Method and apparatus for optically scanning transparent media
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsAndrea Mietta, Roberto Simmarano
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Abstract
An optical scanner device is provided in PCMCIA format for transparent image bearing media (slides or film). The light sensor (420) includes a single photosensitive element, a photodiode, close to the media (415) being scanned; the sensor (420) and the media (415) are relatively movable one in respect of the other in at least two directions, successively acquiring data representing each pixel one at a time. The source light (405) is implemented as a small block of four LEDs (red, green, blue and infrared), including a plexiglass diffuser (410), and it is moved concurrently with the sensor (420). The sensor (420) and the light source (405) can be moved at different selected speeds, providing a scanner with different selectable resolutions.
Claims15
An optical scanner for acquiring data representing a selected plurality of pixels from transparent image bearing media, said scanner including:
- a light source;
- a light sensor;
- means for positioning said media in an operative position between said light source and said light sensor, characterized in that said sensor comprises a single photosensitive element in substantial contact with said media,
- means for moving one of said light sensor and said media in at least two directions, and
- means for controlling the movement of the moving means, whereby data representing each of said pixels are successively acquired one at a time by said sensor.
In an optical scanner device, a method for acquiring and storing data representing selected plurality of pixels from a transparent image bearing media, said method comprising the steps of:
- inserting said media between a light source and a light sensor, with said light sensor in substantial contact with said media;
- illuminating said media with said light source;
- relatively moving said sensor and said media in at least two directions;
- and
- successively acquiring and storing one at a time data representing each of said pixels with said sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.