Tag: digital images

September 17, 2011

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.

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.

September 14, 2011

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.

September 12, 2011

Microfiche Scanning for Vehicle Manuals

Microfiche scanning is a technique to digitize analog fiche that contain owner manuals, parts manuals, repair manuals, and technical manuals for various vehicles, such as motorcycles, automobiles, snowmobiles, trucks, SUVs, vans, and others to digital image.

If you are a mechanic, hobbyist, owner, or researcher you may have noticed that getting manufacturer’s manuals for obscure and even popular manuals results in them sending you fiche. Well, how do you print a parts manual from microfiche? The quickest way is to send the fiche to Generation Imaging for microfiche scanning.

Microfiche scanning results in digital images, such as PDF, TIFF, or JPEG that you can print from, load on your computer, and actually read. Your other options are trying to locate an old fashioned microfiche viewer or reader printer.

Generation Imaging has a very special flat rate microfiche scanning cost if you have a handful of parts manuals on step-and-repeat microfiche.

Generation Imaging is located in Florida and received and sends microfilm via USPS, UPS, Fed-Ex, and other carriers. There have been no mail mishaps. So if you are are tired of running around trying to find a way to convert parts manuals on microfiche to digital image, please give G.I. a try with our microfiche scanning service. You won’t be disappointed in the quality or turnaround time, that’s for sure.

Generation Imaging’s crew has been in the microfiche scanning industry since the 1990s and has converted hundreds of thousands of step-and-repeat fiche that contain parts, instructions, and service manuals. There is no need for you to waste your personal time trying to figure out a way to go about this on your own.

August 30, 2011

Scanning Microfilm Helps Researchers and Writers

A recent news story from Summerside (Prince Edward Island, Canada) revealed how a 74-year old former Air Force navigator searched through old newspapers and microfilm in a small back room at MacNaught History Centre and Archives.

Larry Gray is writing his fifth history book:

“I am very much a believer that history is very important. It’s very important to know where we’ve been and how did we get where we are now.”

Generation Imaging agrees, and that’s why we consider scanning microfilm is an important service to society. Scanning microfilm to create digital images has many benefits for historians, researchers, and writers. Images can be named by newspaper date and retrieved quickly. Better yet, images can be OCR’ed, so the user can type a word and have all the pages come up in the collection that have that word.

Microfilm scanning saves time. Scanning microfilm saves space. Roll film conversion is efficient. 35mm reel conversions allow easier ways to copy.

Although libraries are working on skeleton budgets, perhaps local governments and concerned citizens could raise money to see the benefit of scanning microfilm to create digital images.

Believe it or not scanning microfilm is not as expensive as one would think- it’s only a couple of cents per image. When you consider the relative low cost involved, ask yourself what should the price tag be to preserve history? Think of the positive impact roll film conversions have on society. Why do you think Google has taken upon itself to convert newspaper and magazine roll film to digital images online?

December 6, 2010

Get your Microfiche Conversion Project Test for Free

At Generation Imaging, we are doing all we are able to to help our customers cope with their Microfiche conversion projects. As a part of our efforts, we have established a free no obligation testing process, where we take a sampling of the Microfiche conversion project and perform a Microfiche conversion simulation test, just like we might on the real job. This test has many benefits.