Tag: JPEG

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.

August 29, 2011

Microfilm Scanning Helps Library Online Services

Microfilm Scanning has been very helpful for updating library records and historical information. Many institutions around the nation have performed microfilm scanning to make it possible for users to access information online. Compare to traditional microfilm readers to view the information, the ability to go on a computer and look for the information online is a tremendous help.

The way microfilm scanning transfers genealogical information and other type of information from microfiche to a digital format is possible with advanced microfilm scanning equipment. The type of information that is contained in the microfilm is usually not a limiting factor. We can convert newspaper images, book images, pictures, magazines, and just about any other type of information that was previously placed on microfilm.

Post microfilm scanning, the data converted is transferred to jpeg files or some other type of format needed. These files are then joined into a retrieval system that allows users to search for the information they are looking for. The microfilm scanning quality is not only dependent on the quality of the microfilm scanning equipment, but also on the skills of the operator.

Further into the future, we should be able to have access to many of the records that libraries still have in hard copy or microfiche format and microfilm scanning is one part of the solution.

May 18, 2010

How to Scan Genealogical Records

Converting genealogical microfiche to PDF– it is easier now that in the past to find information about your ancestors. You can locate organizations that collect and provide genealogical information for you to research. However historical records are not always easy to get to. Many historical records and vital records like birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificate, and divorce records, are stored in a non digital format. Contact us for all your needs in converting your genealogical records from their original format to an up-to-date digital format, such as PDF, TIFF, or JPEG.

Most of us like to have more information about our ancestry and to know more about our own history. Building a family tree used to be limited to the information passes down from older relatives. Many people have spend countless number of hours gathering information to build their own family tree. But many times these information was very limited in-spite of their efforts. Companies that offer genealogical records to individuals that are looking for family history are looking for ways to provide more information for you. At Generation Imaging, we are experts at converting all types of microfiche records to digital format. In addition, we can perform OCR and create searchable PDF files. The advantage of a searchable PDF is that you can type a name into the computer, and the system will locate the name on the image for you. At Generation Imaging, we can help automate your genealogical microfiche records system by providing records scanning from your existing hard copy format. Genealogical research institution are becoming increasingly automated.

Contacting us for your microfilm or document conversion needs is easy. Generation Imaging is equipped to quickly and efficiently convert your genealogical records for you. Vital records often require special handling and care to preserve the integrity of old documents. We use the best equipment for the job. Our experience converting different types of microfiche such as 16mm microfiche, 35mm microfiche, step-and-repeat microfiche, microfiche jackets, COM fiche, old microfiche, and rewritable fiche is unmatched.

If you have millions of vital records that need to be digitized, or if you just a few microfiche cards, we can help you decide the best way to digitize the images, and we can provide you with the best options for you historical records.