Kodak
Compact Microfiche Reader
Patented
Kodak
Compact Microfiche Reader
Patented
....A compact microfiche reader developed by Steve Hines, then a physicist at Eastman Kodak Research Laboratories. This device is the subject of the first patent issued to Steve.
....The objective of this project was to provide a comfortable light-weight viewing device to display printed material recorded on microfiche. The Compact Microfiche Reader props up on a desk at a convenient viewing angle, in a vertical or horizontal-screen orientation. The microfiche is held with a pressure pad in the handle, which also contains the light source. The Compact Microfiche Reader wins in space and weight with four or more microfiche, compared to carrying hard-copy printed material.
....This Compact Microfiche Reader is not a rear-projection device as it may appear. The image is being projected onto the front of an internal keystoned flat screen, from a side angle which causes the image to be severely keystoned. When the screen is hinged open, at an angle behind the Fresnel lens, the keystoned image is magnified differentially across the width to create a rectangular image.
....When this Compact Reader was developed, conventional microfiche readers were 110V desk-top units approximately the size and weight of televisions of comparable screen size.
Opening and closing:
 ....When folded flat, the keystoned projection screen can be seen, flat against the inside of the Fresnel lens, which is tinted blue to color correct the light source. As the screen is hinged open from the back, the lens magnifies the right side of the screen until it looks rectangular. |
....An internal strut, carrying the projection screen, is opened by pulling on the bellows. A hinge in the strut is molded in a curve to snap the strut open. However, when the hinge is pressed, from outside the rubber bellows, the dome collapses allowing the strut to fold flat. |
Folding and carrying:
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....When folded, the Compact Reader is one inch thick, making it easy to carry. When closing, trapped air vents air from the main housing through the handle to cool the lamp. |
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Compact Microfiche Reader Features:
....This is not a product for sale, but is shown as an example of technology, developed by Steve Hines, which clients can now expect from HinesLab on a contract basis.
