US5144448A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Scanning apparatus using multiple CCD arrays and related method
Assignee: 3D Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1990-07-31
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Granted: 1992-09-01
•
Expires: 2010-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A scanner apparatus using multiple CCD arrays for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image can correct for misalignment of the arrays in the X-axis (scanning) direction and/or Y-axis (feed) direction using a combination of hardware, software, and firmware. To correct for alignment errors in the X-axis direction, the field of view of each of the arrays must overlap. A start pixel is determined for each array based on the degrees of overlap so that a composite scan line of data can be formed from the video image data from each of the arrays. The scan lines are continuously stored in a buffer memory which operates as a ring FIFO buffer. Alignment errors in the Y-axis direction are corrected by software in the host computer which reads separate portions of the scan lines from the buffer memory corresponding to each of the arrays using on read pointers that are set according to the alignment error. The scanner control firmware and software can measure the alignment of the arrays with a simple test target. In addition, the start pixel and read pointers can be changed while displaying the image on a CRT screen so that corrections can be made simultaneously to viewing the image.
Inventors
- 👤 Cecil V. Hornbaker, III
- 👤 Thomas C. Driggers
- 👤 Edward W. Bindon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:53
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/04; H04N1/19; H04N1/191; H04N1/192; H04N1/193
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
250 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; means for determining a starting pixel element for each array; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element, said reading means comprising: means for providing to each of the arrays a number of clock pulses corresponding to the starting pixel element for each array in order to reach the video image data, memory means for storing in sequential memory locations flag data corresponding to the predetermined number of pixel elements for each array, counter means for sequentially addressing the memory means, means for providing clock pulses to each of the arrays in response to the flag data read from the memory to transport the video image data out of the arrays; and means for forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
250 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; means for determining a starting pixel element for each array; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element, said reading means comprising: means for providing to each of the arrays a number of clock pulses corresponding to the starting pixel element for each array in order to reach the video image data, memory means for storing in sequential memory locations flag data corresponding to the predetermined number of pixel elements for each array, counter means for sequentially addressing the memory means, means for providing clock pulses to each of the arrays in response to the flag data read from the memory to transport the video image data out of the arrays; and means for forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each array has a field of view that is less than the width of the image and the field of view of each array overlaps with the field of view of one of the other arrays, and wherein the means for determining a starting pixel element includes means for determining an error value corresponding to the degree of overlap between the arrays.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a host computer for displaying the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; and means for changing the starting pixel element for each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
199 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays; means for forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; memory buffer means for storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations; means for determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer means separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and means for reading from the memory buffer means the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
199 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays; means for forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; memory buffer means for storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations; means for determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer means separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and means for reading from the memory buffer means the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for displaying by a host computer the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; and means for changing the starting read pointers corresponding to each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
231 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: `a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; means for determining a starting pixel element for each array; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element; means for forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; memory buffer means for storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations; means for determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer means separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and means for reading from the memory buffer means the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
231 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: `a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; means for determining a starting pixel element for each array; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element; means for forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; memory buffer means for storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations; means for determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer means separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and means for reading from the memory buffer means the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each array has a field of view that is less than the width of the image and the field of view of each array overlaps with the field of view of one of the other arrays, and wherein the means for determining a starting pixel element includes means for determining an error value corresponding to the degree of overlap between the arrays.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for displaying by a host computer the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; first means for changing the starting pixel element for each array while the image is being scanned; and second means for changing the starting read pointers corresponding to each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
104 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the means for reading video image data comprises: means for providing to each of the arrays a number of clock pulses corresponding to the starting pixel element for each array in order to reach the video image data; memory means for storing in sequential memory locations flag data corresponding to the predetermined number of pixel elements for each array; counter means for sequentially addressing the memory means; and means for providing clock pulses to each of the arrays in response to the flag data read from the memory to transport the video image data out to the arrays.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
252 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: determining a starting pixel element for each array; reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element; providing to each of the arrays a number of clock pulses corresponding to the starting pixel element for each array in order to reach the video image data; sequentially addressing a random access memory in which flag data corresponding to the predetermined number of pixel elements for each array has been stored in sequential memory locations; providing clock pulses to each of the arrays in response to the flag data read from the memory to transport the video image data out of the arrays; and forming the composite scan line of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
252 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: determining a starting pixel element for each array; reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element; providing to each of the arrays a number of clock pulses corresponding to the starting pixel element for each array in order to reach the video image data; sequentially addressing a random access memory in which flag data corresponding to the predetermined number of pixel elements for each array has been stored in sequential memory locations; providing clock pulses to each of the arrays in response to the flag data read from the memory to transport the video image data out of the arrays; and forming the composite scan line of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method according to claim 10, wherein each array has a field of view that is less than the width of the image and the field of view of each array overlaps with the field of view of one of the other arrays, and wherein the step of determining a starting pixel element for each array includes the substep of determining an error value corresponding to the degree of overlap between the arrays.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of displaying by a host computer the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; and changing the starting pixel element for each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
206 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: reading video image data from each of the arrays; forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations in a memory buffer; determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and reading from the memory buffer the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form the composite scan line of data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
206 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: reading video image data from each of the arrays; forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations in a memory buffer; determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and reading from the memory buffer the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form the composite scan line of data.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of displaying by a host computer the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; and changing the starting read pointers corresponding to each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
237 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: determining a starting pixel element for each array; reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element; and forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations in a memory buffer; determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and reading from the memory buffer the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form the composite scan line of data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
237 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: determining a starting pixel element for each array; reading video image data from each of the arrays beginning at the starting pixel element for each array and ending a predetermined number of pixel elements after the starting pixel element; and forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations in a memory buffer; determining starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer separate portions of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and reading from the memory buffer the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form the composite scan line of data.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein each array has a field of view that is less than the width of the image and the field of view of each array overlaps with the field of view of one of the other arrays, and wherein the step of determining a starting pixel element for each array includes the substep of determining an error value corresponding to the degree of overlap between the arrays.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of displaying by a host computer the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; and changing the starting pixel element for each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of displaying by a host computer the composite scan lines of data representative of the image on a display device while the image is being scanned; and changing the starting read pointers corresponding to each array while the image is being scanned.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of reading video image data includes the substeps of: providing to each of the arrays a number of clock pulses corresponding to the staring pixel element of each array in order to reach the video image data; sequentially addressing a random access memory in which flag data corresponding to the predetermined number of pixel elements for each array has been stored in sequential memory locations; and providing clock pulses to each of the arrays in response to the flag data read from the memory to transport the video image data out of the arrays.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
177 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; optical calibration means for providing a target image to the arrays; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays; means for automatically determining an error value from video image data corresponding to the target image for correcting a stitch error due to physical positioning of the arrays relative to each other, wherein the error value corresponds to an offset between the arrays in the direction of movement of the image; and means for forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
177 words
An apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image comprising: a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array; means for moving the image relative to the arrays; means for supporting the arrays in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays; optical calibration means for providing a target image to the arrays; means for reading video image data from each of the arrays; means for automatically determining an error value from video image data corresponding to the target image for correcting a stitch error due to physical positioning of the arrays relative to each other, wherein the error value corresponds to an offset between the arrays in the direction of movement of the image; and means for forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
103 words
The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising: memory buffer means for storing the scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays; means for determining from the error value starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer means separate portion of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and means for reading from the memory buffer means the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the optical calibration means includes a stitch target that is fed into the apparatus by an operator.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the stitch target includes an image having two parallel lines.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
192 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: providing a target image to the arrays; reading video image data from each of the arrays; automatically determining an error value from video image data corresponding to the target image for correcting a stitch error due to physical positioning of the arrays relative to each other, wherein the error value corresponds to an offset between the arrays in the direction of movement of the image; and forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
192 words
In an apparatus for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image, the apparatus including a plurality of linear arrays, each of the arrays having a plurality of photosensitive pixel elements arranged in succession along a linear axis of the array, wherein the image moves relative to the arrays, and wherein the arrays are supported in position to scan the image with the linear axis of the arrays extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the image relative to the arrays, a method of forming a composite scan line of data representative of a single line of the image comprising the steps of: providing a target image to the arrays; reading video image data from each of the arrays; automatically determining an error value from video image data corresponding to the target image for correcting a stitch error due to physical positioning of the arrays relative to each other, wherein the error value corresponds to an offset between the arrays in the direction of movement of the image; and forming scan lines of data from the video image data read from each of the arrays.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of: storing the scan lines of data in sequential memory locations in a memory buffer; determining from the error value starting read pointers corresponding to each array for reading from the memory buffer means separate portion of the scan lines of data corresponding to the video image data read from each of the arrays; and reading from the memory buffer the separate portions of the scan lines of data to form a composite scan line of data.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the target image is fed into the apparatus by an operator.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the target image includes an image having two parallel lines.
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