Microfiche roll reproducer

A microfiche image reproducer for exhibiting any selected frame that is upon a roll of microfiches housed in a cartridge. Coded indicia unique to each frame are printed along one edge. Sensors control motors which reel the film out of or into the cartridge and arrange transverse motion thereof to allow any frame to be exhibited through a fixed optical system. Threading is automatic.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention pertains to winding and reeling a web containing 
machine-convertible information and including a cartridge. 
The prior art includes apparatus for winding a web to a desired 
longitudinal position. A code extends across the web and affects 
photo-sensors. One motor with a pair of clutches moves the web forward or 
backward. 
Another arrangement employs a series of dots longitudinally disposed along 
the web and containing electrical means that controls the extent to which 
a motor operates, thus to arrive at a preselected longitudinal point along 
the web. The zero spot for counting may be at the center of the web, with 
plus or minus counting to move in opposite directions. Should the web stop 
with a sensor intercepting the middle of a dot, the ambiguity of counting 
two dots or no dots upon restarting is present. 
Another arrangement employs a blocked code adjacent to the frame in a 
microfilm strip having a single row of frames, as in motion picture 
practice. An IBM type card has a group of holes in it corresponding to the 
code of the wanted frame. Illumination is directed through both card and 
the strip web. Coincidence in the holes arrangement thus removes all 
illumination from adjacently disposed sensors, or gives maximum 
illumination depending upon the choice of the locations of the opaque and 
transparent areas in the code. 
Another arrangement employs a printed-circuit board. This is inserted into 
the machine and after a selection is made for a particular frame of a 
microfiche on a keyboard, the selected frame is displayed. The circuit 
board determines the format of how many frames per fiche. Thus, the chosen 
frame will be centered and fully reproduced. 
Another arrangement employs fiche-like cards that have perforated-through 
coded indicia and are used with an xerographic machine. When the indicia 
corresponds to a selected one, that frame is printed out, while other 
cards pass through the machine without printing being accomplished. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Typically, a large number of microfiche are printed one-after-the-other on 
a roll of film and are then wound into a cartridge. Coded indicia are also 
printed along one edge of the roll and digitally identify each column. 
Alternately, the many microfiche frames may be printed with uniform 
longitudinal spacing on the film, thereby eliminating the usual grouping 
into microfiche. 
The roll cartridge is placed into the reproducer machine of this invention, 
and the code corresponding to a desired frame is entered into the 
electrical control logic of the machine. The machine then moves the roll 
both longitudinally and transversely until the selected frame is centered 
in an optical aperture for reproduction. 
The longitudinally translating portion of the machine is mounted on a 
transversely moveable carriage. Transverse "Y" axis motion allows a 
selected row in the column of the microfiche to be selected for projection 
of the frame thereat by a stationary optical system. 
The carriage carries a pair of motors exercising counter-torque to maintain 
the film web taut between the cartridge and the take-up spool. Photo 
sensor means read the transparent or opaque elements of the coded indicia. 
Electronic logic, typically employing integrated circuits, controls the 
carriage position and the longitudinal translation of the film. The 
digital code is unique for each frame and this allows rapid translation of 
the film when it is considerably removed from the selected frame and slow 
translation when the film is close to it. 
Automatic threading of the roll to the take-up spool is provided. The 
cartridge cannot be removed unless the film is reeled back into it, which 
is accomplished by pressing a button.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
In FIG. 1, numeral 1 indicates a base plate, which provides a rigid support 
for the several mechanical elements of the microfiche roll reproducer. The 
microfiche are typically on 105 mm wide film that is contained in 
cartridge 2. This is shown in phantom in FIG. 1 and in full lines in FIG. 
2. 
The film is normally tightly wound within the cartridge by the rewind mode 
of this apparatus. This keeps foreign material from between the layers of 
film and prevents inter-layer abrasion from vibration, should the 
cartridge be transported in a vehicle subject to vibration. 
Cartridge 2 slips upon shaft 3 when inserted into the reproducer apparatus. 
A four-position ratchet dog 4 is on the end of hollow roller 5 within the 
cartridge, upon which film 6 is wound. This dog is engaged by a single 
radial projection 3' upon shaft 3 when the cartridge if fully in position. 
A pair of rollers 7 and 8 upon shaft 9 are spring loaded toward the 
cartridge by leaf spring 10. The rollers engage depressions in the 
cartridge and insures that the cartridge is fully inserted. 
A leader upon the first part of film 6 has hook 11 at the free end. This is 
of metal, or metal-like plastic. The hook is engaged by means to 
automatically thread the film into the reproducer apparatus. 
Suitable means comprise a flexible metal or elastic strap 13 that is 
permanently fastened to the small diameter portion 17 of the take-up reel 
and extends back to hook 11. This strap is positioned adjacent to the hook 
when the prior cartridge was rewound so that the cartridge could be 
removed from the machine. 
A typically metal solid rivet 23 is permanently fastened at the free end of 
the strap and engages hook 11, thereby to pull the film from the newly 
installed cartridge, over the optical projection station, and upon take-up 
reel 16, 16'. 
Rivet 23 is fastened to hook 11 by coation between scythe 32 and flexible 
tongue 35. Strap 13 lays upon scythe 32 after the prior cartridge is 
rewound. The curved free end of the scythe forces the rivet into the 
tongue and also under hook 11 upon the scythe being moved rearward by 
electronic logic to the position shown in FIG. 1. 
The above structure and mode of operation is shown in detail in FIGS. 6, 7 
& 8. 
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the automatic threading structure after 
automatic threading has been accomplished. 
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of that structure. The relation of the 
elements is the initial relation, and at rest. 
FIG. 8 is also a side elevtion view of the structure, but with initial 
motion taking place. The assembly moves off to the right. 
When the "proceed to search" (for the selected fiche frame) control button 
is pressed, reel 16,16' revolves to wind the strap onto portion 17 and 
subsequently film 6 upon the reel. This continues until the code along the 
edge of the film matches the digital number that has been punched into the 
keyboard by an operator. Then the film stops and the selected frame is 
exhibited on a viewing screen. 
Flanges 18 and 18' are provided at the ends of the take-up reel with a 
resiliently arranged 105 mm separation in order to keep the film in place 
laterally during the winding or unwinding process. Additionally, 
spring-loaded idler rollers may be included upon the periphery of the 
take-up reel to press down upon the edges of the film. 
Roller 14 has a greater length than the width of film 6, say 10% greater. 
This allows a single element to determine the lateral placement of film 6. 
This is roller 15, with flanges 19 and 19'. The latter are closer together 
than any other such confining element. Helical spring 20 urges flange 19' 
to a fixed lateral position for film 6, toward the rear of the device; 
thereby to insure a consistent exhibition position of the fiche frame. 
Preferred performance in translating and positioning film 6 is achieved 
herein by using two ideally identical electric motors 21 and 22. 
Suitably electronically controlled, motor 21 pulls the long fiche film 
through the microfiche reproducer. Motor 22 provides retro-torque to 
insure a taut film at the exhibiting gate. It also accomplishes rewind of 
the film back into the cartridge, and if an address of a selected fiche 
frame is a lower number than where the roll of film happens to be from a 
prior address, then motor 22 provides the pull force and motor 21 the 
retro-torque. 
Motor 21, with coacting reel 16, 18 constitutes a first means to move film 
6, and motor 22, with coacting shaft 3, constitute a second means. 
All of the elements previously recited, save base 1, are mounted on 
carriage 24. The carriage is supported for translation forward and back 
upon rod 25. This motion is transverse of the film 6 and thus allows a 
selected frame in a column to be exhibited upon projection screen 55 of 
FIG. 3. 
Two bearings, 26 and 27, are positioned forward and back at the left of 
carriage 24, journaling rod 25. This gives precision restraint 
longitudinal of the microfiche film and precision freedom of movement 
transverse of the film. The right side of the carriage is supported by 
roller 28, which rides upon base plate 1. 
Third motor 12, lead-screw 29 and follow-nut 30, constitute a third means 
arranged to move film 6 transversely. The motor is appropriately energized 
under logic control to rotate in one direction or the other in order to 
position film 6 for exhibition of the selected frame in a column of 
microfiche frames. The lead-screw and the follow-nut convert rotation of 
the lead-screw by the motor into translation of carriage 24, sliding along 
rod 25. The end of the lead-screw away from the motor is journaled in 
bearing 31. 
Projection lamp 33 is located below rollers 14 and 15 and is horizontally 
disposed to illuminate an area sufficient to fully illuminate a frame of 
the microfiche. The selected frame is always brought to this area by the 
heretofore mentioned three means to move the film. 
Code means 34 embraces a series of light pipes or the equivalent that are 
spaced to individually illuminate a digital bit from the code along one 
edge of the film. 
Typically, six digital bit paths are provided, as shown in FIG. 4. In that 
figure the top path 36 provides the logic with clock pulses originated by 
movement of film 6. An opaque and relatively narrow mark upon the film is 
centered with respect to each column of microfiche frames. 
The next lower path 37 provides fiduciary information and is represented by 
a relatively wide and similarly centered opaque mark. This accomplishes 
centering each selected frame by means of plural sensors which "straddle" 
the mark when the logic control associated with the sensors has suitably 
controlled the means to move film 6. 
The next lower path 38 is the units information of the digital number 
corresponding to the frame of the microfiche selected. This may have 
several opaque marks according to the digital format utilized, with a 
corresponding number of sensors to read the same. 
Similarly, the next lower path 39 carries the tens digital information, the 
next path 40 the hundreds digital information, and the next path 41 the 
thousands digital information. 
Of course, the code on the microfiche film may have the background of all 
of the paths opaque and the active marks transparent, rather than the 
reverse that has been set forth above. Also, a different disposition of 
the paths and the functional interpretation of the same may be arranged. 
The transverse motion of film 6 is controlled by further photo-sensors 42, 
which plurality constitutes code means to energize the third means 12 to 
move the film transversely. 
Coactive therewith is transparent tape 43. This has opaque digital and 
clock information relating to each microfiche frame in a column, as 
represented on the tape in FIG. 1. This information is aligned with plural 
sensors in the same manner as was discussed with respect to FIG. 4. Tape 
43 is attached to the leftward extension of carriage 24 and is held taut 
by known means. 
In the schematic representation of the optical system in FIG. 3, lamp 33 
may be of the high entensity quartz halogen type. It is provided with 
known reflector and condenser elements, which have not been shown. 
Prior to impinging upon film 6 the illumination of the optical path passes 
through light-frequency-selective means 46; typically a dichroic mirror 
that passes the shorter wavelengths of light and reflects the longer 
wavelengths, including the infra-red. 
A portion of the reflected light is collected by first plural optical fiber 
means 47. This plurality is typically sixteen, to correspond to the six 
paths shown in FIG. 4; for clock, fiduciary, units, tens, hundreds and 
thousands. Only one fiber has been shown in FIG. 4, for simplicity and 
clarity. 
The code markings are at the right edge of film 6 in FIG. 3. Directly above 
the film markings and aligned with the corresponding fibers of means 47 is 
second plural optical fiber means 48. These sixteen fibers lead to a 
corresponding number of photo-sensitive sensing means 49, only one of 
which has been shown for clarity. Thus, an electrical output is obtained 
corresponding to the opacity of the paths upon the film. 
Selective light-frequency means 46 contributes to the efficiency of the 
whole device in that sensing means 49 are conveniently phototransistors or 
photo-diodes and these are sensitive to red and infra-red illumination. 
Film 6 is deleteriously affected by infra-red illumination, in that it 
tends to bulge when heated, as at least one factor, and this tends to move 
it out of focus. Thus, employing "cool" wavelengths of illumination for 
projecting the microfiche frame upon a viewing screen is an advantage. 
In a simplified alternate arrangement, frequency selective means 46 may be 
omitted and optical fiber means 47 merely positioned to intercept light 
flux from source 33. 
In any event, light flux from source 33 passes through film 6, illuminating 
a frame of microfiche. Various demagnification fiche formats may be 
reproduced according to this invention. A nominal value is 42X, with 24X 
and 48X available upon appropriate selection of the focal length of lens 
50, with corresponding alteration of the spacing of the lens from the film 
and the size of the optical gate. 
Lens 50 is preferably arranged to be "floating"; that is, it is supported 
from a top transparent plate that rests upon film 6; the plate being 
element 51. A sandwich including lower transparent plate 52 may be formed, 
which is closed when film 6 is stationary. In any event, lens 50 is 
supported a set distance from the film, despite other possible mechanical 
variations. A helical compression spring may be used to urge the lens down 
upon the upper plate, and focus means to vary the set distance may be 
provided. 
A small mirror 53, such as 6 cm wide by 12 cm high, is disposed above the 
objective lens to reflect image-bearing light flux to the rear of an 
enclosing cabinet that has not been shown. 
Here it impinges upon large mirror 54, which may be about 20 cm wide and 30 
cm high. From thence it is reflected forward to rear projection viewing 
screen 55. This screen is preferably located at a slight slant to the 
vertical, and may have a size of 33 cm high by 30 cm wide. 
Other projection systems may be used, including a flip-in mirror to expose 
sensitive paper for making a hard copy. 
In the schematic electrical diagram of FIG. 5, element 49 represents the 
plural, as 16 photo-sensors shown in FIG. 3. These are the sensors 
coacting with the units, tens, hundreds and thousands paths, 38 through 41 
of FIG. 4. Similarly, element 57 represents the photo-sensor associated 
with clock path 36. 
By the connections indicated by the single line, these are inputs to the X 
axis active register 58. This register may be composed of four CD4042 
integrated circuits (IC's). 
The output of this register is connected to a pair of inputs on X axis 
comparator 59, which may be composed of four 4063 IC's. 
Keyboard 60 is available for manually entering the known address of a 
particular individual microfiche frame. Film 6 may be as long as 30 meters 
in practice. Thus, there may be thousands of individual frames upon it, in 
hundreds of columns. 
Keys from one through nine and zero are available on the keyboard, as well 
as reload, cancel, search, and power (on-off). 
The numerical keys are interconnected with diodes and the decimal character 
of the keyboard is converted to binary coded decimal. This output enters X 
axis search register 61 by the conductor shown, which is actually composed 
of four wires to carry the digitally represented information. 
The output of register 61 passes to another pair of inputs of X axis 
comparator 59. This allows this comparator to determine how different the 
actual position of film 6 is with respect to the selected position as 
punched in on keyboard 60. 
Comparator 59 has four output connections. The first two give an output 
under the following conditions; the upper output, A&lt;B, causes the motor 21 
driving film 6 longitudinally to go slowly forward. This occurs when the 
film is approaching the code index that has been selected on the keyboard. 
The next lower output, A&gt;B, causes a slow drive in reverse. 
The lower two outputs repeat the prior two, but cause a fast forward for 
A&lt;B, and a fast reverse for A&gt;B. This mode of drive occurs when the film 
is greater than 100 addresses from the selected code index. 
The forward and reverse capability is required to give desired indexing 
performance whenever an index is selected on the keyboard, no matter where 
film 6 may be as a result of the last such selection. 
These four outputs enter one input of each of dual input AND gates 62, 63, 
64, 65, the outputs of which go to control motors 21 and 22 for 
longitudinal drive of the film. 
The other input to the AND gates is common and comes from the operation of 
the "search" push-button on the keyboard, with corresponding logic in 
element 66. When this button is pushed the AND gates are enabled and an 
output therefrom occurs corresponding to the inputs from register 59. 
Assuming that the digital index of the actual position of the film in the X 
(longitudinal) direction is relatively different from the selected 
(desired) index entered into the keyboard; an output is then present from 
AND gate 64, fast forward. This further assumes that the difference is 
such as to go from a low digital number to a higher digital number. 
If the opposite number situation is true, then there is no output from gate 
64, but there is an output from gate 65. 
In either event this output passes through a summing resistor and to the 
ungrounded input of operational amplifier 67. This amplifier may be half 
of a CA747AE. 
The output thereof passes to power amplifier 68, which may include a 2N4403 
transistor, and thence to power supply transistor 69, an MJ2501. This 
transistor is connected to a motor-energizing power supply of the order of 
plus 15 volts, and to forward drive motor 21; see FIG. 1. This motor is 
then relatively fully energized and therefore rotates rapidly. 
In a similar manner, when the actual (active) digital address is relatively 
close to the selected index, say within 100 addresses, an output is 
present from AND gate 62. This passes through another summing resistor, 
through amplifiers 67, 68, transistor 69, and acts to power motor 21. 
However, the output from gate 62 is less than the previous output 
amplitude from gate 64 and the motor operates slowly. This portion of the 
circuit is analog (proportional to input) and so such performance is 
possible. 
When the desired index number is smaller than the index number of the 
actual position of film 6, then an output from AND gate 65 occurs when the 
difference in these numbers is large and from AND gate 63 when this is 
small. 
The equivalent circuit and performance then involves amplifiers 70 and 71, 
transistor 72 and reverse direction motor 22. 
In order that there will always be a counter-torque with respect to motors 
21 and 22, the bias on transistors 69 and 72 is such that a small 
amplitude of current is always passed through to the corresponding motor. 
This keeps the film taut, since they are arranged to rotate in opposite 
directions. 
When a firm command comes through from the logic at the left of FIG. 5, 
either the forward or the reverse motor is adequately energized and the 
residual torque on the other motor still keeps the film taut, but is not 
effective in preventing longitudinal traverse of the film. 
Fine positioning of the film; i.e., accurate positioning at rest, from 
information from fiduciary path 37 is accomplished by sensors 74 and 75. 
These may be photo-transistors. These "straddle" the particular fiduciary 
mark upon correct centering being accomplished. Until that is 
accomplished, an output from one, such as 74, and zero output from the 
other, such as 75, causes the appropriate motor 21 or 22 to turn slightly 
farther until the straddle condition is brought about. 
The output of sensor 74 is amplified by known operational amplifier 76, and 
through a resistor is connected to summing junction 77 that is associated 
with forward amplifier 67. This urges the film minutely forward. 
Correspondingly, the output of sensor 75 is amplified by known operational 
amplifier 78, and through a resistor is connected to summing junction 79 
that is associated with reverse amplifier 70. This urges the film minutely 
backward. 
The X axis digital address format includes the four paths 38 through 41, 
thus providing for the thousands of possible addresses on 30 meters of 
film 6. 
On the Y axis there is typically only 14 addresses. Thus, only two paths 
are required. 
Otherwise, the logic control for the Y axis motor 12 is essentially the 
same as has been described for the X axis motors. 
Specifically, Y axis information is obtained from keyboard 60, and this 
enters Y axis search register 89, which may also be composed of two CD4042 
IC's. The output of this register is connected to an input on Y axis 
comparator 97. 
Character register 73 receives Y data and generates a clock output, which 
is fed to both the X and Y search registers 61 and 89. 
Element 66 further implements the "Clear" pushbutton on the keyboard, with 
an output going to both X axis search register 61 and Y axis search 
register 89. When actuated, this clears the registers, preparatory to 
manual entry of a new address. 
Element 42 represents the plural, say two paths, or five photo-sensors for 
the Y axis, that are contained within element 42 in FIG. 1. These sensors 
are also energized through digital markings on tape 43 from plural light 
fibers that have not been shown. 
A clock path in the same structure is sensed by another photo-sensor 79, 
shown in FIG. 5. 
All of these outputs are inputs to Y axis active address register 80. The 
output thereof is the second input to Y axis comparator 97. This 
comparator may be composed of two CD4063 IC's. 
Slow and fast search speeds are not required in the Y direction, since the 
distance to be traversed is relatively very small. Thus, A&lt;B output gives 
a forward motion and A&gt;B gives reverse motion. These outputs enter AND 
gates 81 and 82, respectively. The second input to each gate being the 
search command from element 66, as before. 
Outputs therefrom pass through summing resistors and through operational 
amplifiers 83 or 84, power amplifiers 85 or 86, and power control 
transistors 87 or 88, for forward or reverse rotation of motor 12, 
respectively. This motor may be a permanent magnet type, in which 
excitation with one polarity of electricity gives forward rotation and 
with the reverse polarity gives reverse rotation. 
Accordingly, transistor 87 is connected to a plus polarity voltage supply, 
as 15 volts, and transistor 88 is connected to a minus polarity voltage 
supply, as 15 volts. In this way opposite direction of rotation of motor 
12 is obtained. 
As with the X axis control system, for accurate positioning on the Y axis 
photo-sensors 91 and 92 straddle a particular fiduciary mark on tape 43 to 
give equal outputs at rest. 
The outputs therefrom enter amplifiers 93 or 94, and through summing 
resistors to summing junctions 95 or 96, respectively, for moving the 
carriage incrementally forward or back. 
An electrically produced numerical display of the frame code position of 
film 6 at any instant may be included in the device of this invention by 
employing known seven element numerical display means, such as of the 
SP333 type. This, through appropriate known drivers, is connected to the X 
axis active register 59 of FIG. 5. 
An alternate embodiment of the means to illuminate the several paths of 
digital information, as paths 36 through 41, and tape 43, may be composed 
of individual light emitting sources, as light-emitting diodes. 
Any number of unreleasingly attached cartridges 2 may be prepared with 
rolls of microfiche film and substitutionally employed with the rest of 
the reproducer of this invention.