conform to a standard format and combines the formatted ancillary information with film images conforming to a standard motion picture format.

Abstract: A digital processor to synchronize ancillary information with film images during a film conversion session is described. The ancillary information includes metadata information and audio information. The digital processor advantageously processes the ancillary information at a speed to support faster than real-time film conversion. The ancillary information can come from various sources and in various forms. Information from analog sources is digitized for processing using digital technology. A pitch adjuster frequency shifts digitized analog signals and digital input signals to achieve a selected data rate that matches the rate of film conversion. Digitally encoded input data can be decoded and re-encoded to achieve the selected data rate. A formatter manipulates the ancillary information at the selected data rate to conform to a standard format and combines the formatted ancillary information with film images conforming to a standard motion picture format.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being specially processed to reduce curl and distortion, and increase resolution, strength, accuracy, speed and economy of reproduction even for rather difficult object shapes, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: An illumination subsystem, a film guide subsystem, and an imaging subsystem are combined to form an optical system for a film conversion device which projects an image recorded on film onto the at least one optical sensor. The illumination subsystem comprises a lamp. The film guide subsystem comprises a film guide wide enough to support film moving thereover and having an aperture that permits passage of light from the lamp through the film. The imaging subsystem comprises an imaging lens and an optical sensor situated so as to receive the light passing through the aperture and the film. The three subsystems together have an optical path that is folded substantially into the shape of a “U”. This folded arrangement is achieved by placing optical beam bending elements in the optical path of the film conversion device between the illumination subsystem and the film guide subsystem, and between the film guide subsystem and the imaging subsystem.

Abstract: A digital processor to synchronize ancillary information with film images during a film conversion session is described. The ancillary information includes metadata information and audio information. The digital processor advantageously processes the ancillary information at a speed to support faster than real-time film conversion. The ancillary information can come from various sources and in various forms. Information from analog sources is digitized for processing using digital technology. A pitch adjuster frequency shifts digitized analog signals and digital input signals to achieve a selected data rate that matches the rate of film conversion. Digitally encoded input data can be decoded and re-encoded to achieve the selected data rate. A formatter manipulates the ancillary information at the selected data rate to conform to a standard format and combines the formatted ancillary information with film images conforming to a standard motion picture format.

Abstract: A lamp, a film guide, and a photosensitive detector are combined into an optical system contained in a portable device that generates electrical signals representing images recorded on motion picture film. The film guide has a surface proximate to the motion picture with an aperture therein through which light from the lamp passes to image the film on the photosensitive detector. A digital processor, which is electrically connected to the photosensitive detector processes an electronic signal output by the photosensitive detector. To provide compactness, the optical system has a folded path comprising three segments each separately mounted on a different surface. The first segment includes the lamp, the second includes the film guide, and the third includes the photosensitive detector. An optical detector positioned so as to receive light from the lamp enables adjusting the device when the device is moved to a location where the temperature and other environmental conditions change.

Abstract: A lamp, a film guide wide enough to support film moving thereover, and at least one optical sensor are combined to form an optical system for a film conversion device, which projects an image recorded on film onto the optical sensor. The film guide has an aperture that permits passage of light from the lamp through the film. The optical sensor is situated so as to receive the light passing through the aperture and the film. The film conversion device additionally comprises a heating element near to the lamp but not in its optical path. The power dissipated in the heating element is reduced when the lamp is turned on and is increased when the lamp is turned off so as to maintain substantially constant total power dissipation in both situations.

Abstract: A cost-efficient digital parallel processor to improve throughput and offer a variety of output formats in film conversion is described. Image pixels on film are translated into electrical signals by photosensitive detectors. The electrical signals are digitized by analog-to-digital converters and thereafter provided to a digital parallel processor for film conversion functions. The digital parallel processor includes two or more groups of circuit elements to facilitate parallel processing. Each group of circuit elements can process a different set of image pixels simultaneously. In addition, image pixels belonging to the same set can be processed in parallel. This two-dimensional parallel processing structure facilitates faster than real-time film conversion sessions. A supervisor control circuit monitors and controls the sequence of film conversion functions. The output of the digital parallel processor is provided to a formatter which manipulates the data to conform to one or more standard formats.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital processor to improve efficiency and flexibility in film conversion applications is described. Analog signals corresponding to film images are digitized and provided to the reconfigurable digital processor. The reconfigurable digital processor uses programmable circuit elements, such as field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors, to perform film conversion functions. The number of programmable circuit elements can be scaled in proportion to cost or desired throughput rates, thereby offering a variety of cost-efficient film conversion devices for varying needs. The reconfigurable digital processor provides one or more outputs which are formatted to produce one or more digital motion picture files in parallel. The reconfigurable digital processor can be altered using software codes at any time to perform different film conversion functions and adapt to changes in format of digital motion picture files.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being specially processed to reduce curl and distortion, and increase resolution, strength, accuracy, speed and economy of reproduction even for rather difficult object shapes, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: A stereolithography system employing a more powerful laser and faster dynamic mirrors to speed up part building without sacrificing accuracy is described, especially large or complex parts. A controllable shutter is placed in the beam path of the laser to selectably block the passage of the beam and prevent unwanted solidification. A suitable servo controlled feedback loop is provided to accurately position the mirrors at the higher velocity. Also described is a means to reduce data flow by distributing tasks in a multiple processor environment, and to improve user interaction by the use of a spreadsheet model. These also improve the speed of part building, especially for large or complex parts.