Patent ID: 6381042
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An automated negative scanner that sequentially positions photographic image-bearing negative film relative to an image gathering device which device electronically captures said negative film image and digitizes said image without relying on DX code information regarding exposure conditions, comprising:a feed spool and a take-up spool for said image-bearing negative film, each spool connected to a motor for rotational movement wherein said feed spool and take-up spool are separated by a negative capture area, and wherein said feed spool holds a plurality of negative film rolls spliced together and wherein said negative capture area contains a belt transport to transport said negative film; two dancer rollers connected to a tensioned lever arm each separately associated with both said feed spool and said take-up spool wherein said dancer rollers separate said rollers rotational movement from said transport of said film in said negative capture area; said negative capture area also containing a continuous source of light and a notch detector to center the imaged areas of said negative with respect to said image gathering device as well as two splice detectors and a bar code reader to identify and distinguish between said spliced single film rolls on said feed spool.