The production of quality microfilm is a difficult task. There are many factors involved with the production of the final image ranging from the chemical and physical composition of the original microfilm to the mechanical performance of the processing equipment. No single area is more important than any other, and the CAPS system recognizes this.

The System monitors the production of the micro-image at every stage. The monitoring begins by testing the incoming film product. This testing is simple and consists of processing sensitometric strips and inputting the densities into the computer. The system then compares the results with the historical data resident in the system. If the results deviate from the past, the system advises the operator to perform further tests or contact Micrographic Sciences, Inc. (MSI).

Monitoring continues on each processor as the exposed microfilm is processed to ensure that it receives the correct processing. The system requires the operators of each shift to process sensitometric strips before production film is processed. After processing, the densities are input to the computer and the system does extensive parameter testing to ensure that the processing level is correct. This phase of CAPS is simple to perform by the operator, but automatically utilizes complex mathematical calculations.

The readings are evaluated from two distinctly different viewpoints. The first answers the question "Will the process, as it stands, produce film that is within the established quality standards?" If the answer is yes, the system allows the operator to begin processing production film. If the answer is no, the system identifies the problem and supplies alternate methods of correction. At this stage the system always demands that another simulation test (sensitometric strip processing)be performed, prior to the processing of production film. The second viewpoint considers how the process compares to past performance and predicts future performance. It is this feature of CAPS that distinguishes it from other processing systems. Other systems answer only the question “Will the process, as it stands, produce film that is within the established quality standards." CAPS answers the question "Will the process continue to produce film that is within the established quality standards." The method CAPS uses to answer these questions is unique in the micrographics industry.

> Return To Top