'consensus sync' data-sampling systems and methods

Abstract

Image processing systems and methods for retrieving digital data stored in a plurality of contiguous data cells on photographic film. An image sensor samples the image data at a plurality of pixel positions in each of the data cells and generates grayscale image data that is processed into a one-dimensional stream of binary pixels. A data sampling system processes the binary pixels by first selecting those binary pixels that correspond to the data cell centers. Then, a digital output signal is constructed from the selected pixels to represent the original data stored on the film. The stream of binary pixels are read in series. In particular, transitions, detected in the stream of binary pixels, are used to periodically estimate the data cell pitch and the transition phase. A plurality of, e.g. N, suggested distances from the current pixel to the next sampling point are located using the transition phases of the most recent N transitions. A preferred sampling phase is determined through a histogram to find a consensus among the N suggested distances. The digital output signal is constructed from those pixels that occur at the preferred sampling phase.