Abstract: Microfiche reader characterized in that it comprises a light source (13) consisting of a high brightness electroluminescent diode assembly (33), arranged on a supporting surface (31) capable of focusing the light flux (14) produced by the diodes onto the element of the optical arrangement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for converting the picture displayed on a screen (3) of a microfilm- or microfiche-reading device (1) into electric signals. In order to permit complete electronic reading of the screen, a bar (4) is provided which has a plurality of juxtaposed picture sensors (5) and which is movably guided by a guide element (6). For the purpose of fitting out the device subsequently, the device also has means for securing the guide element (6) in a specific position in relation to the screen (3).

Abstract: A film carrier is provided with a roll carrier for supporting a roll film and a sheet carrier for supporting a sheet film, and is arranged to use either one of the carriers as selectively positioning it in a projection optical path. In the film carrier, the sheet carrier is moved to a first retracting position not to interfere with the roll carrier outside the projection optical path when the roll carrier is located on the projection optical path. In contrast, the roll carrier is moved to a second retracting position not to interfere with the sheet carrier outside the projection optical path when the sheet carrier is located on the projection optical path. The sheet carrier and the roll carrier at the first and second retracting positions are arranged so that at least parts thereof overlap vertically.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus using a reusable software architecture implemented in to significantly cut development time and costs while providing flexibility for implementation of a wide variety of imaging apparatus. An imaging apparatus in which software control is separated into discrete modules and in which many of the modules may be reused in subsequent apparatus to create new imaging apparatus. An apparatus where software reuse is facilitated by the ability to remove a single module or a subtree consisting of many modules by breaking a single communication link. Software control is provided for a plurality of imaging products utilizing reusable software control modules. A method of providing software control for a plurality of imaging products is disclosed. Separate and independent software modules control input media, image retrieval, image placement, output media and the user interface.

Abstract: A device for reading of (a) location(s) on an image on a transparent support and an apparatus for scanning and digitizing at least part of said image defined by said location(s) on the transparent support.

Abstract: The overhead projector include a lower plate disposed on a housing of a main body of the overhead projector. The lower plate can rotate about a light axis of a condenser lens and has a transparent portion facing at least the condenser lens. A projection lens is supported above the condenser lens and an upper plate is disposed under the projection lens. The upper plate is supported vertically resiliently with respect to the projection lens and has a transparent portion at least facing the condenser lens. The upper plate is able to rotate about a light axis of the condenser lens. When images projected on a screen lie sideways or upside down, the upper and lower plates which are interposing a film therebetween are rotated. Thus, the directions of the projected images are correctly adjusted.

Abstract: Projector comprising a housing, a support frame formed with a carrying surface for carrying a flexible file sheet in which transparent materials are arranged in the form of a matrix longitudinally and transversely, light source device arranged in the housing at one side of the support frame, projecting lens device arranged at the other side of the support frame, the support frame being mounted on the housing for a reciprocating movement in a first direction, the support frame being provided with guide rails for movably carrying the file sheet in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The projector further comprises retaining device for retaining the file sheet onto the carrying surface. The retaining device is mounted on the support frame for slidable or rotatable movement relative to the file sheet so that the transparent material can be easily changed in the file sheet without focus readjustment.

Abstract: An overhead type file sheet projector including a projector body with a cover provided at an upper face opening thereof, a light source and a projecting condenser lens placed in the projector body. A support arm extends from one side of the projector body to above the projecting condenser lens with a reflecting mirror and a projecting lens system held by the support arm. A stage movably is fitted to guide rails provided at opposite sides of an upper portion of the projector body, and guide members are provided on the stage. The guide members allow movement of the file sheet in a direction orthogonal to the guide rails. A file sheet and a jacket holder for use in the overhead type file sheet projector include pitch movement cuts formed at at least one edge of the file sheet body or the jacket holder body. The pitch movement cuts are formed such that the pitch movement cuts may be engaged with a file sheet movement fitting member formed on a stage movably placed on an upper portion of the projector body.

Abstract: A slide projector has a light table oriented at 60.degree. to a generally horizontal base and connected thereto by a detachable connector. The light table has a tray mounted thereon for movement into mutually orthogonal directions parallel to the plane of the light table and supported by a counterweight, the tray receiving a planar slide holder whose slides and windows are alignable with a window in the light table. A projection lamp is located at the front side of the window while the projection optics are located at the rear side of the window.

Abstract: A microfilm reader comprises a microfiche moving mechanism for sandwiching a microfiche film between an upper glass plate and a lower glass plate and moving the film in two-dimensional directions, and a projecting optical system for projecting images recorded on the film to a screen. The projecting optical system includes a projecting lens housed in a lens case placed on the upper glass plate of the microfiche moving mechanism. This lens case is raised away from the upper glass plate when the microfiche moving mechanism is in motion. The upper glass plate is raised only when the microfiche moving mechanism is in a home position for inserting and removing the microfiche film to/from a position between the upper and lower glass plates.

Abstract: A glass stage for use as an upper stage in an overhead type projector system. The glass stage includes a rectangular frame body having substantially the same dimension as that of a lower stage of a projector, a lower transparent plate fixed to the rectangular frame body, and an upper transparent plate which pushes a strip film onto the lower transparent plate. The upper plate is rotatably supported by brackets provided on the frame body. Each of the brackets is provided with a longitudinal hole which engages with hinge pins for guiding movement of the upper transparent plate in a drawing direction thereof. The longitudinal hole is provided with a portion inclined downwardly at an end of a pushing side of the upper transparent plate. The rectangular frame body is provided at one side portion thereof with small holes through which the upper stage-fitting pins are to be snugly fitted.

Abstract: An image reader is disclosed which is provided with a screen for an image recorded on a microfilm to be projected thereon and a photoelectric transferring element for transforming the image into electric signals. In a light path originating in a light source and reaching the photoelectric transferring element, a beam attenuating filter for attenuating the luminous energy of the beam of light exposed on the photoelectric transferring element is disposed and used for decreasing the difference in the illuminance of the light source during the reader mode for causing the image to be projected on the screen and during the transforming mode for causing the image to be exposed on the photoelectric transferring element. The illuminance of the light source is controlled by the variation of the intermittent frequency of the voltage applied to the light source.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled microfiche viewer which is adaptable for displaying microfiche having any format. The viewer calls up selected microfiche images in either a sequential mode or a random mode. In the sequential mode a carrier table follows a default sequence, and is cued by a keyboard control, by a dual-tone audio cueing signal that is received over a telephone line or from a tape player, or by a digital signal from an RS-232 port. In the random mode, particular images are selected by moving the carrier table in desired directions with directional keys, or by providing the coordinates of an image to the microprocessor. Image coordinates are entered manually at the keyboard, by dual-tone audio signals from a telephone line or a tape player, or by data from the RS-232 port.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a projector which can direct light substantially horizontally through a projection location and which can project the image of a slide thereat onto a screen, which enables the projection of the images of slides contained in a flexible storage sleeve of a type which is normally stored in a three-ring binder with the slides coplanar. A carrier has a pair of slightly spaced walls for receiving the storage sleeve between them, the walls having rows and columns of transparent regions corresponding to the location of the slides in the sleeve. A holder slidably supports the carrier so one of its slides lies at the projection location for projecting the image onto a screen. The holder allows the carrier to be slid horizontally to show any of the slides in a row of slides on the sleeve, and allows the carrier to be moved vertically to show the slides on another row of the sleeve.

Abstract: A portable microform reader 10 comprising a foldable frame 12. The frame includes a view screen 14 and a microform holder 18. A microform 38 is illuminated by a light package 80 and an image of a portion of the microform 38 is projected through pick up lens 48. A fiber optic cable 22 carries the image from the objective lens 48 to a focusing lens 52 which projects a magnified image onto the view screen 14. Pickup lens assembly 20 is moved manually to view different areas of the microform.

Abstract: A film carrier support mechanism for a film projector of the type having an upper cylindrical member for accommodating a light source, and a lower cylindrical member for accommodating an optical arrangement for projection. The light source is adapted to project a picture stored in any of multiple frames of a film. A support member is interposed between the upper and lower bodies for supporting a film carrier, which receives therein a film to be projected, such that the film carrier is movable in a two-dimensional direction in a plane which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical arrangement. The support member includes guide elements which cooperate with the film carrier to guide the film carrier in a lengthwise direction of the film, while the film carrier is in a predetermined position with respect to a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction thereof.

Abstract: A lamina retrieval device for storing microfiche, holograms and other flat, sheet-like materials. A stack of laminae are retained in a cage formed by a plurality of guides, with the guides being so mounted as to retain the laminae in an angularly displaced disposition, with each lamina in a group of laminae being angled with respect to an adjacent lamina. To allow for the removal of a lamina, the guides may be formed as split pins so that part of each pin is movable to form an opening in the cage. The device can include fingers for holding a stack of laminae apart to allow removal of the desired lamina. Removal is accomplished in one embodiment through an airflow.

Abstract: A microfiche carrier has a lower transparent plate supporting a microfiche thereon and changeable over into a horizontal posture and an inclined posture, an upper transparent plate openable and closable relative to the lower transparent plate and urging the microfiche against the lower transparent plate, a posture changing device for changing the posture of the lower transparent plate, and a movable member holding the upper transparent plate and the lower transparent plate and movable along a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A photographic contact printing apparatus for duplicating original color picture films that can be operated in a lightroom, and that can expose the necessary number of photosensitive materials sequentially by closely contacting each of them with respective original picture films set up at an exposure position with a predetermined sequence according to commands of control means which are previously established by exposure conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing microfiches held in a cassette has a housing defining a rear seat for the cassette holding the microfiches and having a front viewing area, an optical system on the housing for viewing a microfiche in the area, a holder constructed to carry one of the microfiches displaceable on the housing in the area with respect to the optical system for presenting selected portions of a microfiche carried by the holder to the optical system, and a selector in the housing for separating a selected microfiche in the cassette from the other microfiches in the cassette. A drive support is rotatable about and displaceable along an upright axis between the viewing area and the cassette-holding seat and has a pair of generally diametrally opposite arms having outer ends provided with respective drive rollers.

Abstract: A microfiche reader includes a base, a light source, an optical system and a platen that is capable of moving in a plane. Movement of the platen in two perpendicular, linear directions is controlled by two motors, each of which is fixedly mounted on the base. Connection between the movable platen and the fixed motors is provided by means of three interconnected slides, two of which are disposed parallel to one another.

Abstract: The apparatus can be an apparatus for exposure and/or image reproduction of microfiche sheet film. It comprises a cassette (24) arranged releasably in a holding arrangement (54, 56) and containing a plurality of microfiche film sheets in separate guides, an optical arrangement (14) and a transporting arrangement (16, 62, 64) for transporting individual microfiche film sheets between the cassette (24) and the optical arrangement. To protect the microfiche film sheets from dust and possibly light, it is proposed that the cassette (24) is insertable in the closed state into the holding arrangement (54, 56), and the removal opening of the guide of the microfiche film sheet to be transported to the optical arrangement (14), and an engagement zone at said sheet for the transporting arrangement (16, 62, 64), are adapted to be laid open by an opening mechanism.

Abstract: A microfiche card storage and retrieval system comprising a carousel for storing a plurality of microfiche cards, means for separating microfiche cards adjacent a preselected card in said carousel such that a preselected card may be grasped and moved from said carousel and reinserted. The spreading means comprising fingers that move toward the center and inwardly in relationship to the trays to contact and separate neighboring microfiche cards from a preselected card.

Abstract: A microfilm card adapted to be used with a microfilm reading device. The card has an image area having a plurality of images arranged in rows and columns, at least one of the images containing an expanded index of the location of the images. An index area adjacent to the image area contains a plurality of indexes thereon, with the index area precisely and accurately positioned with respect to the image area. The indexes relate to their respective expanded index on the image area, the index viewable directly by the operator. There are means on the microfilm reader which interface with the microfilm card to position the card in the reader in the same precise location each time it is to be viewed.

Abstract: A microfiche card storage and retrieval system comprising a carousel for storing a plurality of microfiche cards, means for moving preselected cards from said storage means and to position said cards at a reading station, and spreader means adjacent said carousel for separating microfiche cards adjacent a preselected card such that a preselected card may be grasped by said transport means and moved from said storage trays and reinserted in said storage trays. The spreading means comprising fingers that move from an aiming plate toward the center of the tray in a diverging path to separate neighboring microfiche cards from a preselected card.

Abstract: An optical image projector suitable for projecting symbols in an artwork generator comprises a projector head beam relative to which a photographic film 16 can be positioned accurately. The head contains a source 11 of a beam able to illuminate an array of transparencies mounted on a carrier 17 which carrier may be moved between positions accurately defined by a detent mechanism 19, 20 to locate different arrays in the beam. A masking member 21 forming part of the projector head is movable past the carrier and interrupts the beam to prevent projection of all the symbols of the array but has one or more apertures 25 which can be aligned with any one transparency at a time to allow projection. Because the carrier need carry relatively few arrays it can be accurately positioned repeatedly within the projector head to align a symbol accurately with respect to the film while the masking member aperture may be positioned with only moderate accuracy for each of the larger number of transparencies.

Abstract: A microfiche card storage and retrieval system utilizes a card transport to remove or insert a card from a support tray. The card transport has two pairs of fingers spaced to grasp the edge of a card and are opened to grasp an edge of the card in the tray and as the card is withdrawn the pairs of fingers separate to tension the edge of the card between the pairs of fingers.

Abstract: Storage device for sheets, which are intended to be exposed particularly microfilms, which device comprises a case in the form of a sleeve substantially rectangular in form and with an elongated substantially rectangular cross-section, in which case a space is provided and forms an elongated opening at one end of the sleeve, the space enclosing a number of envelopes and between the envelopes intersheets, the envelopes being slidable between a position substantially entirely within said space and protected by the sleeve and an outer position extending out through the opening and with the main part of the envelope outside the sleeve, in which outer position stopping means are provided to prevent the respective envelope to be entirely drawn out from the sleeve and removed from the same, the intersheets being fixed in the sleeve against sliding movement, the envelopes being made of transparent material and intended to store the sheets which have to be exposed in said outer position.

Abstract: An arrangement for the viewing projection of framed diapositives or slides in which a plurality of slides are supported adjacent each other in the pockets of rigid strips. A light source and a lens of the arrangement are displaceable by a carriage relative to a hollow, open prism formed by the slides which is stationary in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A portable display device for projecting on a built-in rear projection screen a road map, navigation chart and the like. The road map or navigation chart is in the form of one of a plurality of microfilm frames removably installed in a cut-out portion of a hollow drum in which is disposed a projection lamp. The drum is indexable in angular position and in longitudinal position such as to display an appropriate portion or frame of the microfilm.

Abstract: A compact, portable microfiche reader is provided which is characterized by two series of mirrors which split the beam, and fold it, as two separate components, enabling the reader to be much more compact than a standard microfiche reader. A typewriter-style fiche holder is also incorporated in the unit.

Abstract: A microfilm reader having a film stage which is displaceable in two coordinate directions for moving a microfiche supported thereon through an optical path defined by a projection lamp and an optical system which projects an image of the microimages arranged in rows and columns on the microfiche onto a ground glass screen via a plurality of reflecting mirrors. The microfilm reader comprises in combination on the ground glass screen or on the housing adjacent to the ground glass screen a first scale corresponding to the microimage rows and a second scale corresponding to the microimage columns, a movable first marking in combination with the first scale and a second marking in combination with the second scale, these markings being coupled with the displacement means of the film stage to indicate the row and the column of the microimage presently projected onto the ground glass screen.

Abstract: The microfiche reader has two lenses carried by a segment mounted on an eccentric pivot which can be adjusted to move the pivot and, therefore, the lenses are in an eliptical orbit which permits the lens in the operative position to be centered on the optical path. When the segment is shifted to move the other lens into position that lens will be centered. Each lens is focused by moving the associated focusing slide in and out to move the parallel cams under the bosses carried by the lens barrel flange to raise and lower the lens to focus the image. The image is centered on the screen by adjusting the first mirror which is mounted on a bracket which pivots on a housing partition and has a wedge between the bracket and the partition. The bracket has teeth which engage serrations on the wedge so when the retaining screw is tightened the wedge is locked in place.

Abstract: The film reader has a substantially cubic housing one wall of which is formed with a projection screen, an intake slot for a film to be projected, a focus control knob and two slots for position control levers movable along mutually normal axes near the screen. The transmission means between a film holder and respective control levers include a longitudinal carriage movable on two guiding tracks along one axis and supporting a transverse carriage for a transverse movement along the other axis. Each lever is pivotable about a fixed pivot point in mutually normal planes and is provided with an equalizing lever cooperating with a pin and slot guide. One control lever has an equalizing elbow lever hinged to a transmission lever extending transversely to the control lever and coupled to one side of the longitudinal carriage. The other control lever is coupled to the transverse carriage which supports the film by means of a closed loop Bowden wire.

Abstract: The microfiche carrier slides laterally on front and rear ball bearings between the carrier and subcarrier. The front bearing permits vertical separation of the carrier from the subcarrier and the rear ball bearing then permits the race member carried by the carrier to be withdrawn from between the upper and lower sets of ball bearings. In use the carrier is latched to the subcarrier by a latch carried by the transparent index pressure plate. The subcarrier is mounted on the base by ball bearings. The base contains the electrical components and the light source and condenser lens. The base can be withdrawn from the housing as a unit with the carrier attached.

Abstract: The film image is illuminated by the bulb or by ambient light admitted through an aperture on the top of the viewer. The image is projected on a folded light path onto a screen pivotally mounted on the underside of the upper housing to depend into the viewing chamber in the lower housing. The lower housing is pivotally connected to the upper housing and contains a power mirror reflecting the image on the screen into the eyes of the user. When the lower housing is folded (collapsed) over the upper housing the screen pivots into the space between the housings. The screen pivot is moveable to change the screen distance from the power mirror (and the film stage), to adjust the toe-in required of the viewers' eyes for optimism viewing comfort. The microfiche carrier mechanism is generally U-shaped to straddle the light path to the film stage and is positively driven back and forth relative to the housing film stage and engages the fiche on each side of the light path to move the fiche laterally.

Abstract: A compact, smoothly operating, X-Y positioning mechanism for use in microfiche projecting apparatus is disclosed. The positioning mechanism occupies an area substantially the same size as one microfiche, however is displaceable over an area approximately four times as large. Smooth translation of the positioning mechanism is provided by two pairs of parallel rollers, the rollers of one pair being disposed perpendicularly to the other pair to allow for positioning in any direction.

Abstract: A microform viewer has a case section pivotally mounting a screen, to move from a collapsed position to a viewing position, and slidably receiving a two-part projection section that telescopes into the case section. As the projection section moves into and out of the case section it positively drives the screen between collapsed and display positions. The projection section is made of two mutually separable housings that fit together along the film path so that when the two housings are separated the two pressure plates forming part of the film path are readily accessible.

Abstract: A microfiche reader assembly especially suitable for use in a desk drawer of typical size is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a housing, a projection screen, a microfiche support arrangement for supporting a microfiche for movement within a given rectangular operating area and an optical arrangement cooperating with the supported microfiche for projecting an enlarged image of a section of the microfiche on to the screen when the microfiche is in its operating area. While this assembly requires more room than the standard desk drawer allots during use, it is made sufficiently collapsible to fit entirely within the confines of the drawer when not in use so as to allow the drawer to be closed. However, at the same time, the assembly is expandable for use within the drawer when the latter is opened, whereby the assembly does not have to be removed.

Abstract: Two microfiches carrying information recorded in different colors which can be detected independently of each other by means of color separation optical system are superposed in the direction of the optical axis of a projection optical system. The two kinds of information recorded in different colors on the two microfiches are separately displayed on a single or two display devices through color separation optical system such as color filters or a dichroic filter. When the two kinds of information are displayed on a single display device, the information is changed over by changing over the color separation system. When the two kinds of information are displayed on two display devices, they are displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: A microfilm reader comprising a plurality of input keys for specifying the desired frame of a microfilm, drive assemblies for automatically transporting the microfilm in response to signals from input keys to bring the specified frame to the projecting position, and a control system. Upon the application of power to the control system or change of the magnification of projection, a signal output circuit emits signals equivalent to those produced when specific input keys are depressed, to transport the microfilm automatically to a predetermined position and bring a specified frame to the projecting position without striking any input key.

Abstract: This invention presents a film reader equipped with a reflecting type screen, which is arranged in a housing of the reader and has a number of ring strip surfaces having different inclination angles and arranged concentrically. The common center of the ring strip surfaces is deviated from the center of the screen and locates outside of the screen and the end of the screen nearest to the common center is placed near to an observing aperture in the housing. A light source for illuminating a microfilm having recorded images and an optical system for projecting the image of the illuminated film to the screen are provided. Further, the screen is formed by one synthetic resin or preferably at least two kinds of synthetic resins having different refractive indices and mutually non-soluble property. A reflecting substance may be mixed with said resins.

Abstract: A microfiche reader is disclosed herein and includes an assembly for supporting a microfiche in a given area, a projection screen and an optical arrangement for providing an image of a segment of the microfiche on the screen. This arrangement utilizes a dual projection lens assembly and a dual condenser lens assembly which cooperate with one another so that the magnification of the projected image can be easily varied between two levels. As disclosed, the dual projection lens assembly itself includes two distinct projection lenses which are contained in collapsible housings. Moreover, each of these latter lenses is adjustably focused by rotational movement of its associated housing and remains in the focusing position selected unless its housing is again rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a xerographic printer capable of reproducing microfilm or microfiche images over a broad enlargement range. The printer includes a light housing completely enclosed except for an aperture in the bottom wall. Microfilm or fiche images are successively presented adjacent this aperture. The walls of the housing are coated with a diffusely reflective material and cause light from a flash illumination source mounted within the housing to diffusely illuminate the surface of the image adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: A portable microform viewer provides a short film path through a film transporter that adjustably positions the film in two directions by means of a pair of concentric knobs. A pair of projecting lenses is shiftably mounted for selection of one or the other and the two are mounted on a common pivoted focusing plate. Film is positioned within the film transport by means of a pair of glass flats that are detachably mounted in the transport and flexibly connected to each other for accommodation of microform of different thickness and for ready removal and complete cleaning.

Abstract: A microfiche reader is disclosed herein and includes a projection screen and an optical arrnagement adapted to cooperate with a microfiche for providing an enlarged image of the latter on the screen. The reader also includes an assembly for supporting the microfiche for planar movement within the confines of a given area. This support assembly utilizes a carriage for containing the microfiche and, in one embodiment, the carriage is itself supported by a particular diagonal array of bearings whereas, in another embodiment, it is supported by an array of living hinges.

Abstract: A desk top microfilm reader and work station having a rectangular base enclosing a film housing and projection system. The base has a flat top surface which functions as an operator work surface and an image projection surface. A support arm rises vertically from the base and a hood is attached near the top of the support arm. There are illumination lamps and a mirror in the hood. The lamps illuminate the work surface and are turned off when a micro image is to be projected onto the image projection surface. The optical projection path from the projection system to the mirror in the hood and back to the projection surface is unenclosed.

Abstract: The film reader has a substantially cubic housing one wall of which is formed with a projection screen, an intake slot for a film to be projected, a focus control knob and two slots for position control levers movable along mutually normal axes near the screen. The transmission means between a film holder and respective control levers include a longitudinal carriage movable on two guiding tracks along one axis and supporting a transverse carriage for a transverse movement along the other axis. Each lever is pivotable about a fixed pivot point in mutually normal planes and is provided with an equalizing lever cooperating with a pin and slot guide. One control lever has an equalizing elbow lever hinged to a transmission lever extending transversely to the control lever and coupled to one side of the longitudinal carriage. The other control lever is coupled to the transverse carriage which supports the film by means of a closed loop Bowden wire.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus, suitable for use in a low cost microfiche system, for exposing a plurality of image areas on a single card-like film unit, preferably of the self-developing type. The apparatus has a fixed object plane, where documents to be copied are supported; a fixed film plane spaced from the object plane; a laterally extending row of gate apertures for defining a row of image areas on a film unit at the film plane and a system for advancing a lens laterally over the gate areas in increments which locate the lens at successive imaging positions in imaging relation with a corresponding one of the image areas. At those imaging positions that correspond to an image area which is laterally offset with respect to the object plane center the lens is proportionally offset with respect to the image area center so that an image formed by the lens of an object centered at the object plane is centered with respect to the image areas.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and retrieving large volumes of microfiche data, and a related method for its operation. The apparatus includes a number of conventional microfiche storage carousels, all mounted on a rotatable turntable to provide the increased storage capacity. Upon selection of a particular fiche for display, the turntable is rotated, if necessary, in an optimum direction and at an optimum speed, until the selected carousel reaches an operative position with respect to a retrieval station, which is then moved to an operative position with respect to the carousel for withdrawal of the selected fiche within the carousel.