Digitising collections of microfiche - Re: Looking for opinions...

[geneb]

On Thu, 29 Mar 2018, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:

> On Thu, 29 Mar 2018, geneb via cctalk wrote:
>> I'm probably WAY over simplifying this because I don't have a grasp of the 
>> optics involved, but wouldn't it be possible to get a good image of 
>> individual pages on a microfiche by using a DSLR with the right lens and a 
>> CNC X/Y table made from one of the large (8x10) LED illuminators used to 
>> treat SAD?  The lights are pretty bright and are under $50.
>
> Getting EVEN illumination throughout the frame will still be an issue. BIG 
> issue for photographic images, but still a minor issue for bitonal text and 
> schematics.
> Theoretical ideal is a point source with collimating "condenser" lenses (like 
> the top half of an enlarger).  BUT, for this, a diffuse light source or an 
> added diffuser MIGHT be adequate.  Particularly for bitonal, where half-tone 
> density, or color balance, is not significant.
>
The unit I saw last week was very even.  The person that owned it uses it 
for studio lighting for video production.

>
>> The X/Y table build would be very simple and cheap to build.
>
> For you, maybe.  I'm a little overwhelmed contemplating that part of the 
> project.  Even the film holder is a little work.
> Which is why I was suggesting gutting a fiche reader for those mechanical 
> parts, and then adding positioning mechanisms.
>
The X/Y table is probably the simplest part of the build - every part of 
it is a solved problem, from the motion gantry to the controller.  It 
could be driven by an Arduino Uno and a pair of Pololu Stepper Drivers 
connected to a pair of 1.8 degree NEMA17 steppers.  The gantry could be 
made from 3D printed carriages equipped with 608 skate bearings riding 
atop rails made from 1/2" EMT conduit.

The camera system is WAY outside my wheelhouse, but I'd be happy to work 
with someone to get an X/Y gantry built.  I've got plenty of idle 3D 
printers and tons of unused skate bearings. :)

g.


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