Facsimile and static presentation processing – Facsimile – Picture signal generator
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-22
2001-01-23
Lee, Cheukfan (Department: 2722)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Facsimile
Picture signal generator
C358S474000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178016
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of photographic media image scanners. More specifically, the invention relates to small, low cost scanners adapted for use with personal computers by consumers who wish to generate digital images from processed film stored in a film cartridge as in the case of the Advanced Photo System (APS) film.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Users of personal home computers are increasingly loading digital image files into their computer for viewing, communicating images through the Internet and printing hardcopies on personal color printers. With the introduction of the Advanced Photo System, which stores processed film in the film cartridge, there is a growing interest in being able to scan and digitize images from the stored film for use on the personal computer. Such a scanner should not only be low cost, to obtain broad acceptance as a consumer product, but also needs to be compact in size to be able to fit into a standard disk drive bay on a personal computer.
In designing a film scanner for this type of application, it is important to have a design that uses a minimum of parts, is simple to manufacture and yet creates and maintains critical, micro-precision alignment of the photosensor with the film plane in the scan gate. The design of the present invention fully meets these objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention an imaging apparatus for a photographic film scanner comprises an elongated housing having first and second ends and a imaging lens assembly mounted within the housing. The first end of the housing has a scanning aperture and film rails integrally formed thereon which defines a scanning film plane aligned with the housing. The imaging apparatus also includes a photosensor device mounted on the second end of the housing in precision alignment with the scanning aperture, the imaging lens assembly being adjusted and fixed in place for precision focus of the scanning film plane on the photosensor device. The result is a compact, low cost imaging apparatus that can be rapidly installed in a film drive chassis and can be easily removed and replaced without the need for intricate realignment and refocusing procedures in the event of failure of the original imaging apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, film scanner apparatus is provided comprising a chassis frame having a film path and an opening in the film path; an elongated imaging apparatus including a first end having a scanning aperture and a film guide integrally formed thereon defining a scanning film plane and a second end having a photosensor device mounted thereon in precision alignment and focus with the scanning aperture and the scanning film plane; the first end of the imaging apparatus being mounted to the chassis at the film path opening and the photosensor device being supported at the second end of the imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus being the sole means of support of the photosensor device from the chassis frame.
In a further aspect of the invention, the first end of the imaging apparatus just described includes a pair of support arms extending through the opening in the film path beyond the level of the film path and the film scanner apparatus further includes an illuminant head assembly mounted on the support arms in alignment with the scanning aperture.
These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Arnold Stephen C.
Ashe Robert E.
Jensen Thomas D.
Trafton R. Winfield
Boos, Jr. Francis H.
Eastman Kodak Company
Lee Cheukfan
Schindler, II Roland R.
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