US3887939A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Scanning apparatus and method using sharp and unsharp spots
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1973-04-23
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Granted: 1975-06-03
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Expires: 1993-04-23
Abstract
Abstract In an apparatus and method for converting an image of a color object to an electrical signal and using sharp and unsharp spots, luminance information is the sole information derived from the sharp spot, while all color information is derived from the unsharp spot. Color signals derived from the unsharp spot are combined to produce a low definition luminance signal which is combined with a high definition luminance signal derived from the sharp spot to provide image edge enhancement.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W G Hunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:38
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for producing electrical signals corresponding to information from a color object, said apparatus comprising: a. means for scanning a color object with two spots of light, the first of said spots being small and sharp, and the second of said spots being large and unsharp, b. first means utilizing substantially all of and only the light passing from the first spot scan of such object, for producing a high definition luminance signal, and c. second means, utilizing substantially all of the light passing from the second spot scan of such object, for producing low definition color signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for producing electrical signals corresponding to information from a color object, said apparatus comprising: a. means for scanning a color object with two spots of light, the first of said spots being small and sharp, and the second of said spots being large and unsharp, b. first means utilizing substantially all of and only the light passing from the first spot scan of such object, for producing a high definition luminance signal, and c. second means, utilizing substantially all of the light passing from the second spot scan of such object, for producing low definition color signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for producing electrical signals corresponding to information from a color object, said apparatus comprising: a. means for scanning a color object with two spots of light, the first of said spots being small and sharp, and the second of said spots being large and unsharp, b. first means utilizing substantially all of and only the light passing from the first spot scan of such object, for producing a high definition luminance signal, and c. second means, utilizing substantially all of the light passing from the second spot scan of such object, for producing low definition color signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for producing electrical signals corresponding to information from a color object, said apparatus comprising: a. means for scanning a color object with two spots of light, the first of said spots being small and sharp, and the second of said spots being large and unsharp, b. first means utilizing substantially all of and only the light passing from the first spot scan of such object, for producing a high definition luminance signal, and c. second means, utilizing substantially all of the light passing from the second spot scan of such object, for producing low definition color signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1 further comprising: a. means for producing a low definition luminance signal from said low definition color signals by adding together portions of said low definition color signals, b. means for deriving an image edge-enhancement signal by subtracting said low definition luminance signal from said high definition luminance signal; and c. means for adding said edge-enhancement signal to one or more of said low definition color signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
91 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein said first means includes a luminance photodetector and optical fiber means positioned to receive information from said small spot of light, and to transmit such information to said luminance photodetector, and said second means includes a plurality of color photodetector means, each having differing spectral sensitivity, and a plurality of optical fiber means, each corresponding to a color component being detected, positioned so as to receive information from said large spot of light, and to transmit such information to the corresponding color photodetector means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the diameter of said large spot of light is about four times the diameter of said small spot of light.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein said scanning means comprises: a. a cathode ray tube for producing a raster scan, b. lens means for focusing said raster scan, and c. an apertured plate positioned in the plane of the aperture stop of said lens means, said plate being composed of a material which is at least partially transparent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined by claim 5, wherein the diameter of said small spot of light is approximately equal to or less than the distance between the centers of adjacent scanning lines.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of producing an electrical signal or signals corresponding to information from a color object, said method comprising the steps of: a. scanning a color object with first and second spots of light, said second spot being larger than said first spot, b. utilizing substantially all of, and only, the light from the first spot scan for producing a high definition luminance signal, and c. utilizing substantially all of the light from said second spot scan for producing color signals.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of producing an electrical signal or signals corresponding to information from a color object, said method comprising the steps of: a. scanning a color object with first and second spots of light, said second spot being larger than said first spot, b. utilizing substantially all of, and only, the light from the first spot scan for producing a high definition luminance signal, and c. utilizing substantially all of the light from said second spot scan for producing color signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method defined by claim 7 comprising tHe further steps of: a. producing a low definition luminance signal by adding together portions of said color signals, b. deriving an image edge-enhancement signal by subtracting said low definition luminance signal from said high definition luminance signal, and c. adding said image edge-enhancement signal to one or more of said color signals.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-02 | 1978-12-02 | 1979-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-02 | 1982-12-02 | 1983-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-02 | 1986-12-02 | 1987-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |