Abstract: This abstract describes an apparatus for providing accurate white balance for images from a color sequential image scanner while minimizing the object illumination level. A shutter synchronized to the phase of a fluorescent light source allows for different exposure times for the red, green and blue image captures, in order to achieve proper white balance while maximizing the signal to noise ratio. By synchronizing the shutter with the AC voltage supplied to the illumination source, light level variations from one image capture to another are minimized.

Abstract: A zoom lens magnification control mechanism for a photoprint digitizing scanner contains an adjustable focus, zoom lens. The photoprint image projection path is incident upon a high resolution CCD sensor, image output signals from which are digitized for storage on a compact disc. Control of the operation of the scanner includes the use of a display device to which output signals provided by the photosensor are coupled so as to display the projected image. Whenever a photoprint is presented to the scanner an indication of the size of the photoprint is provided, as by way of a code stored on a photoprint platen, in order to set the magnification setting of the zoom lens. The photofinisher observes the display of the image projected on the photosensor and adjusts, as necessary, the operation of the zoom lens so that the image displayed by the display device fits the display screen.