Patent ID: 6023367
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: F21V,H04N

Abstract:
An illuminator system for a film scanner of the type having a linear image sensor and film gate means, through which an area of film to be scanned can be positioned, for defining a linear film scan region, said illuminator system comprising:a light source which produces a light beam oriented on an optical axis;optical means, located between said light source and the film gate means, for directing and shaping the light beam to intercept the film gate with a linear beam configuration generally corresponding to said linear film scan region; andillumination control means, located between said light source and said film gate means which includes elements with a plurality of discrete regions respectively having different light diffusing properties, which effect different portions of the light beam, thereby cooperatively redistributing the light beam so that the beam illumination at said film gate means has a predetermined radiance profile;wherein said plurality of regions having different light diffusing properties are located along a first axis which is perpendicular to an optical axis and produce differences in an angular direction and an angular width of light diffused thereby within a plane defined by the optical axis and the first axis; andwherein said illumination control means comprises further regions having the same light diffusing properties, said further regions being located along a second axis that is both perpendicular to the optical axis and perpendicular to the first axis.