Method and apparatus for continuous motion film scanning
AssigneeReflex Technologies, Inc.
InventorReed Bovee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A continuous film scanning system for high resolution digital archival and duplication of motion picture film on a frame by frame basis. Film is driven through the film scanning system through the use of rollers and maintained at a consistent tension throughout the scanning process. Optical interrogation of the perforations associated with each film frame is used to trigger digital image capture. The continuous film scanning system is particularly well adapted to safely handle imperfect or damaged film stock.
Claims20
A digital film scanner for archival and duplication of a series of images from a motion picture film strip comprising a plurality of sequential film frames and a plurality of film perforations, the digital film scanner comprising:
- a supply reel;
- a take-up reel;
- a film transport assembly for transporting film from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the film transport assembly comprising:
- a plurality of tension sensor roller assemblies disposed in the film path between the supply reel and the take-up reel for maintaining a consistent tension in the film during transport comprising:
- a plurality of tension rollers;
- a tension sensor connected to the plurality of tension rollers;
- wherein the tension sensor is adapted to detect changes in the tension of the film frictionally engaged with the plurality of tension rollers and wherein the rotation of the supply reel or the take-up reel are adjusted in response to changes sensed by the tension sensor;
- and
- a capstan drive assembly comprising a plurality of drive rollers, wherein the plurality of drive rollers are frictionally engaged in tangential relation with a film strip threaded between the plurality of drive rollers, whereby film is transported by rotation of at least one of the plurality of drive rollers;
- an image capture assembly comprising:
- a light source for illuminating a film frame;
- a digital imaging device for digitally recording image data corresponding the illuminated film frame;
- and
- a position sensor adapted to detect the presence of a film frame for capture by the digital imaging device, wherein the position sensor is adapted to trigger capture of image data corresponding to the illuminated film frame by the digital imaging device;
- a film gate assembly comprising:
- at least one linear guide bearing;
- a fixed edge guide;
- a film gate guide interposed between the at least one linear guide bearing and fixed edge guide, the film gate guide further comprising a film aperture;
- and
- wherein the at least one linear guide bearing is in contact with an edge of film in the film gate guide and exerts a force on the edge of the film to move the film in a lateral direction against the fixed edge guide;
- a computer readable medium for storing the image data recorded by the digital imaging device;
- and
- a user interface for receiving input and commands from an operator.
A method of digitally capturing a series of images from a motion picture film strip comprising a plurality of sequential film frames and film perforations, the method comprising the steps of:
- continuously transporting the film from a supply reel to a take-up reel;
- maintaining the film at a consistent level of tension during the transportation by sensing the tension of the film by a tension sensor;
- adjusting the rotational torque of the supply reel or take-up reel in response to film tension sensed by the tension sensor;
- aligning the film frame in the horizontal direction by applying a lateral force to an edge of the film to engage the opposing edge of the film against a fixed edge guide;
- sensing the vertical alignment of a film frame by detecting the presence of a film perforation;
- illuminating a film frame with a light source;
- digitally capturing image data corresponding to the illuminated film frame with a digital imaging device;
- and
- storing the digital image data in a computer readable medium.
A method of digitally capturing a series of images from a motion picture film strip comprising a plurality of sequential film frames and film perforations, the method comprising the steps of:
- optically detecting a film perforation using a laser beam;
- generating a trigger signal;
- illuminating a film frame in response to the trigger signal;
- digitally capturing image data corresponding to the film frame with a digital imaging device in response to the trigger signal;
- and
- storing the image data in a computer readable medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.