Multiple channel scanning device using oversampling and image processing to increase throughput

A method of reading data from a recorded surface having successive columns of data cells, said successive columns comprising at least one row of said data cells, comprising the steps of:

• moving said recorded surface such that light from a first output aperture is focused onto a first of said successive columns;
• receiving light returned from said recorded surface responsively to said first step of moving;
• detecting light returned from said recorded surface and storing a first result thereof;
• moving said recorded surface such that light from a second output aperture is focused onto said first of said successive columns;
• receiving light returned from said recorded surface responsively to said second step of moving;
• detecting light returned to said first input aperture and storing a second result thereof,
• calculating data represented by said first of said respective columns responsively to a computed combination of said first and second results.

A method of reading data from a recorded surface having successive columns of data cells, said successive columns comprising at least one row of said data cells, comprising the steps of:

• moving said recorded surface such that light from a first output aperture is focused onto a first of said successive columns;
• receiving light returned from said recorded surface responsively to said first step of moving;
• detecting light returned from said recorded surface and storing a first result thereof;
• moving said recorded surface such that light from a second output aperture is focused onto said first of said successive columns;
• receiving light returned from said recorded surface responsively to said second step of moving;
• detecting light returned to said first input aperture and storing a second result thereof,
• calculating data represented by said first of said respective columns responsively to a computed combination of said first and second results.

A scanning device for scanning a medium with data written thereon, said data being arranged in columns of adjacent data cells on said target surface, each of said columns of data cells having one of a set of possible configurations representing data, comprising:

• a scanning head with an array of input apertures arranged in successive columns such that each of said columns receives light from a same one of said columns of data cells;
• at least one detector connected to detect light received by said array of input apertures;
• said detector generating a signal indicating an estimate of a one of said possible configurations by combining information derived from light received by all of said successive columns;
• a frame connected to said scanning head;
• said medium being attachable to said frame such that said medium is movable relative to said read/write head, whereby said media moves in a first direction relative to said read/write head;
• an oscillating motor connected between said frame and said read/write head to oscillate said scanning head relative to said medium, whereby a spacing of said input apertures may exceed a spacing of said adjacent cells while permitting light returned from substantially all of said adjacent cells to be detected by said at least one detector.