Canted platen input scanner

An input scanner operable in first and second modes, the first mode providing an arrangement optimally supporting bound documents and the second mode providing an arrangement optimally supporting single sheets documents, and comprising:

• a generally enclosed housing having an exterior upper surface, an exterior second surface adjacent to the upper surface having a common edge with the upper surface, and a base upon which the housing is supported;
• a platen supported on the upper surface, having an edge closely adjacent to the common edge, the platen supported at a first non-horizontal angle with respect to horizontal;
• said second surface arranged at an oblique angle with respect to said platen, and together with said platen forming a book supporting surface for a book with at least one sheet therein over the platen;
• a scanning arrangement supported within said housing and having a scanning element, supported for scanning movement past the platen for the acquisition of image information from the sheet supported thereon, said scanning element supporting an array of photosensitive elements parallel to said platen during scanning movement thereof;
• a driving arrangement connected to said scanning arrangement and operative to cause scanning movement thereof along a predetermined scanning path;
• at least one support member coupled to said base and adjustable to increase in height to support the housing so that a second edge of the upper surface of the housing, parallel to the common edge, is brought to a position where the upper surface supports the platen horizontally.