Abstract: A microfilm strip includes image frames arranged in chapters with indicia provided identifying those image frames which head the chapters. When it is desired to produce multiple prints of each of the image frames in a chapter the image frame comprising the first frame or head of the chapter is moved into the print gate. Upon entry of the print command signal, the strip is automatically advanced so that the last frame of the chapter is in the print gate. The printer then automatically prints each frame of the chapter starting with the last frame and ending with the first frame of the chapter. The prints arrive face-up at the output of the printer in collated form. As multiple sets of prints of the chapter are desired, the microfilm after printing the first image frame, returns to the last image frame for repeat printing of another set of prints of the chapter. This operation is repeated until the number of sets of collated prints is provided at the output.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a lamp, a CCD array, an image density adjustor, first and second shutter drivers, first and second shutters, an image area discriminating circuit, and a microcomputer. The lamp illuminates an image and retrieval information of a microfilm having the image and the retrieval information at the side of the image. The CCD array receives light from the image and the retrieval information on the microfilm illuminated by the lamp. The image density adjustor, first and second shutter drivers, and first and second shutters cooperate with each other to record the image of the microfilm on a recording medium. The image area discriminating circuit discriminates the image from the retrieval information according to an output from the CCD array. The microcomputer controls the image density adjustor and the first and second shutter drivers so as not to record the retrieval information on the recording medium according to an output from the image area discriminating circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting optical marks on a film support moved relative to the apparatus includes a light source and light detector for detecting optical marks on the film support, the light detector having at least one photoresponsive sensor arranged in fixed manner over the film track, the sensor having a number of photoresponsive elements arranged at right angles with respect to the direction of motion of the film track and which, without intermediate optics, are in the immediate vicinity of the film support. Part of the photoresponsive elements can be used for scanning the image marks or blips and another part for scanning the document parts or other black/white values in the document area of the film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mark detection apparatus for a microfilm having marks which are recorded adjacent to respective frames and are classified into a few groups with different sizes. The apparatus detects widths of the marks, determines a threshold level from detected widths of the marks and controls counting of the marks by size through the use of the threshold level.

Abstract: Roll film document image storage and retrieval apparatus comprising a film transport having a supply reel and a takeup reel with a roll of film carried by the reels, the film having images thereon. A motor drive is provided for driving the film between the supply and takeup reels in forward and reverse directions. An optical image sensor is provided which is disposed adjacent the film between the supply and takeup reels. An image locater is provided for causing relative movement between the optical image sensing means and the film so that a specific image carrier by the film can be viewed. The image sensor senses a plurality of images simultaneously and provides an analog output. A processor is provided for processing the analog output to provide a digital output which can be utilized for providing a visual image.

Abstract: A mark detecting apparatus for detecting marks provided on a recording medium has a photoelectric converting device for receiving a light from the base and marks on the recording medium, a first setting device for setting a first predetermined reference value, a second setting device for setting a second reference value corresponding to the output of the photoelectric converting device, and a detecting device for selecting one of the first reference value and the second reference value and comparing the selected reference value with the output of the photoelectric converting device to thereby detect the presence or absence of the marks.

Abstract: An information retrieval system for retrieving desired information from information recorded in a record medium is disclosed. The information on the record medium is classified into at least two groups and a first mark is added to the lower class information and a second mark is added to the higher class information. The marks are detected by mark detection means and the feed of the record medium is controlled in accordance with the output of the mark detection means. When there is an error in the retrieval or in the input, the error is detected and the feed of the record medium is stopped.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus automatically retrieves desired information on an information bearing medium having information and marks. In the retrieving apparatus, the marks are detected and counted during the feed of the information bearing medium. In accordance with the number of the counted marks, the feeding of the data bearing medium is controlled to retrieve the desired data. The apparatus is provided with at least three mark-detecting means for successively detecting the mark and memory means for memorizing the detections of the mark by the respective mark-detecting means, and a mark counting signal is formed from the content in said memory means and the counting signal is counted in order to eliminate the possibility that one and same mark may erroneously be counted twice or more when the feeding speed of the information bearing medium is abruptly changed.

Abstract: A mark detecting apparatus for a micro-roll film including one photoelectric element for detecting marks of different sizes provided on one edge portion of a micro-roll film for respective frames of the film, a pulse generating unit which generates pulses by radial slits formed in a disc adapted to be driven for rotation by contacting the micro-roll film, and a mark size judging circuit which counts the pulses produced from the pulse generating unit during the photoelectric element for the mark is detecting the mark of the film for judging the size of the mark by the counted value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retrieving apparatus for retrieving desired information contained in a film making use of retrieval marks recorded on the film. The retrieving apparatus is useful for many different types of films having retrieval marks recorded in different marking modes. The retrieving apparatus comprises mark detector exchangeable according to the marking mode, a device for generating a coded signal corresponding to the exchange of mark detector and a display for making a display of the type of film usable in the apparatus in the present state of exchange of mark detector in response to the coded signal.

Abstract: An x-ray microfilm reader includes a microcomputer control system for controlling film loading, unloading and searching for a particular frame, as well as controlling exposure times for full-size reproductions ("blow backs") of the x-ray images. The x-ray microfilm is contained in a cartridge which is inserted into a cartridge station of the microfilm reader. When the user depresses an INDEX key, the control system automatically causes the microfilm to be withdrawn from the cartridge and wound onto a takeup reel until the first frame is aligned at a film gate. By entering a numerical value through a keyboard and then actuating a SEARCH switch, the user causes the control system to automatically drive the film until the selected frame is aligned at the film gate. The control system controls operating speeds of the drive motor as a function of the distance between the current frame and the desired frame, so that the microfilm is stopped at the proper frame without undershoot or overshoot.

Abstract: An automatic retrieval apparatus for use with an information containing film in a roll form, arranged to control driving of the information containing film by reading document marks or blips provided in the information containing film to correspond with respective frames. The retrieval apparatus includes a detecting circuitry for detecting the document marks to produce detecting signal, a latch circuitry to be set by impression of the detecting signal to it, and a calculation processing circuitry which effects predetermined calculation corresponding to the detection of the document marks when the latch circuitry is in the set state, and which produces signal for resetting the latch circuitry upon completion of the calculation processing.

Abstract: A display terminal is provided which holds a roll of film, and can project the image of any film frame onto a console screen. The need for a platen to precisely locate a frame on the optical imaging plane, is avoided by keeping the film in tension. The tension is maintained while the film is stationary, by utilizing a pair of reel-driving motors that each provide a torque that varies with the diameter of the film roll on the corresponding reel. The film region being projected, can be held in a slight curve to more reliably hold all areas of the projected film region near a predetermined film plane. A film identification track and clock track can extend along one edge of the film to identify every frame and accurately center the frame at the imaging, or projection, station. The film can be rapidly moved to bring a desired frame to approximately the imaging station, with slight overshoot, and the film then can be inched back to center the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stopping a film containing a plural number of frames having images recorded thereon. First and second detectors each having at least one photo-electric transducer element are arranged along the feed path of the film. The first and second detectors are disposed in such a manner that when the first detector receives the light from the frame, the second detector receives the light from the blank portion (non-image portion) between frames. A signal is produced only when the first detector detects a desired frame and the second detector detects the blank portion at the same time during the feeding of the film. After the generation of the signal, the film is further advanced in a determined direction by a determined length of the film and then the film feeding is stopped to stop the desired frame in the film at a determined position.

Abstract: An automatic high speed microfilm searching system is disclosed for locating a desired frame of microfilm. Each frame consists of information data and index data. The index data comprises a sequence of vertically-aligned data bar groups, each representing a half character of a sequence of characters of a unique index code for the associated frame. A pair of synchronization bars, each half the width of a data bar, is vertically aligned with each data bar group. Additional synchronization pulses both precede and follow the data bar groups. Depending on which direction the microfilm is moving, the leading synchronization bars are sensed by a bar sensing unit on the left or on the right of the viewing screen. Each sensing bar unit comprises a plurality of vertically-aligned data bar sensors and synchronization bar sensors, with three sensors assigned to each vertical bar in a data bar group, and three sensors assigned to reading the synchronization bars.

Abstract: A system for the control, selection and synchronization of the movement of magnetic tape and filmstrip in a film projection system which may include a sound program. Film advance is synchronized with the sound reproduction by means of recorded signals on the magnetic tape which unambiguously specify the filmstrip frame number appropriate to the magnetic tape sound program. Means are provided to allow the operator to rapidly access a particular filmstrip frame by specifying its number. When a sound program is included, the invention assures automatic synchronization of the sound program with the filmstrip frame.

Abstract: A microfilm system stores document on film for compact and secure filing. Full-size paper copies may be made of any document in the file. A single, attractively styled, compact housing contains a preferably manually fed camera, with an electrophotographic 16 mm roll film packaged in a cassette for easy film loading and unloading. The film is processed immediately after each image is recorded so that it is ready for instant retrieval. A bar code is recorded adjacent each image, responsive to a keyboard operation. During retrieval, a high-speed film transport searches for a designated bar code. Once an image is found, it may be projected on either a screen or paper in a printing system.

Abstract: Unique identifying symbols, such as bar codes, are preprinted on, or affixed to, each of a plurality of source documents. A scanning and recording device simultaneously reads the identifying symbol appearing on a given source document and records the image thereof on an image storage medium, such as photographic film. Also stored on the image storage medium, adjacent to each image stored thereon, is an address symbol to indicate the relative location at which a desired image is stored. Synchronization means coupled to the scanning and recording device generate an electrical data address word corresponding to this address symbol. This data address word is then combined with a similar data identifying word, generated as the scanning device reads the identifying symbol appearing on each source document, to form a data index word.

Abstract: A control system utilizing prerecorded photographic film in a miniature mage terminal device as both a display and memory medium for applications requiring interactive operator processing of rigidly structured messages, and particularly, from lists of allowable multiple choice entries.

Abstract: A system for optically detecting the presence of indicating markers on microfilm frames and for ignoring stray marks and smudges. As light shines through the microfilm and is detected by a photo-transistor, the system self regulates to provide an absolute baseline value, called a prescaler, for each frame of microfilm. Then, as each mark appears on the microfilm and interrupts the light path to the photo-transistor, the degree or extent of light blockage is measured as a deviation from the baseline for that frame. If the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold, the mark is counted as a marker; otherwise the mark is ignored as a stray spot or smudge. The threshold is also self regulated based on a percentage of the amount that the light blockage of the marker in the immediately preceding frame deviated from the baseline for that frame.

Abstract: Frame detection circuitry for sensing frame sensing marks on a microfilm uses first and second photoelectric convertors respectively responsive to the light transmitted from the frame sensing mark and from light transmitted by a light emitter to generate respective first and second output signals, whereby the light emission received by the second photoelectric convertor is unaffected by movement of the microfilm such that the second output signal is a reference level signal. The first and second output signals are compared to generate a control signal representing the sensing of a frame when the first output signal exceeds the second output signal. A circuit may be used to filter the noise detected by the second photoelectric convertor.

Abstract: An automatic microfilm camera is positioned to take images of a document while it is being read by an operator of a computer terminal. The computer generates a computer index number, and perhaps other significant information, which is forwarded via an interface circuit to display a readout of alpha-numerical images within the photographic area adjacent to the copied document. The camera automatically takes a picture of the document and the display when the operator pushes an "Enter" or other appropriate button on the computer terminal, thereby photocopying both the document and the displayed images. An important aspect of the invention is that the photographic cycle is initiated automatically by an appropriate step in the data entry sequence, whereby the normal data entry procedures are not disturbed by the existance or the use of the camera. An advantage is that the camera and computer are inherently synchronized and cannot lose their mutual sequencing.

Abstract: A visual display system selectively operable to display, upon command, any one of a plurality of different bits of information. The exemplary embodiment is intended for use in an indoor golf game to display scenes representing perspective views of any one of a plurality of different locations on any one of a plurality of different holes on a golf course. The system also includes a ball spot projector for projecting a spot of light on the projected scene in a manner to simulate the trajectory of a golf ball in flight. The scene selection system is a digital servo system for economy and reliability and is operative to minimize film fading on frequently used scenes such as a scene depicting the view from the tee on a golf hole and is further operative to reduce fading of any particular scene due to prolonged exposure by automatically shifting to an advertising scene or the like when the scene selection has not been made after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled microfilm reader/printer is arranged to transport a roll of film having all images contained thereon, in a distinctive format involving sequentially recorded photographic areas. The reader/printer has an automatic call feature up, so that any given photographic area may be selected and projected responsive to the push of a button, the operation of a rotary switch, or both. A special bar code printed along an edge of the film eliminates the need for precise control over a film transport synchronized with a code reading speed. The bar code is preferably read by an optical electronic sensor, which provides a film positioning input control signal to enable an accurate locating of a selected photographic area within a viewing area.

Abstract: An electronically controlled photographic image utilization device is arranged to transport a roll of microfilm having all images printed thereon in separate photographic areas, each area being arranged in a microfiche-type format. The photographic image utilization device has an automatic call-up feature so that any given photographic area may be selected in a first dimension and projected responsive to the push of a button, the operation of a rotary switch or both. A special bar code is printed along the edge of the film and used in conjunction with a closed loop film control system to eliminate the need for precise, clock-controlled synchronization between the film transport and the code reading. Preferably, the bar code is read by optical electronic sensors. Responsive thereto, the electronic control system accurately positions a selected photographic image, on the microfilm, within a viewing area.

Abstract: The perforated strip is transported lengthwise along a predetermined transport path. The perforations have a width w and an inter-perforation spacing s as measured in the transport direction. The perforations are sensed at two predetermined sensing locations located along the transport path. The distance between the two sensing locations is equal to as .+-. bw, wherein a is equal to zero, unity or an integer greater than unity, and wherein b is a number greater than zero and less than unity. Sensing the perforations at sensing locations thusly spaced makes it possible to determine from the resultant signals the direction of strip transport.

Abstract: A microfilm searching reader is provided which is capable of searching and displaying a page, or pages, of microfilmed dictionary containing a word related with a character input. The reader includes an input unit provided with character keys for generating first signals related with the character keys and coded according to a predetermined standard, a microfilm accommodating pages of a dictionary, a display device for feeding the microfilm to display a frame thereof, a memory for storing catchwords coded according to the predetermined standard, a reading unit for identifying the frames by reading the coded catchwords to generate second signals representing the catchwords, and a comparing control circuit for comparing both signals to cause the display device to feed the microfilm until the second signal becomes smaller than the first signal. In this arrangement a frame corresponding to a character input will be searched and displayed on the display device.

Abstract: An electronically controlled photographic image utilization device is arranged to transport a roll of microfilm having all images printed thereon in separate photographic areas, each area being arranged in a microfiche-type format. The photographic image utilization device has an automatic call-up feature so that any given photographic area may be selected and projected responsive to the push of a button, the operation of a rotary switch or both. A special bar code is printed along the edge of the film and used in conjunction with a closed loop film control system to eliminate the need for precise, clock controlled synchronization between the film transport and the code reading. Preferably, the bar code is read by optical electronic sensors. Responsive thereto, the electronic control system accurately positions a selected photographic image, on the microfilm, within a viewing area.

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: The disclosure relates to a control system for use in an information retrieval system. The control system adapts the retrieval system for locating a preselected information bearing element wherein the information bearing elements comprise a first set of elements numbered consecutively in a first direction for identification and a second set of elements numbered consecutively in a second direction for identification and wherein each element of the first set is associated with an identifiable marker comprising a first set of markers and each element of the second set is associated with an identifiable marker comprising a second set of markers.

Abstract: An automatic information retrieval device employing an information-containing film wound on reels housed in a cartridge, which retrieval device is provided with a servo system for driving one of the film reels by a servo-controlled motor and the other of the film reels by a one directional constant torque motor so as to apply proper tension to the film between the reels for rapid and accurate selection of a desired information frame of the film without disengagement of the film ends from the reels. The retrieval device further employs an information film having counting blip-marks, parity check marks and non-light transmitting portion for accurate positioning of the desired frame.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for expanding the capacity of the logic control for an information bearing element retrieval system. The system disclosed includes means for determining if the absolute numerical difference between a predetermined digit of a current number identifying the current information bearing element being inspected, and a target number identifying the information bearing element to be inspected, is equal to or greater than a preselected integer. If the absolute numerical difference is equal to or greater than the preselected integer, the normal direction of scanning the information bearing elements is reversed. In so doing, a logic control and display having a finite n digit capacity may properly handle consecutively numbered information bearing elements having identification numbers of more than n digits.

Abstract: In a microfilm web handling apparatus wherein a photocell senses position markers corresponding to image frames along the microfilm web to enable positioning of a given image frame within a viewing station, a reference photocell provides a reference signal which is compared with a detected signal from the position sensing photocell to produce a position signal which is processed via logic networks to drive a film transport mechanism to thereby selectively position the microfilm web. Preferably, three photocells are provided, two of which sense position markers adjacent one edge of the microfilm web, while the third provides the reference signal. Each photocell has an effective sensing diameter which is not greater than one-half the dimension of a position marker parallel to the direction of travel of the web. In such an embodiment, the output of the reference photocell is compared with the detected signal from each of the two position indicating photocells.

Abstract: A sound-slide projector of a basic form illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,000 is equipped with a keyboard which controls a digital servomotor to position a slide tray for random access to the sound-slides. Operation of a mechanical slide-changing mechanism formerly cyclically operated in a predetermined time by a flywheel is temporarily interrupted by a solenoid while the servomotor positions the slide tray to provide variable timing required for random selection of sound slides.

Abstract: A high speed microfilm searching system is disclosed. The system optically displays frames of the microfilm. A frame or column of microfilm is made up of a sensor mark, pages of information and an index code. The index code is a meaningful alphanumeric or numeric key that accompanies each page or column. If it is alphabetic it varies in strict alphabetic sequence. If the components of the key are numeric they vary in an increasing or decreasing order. Microfilm projecting means mounted in the filmpath between feed and take-up reels clearly display on a viewing screen a page of information when the microfilm is stationary in accordance with existing technology. The high speed search system is new technology. A strobe lamp displays indexes of the moving microfilm on a screen. Each of the frames having an index of digital form and also has an optically detectable marker.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for retrieving a film having video information recorded thereupon in synchronism with a magnetic tape having audio information recorded thereupon and for synchronizing the sound with the picture after retrieval. Address signals are recorded upon both the film and the tape. The system comprises detectors for address signals recorded upon the film and the tape, a computer including a keyboard for retrieving a desired address, comparators for comparing the outputs of the detectors with the output of the computer, and means for transporting the film and tape in response to the outputs of the comparators. Control signals are recorded upon both the tape and film for synchronizing the sound with the picture. When the control signal recorded upon the film is detected, the still picture is projected and when the control signal recorded on the tape is detected the motion picture is projected.

Abstract: An image counter and automatic control for same for searching a roll of microfilm or the like having images thereon and for stopping and positioning on a selected image for viewing, printing, or the like. The system generally comprises a film drive for driving the film in the forward and reverse directions, a source of light that impinges on the film as it moves past a given location, the images on the film being detectable by either the passage or impedance of the impinging light rays as compared to the other portions of the film. A plurality of photodetecting means are positioned on the side of the film opposite the light source for producing electrical signals in response to the presence or absence of light detected thereby, and electrical network means are provided for controlling the film drive in response to the signals from the photodetecting means.

Abstract: This relates to a high capacity, high speed random access filing system for graphic data. Graphic data on microfilm is placed in cartridges and the cartridges stored in a storage drum. The location of each cartridge is defined by a four digit address and each image frame is further defined by a four digit address. A source document is accessed by entering the combined eight digit address via a keyboard. The corresponding cartridge is automatically retrieved and the image frame corresponding to the requisitioned document is located and projected onto a display screen. A hard copy may then be produced if desired. The above system may be combined with an electronic memory search and data capture equipment for originating, maintaining, and updating stored graphical data.

Abstract: A first counter stores the number of a desired microfilm frame to be located at an access position. A second counter stores the number of the present frame at the access position. The microfilm is normally driven at a high speed, but it is desired to drive the microfilm at a lower speed for a predetermined number of frames prior to the arrival of the desired frame at the access position. This predetermined number is set into a compensating circuit. A comparator first determines the magnitude and sense of the difference between the two counters while the film is stationary. The predetermined number is then added to the contents of the second counter, and the film is driven until the comparator detects a first equality of the contents of the first and second counter, thereby switching the film drive to the lower speed.

Abstract: In an information search device for searching for any desired information in a film provided with a series of information frames, frame index marks and document index marks formed along the information frames on the opposite sides thereof, there is provided a drive motor for transporting the film, a light source system for irradiating the film, a photoelectric converter element for detecting the frame index marks, a second photoelectric converter element for detecting the document index marks, a gate circuit for receiving the detection signals from the converter elements to selectively pass one of those detection signals, a counter for counting the detection signals passed through the gate circuit, and a brake mechanism for stopping the transport of the film when the counter has counted up a number of detection signals corresponding to the search number of the desired information.

Abstract: A microfilm instruction system provides detailed service instructions for diagnosing and repairing complex electronic instrumentation. Troubleshooting procedures are recorded on microfilm along with a series of programmed instructions for directing the service repairman step-by-step to pinpoint the source of the problem and to make the necessary repair. Each frame of microfilm containing a sequence of question sets which appear upon the display plate of the microfilm viewing system further provides a corresponding series of response switches also located on the microfilm viewing system. Each of the questions relate to a possible condition for the malfunctioning electronic apparatus to be repaired and each series of questions requires an affirmative or negative response by means of the response switches.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for handling and reading any one of a number of film strips, each having a number of segments with each segment containing a plurality of information-containing, high-reduction image frames. The film strips are housed in a cassette which is movable with respect to a fixed reference to align a desired film strip with a reading station disposed across the optical path of an optical system. A film strip is moved out of the cassette by a force applied to one of its side edges. Control information carried by each film strip is sensed as the film strip moves out of the cassette and the sensed information is used to control the distance through which the film strip moves so that a particular segment thereof will stop at the reading station. The optical system is moved relative to the reading system so that the optical path of the optical system is selectively alignable with a particular image frame of the film strip removed from the cassette.

Abstract: An automatic information searching arrangement for searching desired image information from a record web having image information and searching marks placed thereon. The present invention provides scanning device which incorporates therein a light source and an image pickup tube or a flying spot cathode-ray tube and a photoelectric converter to convert it into an electric signal in time series. The blip zone in the record web is projected by the scanning device to convert it into an electric signal in time series whereby a desired information frame may automatically be searched. The information searching device comprises a unit for feeding a record web, a unit for scanning searching marks, a unit for forming one count signal from a plurality of mark signals generated from the scanning unit, and a conrol unit for generating a signal for controlling the feed of the record web. The record web may accurately be positioned by the arrangement of the present invention.

Abstract: A picture information retrieval system in which each time an initial position detecting mark provided in correspondence with the first picture on an information recording medium for detecting the first picture passes the initial position during the retrieval operation the content of the counting section is corrected.

Abstract: A roll microfilm having a plurality of consecutive frames. Each frame has a border therearound with a plurality of small sized marks located within the border and being unequally spaced apart with respect to each other for detection by a plurality of corresponding detecting elements having the same spacing.

Abstract: A computer automated information system is adapted for use by the public and is installed in public gathering places for readily dispensing information regarding, for example, travel accommodations and the like. The system includes display and print-out components associated with the computer and interfaced for dispensing selected information quickly, accurately and economically, and is modular and compact to minimize maintenance and maximize versatility.

Abstract: Frame location system for microfilm retrieval system. Frame address of desired frame is stored in first reversible counter having maximum count greater than the maximum possible number of frames in a roll of microfilm. Frame address of frame currently being viewed is stored in second reversible counter of same count capacity. A burst of pulses equal to capacity of both counters causes both to count up. First counter to overflow gates burst pulses into third reversible counter. Second counter to overflow terminates count in third counter. As microfilm moves, optical sensors sense frame identifying "blips" on microfilm thereby reducing count in third counter and slowing film to halt when desired frame is in position at viewing station.