Jumat, 31 Januari 2014

Using A Microfiche Scanner To View And Store Documents

By Grace Rivas


When a microfiche scanner is used, a thin transparent film is used to store information in a miniature system. The most common method of reading the cards is to use a reader machine that magnifies the film data. Libraries and museums use these machines often as a way to store resources efficiently. While most organizations may employ digital means to store data, microfiches are used widely and some may argue that they have a longer life span.

In case it got by you, microfilms are much more durable and stronger than digital data mediums. A small film is around 155mm x 148mm. In inches, it translates to 4 in x 5.8 in. Typically, microfilms used to embed documents and images are made from a polyester base.

Microfilms cannot typically be ascertained by the naked eye, and they must first be magnified. There are a few machines designed just for this purpose. The most common of the machines have a magnifier and a simple projector.

The viewer machines are quite expensive, and they can be commonly found in large institutions that like to preserve documents and historical context. Optical scanners can be utilized to convert the documents to digital formats that can be used on a computer. A small storage cabinet would be sufficient space to hold thousands of microfiches, which can contain around upwards of 10,000 pages of materials.

While the machines are expensive, they are not complicated to use and does not require specialized software or skill to use them. Digital storage media can only be read on things like computers. Some institutions do use microfiches and digital storage media interchangeably. The polyester material which the images are printed on is quite stable, and in temperature controlled environments, the films can last as long as 500 years.

In contrast, compact discs normally do not last beyond the span of 100 years. They can, but the owner would have to operate strict control in handling and storing compact discs. Microfiches are much more reliable in terms of durability and endurance. Computer-based data devices are much more delicate, and it turns, they have a short life span. Microfiches are conservative as far as its progressive technology goes, so it is much easier to replace films when copies are damaged or lost.

The main disadvantages to using microfiches are that special equipment is required to view pages, and for this reason, it is not always practical to use these. The equipment required to view the pages are bulky, and are less common in the market than computers. Microfiches and the relative equipment used are considered unique and a rarity.

The main theme for microforms is contract on black and white images. Using microforms to store high quality images is not ideal, and photographs do not look as good as modern digital devices portray them to be. When color ink is used in microform, it can degrade with exposure to sunlight or bright light.

The films are near impossible to view without a microfiche scanner nearby. If you do not have a machine, you can most likely find one at your local courthouse, library, museum, or educational institution. There is also the inconvenience of having to travel to another location to view microfilms, but if you purchase one for a one time investment, it would streamline your life if you deal with a lot of microfilms.




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