Abstract: A high speed multi-magnification photofinishing printer for selectively projecting images onto a projection plane containing photographic paper at a plurality of different magnifications is disclosed herein. This printer includes means for supporting a given image bearing photographic negative, means cooperating with the negative for producing a given image bearing light beam, and a plurality of spaced apart but fixed magnification lenses, each of which is designed to project the given image bearing light beam onto the photographic paper contained within the projection plane at different magnifications. The printer also includes light beam position altering means for selectively and alternatively causing the image bearing light beam to pass through any one of the plurality of fixed magnification lenses and onto the photographic paper, whereby to selectively and alternatively project the image bearing light beam onto the paper at one of the different magnifications.

Abstract: A mirror driving method, and device, for a photographic printer having a mirror diagonally movable into and out of a printing light path between a photographic film and a printing lens. The mirror is moved into the printing light path for reflecting light toward a photometric system of the photographic printer during light measurement before printing. During printing, the mirror is removed from the printing light path and is stopped at a rest position. When moving from the rest position into the printing light path, the mirror is controlled to move first at a high speed and then at a low speed. When the printer operation is interrupted for a period or terminated, the mirror is locked at a lock position which is removed from the printing light path.

Abstract: A copying machine has an optical unit for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum which corresponds to an original document supported for copying on a glass table of the copying machine. The copying machine is operable in two copying modes, in which the document is positioned at either a left reference mark on the glass table or at a right reference mark. The optical unit includes four (4) mirrors for scanning the original document and a lens, which are supported for movement on a plurality of carriages. In the left reference mode, a document to be copied is positioned at the left side of the glass table. The first carriage, which supports a first mirror, is moved to scan the document to be copied. A second carriage, which supports a second and third mirror, is also moved during the scanning operation but at one-half the speed of the first carriage. In the right reference mode, a document to be copied is set at the right side of the glass table.

Abstract: A microfilm reader/printer for selecting a desired image from images recorded on a microfilm roll to print the desired image, the images being recorded by the duo photographing system in two channels so that the images recorded in one channel are in the normal orientation while the images recorded in the other channel are in the inverted orientation. Desired images are printed by the microfilm reader/printer always in the normal orientation irrespective of the orientation thereof recorded in either one of the two channels on the duo mode microfilm automatically without the need of manual operation. Channel exchanging means and image rotating means are combined so that orientation of images is inverted every time the channel being retrieved is exchanged so as to display or print desired images in the same orientation. The channel exchanging means may be mechanical or optical means, and the image rotating means may be optical or electronic image processing means.

Abstract: Variable magnification optics for an image forming apparatus has a plurality of optical members, especially a first mirror and a lens located at the rear of the mirror, which are movable in association with each other and over a minimum of distance. This reduces the exclusive space which the optics occupies in the apparatus and, therefore, the overall dimensions of the apparatus. The mirror and lens which are interlocked with each other do not need independent drive lines, whereby the overall dimensions of the apparatus are further reduced.

Abstract: A photographic lens system having three subsystems aligned about the optical center. The first system is a zoom lens. The second is a field lens or illumination source. The third subsystem is a second zoom lens. The second subsystem is arranged to reproduce the outlet aperture of the first zoom lens in the inlet aperture of the second zoom lens.

Abstract: The autofocus system disclosed herein utilizes grazing angle illumination of a spot on the surface of a semiconductor wafer approximately on the axis of the projection lens so that the position of the spot varies as a function of the spacing between the lens and the wafer. The spot is viewed, also at grazing angle, by an optical system which projects an image of the spot towards a set of detectors. The beam is split and the split beams are directed against oppositely facing reflective surfaces on an angularly oscillatable mirror. After reflection from the mirror, the respective split beams are detected so as to generate respective pulse signals corresponding to the passing of the respective spot image past a predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a picture with variable magnification under normal daylight conditions. An interceptor eliminates flare. The position of the interceptor changes as a function of the magnification. High quality images can be obtained without increasing the size of the apparatus. The apparatus also facilitates tracing of the image. The apparatus can be easily maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming enlarged exposures of film negatives is provided. The apparatus is adapted to be coupled to the housing of a conventional photo-processing machine without requiring permanent modification of the conventional machine. The apparatus includes a pair of magazines, one magazine of which houses a roll of unexposed paper. The unexposed paper is fed from the one magazine, vertically through the apparatus and into the other magazine. A mirror placed in the conventional machine, reflects a focussed light beam that has passed through a negative. The light beam is directed into the apparatus so that it impinges on a portion of the unexposed paper passing therethrough thereby forming an exposure of the negative on the paper. Drive motors automatically advance the paper from the one magazine to the other, upon exposure of the negative on the paper. A cutter is provided for cutting the paper when a complete reel of negatives has been exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a light image comprises an optical medium such as a Dove prism, an assembly of three mirrors, a triangle prism etc., and a unit for rotating the optical medium. The optical medium is provided with n reflection planes in number each having a normal included in a predetermined plane including a reference light axis, where n is an odd number (n=1, 3, 5 . . . ). When an incident light beam parallel to the reference light axis is supplied to the optical medium, an output light beam having a predetermined rotating angle relative to the incident light beam is obtained by rotating the optical medium around a line parallel to the reference light axis. An optical system for focusing a light image further comprises a light source for radiating a plurality of light beams, and a focusing lens for focusing the light beams on a recording medium such as an optical disk, a photosensitive drum etc.

Abstract: A camera includes a holder (1) for holding an original, an optical system (10) for optically scanning the original to form an image thereof, a mechanism (6) for moving the optical system and the holder with respect to each other, and a cylindrical drum (8) for conveying sensitized material (21) in synchronization with the mechanism (6) to record the image of the original on the sensitized material (21) in a continuous slitwise manner. The sensitized material (21) is conveyed while held by static electricity or vacuum attraction. The camera is capable of variable magnification.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically feeding document sheets one by one to an exposure position through a specified transport path and automatically photographing each sheet in response to an operation signal given when the sheet has reached the exposure position. The apparatus comprises sensors for detecting the size or kind of the sheet transported through the path, and a mode change mechanism operable in accordance with the detection data obtained by the sensor for changing the photographing mode as to the magnification of its phohtographic optical system or the aperture size of the aperture assembly thereof. The photographing mechanism of the apparatus is held out of operation while the mode change mechanism is in operation even if the operation signal is given. Consequently, each sheet can be photographed on the film in suitable mode, and the failure due to the mode changing procedure is avoidable.

Abstract: A copying apparatus capable of divisional copy mode for sheets in which two sheet documents are respectively positioned along two reference edges on a document platen and copy operations for each of documents are conducted on the basis of each of reference edges in response to one copy start instruction.

Abstract: An image forming device having a mechanism for conducting variable magnification by moving a mirror, and lenses, which includes an optical system having six mirrors and a mechanism for moving the fourth mirror and the fifth mirror which are disposed behind the lenses.

Abstract: A compact mechanical linkage apparatus is disclosed to drive an optical scanning device underneath and parallel to a stationary transparent platen of a reproduction machine. The scanning device includes a carriage having an optical lens assembly. The carriage is adapted to move relative to the machine frame and on guide means for guiding the carriage along a path of travel parallel to the platen whereby successive incremental regions of the document or other object on the platen are scanned and the incremental light image formed by the scanning means are directed to the image receiving member. The carriage is driven along its scanning length by a multiple link mechanism having an input link adapted for full revolution at a constant speed and a one of its links slidably connected to the carriage for imparting thereto a straight line motion at constant speed.

Abstract: A scanning exposure device comprises a projection lens, a photosensitive member disposed beneath the projection lens, two movable mirrors disposed with their reflecting surfaces facing upward and having asymmetrical inclinations relative to each other, and a stationary mirror disposed with its reflecting surface facing downward to form an optical path together with the movable mirrors. The two movable mirrors are driven for scanning movements so as to expose a picture image from the projection lens on the photosensitive member through a slit. Thus, an optical path is established in which the light beam projected from the projection lens located at a higher position is guided toward the photosensitive member located at a lower position.

Abstract: A reader printer includes a rotatable scanning mirror disposed in an optical path formed between a projection lens and a printer section in correspondence with a printer mode, the scanning mirror being rotated to perform scanning of an image and a movable mirror disposed near such a printer mode optical path for movement between an inserted position where it is inserted in the optical path and a retracted position to which it is retracted from the optical path. Movement of the movable mirror causes mutual switching between the printer mode optical path and the reader mode optical path.

Abstract: Improvements in a magnification varying device for electrophotographic copying machine of the mirror scan type to eliminate the drawbacks to be encountered and resulting in degraded copy images when the magnification varying range is increased, such as objectionable operative connection between a projection lens and a deflection mirror, and leakage of undesired light between the lens and a light blocking member around the path of travel of the lens. The present device includes an eccentric cam having the largest radius at a position for giving an equal magnification to assure smooth transmission of drive force to the deflection mirror, and a second light blocking member provided at each side of the lens and opposed to the mirror for preventing the objectionable light not blocked by the above blocking member from reaching the mirror when the lens is qat a position for a reduced magnification.

Abstract: Improvements in a variable magnification projecting device for use in electrophotographic copying machines or the like to overcome the objections encountered when the magnification is varied greatly, such as a great amount of shift of the projection lens which requires a prolonged period of time, and a large amount of shift of a mirror in an undesirable direction. Variations between the same-size magnification and enlarged magnifications are effected by shifting the projection lens and at least a mirror in the rear of the lens, while variations between the same-size magnification and reduced magnifications are made by shifting the projection lens and at least mirrors in front of the lens.

Abstract: A readout system includes a source of illumination that is propagated along a predetermined path. Disposed in that path is a medium, such as a microform which carries a chart recording. An imaging screen is located in a portion of that path beyond the medium, and a projection lens system is adjustable to focus the image upon the screen. Also included is an image storage element disposed in a portion of the path of the illumination beyond the medium. The medium is moved along a given path which results in the sweeping of the image across the screen and also in the presenting of a moving section of the image in a discrete path to the storage element. The storage element in this case is the electrostatic drum of a xerographic copying machine. The length of the path is adjusted by means of interposing first and second reflectors mutually inclined at a reverse angle of forty-five degrees. Adjustment of the distance between those mirrors changes the path length.

Abstract: A focal position adjusting device for a small variable-magnification type copying machine having a zoom lens. First and second mirrors are arranged below an original holding stand, the first mirror reflecting the image of an original on the holding stand, and the second mirror reflecting the image from the first mirror towards a photosensitive drum. A zoom lens is disposed between the first and second mirrors. The zoom lens includes at least two lens groups arranged along the optical axis. The positions of these two lens groups are adjusted during the assembly of the copying machine so that the focal position falls on the surface of the original for various magnification settings.

Abstract: A dual mode image input terminal having a linear scanning array with optical and illumination means supported on a carriage that, in a first scanning mode, reciprocates from a start-of-scan position to an end-of-scan position to scan a document opposite thereto on a transparent platen, and, in a second scanning mode, assumes a predetermined fixed scan position adjacent one side of the platen, with a Constant Velocity Transport (CVT) type document transport for moving the document past the fixed scan position with the document in preset spaced relation above and out of contact with the platen to avoid wear on the platen and allow room for document assisting devices ancillary to the CVT, and with the inside surface of the platen at the fixed scan position only being thicker than the remainder of the platen to raise the image focus point of the scanning array from the surface of the platen to the level of the document transported past the fixed scan position by the CVT.

Abstract: There is disclosed a copying apparatus which enables obtainment of copy images different in size from original document images. Particularly, there is disclosed an improved variable magnification copying apparatus having multiple sheet feeding portions.

Abstract: A copying machine provided with data storing means for storing a plurality of designated magnification ratios and a plurality of hidden magnification ratios, a first key for selecting a desired magnification mode such as designated magnification mode or hidden magnification mode and a plurality of second keys for selecting magnification ratios from the data stored in the data storing means so that various kinds of magnification ratios can be easily selected with a simple operation of the decreased number of keys.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for an electrophotographic copying machine comprises a lens base unit, a mirror base unit, and a driving unit. The lens base unit and the mirror base unit are independently moved by driving a single shaft.

Abstract: An improved document scanning system is realized by using low mass mirrors as optical components. The mirrors consist of a pair of metal structures in honeycomb form sandwiched between a pair of glass skins. The mirrors have a greatly improved stiffness-to-mass ratio compared to conventional mirrors and provide relatively low mass in scan drive components, as well as improved system performance.

Abstract: A photographic roller copier apparatus for photographing original copies having different side lengths onto a ribbon form copier material, the ribbon width corresponding to a desired copy size. The original copies have various formats and are provided in ribbon form, one format lying lengthwise in the ribbon direction and the other format perpendicular thereto. The apparatus consisting of a lens having an adjustable focal length so that from both formats of originals it is possible to make copies that are equal in size and that fill the width of the copier material ribbon, and that in the area of a picture gate the ribbon of originals is provided in a plane parallel to the lens axis. Between the picture gate end of the lens is provided a deflecting part which deflects the beams of light from the picture gate through 90.degree. into a lens. The picture gate with the ribbon of originals, the illuminating apparatus and corresponding film rollers is rotatable around the lens axis through 90.degree.

Abstract: A magnification changing device for use in a copying machine, capable of effecting a scale-up and-down magnification of a manuscript. The device has a first reflecting mirror system adapted to be moved at a constant speed and arranged to receive the optical image from an object, and a second reflecting mirror system adapted to receive the light reflected by the first reflecting mirror system and to move in the same direction as the first reflecting mirror system at a speed which is a half that of the movement of the first reflecting mirror system.

Abstract: In a daylight enlarger of the fixed focus type which comprises an enclosed image forming area having two arm-holes which allow an operator's hands to enter this area there being present a lamphouse and transparency holder placed above the image framing area but outside the enclosed area and an enlarging lens in the transparency holder there being present in the transparency holder between the transparency and the enlarging lens a movable inclined mirror which in a first position when the lamphouse is operating with a transparency in the holder reflects an erect illuminated image of the transparency away from the enlarger so that it can be viewed by the operator of the enlarger, but which in a second position is moved from beneath the transparency so allowing the illuminated image of the transparency to fall on the image framing area, there is provided means manually controllable from inside the enclosed image forming area of the enlarger to cause the inclined mirror to be moved out of the path of the light wh

Abstract: A photosensitive member in the form of a belt moves along an arcuate path, and during such movement, it is slitwise exposed to a light image of an original. A developing step and a transfer step, which transfers a visual image obtained by the developing step onto a transfer medium, are repeated a number of times N.sub.T, which is equal to or greater than two, upon an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member. The photosensitive member includes a number of segments N.sub.S, equal to or greater than one, each of which defines an image forming region. In an area where it is exposed, the photosensitive member assumes a planar configuration, and throughout the exposure, the slitwise exposure location moves through the area at a uniform rate in the same direction as the direction of movement of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: Multifunction reprographic apparatus comprises a housing having a first window in the front wall of the housing and a second window in the top wall of the housing. A mirror in the housing is pivoted to swing about a horizontal axis between an inclined position in which light from an illuminated original placed on the second window is directed through a lens system onto photosensitive paper positioned in the housing, and a horizontal position in which light from a subject placed in front of the first window is directed by the lens system onto the photosensitive paper. The apparatus is thus operable to make a photocopy of an original placed on the top window or to make a photograph of a person or other subject positioned in front of the front window.

Abstract: An optical system utilizes a variable focus half-lens reflector system for projecting images onto an image plane without the use of folding mirrors. The half lens is arranged with its optical axis parallel to the object and image planes. Attached to the entrance face of the lens is a pair of reflectors arranged to form a right angle which is bisected by the lens optical axis. Principal rays from an object are then reflected from the first mirror, reflected again from the back of the half lens, thus passing twice through the lens and then, via a final reflection from the second attached mirror, onto the image plane.

Abstract: A first carriage carries a lamp for illuminating the original and a first mirror. A second carriage carries two mirrors and moves at half the speed of the carriage so that a constant optical path length is maintained from the original, via the three mirrors and a focusing lens to a rotating image receptor drum. The carriages are driven by individual motors via pulleys and belts and, during scanning, the speeds of the two motors are controlled in sympathy to move the carriage at a speed corresponding to the selected reduction/enlargement factor and to move the carriage at half this speed. Before scanning, only the second motor is energized to position the second carriage in accordance with the said factor. In a modified embodiment, a clutch couples the two carriages for movement at the correct relative speeds during scanning which is effected solely by means of the first motor. The initial positioning of the carriage by the second motor is effected with the clutch disengaged.

Abstract: An optical device in a variable magnification electrostatic copying apparatus includes a first reflecting mirror assembly mounted for reciprocal movement, a second reflecting mirror assembly mounted for reciprocal movement substantially parallel to the reciprocating direction of the first reflecting mirror assembly, and a speed-reduction interlocking mechanism for moving the second reflecting mirror assembly at a speed equal to one-half of the moving speed of the first reflecting mirror assembly, upon movement of the first reflecting mirror assembly. The optical device further includes a magnification setting mechanism for changing the relative position of the second reflecting mirror assembly with respect to the first reflecting mirror assembly according to a desired copying magnification.

Abstract: In an optical copier having a zoom lens, the first and second lens groups are positive and negative, respectively, to provide sufficient movement range for the half-speed mirrors.

Abstract: In a copying machine having an optical system for directing an image from a microfilm onto a photosensitive drum either of two fixed focus projecting lenses may be moved into alignment with the microfilm. Each projecting lens is provided with an adjustable drive system for moving the projecting lens along the optical axis thereof to vary the magnification. A plurality of mirrors are provided for reflecting the image received from said projecting lens onto the photosensitive drum. Two of the mirrors are supported at right angles to each other on a support member for reflecting an incident beam of light on one of the mirrors in a direction opposite and parallel to the incident light beam. A drive system is provided for moving the support member parallel to the incident light beam for varying the length of the optical path.

Abstract: A lens focus controlling device for an optical system includes a first cylindrical cam having a cam face formed on at least one end thereof, a second cylindrical cam having a cam face on one end thereof slidably disposed in contact with said first cam face over a predetermined range, a lens group secured to said second cylindrical cam, a stop member operatively engageable with said lens group to prevent rotation while allowing reciprocation of said lens group along the optical axis thereof and a drive system for rotating said first cylindrical cam relative to said second cylindrical cam.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical apparatus for projecting an image at a first plane onto a second plane includes an optical system for forming an image of the first plane on the second plane, a first mirror disposed between the image-forming optical system and the first plane and a second mirror disposed between the image-forming optical system and the second plane. When the magnification is changed, the first mirror is rotated by a determined angle of .theta. and the second mirror is moved in a determined direction while rotating also by the same angle .theta.. The image-forming optical system is moved in the direction along its optical axis and is rotated by an angle two times larger than the rotation angle .theta. of the first mirror at the same time.

Abstract: A line scanning, illuminating apparatus for use in an electrophotocopying machine. The apparatus includes a linear source of light, a hyperbolic reflector situated behind the linear light source, and a cylindrical lens located in front of the linear light source. The profile of the reflector is given by the equation: ##EQU1## wherein the x and y axes intersect at the center line of the reflector, and wherein B is a positive quantity on the x axis representing the distance between the center line of the reflector and a virtual image of the light source created behind the reflector, and wherein A is a negative quantity representing the distance between the center line of the reflector and the linear light source located in front of the reflector.

Abstract: A multiple mode copying apparatus including a drive for moving a lens in the direction of a principal light beam, a conversion cam for converting the distance covered by the movement of a lens into a rotational angle, and a mirror moving device for moving mirrors in accordance with the rotational angle. The conversion cam is formed with a first cam surface for deciding the distance to be covered by the movement of the mirrors and a second cam surface for following up the distance covered by the movement of the lens. The second cam surface is profiled such that it is in the form of an arc such that when a cam follower moves past a point of contact of the cam follower for effecting copying without magnification and reduction, the direction movement of the cam member is reversed by starting at the point of contact thereof. By selecting a suitable profile for the second cam surface, it is possible to have the first cam surface profiled to be in the form of a straight line.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copier for forming a copy of a document with a unit image magnification and a modified magnification, i.e. reduced or enlarged magnification is disclosed. A converging optical fiber array for forming a life-size image of a document is movably arranged with respect to an optical axis and reflection mirrors of a reduced-size image projecting optical system are secured to the converging optical fiber array so as to be moved together with the array. Remaining optical elements such as reflection mirrors and a projection lens are arranged fixedly. When the converging optical fiber array is brought into the optical axis, the life-size image of document is projected onto a photosensitive drum and when the converging optical fiber array is removed from the optical axis, the reflection mirrors of the reduced-size image projecting optical system are brought into the optical axis and the reduced image of document is projected onto the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A variable magnification and reciprocal exposure copying method in which the image of an original is introduced onto a photoconductor which is moved in a predetermined direction by reciprocating mirrors relative to the original, so that the photoconductor is exposed to the light image of the original during the forward movement and backward movement, and an auxiliary lens for variable magnification is disposed in such a manner that it can be shifted from or into the optical path in front of or behind an inverted optical system for use in the forward movement or an erecting optical system for use in the backward movement, so that reciprocal, variable magnification copying can be performed.

Abstract: A copying machine of the type in which an original image is formed as a visible image on a first drum and the visible image from the first drum is transferred as a secondary original image to a second drum from which multiple copies are made. A single lens system is used both to transfer the image from the original document to the first drum and transfer repeatedly the image on the first drum to the second drum thereby greatly reducing the number of optical components required in the system.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for a copying apparatus which includes a plurality of components whose displacements relative to each other can be made to yield differing magnification at an imaging plane. In particular, during a magnification mode a dual rate scanning mirror pair is displaced a fixed distance and a catadioptric lens is displaced an identical distance, from their normal 1x positions. A third mirror, located at the photoreceptor plane is displaced a second distance. The displacements are a function of the magnification, the lens focal length and the angular displacement of the lens. All displacements are parallel to the document plane, resulting in a compact scanning system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an object scanning system wherein a dual-rate mirror assembly scans a document on a platen and the scanned image is projected onto a photoreceptor via a corner mirror assembly. The corner mirror assembly is linearly translated during a scan cycle so as to cause the image to be projected onto the photoreceptor in a direction opposite to the photoreceptor movement. The precession rate can be set relative to scanning flyback time so as to reduce or eliminate the interdocument gap on the photoreceptor and to relax rescan time requirements.

Abstract: Photocopier scanning apparatus wherein a scanning carriage is mechanically driven by a pair of flexible cables acting on the carriage at widely spaced points on either side of its center of gravity. The cables may be electrically conductive to energize an illuminating lamp mounted on the carriage. The carriage rests on glass slides having arcuate surface portions and is further urged thereagainst by forces from permanent magnets. The carriage is resiliently biased to return to an initial position. The velocity with which the carriage returns is limited; and the return velocity is further damped adjacent the initial position.

Abstract: An image projecting system for transmitting the light rays carrying an image from a support for an original towards an image receiving member through a slit disposed adjacent the image receiving member comprises first, second and third plane reflective mirrors. These mirrors are supported for movement at different velocities in a direction of travel of light rays incident on the first mirror, but in synchronism with each other. During the movement of the first mirror, the reflective surface of the first mirror lies at a predetermined angle larger than 0.degree. but smaller than 90.degree. excepting 45.degree. relative to the above direction. The reflective surface of the second mirror lies at right angles to the above direction during its movement. The reflective surface of the third mirror lies at a predetermined angle, that is, 360.degree. less the first mentioned predetermined angle, relative to the above direction during its movement.

Abstract: A scanning projection apparatus including a first imaging optical system, a first plane provided on one side of the optical system, a deflector for deflecting a light beam emerging from the first plane and passing through the first imaging optical system, a second imaging optical system for receiving the light beam deflected by the deflector and a second plane provided at the focusing position of the light beam by the second imaging optical system, whereby the first plane is scanned with a slit of a width .DELTA.S, using the deflector, and the thus obtained slit image of the first plane is projected in succession on a determined position in said second plane, wherein the slit width .DELTA.S is selected to satisfy a relation .DELTA.S<1/Rp in which Rp represents the resolving power of the image on the second plane, and wherein the first or second imaging optical system includes elements for correcting the image magnification in the longitudinal direction of the slit.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical assembly having a housing with a fixed location for its object and image windows, and a carriage which is linearly moveable within the housing and which has mounted thereon at least one mirror. The carriage mirror(s) cooperates with at least one mirror affixed on the housing to define a first and a second light path within the optical assembly; with the respective paths being dependent upon the position of the carriage within the housing. The various mirrors are positioned within the optical assembly such that the light paths have different conjugate ratios. Therefore, a change in the magnification obtained within the assembly is accomplished with only a linear displacement of the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an object scanning system wherein the illumination scanning means employed travels at a rate which is greater than that of a flat photoreceptor moving in the same direction. In one embodiment, a dual rate mirror assembly scans a document on a platen at a first rate which is greater than the process speed set for a photoreceptor belt. The image is projected through a lens and precessed by a mirror arrangement along the belt surface in a direction opposite to the belt travel. The precession rate can be set relative to the scanning flyback time, so as to reduce or eliminate an interdocument gap on the photoreceptor and to lower process speeds for a given copy rate.