Method and system for processing image data in reproducing images

Claim 1

A method of reproducing a plurality of images arranged in a desired layout, said method comprising the steps of: (i) placing a plurality of originals to be reproduced on a base plate; (ii) determining reproduction data including scanning start and stop points of each original and a corresponding reproduced image respectively, a desired magnification and a scanning angle relative to each original; (iii) storing said reproduction data in reproduction data storing means; (iv) scanning a first track of at least two originals with a predetermined number of scanning lines under control of said reproduction data to obtain first image data of said originals; (v) storing said first image data in a first memory means; (vi) scanning a second track of said at least two originals in the same manner as in step (iv) to obtain second image data of said originals; (vii) storing said second image data in a second memory means while simultaneously retrieving the first image data from the first memory under control of said reproduction data; (viii) repeating the steps (iv) through (vii) with respect to additional tracks of said at least two originals, alternately changing storing and retrieving functions of the first and second memory means; and (ix) successively recording the lines of said tracks, whereby the reproduced images are recorded on a photosensitive material in the desired layout.

Claim 2

A method of reproducing a plurality of images arranged in a desired layout, said method comprising the steps of: (i) placing a plurality of originals to be reproduced on a base plate; (ii) determining reproduction data including scanning start and stop points of each original and a corresponding reproduced image respectively, a desired magnification and a scanning angle relative to each original; (iii) storing said reproduction data in reproduction data storing means; (iv) scanning a first track of at least two originals with a predetermined number of scanning lines under control of said reproduction data to obtain first image data of said originals; (v) storing said first image data in a first memory means; (vi) scanning a second track of said at least two originals in the same manner as in step (iv) to obtain second image data of said originals; (vii) storing said second image data in a second memory means while simultaneously retrieving the first image data from the first memory under control of said reproduction data; (viii) repeating the steps (iv) through (vii) with respect to additional tracks of said at least two originals, alternately changing storing and retrieving functions of the first and second memory means; and (ix) successively recording the lines of said tracks, whereby the reproduced images are recorded on a photosensitive material in the desired layout.

Claim 4

A system for reproducing a plurality of images arranged in a desired layout, comprising: a support means for supporting a plurality of originals to be reproduced; storage means for storing desired reproduction data including scanning start and stop points of each original and a corresponding reproduced image, respectively, a desired magnification and a scanning angle relative to each original; scanning means for scanning tracks of said originals; first and second memory means; memory control means for addressing storage locations in and controlling data storage and retrieval functions of said first and second memory means; processor means responsive to said desired reproduction data for controlling said scanning means and said memory control means to: (i) scan a first track of at least two originals with a predetermined number of scanning lines to obtain first image data; (ii) store said first image data in said first memory means; (iii) scan a second track of said at least two originals with said predetermined number of scanning lines to obtain second image data; (iv) store said second image data in said second memory means while simultaneously retrieving said second image data from said second memory means; and (v) repeat (i)-(iv) with respect to additional tracks of said at least two originals while alternately changing the storage and retrieval functions of said first and second memory means; and recording means for successively recording the lines of said tracks to reproduce said plurality of images in the desired layout.

Claim 5

A system for reproducing a plurality of images arranged in a desired layout, comprising: a support means for supporting a plurality of originals to be reproduced; storage means for storing desired reproduction data including scanning start and stop points of each original and a corresponding reproduced image, respectively, a desired magnification and a scanning angle relative to each original; scanning means for scanning tracks of said originals; first and second memory means; memory control means for addressing storage locations in and controlling data storage and retrieval functions of said first and second memory means; processor means responsive to said desired reproduction data for controlling said scanning means and said memory control means to: (i) scan a first track of at least two originals with a predetermined number of scanning lines to obtain first image data; (ii) store said first image data in said first memory means; (iii) scan a second track of said at least two originals with said predetermined number of scanning lines to obtain second image data; (iv) store said second image data in said second memory means while simultaneously retrieving said second image data from said second memory means; and (v) repeat (i)-(iv) with respect to additional tracks of said at least two originals while alternately changing the storage and retrieval functions of said first and second memory means; and recording means for successively recording the lines of said tracks to reproduce said plurality of images in the desired layout.