Abstract: There is disclosed a microfilm search device which detects a frame or between-frames dimension from a density change in the running direction of a microfilm to determine the presence of frames and search for a desired frame. The detected density change is binarized to determine the dimension of the frame or between-frames. When detecting the length of a portion where the binarized signal representing film transparent portion continues, the dimension is corrected short. When detecting the length of a portion where the binarized signal representing film non-transparent portion continues, the dimension is corrected long. The frame or between-frames dimension can be detected with high accuracy to enhance the frame searching accuracy. Moreover, pulse signals outputted from an encoder are counted by a counter to monitor the film feeding amount, and the counter is reset when frames are detected and when the film feeding direction is reversed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microfilm search device for detecting the presence of frames from a density change in the running direction of a microfilm, in which even if a frame contains therein a portion having substantially the same density as that of an interspace between frames, the portion is prevented from being incorrectly determined as between-frames, and frames are correctly detected to prevent a search error.

Abstract: A film projector for use with processed photographic film having magnetically recorded image information. The film projector has a body and a light source disposed in the body. The light source emits a collimated beam. A film holder is mounted in the body. The film holder is disposed to hold an individual frame of film in the beam. A projection lens system receives the beam propagated through the film. An optically transmissive digital display element is disposed in said body. A read-write unit is disposed to read annotation information from and write annotation information to the film in the film holder. A controller is operatively connected to the read-write unit and the display element. The controller modulates the display element responsive to the signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microfilm search method and device in which the presence of frames is accurately determined from a density change in a running direction of a microfilm. The detected density change is binarized into white and black synchronously with a sampling signal outputted for each predetermined feeding amount of the microfilm. The number of white signals included in a group of a predetermined number of binarized signals consecutive immediately before each sampling signal is successively obtained in response to the sampling signal. For the negative film, the presense of frames is determined by judging white (out-frame) when the number of white signals equals/exceeds a set value and by judging black (in-frame) when the number of white signals is less than the set value. The set value for determining the inside or outside of the frame may be changed when going into the frame from the outside of the frame and vice versa. Thereby, detection precision can further be raised.

Abstract: The film image signal outputting apparatus of the present invention includes: an imaging section which forms an image of a developed film; a display condition setting section which sets a display condition for a film image which is displayed; and an image display signal output section which outputs a signal for displaying the image of the film which is formed by the imaging section, according to the display condition, wherein the display condition setting section cancels a display condition which was set for a film frame before outputting a signal to display an image of a next film frame.

Abstract: The microfilm storage and retrieval (MegaSAR-420) system of the present invention puts microfilm images on line in a document imaging system. A MegaSAR-420 could be connected to a PC LAN base document imaging system with specialized software. A remote user then has the ability to retrieve images of the stored microfilm. The MegaSAR-420 doubles the capacity of devices in the prior art, specifically including at least twenty-eight spoked hub units and using cartridges having greater storage capacity.

Abstract: A film projector for use with frames of processed photographic film having frame-associated image orientation data. The film projector has a light source that emits a collimated beam and a film holder that is disposed to hold individual frames of film in the beam. The film holder is pivotable between a first and second orthogonal orientations. An optical projection system receives the beam from the film holder. The optical system propagates and focuses at least a portion of the beam on a viewing plane external to the projector. A sensor is disposed to read the frame-associated image orientation data. The sensor produces a signal responsive to the image configuration information. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. A repositioner is connected to the film holder. The repositioner is operatively connected to the controller to move the film holder between the orientations responsive to the controller.

Abstract: A search apparatus includes a device for transporting a long recording medium and positioning a desired image on the recording medium in a predetermined position, and a device for moving a carrier, supporting the recording medium, in the width direction thereof. The apparatus is provided with a detection device for detecting the reference position of the carrier, and when the carrier is moved, the moving distance of the carrier is measured without failure after the reference position has been detected. Movement of the carrier is controlled on the basis of the measurement value.

Abstract: When a film cartridge storing a developed film including a magnetic layer is mounted in an electronic viewer, the film is pulled out from the cartridge, and a forward end of the film is wound around a winding axis. A film transport is controlled in accordance with a detection signal generated by a frame detector every detection of the frame, so that a film image of the film can be observed. At the same time, the viewer reads out magnetic information recorded in the magnetic layer, which corresponds to each film image. Contents of the magnetic information are displayed on an LCD of the viewer. As a result, a user can observe his desirable film image and the contents of the magnetic information corresponding the desired film image.

Abstract: A control method of a microfilm image reader is provided for reducing the amount of image data to be transferred from a scanner to a host computer, making the transfer time short and hence lengthening the free time of a bus, reducing the storage capacity needed for storing the image data, and simplifying the operation procedure by omitting the process of eliminating the black frame portion when printed out. The host computer supplies the scanner with a window parameter containing a range of reading area, and the scanner detects only an image area from all the reading area to transfer image data of the detected image area to the host computer together with attribute information containing the size of the image area. The attribute information may be managed by a header system, and data on a print position of the target image may be contained in the attribute information.

Abstract: Film image display method and apparatus adapted to display image frames on film normally stored in a cartridge in a user selected sequence. The film carries a magnetic recording layer and the apparatus is programmed to allow the user to view image frames and hear sound recorded in association with the frames in a pre-determined viewing sequence, that may be user-determined. The viewing sequence is different from the chronological sequence of frames on the film. The apparatus and method also records data on the film which identifies the viewing sequence. Sound may be recorded in association with frames in the viewing sequence during user selection of the viewing sequence. When viewed later, the recorded sequence data is read from the film and used to control the sequence in which the film images are displayed.

Abstract: A printed material reader that searches for a desired frame by using blips provided on a printed material, and that prevents search errors due to variances in blip lengths. Before a search of a desired frame, the lengths of the blips adjacent to all the frames on the printed material are detected, and the permissible ranges for the blips are determined from a frequency histogram reflecting relative distributions of the blip lengths detected. The blips whose length fall within permissible ranges are counted to search for a desired frame on the microfilm.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of applying variable, momentous production information to each frame of a continuous visual image medium at the instant of use or after use, without interfering with the formation or display of the normal visual image on the same frame. The recorded production information become absolute reference points on the continuous visual image medium, enabling fast and accurate identification and retrieval at a later date. The method addresses various needs in an ever increasing market ranging from major motion pictures to home videos. The present invention is also a system of recording or retrieving the production information on each frame of a continuous visual image medium. The system includes the actual hardware for the writing and reading of the index code, and the software necessary to decode the code and translate it into useful and user readable information.

Abstract: A film viewer for viewing a film which has been withdrawn from a cartridge. Its main body has a cartridge accommodating portion. In the film viewer, a rotating shaft connected to a spool of the cartridge and a winding shaft which winds the film are driven by manual operation or a motor to convey the film. A window portion is provided at the main body for viewing the conveyed film guided by a film guide made of a flexible material. The film viewer has a distinguishing piece or sensor for distinguishing whether or not the film has been developed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for projecting an image by a projection lens onto a projection surface such as a screen surface or a surface of a recording medium, a prism for rotating the projection image is disposed on the exit side of the projection lens so that the entrance-side optical axis of the prism deviates from the exit-side optical axis thereof. An image-forming lens and a focal point detecting unit for detecting a focus state of the projection lens on the projection surface are disposed on a reflection side of a half mirror. When the focal point detecting unit detects the focus state of the projection lens, an adjusting unit effects a relative rotation between the prism and the image-forming lens and focal point detecting unit so as to make the exit-side optical axis of the prism coincide with the optical axis of the image-forming lens.

Abstract: A method of determining an inclination angle of a rectangular image frame read by a microfilm reader at high accuracy. The method is characterized in that the inclination angle of the bottom side line of the image frame is detected to determine the inclination angle of the image. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom side line is discriminated by comparing the projected lengths of the two side lines opposing to the bottom side of the display screen of the microfilm reader, and the side line having the projected length greater than the projected length of the other side line is discriminated as the bottom side line of the image frame.

Abstract: A projection apparatus comprising a holding section for holding a film cassette having an exposed magnetic-zoned film therein, motors for automatically drawing out the leader portion of the film from the film cassette and for forwardly feeding the film with a predetermined timing, a projection lamp and a projection lens pair for illuminating the film to project an image, a magnetic head for detecting magnetic information on the film, a shutter which operates in accordance with the magnetic information detected by the magnetic head, and a control circuit for operating the motors and the shutter in accordance with programs, thereby controlling the film feed timing and shutter operation timing.

Abstract: A print control method for a microfilm reader enlarges a recorded image on a microfilm to the size of an original copy and projects the image on a screen; detects a black frame from an array indicated by image signals which are obtained by being binarized; selects one or more images from the entire area of the images; modifies images other than selected image to black frames; erases the modified black frames; enlarges the selected images at a magnification which can be arbitrarily set; and prints them out. The entire enlarged and projected image without any missing parts is included in the display area of the screen without making the screen too large. If plural images are contained in the display area of the read image, or if part of an image is outside of the display area, it is possible to output only the required images by extracting them and erasing unnecessary images together with the black frames. Moreover, paper can be efficiently utilized by arbitrarily changing the print magnification.

Abstract: The microfilm storage and retrieval system (MegaSAR) of the present invention puts microfilm images on line in a document imaging system. A MegaSAR could be connected to a PC lan base document imaging system with specialized software. A remote user then has the ability to retrieve images of the stored microfilm.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus for projecting on an image receiving body an image on a microfilm incorporated in a cartridge is disclosed. This apparatus is provided with a cartridge loader for supporting a container for accommodating a plurality of cartridges. The cartridges in the container are disposed toward the cartridge holder provided for the image projecting apparatus to allow search of the microfilms held therein. The cartridges holding microfilms which have undergone the search are discharged from the cartridge holder. When the cartridge loader is adapted to allow attachment thereto of one container, the cartridges are taken out of the container and, after completion of the retrieval, the cartridges are returned to the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the edge of an individual frame of photographic film on a strip of photographic film being moved along a photographic film transport path. A plurality of light sensors are positioned in a substantially linear array substantially perpendicular to and on one side of the path and a light is shined through the film toward the array of light sensors as the strip passes along the path. By sensing the level of illumination incident upon each of the sensors and comparing the level of illumination incident thereon with a predetermined level corresponding to a known degree of opacity associated with the interframe border between individual frames on the film, the presence of a film edge can be determined when the level of illumination associated with a predetermined number of tile sensors corresponds to a degree of opacity at least as great as the predetermined level.

Abstract: A film retrieval system comprises a light source for illuminating a film having marks applied thereon, a photo-detector for detecting light intensity transmitted from the illuminated film, a device for determining a reference in accordance with the light intensity detected by the photo-detector, a discriminator for determining the presence or absence of the mark by comparing the reference determined by the reference device and an output of the photo-detector and, a setting device for setting a detection point of the transmitted light intensity by the photo-detector at any point spaced from a leading edge of the film.

Abstract: A device for reading bar codes affixed in a predetermined order on an elongated photographic film. The bar codes are provided at the same positions relative to a plurality of image frames that are recorded in the longitudinal direction of the photographic film as the photographic film is being conveyed in the longitudinal direction. The film includes a plurality of symbol reading units disposed parallel to the direction in which the photographic film is being conveyed for reading symbols. The results read by the plurality of symbol reading units are compared with each other, and a determination is made as to whether or not the read symbol is a bar code on the basis of the comparison results. In consequence, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of bar codes.

Abstract: A mark detecting apparatus comprises an illuminator means for illuminating a film with marks having density different from the density of its periphery, a plurality of photosensors arranged in the feeding direction of the film, which serve as light receivers for receiving the transmitting light of the film illuminated by the illuminator means to detect the presence of marks, setting device for establishing a reference value on the basis of the maximum value and quasimaximal value among each of the output signals of the photosensors, and discriminator for discriminating the presence of marks by comparing the reference value established by the setting device and the output of the light receivers. With the structure thus arranged, it is possible to establish the binalizing reference value of the photosensors accurately even when the fluctuation of the luminous energy of the light source occurs as well as to correctly establish the reference value reliably even when the base density of the film varies.

Abstract: A film image registration system includes a film reader for optically reading a front surface of a film set therein to obtain a film image. A film illumination device emits light to illuminate the film from a back surface of the film. The quantity of light emitted by the film illumination device is controlled according to a given command. The film image is received and formed into an image data file which is stored in a mass data storage.

Abstract: A method of reading positional information on photographic film in which items of positional information are read during the feeding of an elongated photographic film, the positional information items being provided in a predetermined sequence and in correspondence with a plurality of image frames recorded on the film in the longitudinal direction thereof. The number of feed pulses that corresponds to the direction and the distance which the photographic film is fed is calculated. On the basis of the calculated number of feed pulses and of the corresponding item of positional information, the number of feed pulses corresponding to a predetermined reference position is calculated. On the basis of the calculated number of feed pulses corresponding to the predetermined reference position, the position at which each of the following items of positional information have been read is checked.

Abstract: Two bar code sensors are disposed at opposite sides of a passage of a photographic film, each bar code sensor having first and second photosensor arrays. The first and second photosensor arrays are located at the passages of the clock track and the data track, respectively, along a line perpendicular to the transportation direction of the photographic film. The DX bar code data and frame number bar code data are discriminated automatically based on the bar code data configuration read out with the bar code sensor units. The setting condition of the photographic film is detected, also based on the bar code data configuration. In case of an abnormal state of the setting conditions, an alarm display is output. The bar code data is written in a memory when the data change, or synchronously with reading the clock track of the DX bar code. The number of a frame set at the film mask is calculated by measuring the feed amount of the read-out frame number bar code.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus is disclosed which is provided with a film carrier part for retaining a microfilm, a screen for allowing an image recorded on the film to be projected thereon, and an optical image rotating mechanism disposed in a projected light path extending from a light source to the screen and adapted to rotate the image recorded on the film and consequently allow the image to be projected in a desired posture on the screen. The operator, even when the image on the film is projected in a rotated state, is enabled to move the film in a prescribed direction in accordance with the angle of the rotation of the image produced by the optical image rotating mechanism by keeping an eye on the image projected on the screen and, at the same time, manipulating a key corresponding to the direction in which the image is desired to be observed or to the direction identical to the direction in which the image is desired to be moved.

Abstract: An information retrieval apparatus for retrieving desired information in an information recording medium by driving the information recording medium and detecting a mark put on the driven information recording medium has a drive controller for controlling the drive of the information recording medium in accordance with measurement of an interval of marks of the information recording medium measured at the start of retrieval of the information recording medium.

Abstract: An information retrieval apparatus used in a microfilm reader, a reader/printer, or the like includes a first illuminator for illuminating information and a mark recorded on an information recording medium, a second illuminator for illuminating the mark, and a detector for detecting the mark illuminated by the second illuminator. The second illuminator includes a solid-state light-emitting element for emitting monochromatic radiation having a wavelength of visible light. A designator designates an optimal position of the detector on the basis of a position of the mark projected on a screen is arranged.

Abstract: Two bar code sensors are disposed at opposite sides of a passage of a photographic film, each bar code sensor having two photosensors disposed along a line perpendicular to the transportation direction of the photographic film. Each time a photographic film is fed by a predetermined distance, signals outputted from the two bar code sensor units are sampled and are compared with the signals obtained at the second preceding sampling timing to convert them into binary signals. Based on the data configuration of binary signals, i.e., based on the discrimination between the start code and end code, or the presence or absence of a clock track, automatic discrimination is performed between DX bar code data and frame number bar code data which then are decoded into a film type and frame number, respectively. The setting conditions of a photographic film also can be determined based on the bar code data configuration. An alarm is output if the setting conditions are not normal.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that includes a quadrant detector with an axis between the detector elements aligned with the direction of film motion. The output of the detector is used by an analog signal processor composed of adders and subtractors to produce signals for detecting the center of the perforation and lateral displacement of the perforation and to provide an illumination adjustment signal. Control logic connected to the analog processor produces signals indicating perforation edge crossings. The center crossing signal is used to control sampling of an illumination adjustment signal and a lateral displacement signal while the edge crossing signals are used for a timing reference for the bottom edge of the film frame. The control logic also detects these trigger signals, controls the capture of the illumination and displacement signals and provides an interrupt to a computer to indicate the capture operation is complete.

Abstract: A microfilm storage and retrieval system for storing plural microfilm cartridges in a storage rack and for selectively retrieving a desired cartridge. Plural microfilm cartridges are stored two-dimensionally in a rack having an open front face at which a carrier for taking out and returning the cartridges is disposed. An image reader is arranged behind the rack. A cartridge delivery port is provided through the rack, so that each cartridge is taken out from the rack into the space in front of the rack and then delivered through the delivery port to the image reader arranged behind the rack to read the images of the microfilm. In a preferred embodiment, the selected microfilm cartridge is turned to change its posture or orientation ready to be loaded into a cartridge loading port of the image reader in a space behind the rack intermediately of the delivery passage.

Abstract: A microfilm retrieval system includes blip marks provided at transversely opposite side portions of selected image frames of an elongated microfilm, a device for detecting the blip marks, counters for counting the number of blip marks in accordance with kinds of blip marks, respectively, a device for determining a specific combination of the kinds of blip marks when two or more kinds of blip marks are provided to selected the image frames, and a controller for controlling the counters such that the blip marks are counted with a unit of count and a reset value corresponding to the specific combination of marks determined by the determining device. The unit of count and the reset value at the time of counting blip marks can be set to desired numerical values, and counting is effected by making a page number or the like provided on a photographed object coincide with a count value, thereby facilitating retrieval.

Abstract: A reader printer for copying image information from a microfilm having a multiplicity of image frames recorded therein, frame marks for retrieval affixed thereon opposite the image frames, and batch marks for retrieval affixed thereon opposite the leading image frames of batches of image frames. When one of the batches of image frames is designated, the information contained in all the image frames in the batch is recorded sequentially from the last through the first of the image frames. The positioning of each of the image frames included within the designated batch at a prescribed location of the projected light path is accomplished by detecting the frame marks with a sensor, memorizing the positional relationship of the frame marks prior to the operation of print copying, and selectively imparting a motion to the microfilm based on the memorized data of position. The sensor is disposed at a position deflecting from the projected light path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system that uses human readable microfilm to store information and retrieve that information for later use in a computer. The microfilm is put into a Computer Input Microfilm (CIM) Reader that scans the film and converts the characters or text in the image into computer codes. An Optical Character Recognition algorithm is used to identify the text character and the CIM Reader converts that character into a computer code.

Abstract: There is an image information searching apparatus for analyzing the character information in the image information inputted from an image inputting apparatus and producing search information to search the image information. This apparatus comprises: a scanner to scan a recording medium such as a microfilm or a recording paper in which image information was recorded; this image information including discriminating information to discriminate this image information or a plurality of image information of the same group from another image information; a dictionary information memory section in which dictionary information such as a standard pattern of a character or a numeral to recognize the discriminating information was stored; a recognition controller to recognize the discrminating information using the dictionary information; and an image information memory section to store the recognized discriminating information as search information together with the image information corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A microreader-printer having an automatic focusing function. According to this reader-printer, an autofocusing operation is discontinued in response to a frame search command, removal of a projecting lens from an optical path and removal of a microfilm carrier from an operative position. On the contrary, a print command being generated during the autofocusing operation in congress is suspended until the completion of the autofocusing operation.

Abstract: An optical apparatus wherein an image is to be focused onto a generally rectangular projection surface through a projection lens and wherein a focal state at a particular location of the projection surface is to be detected to move the projection lens on the basis of the result of detection of the focal state, a method of automatically controlling the focal point of the projection lens, characterized in that, when it is found that the focal state of the particular location of the projection surface can not be detected, a focal state at another location of the projection surface is detected to move the projection lens with respect to the projection surface on the basis of the result of the detection at the other location.

Abstract: A film retrieving apparatus for retrieving a desired frame in a film has an optical device for projecting images recorded in the frames of the film, a moving device for moving the film along a plane orthogonal to the optical path of the optical device, image detecting device for putting out a signal when it detects that no image is present in a frame, a control device for stopping the film when each frame of the film has been placed in the optical path of the optical device and for controlling the moving device so as to move the film in a set time after the stoppage of the film, and an inhibition device for inhibiting a frame in which no image is present from stopping in the optical path for the set time by the signal put out from the detecting device.

Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for automatically retrieving a desired image on a recording medium having an image and information for retrieving the image, wherein a retrieval operation can be performed using various types of recording media. The retrieval apparatus has a card holding section for detachably holding a card storing retrieval data corresponding to a recording medium, and a reader for reading storage information of the card held by the card holding section.

Abstract: A system for recording and reading an image information wherein an image containing a certain form and data is recorded on each frame of a microfilm and a desired datum is selected and read from the microfilm. The system comprises a printer for printing a form cord for discriminating the form style recorded on each frame of the microfilm, and a reader for reading the form cord and reading-out the corresponding form style from a form memory to determine the position of the desired datum so that the desired datum is extracted from the printed image. The form cord preferably includes information relating to the kind, fount, size and pitch of letters in addition to the information relating to the form style. The form cord may be printed on each frame of the microfilm preferably in the form of bar cord with or without data cords and check cords. Data cords may be attached to respective data or may be printed collectively at a certain location on each frame of the microfilm.

Abstract: A microfilm searching and reading device for selectively taking out a cartridge containing a target image from one or more microfilm cartridge stacks. The device comprises a framework defining at least one storing space extending substantially vertically for storing a stack of cartridges in a manner such that the cartridges are stacked one above another, a scanner for receiving a selected microfilm cartridge and having an image reader and an actuator for winding and rewinding the microfilm, a carrier for taking out the selected cartridge and for guiding the same to the scanner, and a restoring mechanism for putting the selected cartridge, after the target image has been read by the microfilm reader, in the lowermost or uppermost position of the storing space. The device further comprises a memory for storing the location of the restored cartridge, and a controller for controlling the carrier, the scanner and the restoring mechanism.

Abstract: A TV viewer having a light source and an image pick-up device is provided which is spaced from the light source at a predetermined distance, the viewer having a film holding plane and a slide holding plane which are spaced from one another along the optical axis direction of the image pick-up device, between the light source and the image pick-up device, a film feeding device for feeding the film to the film holding plane, and a slide feeding device for feeding at least one slide to the slide holding plane.

Abstract: An information projecting apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of cartridge each containing an information recording medium therein and projecting the information of the recording medium in the selected cartridge has cartride storing device for storing the plurality of cartridges therein, cartridge conveying device for conveying the cartridge selected from the cartridge storing device to a first position or a second position, feeding device for feeding to a projecting portion the recording medium of the cartridge placed at the first position or the second position, and optical device for projecting the information of the recording medium placed at the projecting portion.

Abstract: A projection apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of cartridges each of which stores an information recording medium and for projecting information of the information recording medium stored in a selected one of the cartridges includes a first cartridge reception member for holding the cartridge in a first position, a second cartridge reception member for holding the cartridge in a second position, an optical system for projecting information of the information recording medium onto a predetermined position, a detector for detecting the presence/absence of the cartridge in the first and second cartridge reception members, and a retrieval control circuit for controlling the first and second cartridge reception members to cause the optical system to project the information of the information recording medium of the cartridge first detected by the detector.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus using a microfilm strip carrying a series of image frames which have a margin area between adjacent two thereof, comprising a viewing screen for displaying an image reproduced from the microfilm strip, reels and motors for driving the microfilm strip to travel along a predetermined path, an optical system for irradiating the microfilm strip with a beam of light, the beam of light being transmitted as an information-carrying beam of light carrying image information detected from the microfilm strip, a projection lens for magnifying the information-carrying light beam and projecting the magnified beam of light onto the viewing screen, a photoelectric margin sensor responsive to at least a portion of the information-carrying light beam for producing an electric signal variable with the quantity of light incident on the photoelectric margin sensor, the photoelectric margin sensor being located off the location at which the information-carrying light beam is to be focussed by the proj

Abstract: A method of detecting a frame edge of a film by a first group of light-receiving element arrays and a second group of light-receiving element arrays, each of the groups being composed of at least one array of light-receiving elements disposed perpendicular to the advancing direction of the film in such a manner as to be parallel with each other. The presence of a frame edge is preliminarily detected by the first group of light-receiving element arrays, and the position of the frame edge is precision-detected by the second group of light-receiving element arrays. Accordingly, since the precision detetction is effected after preliminary detection, the range of precision detection can be narrowed, thereby shortening the detection time.

Abstract: A film image projecting apparatus such as a microfilm reader and a microfilm printer adapted to automatically retrieve desired information by searching blip marks provided laterally of frames in a roll film. Conventionally, a roll film containing a plurality of rows of frames has been retrieved in most cases by manually placing a target frame in an exposure section. The known apparatus also has the disadvantage of blip marks becoming displaced from an illuminated area when an image is projected in magnification onto a screen, thereby impairing the retrieval operation. The present invention provides a film image projecting apparatus having means for eliminating this disadvantage. More particularly, the disclosed apparatus comprises a film transport mechanism, a cross slide mechanism, a projecting optical system, and a control device for suitably controlling these elements to enable desired information retrieval.

Abstract: A film image reading apparatus capable of exact image reading including the steps of regulating the quantity of light emitted by a light source before the film is set to the reading position, focusing a lens after the film is set, and determining the threshold value of an image sensor for quantization.