Articulating camera for digital image acquisition

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

1 . In an apparatus for capturing a series of digital images from a medium containing a series of visible images comprising a digital camera, a media positioning means, a media illuminating means, an imaging station and a means for encoding said media for identification of each of said series of visible images, the improvement comprising means for selectively positioning said digital camera under the control of a computer and means for storing information regarding said positioning of said camera as digital data.  
   
   
       2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said positioning of said digital camera further comprises positioning said digital camera in relation to the Y-axis of said media.  
   
   
       3 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said positioning of said digital camera further comprises positioning said digital camera in relation to the Z-axis of said media.  
   
   
       4 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said positioning of said digital camera further comprises positioning said digital camera in relation to the R-axis of said media.  
   
   
       5 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said selective positioning comprises adjusting the point of focus of said digital camera.  
   
   
       6 . In the method of capturing a series of digital images from a media containing a series of visible images comprising positioning said media in relation to a digital camera, capturing a digital image from said media utilizing said camera, and encoding said media for identification of each of said series of visible images, the improvement comprising selectively positioning said camera under the control of a computer and storing information regarding said positioning as digital data.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , which further comprises editing of said images utilizing said digital data.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6  which further comprises the printing of said images utilizing said digital data.