Abstract: A scanner comprises apparatus for scanning an image in a series of scanlines with a beam. Beam splitters split the modulated beam into a number of subsidiary beams which are fed to respective detectors. In one example (FIG. 2), a set of masks are provided to divide the subsidiary beam spatially such that different portions of the beams are fed to respective detectors. In another example (FIG. 4 ), a color filter splits the modulated beam into its respective color components and, after this beam has been split into subsidiary beams, the individual color components are filtered by filters and fed to detectors.

Abstract: Image scanning apparatus comprises a radiation source to generate a radiation beam, a support on which an original image is mounted in use so that the radiation beam is incident, in use, on the original image, the support and the beam being continuously movable relative to one another in a cyclic manner to expose successive scan lines on the original image. A detector is provided for detecting the radiation beam after exposure to the original image. A buffer receives image signals corresponding to a valid scan line of the original image at a first rate from the detector during exposure of the scan line and outputs all the image signals corresponding to a valid scan line at a second slower rate to a processor within one cycle of the relative motion between the support and the radiation beam. The buffer is prevented from storing signals from the detector when a valid scan line of the original image is not being exposed.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing an image represented by picture signals corresponding to respective color components of successive elements of the image comprises signal generators for generating sharp and unsharp signals from the picture signals. Fringe signal generators derive a plurality of fringe signals by combining the sharp and unsharp signals in a predetermined manner; a correction circuit applies connected in parallel with the fringe signal generators modifying functions to the sharp or unsharp signals or other premodified picture signals to derive modified picture signals; and an adding circuit sums the fringe signals with the modified picture signals to derive a plurality of output signals.

Abstract: A method of generating an electronic representation of an original image (2) comprises illuminating the image (2) with a scanning beam; causing relative movement between the scanning beam impinging on the image and the image (2) whereby the original image (2) is scanned in a series of overlapping scan lines. The scanning beam is caused to impinge on one or more arrays of radiation sensitive elements (14-16), each array having dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the image (2), and the elements being sensitive to the intensity of respective portions of the incident beam received from corresponding pixels of the original image within a scan line at least some of which extends transversely to the scanning direction. The sensed intensities are regularly monitored and data related to the intensities monitored in a predetermined number n of the monitoring steps is stored in a memory (20).

Abstract: Scanning apparatus for generating signals representing color components of successively scanned picture elements of an original colored image comprises a light source (1); means (42,45) for causing relative movement between the original image (3) and a light beam generated by the light source (1) whereby successive picture elements of the original image are scanned. Means (13) for generating a sharp light beam for each color component of each element and an unsharp light beam for at least one color component of each element are provided. Common detection means (10) receives the sharp and unsharp light beams and provides corresponding output signals. Sequencing means such as a filter wheel (13) causes the sharp and unsharp beams sequentially to impinge on the detection means (10).