Discounted Microfilm Scanning, Microfiche Scanning, Aperture Card Scanning, and Imaging Services

Tag: Computer Output Microfilm

Computer Output Microfilm (COM)

Computer Output Microfilm is by far the most difficult 16mm roll film to digitize to images because the computer generated images do not have standard frame breaks most of the time. Unlike traditional 16mm roll film, Computer Output Microfilm has a super thin border (or no border!) or may have bits of data that is accidentally detected as a frame border. Most of the time, any roll film scanner (regardless if it saves one image at a time or saves the entire reel as a ribbon) will totally skip over Computer Output Microfilm sections or cut frames.

If the Computer Output Microfilm contains a 100% consistent, fixes, and thick frame order or blip marker, it is possible for a 16mm roll film scanner to detect images properly. In addition to having the correct micrographics equipment, it is very important to have experienced scanner operators. Let’s put it this way: if you have no experience with scanning Computer Output Microfilm, you will be totally lost and will need to pay the scanner manufacturer to come to your office and do it for you. They will only help you if you have a maintenance plan. In other words, you may be out of luck or it may cost you thousands of dollars to scan a few rolls of Computer Output Microfilm .

Generation Imaging has created a tried and true method to detect troublesome COM reels. Our scanner operators have been performing this method since the 1990s. It requires a knowledge of mathematics, detection algorithms, and attention to detail. It also requires post-processing: manually clipping strips. This method assures that all frames have been detected.

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Computer Output Microfilm

Computer Output Microfilm is the rarest of 16mm roll film types (ironically Computer Output Microfilm is a very popular form of microfiche). Because of the nature of most COM reels not having regular edges like normal 16mm roll film, converting COM rolls into digital image can be quite a challenge. Thankfully, Generation Imaging has tons of experience working with all kinds of Computer Output Microfilm.

COM microfilm

An example of Computer Output Microfilm

If the COM roll is blipped (small markers on the outside of the frames) and the frames have fixed sizes and are equidistant from each other, although the scanner operator must be highly experienced and the setup time is lengthy, it is theoretically possible to scan the Computer Output Microfilm without problems.

If the COM roll does not have blips, the highly skilled scanner operator must used advanced detection algorithms to attempt to find a sense area and setting to capture each frame by itself. Again, the Computer Output Microfilm must pretty much be perfect to pull this method off.

If none of the above methods will work, the expert scanner operator will have to scan the COM images as strips of frames. By padding an overscan and setting the backup, the operator can assure that no frame is missed. However this method requires post-processing: the frames must be manually cropped or split to create individual frames.

Generation Imaging offers scanning solutions for converting COM reels to PDF, TIFF, or JPEG. Please contact us today if you need this type of roll film to be converted to digital images.

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Info About Computer Output Microfilm and COM microfiche

Computer Output Microfilm is the process for transferring data from electronic media stored on computers to 16mm microfilm or microfiche.

What is the machine which creates this?  Using lasers and a processor, the data from the PC is copied to microfilm or microfiche. The fiche or film is then developed after it is exposed to light.

Computer Output Microfilm is used a solution for large organizations that want to see a reduction of paper.

It also provides away to preserve records for archival purposes.

Computer Output Microfilm and COM fiche can be converted to digital image via microfiche scanning, a service that Generation Imaging offers.

Digital images save even more space and takes COM systems to the next level, sort to speak.

Converting Computer Output Microfilm to digital image is useful for organizations who need:

  • computer printouts
  • reports, such as tax assessment documents, which have many pages
  • a large distribution of images is required
  • Images must be transferred or copied

By the way, I know how awkward it sounds to say Computer Output Microfilm and calling it COM fiche (which is similar to saying ATM machine). The correct terms should be Computer Output Microform, but hardly anyone in the industry uses microform (which can be microfiche, microfilm, or aperture cards). It could be why so many people get all three confused.

Anyway, please contact Generation Imaging for a COM microfiche scanning solution. G.I. scans all sorts of analog media, so don’t hesitate to ask us if we can help you in any way.

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