Apparatus for multiple resolution scanning

A scanning apparatus for producing a two dimensional computer image of a two dimensional original object comprising:

• at least first and second platforms both supported for linear scanning motion along a predetermined path determined by at least one dimension of said original object;
• said first platform carrying said original object and said second platform carrying electro-optical image reproduction means;
• said electo-optical image reproduction means comprises:
• lamp means for producing light energy for illuminating said original object;
• camera means for receiving said light energy along the other of said object dimensions and coverting it into electrical energy in digital format using a charge coupled device;
• a multiplicity of lenses for focusing said light energy from said original object onto said charge coupled device;
• lense selection means for selecting one of said lenses to achieve said high, low and intermediate resolutions;
• zoom/focus motive means for precisely maintaining the proper distance between said original object and said charge coupled device;
• first and second scan motive means for moving said first and second platforms along said path;
• one of said scan motive means moving one of said platforms over the entire length of said path;
• the other of said scan motive means moving the other of said platforms over a fractional part of said path;
• motion control means for controlling said first and second scan motive means.

A scanning apparatus for producing a digital image of a two dimensional original object for use in a computer comprising:

• first and second platform means each adapted for moving along a predetermined path covering said original object;
• means for moving said first and second platform means separately along said predetermined path, so that a distance moved by said second platform means is less than a distance moved by said first platform means;
• said first platform means being adapted to support camera means with precision zoom and focus means for receiving light reflected from said original object to produce an image in a predetermined digital format;
• said second platform means being adapted to support said original object for movement along said predetermined path;
• whereby the combined motions of said first and second platform means provides a high resolution digital image of said original object.