Method and apparatus to pre-scan and pre-treat film for improved digital film processing handling

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system that pre-scans and pre-treats film for improved digital film processing. The apparatus for use with the invention includes, generally, a sensor for detecting one or more imperfections on the film and a microprocessor connected to the sensor that determines the amount and extent of imperfections of the film based on one or more reference readings. The present invention may also include a tape dispenser, cleaning rollers, a blower or vacuum to remove and/or correct any imperfections in the film. One embodiment includes a cleaning system for a particle removal member which removes particles from film. The cleaning system is relatively movable and selectively contactable with the particle removal member to clean particles from the particle removal member.

1 - 33 . (canceled)  
   
   
       34 . An apparatus for cleaning film in a film processing system, comprising: 
 a particle removal member configured to remove particles from film;    a cleaning system automatically movable between a contacting position and a non-contacting position, wherein, in the contacting position, the cleaning system is configured to contact the particle removal member and remove particles therefrom, wherein the cleaning system is configured to automatically move from the non-contacting position to the contacting position at a predetermined time.    
   
   
       35 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the particle removal member comprises a particle removal roller adapted to rotate as film is moved past the roller.  
   
   
       36 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the particle removal member comprises an adhesive surface adapted for removing particles from the film as the film is moved past the member.  
   
   
       37 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the cleaning system comprises: 
 an adhesive tape; and    a cleaning member comprising a contact roller in contact with the tape and movable between the contacting position and the non-contacting position.    
   
   
       38 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the cleaning system comprises: 
 a cleaning member movable between the contacting position and the non-contacting position; and    a controller configured to cause the cleaning member to move between the contacting position and the non-contacting position at the predetermined time.    
   
   
       39 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the particle removal member comprises a roller and the predetermined time comprises a predetermined number of rotations of the roller.  
   
   
       40 . An apparatus for cleaning film in a film processing system, comprising: 
 a film transport system for moving film through a predetermined path:    a particle removal member configured to contact film and remove particles from the film as the film is moved through the predetermined path; and    a cleaning system configured to remove particles from the particle removal member, the cleaning system and the particle removal member being relatively movable so as to be selectively contactable with respect to each other, the cleaning system having a particle attraction surface operative to remove particles from the particle removal member when the cleaning system is in contact with the particle removal member.    
   
   
       41 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the cleaning system comprises: 
 a disposable adhesive tape having the particle attraction surface; and    a cleaning member in contact with the tape.    
   
   
       42 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 41 , further comprising: 
 a tape transport system configured to move the tape over the cleaning member.    
   
   
       43 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the particle removal member comprises a particle take-off roller, and wherein the cleaning system includes a contact roller relatively movable with respect to the particle take-off roller.  
   
   
       44 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 43 , wherein the cleaning system further comprises: 
 a disposable adhesive tape in contact with the contact roller and relatively movable with respect to the contact roller.    
   
   
       45 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the cleaning system comprises 
 a cleaning member; and    a controller configured to cause the cleaning member to move relative to the particle removal member at a predetermined time.    
   
   
       46 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 45 , wherein the particle removal member comprises a roller and the predetermined time comprises a predetermined number of rotations of the roller.  
   
   
       47 . An apparatus for cleaning film in a film processing system, comprising: 
 a particle removal member configured to remove particles from film;    a cleaning system comprising: 
 a disposable adhesive tape;  
 a cleaning member in contact with the tape and movable between a contacting position and a non-contacting position, wherein, in the contacting position, the cleaning member is configured to place the tape in contact the particle removal member such that the tape removes particles therefrom; and  
 a tape transport system for movement of the tape across the cleaning member.  
   
   
   
       48 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 47 , wherein the cleaning member comprises a contact roller and the particle removal member comprises a particle take-off roller.  
   
   
       49 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 47 , wherein the cleaning system further comprises: 
 a controller configured to cause the cleaning member to move between the contacting position and the non-contacting position at predetermined times.