Device and method for maintaining image scanner data output rate without regard to scanline length while maintaining a constant integration time

A method for varying a scanline rate of a digital scanner while maintaining a constant integration period, comprising the steps of:

• (a) scanning a scanline of an image;
• (b) integrating an array of photosensors after a first predetermined period of time and after a second predetermined period of time have elapsed, one predetermined period of time being equal to the integration period of the array of photosensors and the other predetermined period of time being equal to a difference between a time needed to process a scanline of image data and the integration period of the array of photosensors;
• (c) producing a scanline of valid image data and a scanline of image data corresponding to the scanline scanned in said step (a) from the two integrations of said step (b);
• (d) scanning a new scanline of the image upon execution of said steps (a), (b), and (c);
• (e) receiving information corresponding to a fast-scan length of the image being scanned;
• (f) receiving information corresponding to a fast-scan resolution;
• (g) calculating the time needed for processing a scanline of image data from the information received in said steps (e) and (f);
• and
• (h) calculating the predetermined period of time being equal to a difference between a time needed to process a scanline of image data and the integration period of the array of photosensors according to the calculations performed in said step (g).

A system for varying a scanline rate of a digital scanner while maintaining a constant integration period, comprising:

• photosensitive means for converting light reflected from a first scanline of an image into image signals;
• controller means for producing integration signals to control an integration of said photosensitive means;
• and
• said controller means producing a first integration signal after a first predetermined period has elapsed and producing a second integration signal after a second predetermined period has elapsed, one predetermined period of time being equal to the integration period of the array of photosensors and the other predetermined period of time being equal to a difference between a time needed to process a scanline of image data and the integration period of the array of photosensors;
• said photosensitive means producing a first scanline of valid image data in response to said first integration signal and producing a second scanline of image data in response to said second integration signal;
• registration guide means for generating information corresponding to a fast-scan length of the image being scanned;
• said controller means calculating the time needed for processing a scanline of image data according to the information generated by said length means.

A system for varying a scanline rate of a digital scanner while maintaining a constant integration period, comprising:

• photosensitive means for converting light reflected from a first scanline of an image into image signals;
• controller means for producing integration signals to control an integration of said photosensitive means;
• said controller means producing a first integration signal after a first predetermined period has elapsed and producing a second integration signal after a second predetermined period has elapsed, one predetermined period of time being equal to the integration period of the array of photosensors and the other predetermined period of time being equal to a difference between a time needed to process a scanline of image data and the integration period of the array of photosensors;
• said photosensitive means producing a first scanline of valid image data in response to said first integration signal and producing a second scanline of image data in response to said second integration signal;
• means for generating information corresponding to a fast-scan length of the image being scanned;
• and
• input means for inputting information corresponding to a fast-scan resolution;
• said controller means calculating the time needed for processing a scanline of image data and the second predetermined period of time according to the fast-scan length and fast-scan resolution.