Abstract: A scanning system for scanning and identifying an X-ray film in a medical application includes a scanner configured to accept the X-ray film and provide an image digital signal representative of an image stored on the X-ray film, wherein the X-ray film includes an image portion and a text portion, and a computer configured to accept the image digital signal and convert text characters of the text portion into a text digital signal representative of the text characters. Optical character recognition software may be utilized to recognize and convert the text characters of an image signal into the digital signal. The scanning system may create a reflective label such as a bar code label or a text label that may be affixed to an associated X-ray film to aid in identification of such X-ray.

Abstract: An automated computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) system, and, in particular, a CAD method using a self-contained apparatus that minimizes and streamlines the installation, use and exploitation of the CAD procedure as applied to, e.g., breast cancer detection. The apparatus and method for CAD application as disclosed herein minimizes or avoids site preparation, occupies minimal space and avoids the more complex and maintenance intensive CAD systems currently available to the market.

Abstract: A scanning system for scanning and identifying an X-ray film in a medical application includes a scanner configured to accept the X-ray film and provide an image digital signal representative of an image stored on the X-ray film, wherein the X-ray film includes an image portion and a text portion, and a computer configured to accept the image digital signal and convert text characters of the text portion into a text digital signal representative of the text characters. Optical character recognition software may be utilized to recognize and convert the text characters of an image signal into the digital signal. The scanning system may create a reflective label such as a bar code label or a text label that may be affixed to an associated X-ray film to aid in identification of such X-ray.

Abstract: An automated negative scanner that sequentially positions photographic image-bearing negative film relative to an image gathering device which electronically captures a negative film image and digitizes the image without relying on DX code information regarding exposure conditions. The automated scanner comprises a feed spool and a take-up spool for image-bearing negative film, each spool connected to a motor for rotational movement wherein the feed spool and take-up spool are separated by a negative capture area, and wherein the feed spool holds a plurality of negative film rolls spliced together. The negative capture area contains a belt transport to transport the negative film and two dancer rollers connected to a tensioned lever arm each separately associated with both of the feed spool and take-up spool wherein the dancer rollers separate the rollers rotational movement from the transport of the film in the negative capture area.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously micro-embossing a seamless precision optical pattern onto a moving substrate without the use of an intermediate layer, comprising an energy source, such as a laser, along with reduction optics, a mask and a moving substrate. The moving substrate provides both precision linear and rotational movement which motion is coupled with the laser projection imaging episode. Etched patterns can therefor be continuously and precisely ablated in the substrate to substantially cover the entire surface to uniquely micro-emboss therein a seamless precision optical image.

Abstract: Various forms of light-diffusing screen are disclosed comprising plastics sheets having surface texturing of some kind, adding to or modifying the diffusing effect. The plastics sheets may have bulk diffusing characteristics in addition to the surface texturing. The surface texturing may be produced by, for example, embossing or by molding the plastics against a textured surface such as a "brushed" surface or a ribbed or grooved surface imparting asymmetrical diffusion characteristics to the screen.