WO1995002937A1

WO1995002937A1 - Scanner for scanning and viewing x-ray film and reflective media

Info

Publication number: WO1995002937A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/007800
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Neushul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-07-12
Filing date: 1994-07-11
Publication date: 1995-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 1996-01-12
Also published as: ES2142951T3; EP0717902A1; US6208437B1; EP0717902A4; EP0717902B1; DE69423221T2; DE69423221D1; AU7802294A

Abstract

A wall or vertical stand mounted scanner for large and small format transmissive X-ray films and any type of transmissive media, that incorporates a viewing light box into the case to view the media before and after scanning. The scanner has an external light source (3) that shines through the media onto a lens/CCD camera (5, 6). The media is transported (2) under the light source for scanning and then it is brought back to the viewer for immediate comparison to the scanned image which is displayed on the computer monitor. The entire scanner is mounted vertically. Scanning and viewing is done in the vertical plane to allow for minimal contact between the media and scanner. This vertical orientation discourages any dust or particulates to settle on optical surfaces as they are vertically located. Also a vertically orientated scanning bulb allows streak-causing debris that can form within the scanning bulb itself to fall to the bottom of the bulb. It is possible to pivot the light source below the media to be scanned in order to scan reflective media.

Description

SCANNER FOR SCANNING AND VIEWING X-RAY FILM AND

REFLECTIVE MEDIA

DESCRIPTION:

An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereunder. [principal Construction of X-ray scanner and viewing device] Referring to Fig. 1/3, there is illustrated in sectional view a principal construction of the X-ray scanner embodying the present invention. Numeral 1 denotes a translucent Plexiglas co ^→v of the viewing light box. Numeral 2 denotes the transport mechanism that consists of a flat drawer type ball bearing slide attached to the transport mechanism which is made of a gear rack and a pinch type clip for hanging films. Numeral 3 denotes an end view of fluorescent light source and mounting tube. This light source can also be located under the media plane so that reflective media can also be scanned. Transport mechanism 2 transports film over light table surface 1 and under light source 3.

Numeral 4 denotes an end view of a front surface mirror. Numeral 5 denotes a lens assembly and numeral 6 denotes an end view of a CCD camera. Light from light source 3 shines through film mounted on transport 2, bounces off mirror 4 and is focused by lens 5 on CCD camera 6. Alternately, if light source were placed within the case, light would bounce off reflective media, onto mirror 4 and focused as before.

Numeral 7 denotes an end view of a plate of glass. Numeral 8 denotes a case of metal or plastic. Numeral 9 denotes a dotted line that indicates where case 8 splits open to allow for assembly and maintenance. Glass 7 seals case 8 from external dust and particulates. There is no other way for dust to enter the case enclosure and thus optics and electronics are sealed.

Numeral 10 denotes a side view of one of the two support U channels. Numeral 11 denotes a side view of fluorescent tubes that illuminate light box cover 1.

Support channels serve as mounting surfaces for mirror 4, lens 5, CCD camera 6, fluorescent bulbs 11, and for mounting assembly to case. Referring to FIG. 2, Numeral 3 denotes a side view of external light source and mounting tube. Numeral 2 denotes an end view of the transport mechanism, pinch clip and rack gear. Numeral 14 denotes the drive stepper motor and gear assembly. Film media is clamped into pinch clip 2 and transport mechanism/rack gear 2 mesh with stepper motor/gear assembly 14 to drive film under light source 3. Numeral 11 is an end view of the two fluorescent lights used to illuminate the translucent Plexiglas light box cover 1. Numeral 16 denotes an end view of a bent metal or plastic form that is reflective on the side facing the Plexiglas cover. Reflective metal piece 16, diffuses light from fluorescent tubes 11 while also acting as a mounting surface for these tubes and adding to the structural integrity imparted to the structure by U channels 10 coupled to reflective metal piece 16. The unit mounting bracket is denoted by number 18. This mounting bracket 18 mounts scanner vertically on a wall or fixture by hooking over another wall/fixture mounted bracket.

Fig. 3 shows the light box 1, the scanning transport assembly 2, and the light bar 3. Again, the unit functions by attaching transmissive film to transport 2, viewing it through light box 1 and then scanning it by passing it under light bar 3.

(Operation)

Referring to the parts represented in all of the figures:

The operation of the X-ray/transmissive media scanner of the present invention will now be described. The scanner is attached to a computer and monitor capable of handling image data. The light box is activated by providing power to the fluorescent bulbs 11. Light shines through the light box 1. Transmissive film media is mounted by pushing an edge of the film into pinch clamp 2 and is illuminated by light shining through cover 1. The film can then be analyzed to determine the quality of the image and area of interest. Power is then supplied to the scanner CCD camera electronics and light source 3. At a command from the attached computer, the media is transported by slide assembly 2 past fluorescent light source 3, and scanned into a computer file using mirror 4, lens 5, and CCD camera 6. If the image to be scanned is reflective, the scanning light source would be placed within the case and scanning would proceed as before. After scanning, the media is then returned to its original position. The final scanned image is

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 28) displayed on a computer monitor. The comparison is now made between the actual media and its scanned image without touching the media. If the image is not satisfactory, it is then possible to adjust the output of the light source 3 to produce a different level of light to change the scan characteristics.

Having described my invention as related to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is my intention that the invention not be limited by any details of the description, unless otherwise specified, but rather be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as set out in the accompanying claims.

^aκ^m SHEET ₍ 2β)

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A scanner that scans transmissive media, allowing for immediate comparison between scanned and actual images by incorporating a viewing hght box into the scanner in such a way that the image can be scanned and viewed immediately afterwards without removing or touching the film.

2. A transmissive media scanner according to claim 1 that allows for only edge contact between media and scanner, and provides a vertical mounting scheme to achieve this goal and the goal of reducing contamination of optical surfaces and scanning bulb.

3. A transmissive scanner that operates according to claims 1 and 2 and mounts on the wall, or on a vertical fixture to achieve claim 2 and provide a minimally intrusive machine that takes no floor and/or little or no desk space.

4. A scanner that operates according to claims 1 , 2, and 3 and is capable of scanning reflective media using the technology described above. In this case, the scanning light source is allowed to pivot 180 degrees so that the emitted light is reflected off the media instead of transmitted through it.