Facsimile and static presentation processing – Facsimile – Picture signal generator
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-13
2001-10-16
Lee, Thomas D. (Department: 2624)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Facsimile
Picture signal generator
C358S474000, C358S498000, C353S103000, C353S108000, C355S075000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304344
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for digitizing transparencies or negatives in a desk-top computer environment and, more particularly, to such an apparatus designed to accommodate images presented as individually mounted slides, negatives in strips, or roll material.
2. Related Background Art
Image digitizers and their associated image processing workstations have grown in popularity. Individual graphic designers, advertisers, realtors and news reporters are incorporating this kind of image acquisition into their daily work. These digitizers or scanners are typically connected to computers for use in conjunction with desk-top publishing programs.
In addition, an image digitizer can be installed in a color copier, color printer, color facsimile machine or portable image transmission system. Further, a large part of the proofing can be accomplished by digitizing and sending the film data to a monitor.
A user typically purchases a scanner based upon cost, ease of use, performance and reliability. Desirable features are that it should not occupy considerable desk space. It should provide high performance, but still be affordable. If the decision is for a transparency scanner, the unit should be able to process negatives in their native format, namely uncut strips of 4 to 6 frames. Some users, such as stock photography houses, art galleries or museums, have a need to digitize large numbers of images for cataloging, archiving, or transmission over telephone lines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is the provision of a system which is inexpensive, compact, rugged and accurate. In order to be inexpensive, it must be easily assembled and not require critical alignment.
A further object is the implementation of a single assembly which includes all of the mechanical and optical components of the transparency digitizing system.
A further object is to provide a calibrated mechanical angular adjustment of images on the film before digitization.
A further object is to both accept and eject media through a front loading opening.
A further object is to accept an elongate film strip through a front loading opening and to discharge the strip through a second opening, preferably in the rear of the unit.
A further object is the capability to manage large numbers of individual images without the need for operator interaction.
An image digitizing system of the present invention for reading and digitizing an image of an original document is characterized by comprising an original holding member for holding the original document and having an opening to be used for reading the original document, drive means for moving the original holding member when the original document is read, and eject means for ejecting the original document out of the original holding member upon completion of reading of the original document.
Also, an image digitizing system of the present invention for focusing an image of an original document on a line sensor and reading said image on the original document in a line form to be digitized is characterized by comprising an original holding member for holding the original document and having an opening to be used for reading the original document, a guide member consisting of rods extending in the axial direction for guiding a movement of the original holding member, drive means for driving the original holding member along the guide member when the original document is read, focus means for performing focusing adjustment of the image of the original document in the original holding member on the line sensor, and eject means for ejecting the original document out of the original holding member upon completion of reading of the original document.
As described above, according to the image digitizing system of the present invention, an original document can be ejected out of the original holding member easily upon completion of the reading of the original document. Also, since said image digitizing system has the focus means, an image of the original document in the original holding member can be focused on the line sensor.
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Brandestini Marco
Ferraro Richard A.
Fujinawa Nobuhiro
Ikeda Osamu
Maeda Eisaku
Lee Thomas D.
Nikon Corporation
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