Automated negative scanner

摘要

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