111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US009179019B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Kahle
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`(54) DIGITAL MICROFORM IMAGING
`APPARATUS
`
`(71) Applicant: e-ImageData Corp., Hartford, WI (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Todd A Kahle, Hartford, WI (US)
`
`(2013.01); G03B 17/02 (2013.01); H04N 1/195
`(2013.01); H04N 2201/041 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ......... G03B 21/11; G03B 17/02; G03B 37/04
`USPC ..................................... 348/487, 373; 382/14
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(73) Assignee: E-IMAGEDATA CORP., Hartford, WI
`(US)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/968,080
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug. 15, 2013
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2014/0015958 Al
`
`Jan. 16, 2014
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,836,251 A
`4,870,294 A
`
`9/1974 Hertel et al.
`9/1989 Hasegawa
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`
`2000356800 A
`
`12/2000
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(63)
`
`(51)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 13/560,283, filed on
`Jul. 27, 2012, now Pat. No. 8,537,279, which is a
`continuation of application No. 11/748,692, filed on
`May 15, 2007, now Pat. No. 8,269,890.
`
`Int. Cl.
`G03B 37104
`H04N 1100
`G03B 21111
`G03B 27134
`G03B 27153
`H04N 11024
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52)
`
`U.S. Cl.
`CPC ............ H04N 1100267 (2013.01); G03B 21111
`(2013.01); G03B 27134 (2013.01); G03B 27153
`(2013.01); H04N 11028 (2013.01); H04N
`110288 (2013.01); H04N 1102409 (2013.01);
`H04N 1102805 (2013.01); H04N 1119589
`
`S-T Imaging, Inc., "Got Film? ST200X" Brochure, circa 2004, 4
`pages.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner- Khanh Dinh
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm- Quarles & Brady LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A microform imaging apparatus comprising a chassis includ(cid:173)
`ing a microform media support structure configured to sup(cid:173)
`port a microform media within a plane substantially orthogo(cid:173)
`nal to a first optical axis, a fold mirror supported along the first
`optical axis to reflect light along a second optical axis that is
`angled with respect to the first optical axis, a lens supported
`along one of the first and second optical axis, an area sensor
`supported along the second optical axis, a first adjuster for
`moving the area sensor along at least a portion of the second
`optical axis and a second adjuster for moving the lens along at
`least a portion of the one of the first and second optical axis.
`
`101 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 1 of 26
`
`

`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`Page 2
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04N 11028
`G03B 17/02
`H04N 1/195
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`10/1991 Watanabe
`5,061,955 A
`7/1992 Froessl
`5,133,024 A
`8/1992 Imai
`5,137,347 A
`8/1993 Parulski et a!.
`5,241,659 A
`12/1995 Nodelman eta!.
`5,477,343 A
`12/1996 Sussman
`5,586,196 A
`7/1997 Krzywdziak et a!.
`5,647,654 A
`3/1998 Mehlo et al.
`5,726,773 A
`5/2000 Furukawa eta!.
`6,057,941 A
`10/2001 Kimball eta!.
`6,301,398 B1
`112002 Hoshino eta!.
`6,339,483 B1
`1112002 Schaack
`6,476,979 B1
`7,797,528 B2 * 9/2010 Lapstun et a!.
`7,880,807 B2 * 212011 Gupta
`7,949,868 B2 * 5/2011 Lapstun et a!.
`7,965,257 B2 * 6/2011 Perkins et al.
`8,269,890 B2 * 9/2012 Kahle
`8,537,279 B2 * 9/2013 Kahle
`8,684,527 B2 * 4/2014 Warden eta!.
`2004/0012827 A1
`112004 Fujinawa et al.
`2007/0103739 A1
`5/2007 Anderson, Jr. eta!.
`2008/0284847 A1
`1112008 Kahle
`2008/0288888 A1
`1112008 Kahle eta!.
`2012/0008820 A1
`112012 Kahle eta!.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`713/150
`348/373
`713/150
`345/1.3
`348/487
`348/487
`3511205
`
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686, Complaint for Patent Infringement (W.D.
`Wise. Sep. 20, 2012), 5 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
`Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint(W.D. Wise. Nov. 16, 2012), 9
`pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Naviant, Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiffs Com(cid:173)
`plaint (W.D. Wise. Nov. 6, 20 12), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Indus International, Inc.'s Answer to Plain(cid:173)
`tiff's Complaint (W.D. Wise. Nov. 16, 2012), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686, First Amended Complaint for Patent
`Infringement (W.D. Wise. Nov. 29, 2012), 5 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
`Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise.
`Dec. 13, 2012), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Naviant, Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiffs First
`Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise. Dec. 13, 20 12), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Indus International, Inc.'s Answer to Plain(cid:173)
`tiff's First Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise. Dec. 13, 20 12), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686, Second Amended Complaint for Patent
`Infringement (W.D. Wise. Jan. 16, 2013), 5 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
`Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiffs Second Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise.
`Jan. 30, 20 13), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Naviant, Inc.'sAnswer to Plaintiff's Second
`Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise. Jan. 30, 20 13), 9 pages.
`
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Indus International, Inc.'s Answer to Plain(cid:173)
`tiffs Second Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise. Jan. 30, 2013), 9
`pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Third Amended Complaint for Patent
`Infringement (W.D. Wise. Nov. 12, 2013), 5 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
`Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiff's Third Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise.
`Dec. 3, 20 13), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686, Naviant, Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiffs Third
`Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise. Dec. 3, 20 13), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Indus International, Inc.'s Answer to Plain(cid:173)
`tiffs Third Amended Complaint (W.D. Wise. Dec. 3, 20 13), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:13-cv-721, Complaint for Patent Infringement (W.D.
`Wise. Oct. 16, 2013), 30 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-721, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.,
`Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint(W.D. Wise. Dec. 20, 2013), 9
`pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-721, Naviant, Inc.'s Answer to Plaintiffs Com(cid:173)
`plaint (W.D. Wise. Dec. 20, 2013), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-721, Indus International, Inc.'s Answer to Plain(cid:173)
`tiffs Complaint (W.D. Wise. Dec. 20, 2013), 9 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686 & 3:12-cv-721, Stipulation of Dismissal
`With Prejudice (W.D. Wise. Jan. 5, 2015), 2 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686, Defendants' Corrected Invalidity/
`Unenforceability Contentions (W.D. Wise. Mar. 13, 2013), 160
`pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, PlaintiffE-ImageDataCorp.'s Disclosure of
`Proposed Claim Constructions (W.D. Wise. May 22, 2013), 2 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Defendants' Terms and Proposed Construc(cid:173)
`tions (W.D. Wise. May 22, 2013), 3 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Plaintiff E-Image Data Corp.'s Responses to
`Defendants' Proposed Constructions (W.D. Wise. Jun. 19, 2013), 2
`pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Defendants' Responses to Plaintiff's Pro(cid:173)
`posed Constructions (W.D. Wise. Jun. 19, 20 13), 4 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3:12-cv-686 & 3:12-cv-721, Defendants' Invalidity/
`Unenforceability Contentions (W.D. Wise. Mar. 28, 20 14), 18 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Expert Report of Johnathan Ellis Regarding
`Infringement of U.S. Pat. No. 8,269,890, with Exhibits 1 & 2 (W.D.
`Wise. Aug. 16, 2013), 68 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Expert Report of Richard W. Klopp Regard(cid:173)
`ing Invalidity of U.S. Pat. No. 8,269,890, with Exhibits A-L (W.D.
`Wise. Aug. 16, 2013), 382 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Expert Report of Johnathan Ellis Regarding
`Validity ofU.S. Pat. No. 8,269,890, with Exhibits 1 & 2 (W.D. Wise.
`Sep. 30, 20 13), 65 pages.
`E-ImageData Corp. v Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.,
`Inc., et al., 3: 12-cv-686, Expert Report of Richard W. Klopp Regard(cid:173)
`ing Non-Infringement ofU.S. Pat. No. 8,269,890, with Exhibits A &
`B (W.D. Wise. Sep. 30, 2013), 71 pages.
`* cited by examiner
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 2 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.3,2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`N
`N
`
`0
`M
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 3 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 2 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`N .
`CJ
`LL
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 4 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 3 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`.
`
`0
`LL.
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 5 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 4 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 6 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 5 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`,)'(cid:173)
`
`"J' I i .\
`
`{
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 7 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 6 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`/tY!
`!J?...
`! -- J3 6
`13 0
`j'
`~~~:.mt--ttt-~ 9 ~
`i
`--t-::Ht---tt-+-•-tti'-- /'Zk
`~~~:--""""fl1~~t"! ~"""'~- I!,.( D
`,,-
`I
`1'-'o
`<t"l
`
`1
`
`FIG. 5
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 8 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`1\,"-~
`\-
`
`\
`
`\ \
`
`\.
`
`~
`I\'
`'\J
`
`\.j
`r
`
`0
`
`/
`\
`
`~ .
`0
`LL.
`
`_ _g.
`V)
`
`..,}··
`V)
`
`0
`\.fj
`
`()()
`V)
`
`...,...
`...r
`
`('-.
`\'~
`
`~'·-·
`'0
`~,...,..._. ........ __..
`-~
`~
`\
`
`,,
`
`~
`I....)
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 9 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 8 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`0
`0
`"""'
`
`C)
`~'"
`
`.
`
`0
`LL
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 10 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 9 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`I
`]0
`
`Z& )
`
`- - -
`
`FIG. 8
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 11 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 10 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 12 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 11 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 13 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 12 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 14 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 13 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`11) c ·-i-t
`
`.......
`,...,
`(.,)
`0 N
`""'
`Q
`"''
`....
`il)
`...
`0
`i-t
`c E
`~ (,) ..,
`0
`
`,;::)
`
`.
`(9
`LL
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 15 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 14 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`M
`
`' .
`0
`lL
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 16 of 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 3, 2015
`
`Sheet 15 of 15
`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 17 of 26
`
`

`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`1
`DIGITAL MICROFORM IMAGING
`APPARATUS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 13/560,283, which was filed on
`Jul. 27, 2012, and titled "Digital Microform Imaging Appa(cid:173)
`ratus," which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser.
`No. 11/748,692, filed on May 15, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
`8,269,890, dated Sep. 18, 2012, and titled "Digital Microform
`Imaging Apparatus," each of which are incorporated herein
`by reference in their entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`The present disclosure relates to a digital microform imag(cid:173)
`ing apparatus.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`Microform images are useful in archiving a variety of
`documents or records by photographically reducing and
`recording the document in a film format. Examples of typical
`microform image formats include microfilm/microfiche,
`aperture cards, jackets, 16 mm or 35 mm film roll film, car(cid:173)
`tridge film and other micro opaques. A microfiche article is a
`known form of graphic data presentation wherein a number of
`pages or images are photographically reproduced on a single
`"card" of microfiche film (such as a card of3x5 inches to 4x6
`inches, for example). Any suitable number of pages (up to a
`thousand or so) may be photographically formed in an
`orthogonal array on a single microfiche card of photographic
`film. The microfiche film may then be placed in an optical
`reader and moved over a rectilinear path until an image or a
`selected page is in an optical projection path leading to a
`display screen. Although other electronic, magnetic or optical
`imaging and storage techniques and media are available,
`there exists an extensive legacy of film type records storing
`the likes of newspapers and other print media, business
`records, government records, genealogical records, and the
`like.
`Past microfilm readers included an integral display which
`made the reader quite large, see for example U.S. Pat. No.
`5,647,654. As the number of images that can be put on a
`standard size varies, and also the size of the record, for
`example a typical newspaper page is larger than a typical
`magazine page, images are recorded on film within a range of 50
`reduction ratios (original size/reduced size), and aspect ratio
`(ratio ofheight to width of the image, or vice versa). A typical
`microfilm reader may have a range of zoom or magnification
`available to accommodate a portion of the reduction ratio
`range; however, this zoom range is limited and does not
`accommodate all reduction ratios. Further, in a microfilm
`reader of the type in the '654 patent, the optical system is
`enclosed and relatively fixed, and cannot be modified by a
`user to accommodate a range of reduction ratios for which it
`is not designed. With the adoption of new storage media such
`as CDs and DVDs, and the prevalent use of desktop comput(cid:173)
`ers in libraries and other facilities which store records, it
`became apparent that a microfilm reader which acts as a
`peripheral device to a desktop computer and uses the com(cid:173)
`puter's display for displaying the film's images has several 65
`advantages. Such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,
`941, for example.
`
`2
`One of the advantages is that a single workstation can
`accommodate a variety of media such as microfiche or other
`film, optical media such as CDs and DVDs, and other elec(cid:173)
`tronic and magnetic media. Another advantage is that a single
`display is used for displaying a variety of media images.
`These advantages have led to the development of microfilm
`readers which work in conjunction with a desktop computer;
`however, known peripheral device microfilm readers still
`have the problem of accommodating a relatively large range
`10 of reduction ratios for the film images. One known solution is
`to provide a peripheral device microfilm reader with multiple
`zoom lenses to cover the full range of magnification required
`by the relatively large range of reduction ratios. There are
`several disadvantages to this approach which include the
`15 lenses end up missing or misplaced, the microfilm reader
`becomes undesirably large, and/or special instructions are
`required to swap out lenses which makes the different zoom
`lenses difficult to use. An apparatus and/or method is needed
`which can accommodate a relatively large range of reduction
`20 ratios without the need for changing out parts of the apparatus
`such as the lenses, or without the need for very expensive
`zoom lenses.
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,398 discloses an apparatus for process(cid:173)
`ing microfiche images where two carriages ride on common
`25 rails, driven by lead screws and small DC servomotors, where
`one carriage carries the CCD camera board, and the other
`carriage carries an objective lens mounted upon a vertically
`moving lens board. In operation, the system's digital control(cid:173)
`ler solves a simple lens equation based upon three variables:
`30 lens focal length, optical reduction ratio and pixel resolution
`at original document scale, or "dots per inch" (dpi). It then
`drives the Z-axis carriages to their calculated positions. The
`controller then commands a succession of image scans, each
`time displacing the lens carriage slightly. It analyzes the
`35 images and then returns the lens carriage to the position
`giving best focus. Although this system can accommodate a
`variable optical reduction ratio, it has several disadvantages
`or limitations. Disadvantages include that the lens carriage is
`iteratively focused which can cause eye strain if a person is
`40 viewing the image during the focusing process, and this pro(cid:173)
`cess takes time. Another disadvantage is that the leads screws
`include backlash when reversing direction, which can make
`the iteratively focusing process difficult and/or imprecise, and
`the '398 patent is absent disclosure which discusses how to
`45 rectify such a problem. Yet another disadvantage is that illu(cid:173)
`mination system, film holder, lens and camera are all in line
`which creates a bulky system. Yet further, the '398 patent is
`absent disclosure which indicates what range of reduction
`ratios it can accommodate.
`Other noted U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,137,347; 5,726,773; 3,836,
`251; and 5,061,955. However, these patents, along with the
`other cited patents, together or separately, fail to disclose or
`suggest a compact digital microform imaging apparatus
`which can easily adapt to a broad range of reduction ratios,
`55 and also fail to disclose or suggest such a device while offer(cid:173)
`ing other modem features leveraging the potential versatility
`available in such a system used in conjunction with a com(cid:173)
`puter system.
`What is needed in the art is a compact and versatile digital
`60 microform imaging apparatus which can easily adapt to a
`broad range of reduction ratios and media types while pro(cid:173)
`viding good resolution of the images and ease of use.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a digital
`microform imaging apparatus which includes a chassis which
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 18 of 26
`
`

`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`3
`has a microform media support structure, and an area sensor
`rotatably connected to the chassis.
`The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a digital
`microform imaging apparatus which includes an approxi(cid:173)
`mately monochromatic illumination source transmitting an
`incident light through a diffuse window along a first optical
`axis of the apparatus. A microform media support is config(cid:173)
`ured to support a microform media after the diffuse window
`and along the first optical axis. An approximately 45 degree
`fold mirror reflects the incident light transmitted through the 10
`microform media approximately 90 degrees along a second
`optical axis. An imaging subsystem includes a lens connected
`to a first carriage which is linearly adjustable approximately
`parallel with the second optical axis, and an area sensor
`connected to a second carriage which is linearly adjustable 15
`approximately parallel with the second optical axis.
`The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a
`digital microform imaging apparatus which includes a chas-
`sis and an imaging subsystem connected to the chassis. The
`imaging subsystem has a first lead screw and a second lead 20
`screw approximately parallel with the first lead screw. Each
`lead screw is connected to the chassis. The imaging sub(cid:173)
`system includes at least one approximately L-shaped carriage
`with a first leg threadingly coupled to the first lead screw and
`slidingly coupled to the second lead screw.
`An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is
`that it provides a compact microfilm viewer/scanner.
`Another advantage of an embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion is that it can accommodate a broad range of image reduc(cid:173)
`tion ratios without the need to change zoom lenses.
`Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present
`invention is that it can accommodate a broad range of micro(cid:173)
`form media types such as all film types and micro opaques.
`Yet other advantages of an embodiment of the present
`invention are that it uses an area sensor to sense the image 35
`being displayed thereby eliminating the need for scanning
`individual images with a line sensor, and resulting in high
`resolution scans in a relatively short amonnt of time, for
`example one second.
`Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present 40
`invention is that it provides 360° image rotation.
`Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present
`invention is that it has low energy usage.
`Yet other advantages of an embodiment of the present
`invention are that it has either auto focus or manual focus.
`
`4
`illustrating the correlation between the rotational movement
`of the motors and lead screws, and the translational move(cid:173)
`ment of the carriages;
`FIG. 5 is a top view of the digital microform imaging
`apparatus of FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6 is a side view of the digital microform imaging
`apparatus of FIG. 4;
`FIG. 7-7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
`7-7 in FIG. 3A;
`FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the digital microform imag(cid:173)
`ing system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the imaging subsystem of
`the digital microform imaging apparatus of FIG. 2;
`FIG.10 is an exploded perspective view of the lens carriage
`assembly ofFIG. 9, including among other elements, the lens
`and lens carriage;
`FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the rotating
`sensor carriage assembly of FIG. 10, including among other
`elements, the rotating sensor and sensor carriage;
`FIG. 12 is a screen shot of an embodiment of a computer
`user interface of the digital microform imaging system of
`FIG.1;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
`digital microform imaging apparatus according to the present
`25 invention, particularly illustrating a motorized roll film
`microform media support; and
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
`digital microform imaging apparatus according to the present
`invention, particularly illustrating a hand operated roll film
`30 microform media support.
`Corresponding reference characters indicate correspond(cid:173)
`ing parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications
`set out herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the
`invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be
`construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any man-
`ner.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`DISCLOSURE
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
`this invention, and the marmer of attaining them, will become
`more apparent and the invention will be better understood by
`reference to the following description of embodiments of the
`invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying draw(cid:173)
`ings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a digital
`microform imaging system according to the present inven(cid:173)
`tion;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital microform imag(cid:173)
`ing apparatus used in the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the digital
`microform imaging apparatus of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 3B is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of
`the digital microform imaging apparatus of FIG. 2, illustrat(cid:173)
`ing particularly the X-Y table mobility;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the digital microform imag(cid:173)
`ing apparatus ofFIG. 2 with the cover removed and as viewed
`from generally rearward of the apparatus, and particularly
`
`Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
`FIG. 1, there is shown a digital microform imaging system 20
`which generally includes digital microform imaging appara(cid:173)
`tus (DMIA) 22 connected to a computer 24. Computer 24 can
`45 include one or more displays 26, and user input devices such
`as a keyboard 28 and mouse 30. DMIA 22 and computer 24
`can be placed on a worksurface 32 of a desk, or other work(cid:173)
`surfaces, for convenient access and ease of use. DMIA 22 can
`be electrically connected to computer 24 via cable 34, which
`50 may provide communication using a FireWire IEEE 1394
`standard, for example.
`Computer 24 can be connected to a printer (not shown) or
`connected/networked to other computers or peripheral
`devices (also not shown) to print, store or otherwise convey
`55 images produced by DMIA 22. Although cable 34 is
`described as an electrical type cable, alternatively DMIA 22
`and computer 24 can communicate via fiber optics, or wire(cid:173)
`lessly through infrared or radio frequencies, for example.
`Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2-9, DMIA 22
`60 includes an approximately monochromatic illumination
`source 36, such as a light emitting diode (LED) array or other
`monochromatic illumination source, transmitting an incident
`light 38 through a diffuse window 40 along a first optical axis
`42 of apparatus 22. Light emitting diode (LED) array 36 can
`65 be an approximately 13 x9 array of individual LEDs operating
`in the 495-505 nm wavelength region, although array 36 is not
`limited to such parameters. The relatively monochromatic
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1001
`Page 19 of 26
`
`

`
`US 9,179,019 B2
`
`5
`nature of source 36 helps reduce chromatic aberration in
`DMIA 22, thereby improving the optical resolution of the
`images produced. Diffuse window 40 can be a frosted glass
`which diffuses the light emanating from array 36, thereby
`creating a more uniform illumination source. DMIA 22 can
`include cover 43 to help protect the inner elements ofDMIA
`22.
`A microform media support 44 is configured to support a
`microform media 46 after diffuse window 40 and along first
`optical axis 42. In the embodiment shown support 44 is an
`X-Y table, that is, support 44 is movable in a plane which is
`approximately orthogonal to first optical axis 42. Referring
`particularly to FIGS. 3A and 3B, microform media support 44
`includes frame 48 which supports first window 50 on one side
`of microform media 46, and second window 52 on the other
`side of microform media 46. Second window 52 hinges
`upward at 54 when frame 48 is moved forward to the extent
`that lever 56 (connected to second window 52) contacts ramps
`58 (one ramp on either side), and similarly, hinges downward
`at 54 when frame 48 is moved rearward as lever 56 is released
`from contact with ramp 58. In this way the microform media
`46, shown as a microfiche film withanarrayofimages 60, can
`be placed and held securely between windows 50, 52 for
`viewing. Frame 48, along with windows 50, 52 and media 46,
`are slidingly supported on rods 62 by bearings (not shown) to
`allow a transverse movement 63 of frame 48, windows 50, 52
`and media 46. Rods 62 are connected to brackets 64, which
`brackets are slidingly supported by chassis 66 and bearings
`(not shown) to allow a longitudinal movement 68 offrame 48,
`windows 50, 52, media 46 and rods 62.
`Referring particularly to FIGS. 6-8, an approximately 45°
`fold mirror 70 reflects the incident light transmitted through
`microform media 46 approximately 90° along a second opti-
`cal axis 72. First optical axis 42 and second optical axis 72 can
`be thought of as segments of the single or main optical axis.
`Mirror 70 is connected by a three point mount 76 to mirror
`mount 78 by fasteners 80 and springs 82. Mirror mount 78 is
`connected to chassis 66 as shown. Fold mirror 70 advanta(cid:173)
`geously shortens the overall longitudinal length of the optical
`axis which allows DMIA 22 to be more compact.
`An imaging subsystem 84 includes a first lead screw 86 and
`a second lead screw 88 where each lead screw is approxi(cid:173)
`mately parallel with second optical axis 72. A lens 90 is
`connected to a first carriage 92 which is linearly adjustable by
`rotating first lead screw 86. Lens 90 includes stop 94 and
`f-stop adjustment 96 which can adjust the aperture of stop 94.
`Lens 90 can have a fixed focal length of 50 mm, for example.
`This focal length has the advantage of a relatively large depth
`of focus. A rough formula used to quickly calculate depth of
`focus is the product of the focal length times the f-stop 50
`divided by 1000, which yields a depth offocus of0.55 mm for
`a 50 mm focal length and fll f-stop adjustment. An area
`sensor 97 is connected to a second carriage 98 which carriage
`is linearly adjustable by rotating second lead screw 88. Area
`sensor 97 can be an area array CCD sensor with a two dimen- 55
`sional array of sensor elements or pixels, for example, with a
`3.5 f.tm2 pixel size, or other types of sensors and pixel sizes
`depending on resolution size requirements. The area array
`nature of sensor 97, when compared to a line sensor, elimi(cid:173)
`nates the need for scanning of the sensor when viewing two 60
`dimensional images. The overall novel optical layout of the
`present invention including the separately adjustable area
`sensor 97 and lens 90; 45° fold mirror 70; and film table 44
`location; algorithms for moving the lens and sensor to appro(cid:173)
`priate respective locations to achieve proper magnification 65
`and focus of the image; and the lens focal length and relatively
`large depth of focus, allows DMIA 22 to auto focus without
`
`6
`the need for iterative measurements and refocusing the of! ens
`90 during magnification changes to accommodate different
`reduction ratios of different film media. Further, the present
`invention can easily accommodate reduction ratios in the
`range of 7x to 54x, although the present invention is not
`limited to such a range.
`A first motor 100 is rotationally coupled to first lead screw
`86 by timing pulley 102, belt 104 with teeth, and timing
`pulley 106, and a second motor 108 is rotationally coupled to
`10 second lead screw 88 by timing pulley 110, belt 112 with
`teeth, and timing pulley 114. A controller 116 is electrically
`connected to first motor 100, second motor 108 and area
`sensor 97, where controller 116 is for receiving commands
`and other inputs from computer 24 or other input devices,
`15 controlling first motor 100 and second motor 108, and other
`elements of DMIA 22, and for outputting an image data of
`area sensor 97. Consequently, controller 116 can include one
`or more circuit boards which have a microprocessor, field
`programmable gate array, application specific integrated cir-
`20 cuit or other progrmable devices; motor controls; a
`receiver; a transmitter; connectors; wire interconnections
`including ribbon wire and wiring harnesses; a power supply;
`and other electrical components. Controller 116 also provides
`electrical energy and lighting controls for LED array 36. The
`25 lead screws serve a dual function of providing guiding ele(cid:173)
`ments as well as drive elements for lens and sensor carriages.
`It is contemplated that the present invention can include alter(cid:173)
`nate designs which can separate these two functions of guid(cid:173)
`ing and driving using, for example, rails or unthreaded rods or
`30 a combination t