US4525748A — Method and apparatus for scanning and digitizing …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 66 words

In a dot-matrix printer, the improvement comprising: (a) a sensor for sensing the optical intensity levels of an image-bearing medium inserted on the printer paper feed mechanism, the sensor being mounted to a housing in the printer for continuous linear movement during scanning across the image-bearing medium; and (b) means responsive to the printer strobe command for sampling the output of the sensor at predetermined intervals.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 66 words

In a dot-matrix printer, the improvement comprising: (a) a sensor for sensing the optical intensity levels of an image-bearing medium inserted on the printer paper feed mechanism, the sensor being mounted to a housing in the printer for continuous linear movement during scanning across the image-bearing medium; and (b) means responsive to the printer strobe command for sampling the output of the sensor at predetermined intervals.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 21 words

The dot-matrix printer as recited in claim 1 wherein the housing in which the sensor is mounted is the printhead platform.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 18 words

The printer as recited in claim 2 wherein the printhead has been unplugged and replaced by the sensor.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 21 words

The printer as recited in claim 1 wherein the housing in which the sensor is mounted is the ribbon cartridge housing.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The printer as recited in claim 4 wherein the ribbon cartridge has been removed and replaced by the sensor.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

The printer as recited in claim 1 further comprising biasing means for biasing the sensor to bear against the surface of the image-bearing medium.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 14 words

The printer as recited in claim 6 wherein the biasing means includes spring-torsion means.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 26 words

The printer as recited in claim 1 wherein the focus of the optical sensor is preset such that no contact with the image-bearing medium is required.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 154 words

A method of generating a digitized representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical scanner for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity levels of the image comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of pixels in a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; (b) storing data for representing in dot form the varying optical intensity levels of the pixels forming the image, the data stored for each optical intensity level having a pixel space which as a one-to-one corespondence with the input pixel space, the stored data for representing two levels of optical intensity; (c) retrieving the stored data responsive to the sampled optical intensity levels of the image; (d) recording the retrieved data for each sampled pixel to provide a representation of the image in which one pixel space in the reproduced image corresponds to a sampled pixel space in the original image.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 154 words

A method of generating a digitized representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical scanner for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity levels of the image comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of pixels in a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; (b) storing data for representing in dot form the varying optical intensity levels of the pixels forming the image, the data stored for each optical intensity level having a pixel space which as a one-to-one corespondence with the input pixel space, the stored data for representing two levels of optical intensity; (c) retrieving the stored data responsive to the sampled optical intensity levels of the image; (d) recording the retrieved data for each sampled pixel to provide a representation of the image in which one pixel space in the reproduced image corresponds to a sampled pixel space in the original image.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 156 words

A method of generating a digitized representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical scanner for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity levels of the image comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of pixels in a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; (b) storing data for representing in dot form the varying optical intensity levels of the pixels forming the image, the data stored for each optical intensity level having a pixel space which has a one-to-one corespondence with the input pixel space, the stored data for represeneting at least two levels of optical intensity; (c) retrieving the stored data responsive to the sampled optical intensity levels of the image; (d) recording the retrieved data for each sampled pixel to provide a representation of the image in which one pixel space in the reproduced image corresponds to a sampled pixel space in the original image.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 156 words

A method of generating a digitized representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical scanner for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity levels of the image comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of pixels in a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; (b) storing data for representing in dot form the varying optical intensity levels of the pixels forming the image, the data stored for each optical intensity level having a pixel space which has a one-to-one corespondence with the input pixel space, the stored data for represeneting at least two levels of optical intensity; (c) retrieving the stored data responsive to the sampled optical intensity levels of the image; (d) recording the retrieved data for each sampled pixel to provide a representation of the image in which one pixel space in the reproduced image corresponds to a sampled pixel space in the original image.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of generating a digitized gray-scale representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical sensor for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity levels of an image-bearing medium comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; and (b) providing a representation of the image which has a data density which is greater than the sampling density where the distribution of the output data of a particular point in the representation is related to the optical intensity level of the corresponding point in the image.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of generating a digitized gray-scale representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical sensor for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity levels of an image-bearing medium comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; and (b) providing a representation of the image which has a data density which is greater than the sampling density where the distribution of the output data of a particular point in the representation is related to the optical intensity level of the corresponding point in the image.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the dot-matrix printer strobe command signal frequency is an integer multiple of the frequency corresponding to the predetermined sampling density.

Claim 17

Independent Claim 143 words

A method of generating a digitized gray-scale representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical scanner for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity level of the image comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of pixels in a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; (b) storing data for representing in distributed dot form the varying optical intensity levels of the pixels forming the image, the data stored for each optical intensity level having more than one pixel space; (c) retrieving the stored data responsive to the sampled optical intensity levels of the image; and (d) recording the retrieved data for each sampled pixel to provide a representation of the image in which more than one pixel space for containing dots in the reproduced image corresponds to each sampled pixel in the original image.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 143 words

A method of generating a digitized gray-scale representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical scanner for opto-electrically sensing the optical intensity level of the image comprising the steps of: (a) sampling the optical intensity level of pixels in a line of the image at a predetermined sampling density; (b) storing data for representing in distributed dot form the varying optical intensity levels of the pixels forming the image, the data stored for each optical intensity level having more than one pixel space; (c) retrieving the stored data responsive to the sampled optical intensity levels of the image; and (d) recording the retrieved data for each sampled pixel to provide a representation of the image in which more than one pixel space for containing dots in the reproduced image corresponds to each sampled pixel in the original image.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the data is stored in a look-up table containing a plurality of square arrays of pixels, each array for containing a distribution of digital data, each array corresponding to a predetermined optical intensity level.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 121 words

A method of generating a digitized representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical sensor for opto-electrically sensing the intensity level of the image comprising the steps of: (a) passing the sensor linearly across the image in continuous movement while scanning; (b) sampling the optical intensity level of the image at a predetermined sampling rate determined by the print strobe signal frequency; (c) loading the sampled data for each linear pass into a row of an n x m memory array until the memory array is filled with data; (d) transmitting the data in the memory array column-by-column to an external device; and (e) recording the transmitted data to provide a representation of the original image.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 121 words

A method of generating a digitized representation of an image using a dot-matrix printer adapted to include an optical sensor for opto-electrically sensing the intensity level of the image comprising the steps of: (a) passing the sensor linearly across the image in continuous movement while scanning; (b) sampling the optical intensity level of the image at a predetermined sampling rate determined by the print strobe signal frequency; (c) loading the sampled data for each linear pass into a row of an n x m memory array until the memory array is filled with data; (d) transmitting the data in the memory array column-by-column to an external device; and (e) recording the transmitted data to provide a representation of the original image.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 169 words

In a dot matrix printer having a print head platform laterally displaceable relative to a paper feed mechanism, print head mounting means on the print head platform for mounting a print head with a plurality of vertically displaced, individually actuatable pins, ribbon cartridge mounting means on the print head platform for mounting a cartridge having ribbon that is operatively associated with said pins, and means for issuing a printer strobe command at each of a plurality of predetermined lateral positions of the print head platform to actuate said pins and print dots on said medium whose lateral spacing defines dot locations, the improvement comprising: (a) a sensor mounted on the print head platform for movement therewith, and responsive to the optical intensity of an image on said medium for producing a signal; and (b) means responsive to said signal and to printer strobe commands for producing representations of the optical intensity of the image at the positions of the print head platform at which the printer strobe commands occur.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 169 words

In a dot matrix printer having a print head platform laterally displaceable relative to a paper feed mechanism, print head mounting means on the print head platform for mounting a print head with a plurality of vertically displaced, individually actuatable pins, ribbon cartridge mounting means on the print head platform for mounting a cartridge having ribbon that is operatively associated with said pins, and means for issuing a printer strobe command at each of a plurality of predetermined lateral positions of the print head platform to actuate said pins and print dots on said medium whose lateral spacing defines dot locations, the improvement comprising: (a) a sensor mounted on the print head platform for movement therewith, and responsive to the optical intensity of an image on said medium for producing a signal; and (b) means responsive to said signal and to printer strobe commands for producing representations of the optical intensity of the image at the positions of the print head platform at which the printer strobe commands occur.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 32 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein said signal has a value at a given instant which is representative of the optical intensity of a pixel viewed by the sensor at that instant.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 17 words

The invention of claim 17 wherein said signal is sampled in synchronism with the printer strobe commands.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 22 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein said sensor is connected to said print head mounting means in place of said print head.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein said sensor is connected to said print head which is mounted in said print head mounting means.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 22 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein said sensor is connected to said ribbon cartridge mounting means in place of said ribbon cartridge.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein said sensor is connected to said ribbon cartridge which is mounted in said ribbon cartridge mounting means.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 36 words

The invention of claim 18 including means for storing a digital representation of the sampled outputs of said sensor at addresses corresponding to the positions of the print head platform when printer strobe commands are issued.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 16 words

The invention of claim 19 including means responsive to said stored representation for reconstructing an image.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention of claim 24 wherein said means responsive to said stored representation reconstructs an image whose size is the same as that of the original image.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention of claim 24 wherein said means responsive to said stored representation reconstructs an image whose size is different from the size of the original image.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 24 words

The invention of claim 26 wherein said means responsive to said stored representation reconstructs an image whose size is smaller than the original image.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 24 words

The invention of claim 26 wherein said means responsive to said stored representation reconstructs an image whose size is larger than the original image.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 11 words

The invention of claim 24 wherein the reconstructed image is binary.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 12 words

The invention of claim 24 wherein the reconstructed image has a grey-scale.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1988-06-24	1988-12-24	1989-06-25	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1992-06-24	1992-12-24	1993-06-25	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1996-06-24	1996-12-24	1997-06-25	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for scanning and digitizing optical images

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