High resolution input scanner using a two dimensional detector array

Abstract

In an input scanner the subject to be scanned is translated in a cross scan direction relative to a two dimensional, integrated CCD detector array or the like so that successive full scan length segments of the subject are sequentially imaged onto the array. The photosensitive zones of the detectors within the different rows of the array are laterally staggered so that each of the detectors responds to a specific spatially predetermined resolution element or pixel of each scan line. The detectors generate data samples in response to those pixels, but the data samples representing adjacent pixels of any given scan line are distributed over multiple rows of the array in accordance with a two dimensional distribution function which depends on the staggering of the photosensitive zones of the detectors. If multiple scan lines are simultaneously imaged onto the array, buffered destaggering electronics, operating in accordance with the inverse of that distribution function may be utilized to arrange the data samples representing adjacent pixels in a serial video data stream having a conventional raster scan format. If, however, only one scan line is imaged onto the array per imaging frame, the data samples may be directly read out of the detectors in a scan line-by-scan line serial video data stream.

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