Abstract: In a computer output microfilmer (COM) system, in which video information output from a central processing unit to appear on a display and video information recorded on one of multiple form slides are projected to a recording medium to be recorded thereon in a superimposed manner, a multi-form slide selection apparatus selects specific one of the multiple form slides. The apparatus includes provision for causing the specific form slide to move as far as the vicinity of a projection position and positioned thereat to be held accurately at the projection position.

Abstract: An improved negative film carrier for a disc film adapted to be mounted on a handling board in a photographic printer in which images on negative films fitted into a number of film frames arranged along the periphery of the disc film in an equally spaced relation are printed one by one onto a photographic printing paper as the disc film is intermittently turned, said handling board including an exposure opening formed thereon through which light beam passes, is disclosed, wherein the improvement consists in that the negative film carrier essentially comprises a negative film mask plate serving as a base section for mounting the negative film carrier on the handling board, an exposure opening of said negative film mask plate being located in vertical alignment with the exposure opening of the handling board, a negative film mask holder adapted to be fitted on the negative film mask plate and including a negative film mask portion of which exposure opening is located in vertical alignment with the exposure open

Abstract: A side printing apparatus for providing latent images of characters, numerals, symbols and the like on a photographic film moving in continuous motion includes a film sensitivity responsive means for generating several kinds of pulse having different pulse lengths which are predetermined in accordance with sensitivity of film. The pulse operates to cause a light image forming device to be energized for a time defined corresponding to the pulse length thereof so as to provide a latent image of character, numeral, symbol or the like on a photographic film.

Abstract: An exposure table (20) included in an apparatus for handling sheets for microfilming or other similar recording is provided with slots (28) open through the table surface (27) facing the camera (14). Sheet drivers (22) run in these slots for feeding a sheet stepwise to the exposure table, said drivers being fastened to conveyor belts (21) running in channels (26) below the table surface (27). The conveyor belts have preferably a feed direction that forms a small angle (v.sub.1) with a guide ledge (23) along one table edge extending in the conveyor direction. Moreover, the exposure table is preferably provided with means (29, 30) for sucking by vacuum each sheet firm on the exposure table surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing, transporting, and exposing photosensitive film is disclosed in which a camera supports a table along which a carriage is slidable. The carriage serves to store and feed out lengths of film into a camera exposure station. A vacuum bar is carried by the table at one end thereof so as to underlie one margin of the film. A source of vacuum is connected to the vacuum bar. A sheet of flexible plastic material overlying a translucent platen for the camera is located at the exposure station. Application of vacuum to the vacuum bar causes the film to be flattened against the platen by atmospheric pressure for film exposure.

Abstract: The apparatus for obtaining the microfilm photographic transparency comprises a table supporting a frame in which is disposed a rendition of the general data common to all the members of the group. A slide carrying data specific to a member of the group is displaceable from a position wherein it masks the general data to a position where it unmasks the general data. A first microfilm camera, aligned with the general data frame, is triggered when the slide reaches each end of its stroke, such that the camera takes consecutive exposures of the general data and of the specific data. A second microfilm camera aligned with the slide at the end of its stroke unmasking the general data is triggered when the slide is aligned with its optical axis. Two consecutive microfilm frames exposed by the first camera, after processing, are used to form the card, and the roll of film exposed by the second camera, after processing, forms a specific information data bank for storage purposes.

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: A data storage system is provided which includes a document station for supporting documents for reading by an operator. A microfilm camera is superposed above the document station in order to photograph documents thereon. A display is provided on the station and the camera is so positioned and has a field of such size that it is adapted to encompass the station and documents thereon as well as the display. A keyboard and computer terminal are included and are so arranged that the operator can read data from the station or documents thereon, and enter data by means of the keyboard into the computer terminal. The keyboard includes controls coupled to the computer terminal and to the camera for operating the camera to photograph simultaneously any document on the station and the display. The camera includes a film transport device for transporting film along a path which is parallel with the horizontal axis of the station.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for positioning and releasably holding a disk film having a multiplicity of radially disposed negatives. Three embodiments of this apparatus are disclosed and each is of a low speed, probably manually actuated, and having a support base and a driver disk member rotatably carried by the base. This driver disk moves a rotatably carried support disk having a circular support ring providing an underside support of a film disk. On and in the support base is formed an aperture providing an illuminating pathway and adjacent to this aperture is formed and provided longitudinal supports for the underside of the film disk. This film disk is releasably mounted on a pin and the support disk is provided with a drive pin that moves the film disk to be rotated with the support disk. Two pins are provided with cam lifting ends. These pins engage cutouts in the film to position the film in the desired position.

Abstract: A photographic printing system including a masking card for carrying a transparency bearing an image to be printed at an aperture thereof. The card contributes to registration of the image within the printer optical path. The masking cards are carried in a first receptacle in stacking relation to others of the masking cards. A printing station is provided generally at the optical path of the printer and a card transport removes masking cards from the first card receptacle and conveys them to the printing station. A second card receptacle is provided while the printing station includes apparatus for ejecting masking cards from the printing station to the second card receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing, transporting, exposing and developing photosensitive film is disclosed in which a camera supports a table along which a carriage is slidable. The carriage serves to store and feed out lengths of film into a camera exposure station. A source of vacuum acting between a sheet of flexible plastic material and a translucent platen for the camera at the exposure station causes the film to be flattened against the platen for film exposure. Thereafter, the vacuum is broken by movement of the carriage and the exposed film is urged into the nip of rollers which carry the film through a developing station supported by the table.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for "flow microfilming", particularly using 16mm film, where the film starts being fed synchronously with the feeding of a document to be filmed, moves forward in synchronism with the document and stops after the microfilming of the document is over. According to the invention, the stopping of the film after the document has been microfilmed is done such that the length of the film utilized each time for a given document is equal to a whole multiple of a standard minimum length, whereby the film may be automatically indexed for viewing regardless of the actual length of any given document.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with a photographic printer indicates the position of a selected film frame at a print gate aperture relative to other film frames in a disc-like film unit having a plurality of film frames. The apparatus includes a disc-like film unit holder for rotationally indexing selected film frames to the print gate aperture having a first gear. A second gear provides motive force through a suitable actuating mechanism for rotationally indexing the disc-like film unit on the holder assembly. A third gear having indicia for indicating relative positions of the film frames in the disc film unit is rotatably positioned between the first and the second gear and cooperates with the first and the second gear to rotationally index the disc-like film unit on the holder assembly. Only the indicia that indicates the selected film frame positioned at the print gate aperture is viewable.

Abstract: An improved photographic filmstrip having localized transmission barriers for inhibiting propagation of light into still unimaged transparent portions of microfiche recording system intermediate filmstrips by light-piping action is described. The barriers serve to optically isolate the subsequently-to-be-imaged still unexposed portion of the filmstrip in a dispensing film head from the illumination used to transfer the previously developed image on the exposed portion of the strip onto a permanent recording medium, such as a microfiche film card. The barriers consist of arrays of holes spanning the width of the filmstrip. Multiple scattering and direct escape paths produced by the holes cause significant reduction in the undesired propagation. Additional propagation reduction is achieved by a fiber bearing element pressed over the hole arrays so as to insert fiber clusters into the holes. Use of the arrays for sprocket engagement to facilitate film transport is described.

Abstract: A disc film holder holds a generally disc-like photographic film unit having a plurality of image frames and indexes and disc-like photographic film unit to position selected image frames at a predetermined position, such as a print gate aperture in a photographic printer. The disc-like film unit is held coaxially about a central post and is rotationally indexed about a central axis. When the film unit is rotated for indexing a selected image frame to the print gate aperture, the film unit is biased upwardly to an indexing position so that both the top and bottom surfaces of the film is maintained out of contact with any surface during rotation. When the disc has been indexed so that the selected image is in alignment with the print gate aperture, the film unit is forced downwardly to a non-indexing position and the frame to be printed is clamped at the print gate aperture for transferring an image to photographic print paper.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording images and auxiliary information on a long footage of film is provided with input means for inputting the number of images recordable on a predetermined length of strip film held by the holding portions of a film jacket having a plurality of holding portions for holding strip films and the number of the holding portions of the film jacket, first counter means for counting the images recorded on the long footage of film, second counter means for counting signals generated when the first counter means has counted the images recorded on the long footage of film by the number of images input to the input means, third counter means for counting signals generated when the second counter means has counted said signals by the number of holding portions input to the input means, and means for recording on the long footage of film information corresponding to the count value of the third counter means.

Abstract: An improved annotatable microfiche film card archival recording system utilizes an intermediate film strip on a movable film head to transfer an image from an initial imaging station to a transfer station where the image on the intermediate film strip is transferred to the microfiche film card. There is provided an optical train including a pair of downwardly facing, inclined and horizontally spaced mirrors at the imaging station, the first of which mirror receives upwardly directed light reflected from hard copy. This mirror arrangement, cooperating with a horizontal film head movement in a direction transverse to the mirror spacing, minimizes the height and width requirements of the equipment. A ball joint supported backing means supporting the entire area of the active portion of the film improves image resolution.

Abstract: A media transport system in a phototypesetter for "leading" and "reverse leading" movement of film media at minimal inertia and little friction between a supply cassette and a self-threading take-up cassette, and characterized by vacuum pockets adjustable to varied media width and controlled by sensors for the delivery and removal of media and for the transport thereof across a make-up area where said media is held taught in a focal point while being positioned and moved by encoded drive means synchronizing placement of the typeset image at the make-up area.

Abstract: A photographic reprint system utilizes film segments or strips which are attached to an elongated tab. Information relating to the printing of each frame, including the desired print quantity, the color balance setup to be used in printing the frame, and exposure corrections used in printing that frame are stored sequentially in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. After the tab with attached film segments has been prepared, it is taken to a photographic printer where the tab with attached film segments is advanced sequentially and the film frames are printed. This printing is based upon information which is retrieved sequentially from the storage medium. The photographic printer includes displays for displaying the print quantity, color balance setup, and exposure corrections for each frame. In addition, the printer includes a display for displaying the order number, strip number, and frame number corresponding to the information retrieved from the storage medium.

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 camera, processor and viewer is disclosed wherein the migration imaging system is utilized as the photosensitive element. The device is provided with the capability of recording an original image on the migration image film, instantly developing the image by means of heat application and also provides means for viewing the developed image immediately upon development without removal of the migration image film from the device. The device is semi-automatic in operation and is electrically powered alternatively by batteries located within the device or supplied with electrical current from an external source by means of a detachable cord.

Abstract: A simply constructed two bladed shutter mechanism is provided for use in a photographic apparatus such as a microfiche camera having a scanning optical system for exposing a plurality of micro image areas on a single cardlike film unit. The camera lens is incrementally advanced to successive imaging positions by a rotatable barrel cam which also carries and rotates one or more shutter control pins for operating the shutter in coordination with advancement of the lens. In response to rotation of the one or more control pins with the barrel cam, shutter opening and closing blades are released sequentially from a cocked position for movement to effect exposure of an image area and thereafter are recocked.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a first set of negholds for use with first-run production printing, and a second set of negholds for use with reprint production printing from film segments attached to an elongated paper tab. The first set of negholds includes one neghold for each of the commonly used sizes of photographic film, such as 110, 126 and 135. Similarly, the second set of negholds includes a neghold for each of these same common film sizes. Circuitry associated with the neghold indicate to the printer control whether a first-run neghold or a reprint neghold is being used. The photographic printer has stored a first set of calibration values for use with the first set of negholds and a second set of calibration values for use with the second set of negholds. Based upon the indication from the circuitry associated with the negholds, the photographic printer automatically selects which set of calibration values are to be used.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing a gray sample onto the unexposed perforated marginal portion of a web of photographic film has a drum over which the web is trained while moving lengthwise, and a device which monitors the web and generates a signal on detection of successive or selected perforations. Such signals are delayed for an interval of time which insures that a field which is to be provided with a test exposure and is located at a predetermined distance from the perforation which has caused the generation of a signal is located in the range of an imaging system operating with a flash unit to expose the sample onto the aforementioned field. The delay can be effected by a computer which receives the aforementioned signals and which further receives signals denoting incremental advances of the web through distances of selected unit length.

Abstract: This invention provides a photographic apparatus for successively photographing originals on a photographic film in a continuous web form and subsequently developing the thus exposed film. Said apparatus comprises a camera unit and a processor unit, wherein said camera unit comprising a film chamber for storing the photographic film exposed at an exposing position into a loop form, a feed path for feeding said film in said film chamber into said processor and means for advancing said film into said film chamber. The photographic apparatus of this invention is selectively usable either as a camera for photographing only or as a camera-processor for continuous photographing and development.

Abstract: A method of producing transparent indicia bearing plastic laminated identification cards, comprising storing individualized information on transparent or opaque sheets, or preferably, on a roll of microfilm, storing general information on a second transparent or opaque sheet or, preferably, on a slide displaying each of said portions of information, consecutively exposing adjacent frames of a roll of microfilm in a microfilm camera to each display by re-aiming, particularly by pivoting, said microfilm camera, developing said microfilm, and heat-sealing a pair of thermo-plastic sheets to surround the two frames of developed microfilm.

Abstract: A reel of film is printed automatically in a printer to which reel identification, data etc., are fed on a basic data support. Each frame is counted as it passes through the printer and an address consisting of the result of the count and the reel identification data is applied to the print. After visual assessment of the first prints, a correction programme tape is produced with addresses and correction data of the defectively-printed frames and then the printing of these frames is automatically repeated by means of the programme tape. This operation is repeated as required. The programme tape and the film reel are then filed, the first and the repeat prints are sent to the customer who may then compile his reprint order from the addresses shown on the prints. A new programme tape is prepared in the laboratory from the filed programme tape and the reprint order information and the printer is controlled by means of the programme tape in order to carry out the reprint order.

Abstract: A microfilm camera, typically for 16 mm film, having plural coplanar friction-driven belts. The film is held to the belts by vacuum, so that the film and the belts move together.Vacuum film-loop chambers allow accurate low-inertia control of the film positioning for exposure.An intermittently rotatable shutter may be provided for appropriate exposure of the desired image upon the film.Programmable logic receives data from plural sensors and its controls drive means to correlate significant film movement and stationary periods with the functioning of opto-mechanical elements for exposing the film while it is stationary.

Abstract: A lengthy strip of originals is transported along a transport path. Positioned along the transport path are a plurality of copying stations, for simultaneous copying of plural successive originals. The originals are transported setwise or batchwise, thereby lowering the average transport time per individual original and increasing copying-machine productivity without the need to speed up the performance of other operations attendant to copying-machine operation. When originals are correctly spaced and all copiable, they are processed setwise or batchwise as just outlined. When not spaced in accordance with a standard and/or when not all copiable, the machine changes over to one-at-a time operation, disabling all but the most downstream copying station, until the arriving originals are again all copiable and spaced by the standard distance. During normal operation, a strip of print paper is advanced by an increment corresponding to the plural concurrently exposed originals.

Abstract: Film positioning apparatus is provided for supporting and positioning a disk-shaped film unit, having a plurality of image frames, in several spaced positions on a photographic printer, including one position where the film unit is supported adjacent the printing gate aperture. The apparatus includes a positioner which moves the film unit to each position. The supported film unit is moved independently of the positioner at the printing gate aperture and at other positions where such independent movement is desired to position selected frames for utilization.

Abstract: Film positioning apparatus is provided for supporting and positioning a disk-shaped film unit, having a plurality of images, in several spaced work positions on a photographic printer, including one position where the film unit is supported adjacent the printing gate aperture. When positioned adjacent the printing gate aperture, the supported film unit is rotationally indexed to position selected images in the aperture.

Abstract: The micro-filming apparatus comprises an object table, a camera head arranged above said table, a frame pivotally mounted on said table, a glass plate and mounting therefor mounted on said frame, said glass plate being capable of movement perpendicularly of the plane of the frame to adjust the distance between the object and the film, setting sliders mounted on said frame movable between first and second positions, a handle attached to said sliders by which movement between said two positions is effected, and coacting means arranged between said sliders and the plate to effect perpendicular movement of said glass plate on movement of said sliders, wherein on movement of said sliders into the first position the lower surface of the glass plate is brought into the picture-taking plane and on movement into the second position the upper surface of the plate is brought into the picture-taking plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving sheet material, primarily microfiche, into a plurality of X and Y axis positions by means of a gas cushion formed on a plate in which the sheet material is shifted by means of ducted gas jets or sweeps; location of the sheet material is achieved by means of movable stops, sweeps or sensors; the stops are controlled by electromagnets or pneumatic means; a feed device is provided in one example to feed the sheet material onto the gas cushion and to enable removal of the sheet material from the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically producing microfiche from microfilm and microfilm from microfilm in different formats or reductions. In particular, a reel of microfilm having frames of sequentially recorded photographic images thereon is loaded into a microfilm film transport and the microfilm is automatically stepped, frame by frame, past a film-illuminating device. The frames on the microfilm are reduced in size by a reducing lens and imaged at a plane within a microfilm recorder device. The microfilm recorder device is automatically controlled in a manner whereby film contained therein is movable in two dimensions in a plane which is coplanar with the image focal plane. The movement of the film is such that a plurality of frames or microimages arranged in columns and rows and corresponding to the microfilm frames being illuminated are arranged on the film in a preselected microfiche format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which photocopies can be obtained from documents and the like without the need for optical means for forming focused images of the documents.

Abstract: A microform document and information recording camera such as a microfiche or microfilm camera having a color indicating means, preferably a rotatable drum or drums indicating predominant colors which can be manually or automatically set to coincide with predominant colors being recorded and which is arranged to set the timing of a shutter to a correct exposure for the predominant color and/or to insert a filter into a path between the camera lens and the front focal plane of the lens with the possibility of controlling lighting and lighting filters arranged to illuminate a record on a record copying platen; in one embodiment a cathode ray tube can provide an alternative image source and in which case the color indicating means is automatically set when the cathode ray tube is in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively color marking successive copies produced in a copy machine to provide color-coded copies for routing or other identification purposes.

Abstract: A web cassette has a carrier plate with a supply and take up cartridges mounted thereon. The web is pulled from a reel in the supply cartridge, led over a path including guide posts or rollers, and connected to a reel in the take-up cartridge. A V-tooth coupler on each of these reels interfaces with driven V-tooth couplers on a machine using the cassette to transport the web from the supply to the take-up cartridge. When the transport is completed, the take-up cartridge is removed for processing, the former supply cartridge is moved to the take-up position on the cassette, and a new supply cartridge is mounted on the cassette.

Abstract: A programmable microfiche duplicator and sorter apparatus is provided, including control means which operate in accordance with input data received from a teletype or other remote input peripheral, or from a code carried by the master film. The input data is stored in memory and defines the number of copies to be made, the sorter mode and the sorter start position for collation operations.

Abstract: An automatic microfilm camera is electronically controlled, as by an electronic logic controller, logic and control unit, or the like, for example. The camera has an automatic feeding stack loader for picking up documents of randomly mixed sizes, photographing them, and then depositing them in an output tray. The automatic feed may be interrupted, so that single documents may be copied. Then, the automatic feed restarts and continues from the point of interrupt. A plurality of sensors respond to documents in order to control both the time of shutter opening and the exposure actuation. Various forms of documents may be processed, including a fan-folded computer readout requiring a pin drive wheel.

Abstract: Copying apparatus for copying both sides of a record which is placed for copying between two transparent sheets mounted in the front focal plane of a lens system of the apparatus, the sheets are pivotal about a hinge axis adjacent one side of the sheets, the sheets being rotatable through at least 90.degree. about the hinge axis which is in or to one side of an optical axis of the lens system. To copy the reverse of the record the sheets are turned through 90.degree. and in one embodiment where the hinge axis is in the optical axis a masking means having two apertures one on one side and the other on the other side of the optical axis shifts to record the reverse; in another embodiment where the hinge axis is to one side of the optical axis the hinge axis is shifted from the one side to the other of the optical axis. The sheets can be rotated about an axis in or parallel to the optical axis so that the sheets may be turned about a top or side of the record for "normal" or "tumble" turnings.

Abstract: A stack of documents are transported one-at-a-time, under control of an automatic machine. A machine readable card is inserted between preselected documents in the stack. When the transport detects a passage of the card through the transport system, the machine is commanded to perform a specific function. The exemplary machine described herein is a microfilm camera, and the illustrative functions are two side copying and batch or file marking.

Abstract: A page model used to photographically prepare printing plates incorporates a mounting sheet on which cards for receiving printed matter are slidably secured by card edge retainers on the front side of the mounting sheet. Different embodiments disclosed have the card edge retainers formed as slits in the mounting sheet and transparent retaining strips secured to the front side of the mounting sheet. A retaining sheet secured to the back side of the mounting sheet or tape is utilized to secure card edges inserted through the slits to the back side of the mounting sheet. Strips of transparent double-sided tape secure the transparent retaining strips to the front side of the mounting sheet. A strip of adhesive material, wax as disclosed, cooperates with the card retainers to secure the cards. Nonphotographic horizontal and vertical indicia on the front side of the mounting sheet and the front sides of the cards is provided for use in aligning the cards.

Abstract: A document microfilming system for information retrieval is provided having photographic apparatus for recording of series of documents on microfilm and identifier indicia printing means for applying an identifying number to the documents or sets of documents. The photographic apparatus comprises means auxiliary to that forming images of the documents on the film strip for forming a designator image on the film strip in adjacent, proximate relationship to images of selected documents. The identifier indicia imprinting means applies an identifying number to each primary document and also applies the same number to all sub-documents associated with that primary document.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking a longitudinal edge of a travelling web has a marking (e.g. notching) station, upstream but adjacent to which is located an abutment. Upstream of the abutment is located aguide arrangement which urges the web transversely of the direction of web travel at an angle skew to the longitudinal centerline of the web, so as to exert on the web a force acting skew to the centerline in the forward direction of web travel and towards the edge to be marked. This urges the edge in part against the abutment to assure that the web travels in predetermined orientation through the marking station.

Abstract: A document recording machine of the flow camera type wherein the rotatable document carrying drum is co-axial with the film carrying capstan and having the same angular velocity, an optical reduction system having the same relative reduction as the reduction of peripheral movement of the drum and capstan and a further optical system for recording a serial number from a film carrying magazine to the film and a pivotable mirror in the further optical system is operable to alternately break the two optical paths.

Abstract: A film transport capable of periodically advancing roll film to present a flattened portion of the film at an exposure station between the supply and take-up spools. As originally developed the invention is applied to processing sensitized photographic film. Such a film, even when tightly rolled upon a spool, will exhibit a tendency to curl and bow transversely when unwound from the spool, the face of the film carrying the emulsion curving inwardly. This film transport as an accessory to a paper printer periodically presents to an "enlarger" in the printer successive frame portions of 35mm film or the like, in place of the regularly dispensed sensitized paper, while eliminating the hazard of damage to the image area of the film, this latter feature being achieved by non-use of any pressure plate or hold-down springs which might abrade the film surface and the substitution of means to exert a reverse bending strain on the film and thus to achieve a localized flattening of the film at the exposure station.

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 microfiche or microfilm camera including a copying table for holding a record to be copied, the camera being provided with a mirror arranged to deflect the optical path between the camera lens and copying table through 90.degree. and a cathode ray tube or laser means arranged to supply an alternative source of image to be copied to the record at the copying table; in one embodiment the camera head including camera lens is arranged to be moved relative to the mirror and in other embodiments the camera head is fixed and the mirrors themselves are arranged to be moved relative to the camera head; in one embodiment a further mirror is provided so as to deflect the optical path between the camera lens and copying table through a further 90.degree..

Abstract: Copying apparatus for copying a selected frame from one of a plurality of rolls of microfilm, contained in the apparatus, onto a selected position on a microfiche; the rolls of microfilm are carried on an X and Y axis moveable carriage which is moveable in relation to a camera lens, and the microfiche is also moveable in the X and Y axis relative to the lens; detectors may be provided on the carriage for detecting the position of the selected frame of microfilm and electrical means are provided to hold the selected film in the lens axis for transfer to the microfiche; suitable programming can select a sequence of microfilm images to be recorded in a set sequence on the microfiche.