JPS59174816A - Color image scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve resolution by separating a color image irradiated by a white light source into plural primary color images through a prism, and providing a linear scanner which scans on them and generate electric signals. CONSTITUTION:Paper 3 on which the color image is drawn is moved as shown by an arrow while irradiated by the white light source 4, and then light emitted by the white light source 4 is reflected by the surface of the paper 3 to enter the prism 1. Then, the light is refracted into three optical paths corresponding to the primary colors, i.e. red, green, and blue and inputted to prescribed vertical positions on charge-coupled elements (CCD) 2. Three primary color image input positions are scanned horizontally and simultaneously on the CCDs 2 by a clock, and when this scanning is completed, the next scanning corresponding to the next movement positions in the arrow direction of the paper 3 is started.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a color image scanner, and more particularly to a color image scanner that scans a color image illuminated by a white light source and converts it into an electrical signal.

One of the conventional color image scanners of this type includes a filter for each of the three primary colors that transmits only one primary color image from among the color images illuminated by a white light source, and a combination of the primary color images transmitted through the filter. It is equipped with a convex lens for each of the filters that images, and a scanning element for each of the convex lenses that simultaneously scans the primary color image formed by the convex lens and converts it into an electrical signal, and scanning of this color image is performed using a filter method. be called.

In such a conventional configuration, the optical path is divided for each of the three primary colors, making it difficult to miniaturize the device.Also, a convex lens and a scanning element are required for each of the three optical paths, making the device expensive. There is.

Other color image scanners of this kind are conventional.

A shadow mask having a large number of slits through which a color image irradiated by a white light source passes and induces a diffraction phenomenon, and a two-dimensional scanning element that simultaneously scans three primary color images separated based on the diffraction phenomenon. This color image scanning is called a shadow mask method.

In such a conventional configuration, when a diffraction phenomenon is induced, interference occurs between the three primary color images, resulting in poor resolution, and the positions at which the three primary color images are separated and focused are uncertain. Therefore, there is a drawback that it becomes difficult to independently convert each primary color image into an electrical signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a color image scanner that is small, inexpensive, has good resolution, and is capable of independently converting each primary color image into an electrical signal.

The color image scanner of the present invention includes a prism that refracts and separates a color image irradiated by a white light source into a plurality of primary color images, and a prism that scans and converts the plurality of primary color images obtained by refraction and spectroscopy into electrical signals. The present invention is characterized in that an original scanning element is provided.

Next, the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1 showing one embodiment of the present invention, one embodiment includes a prism 1 and a charge coupled device (COD) 2.

It consists of paper 3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

If the paper 3 on which the color image is drawn is now moved in the direction of the arrow while being illuminated by the white light source 4, the optical path from the white light source 4 to the CCD 2 will be as shown in FIG. That is, the light emitted from the white light source 4 is reflected on the surface of the paper 3 and enters the prism 1. In Prism 1, it is red.

This is because each primary color, green and blue, has a different refractive index.

The light is refracted into three optical paths and input into the CCD 2 at a predetermined vertical position.

In the CCD 2, the three primary color image input positions mentioned above are simultaneously scanned in the horizontal direction by the clock, and when this scanning is completed, the next scanning corresponding to the next moving position of the paper 3 in the direction of the arrow is started. Ru.

The mechanism by which a primary color image (light) is converted into an electrical signal by scanning the CCD 2 is well known, and its explanation will therefore be omitted.

According to the present invention, by adopting one or more configurations, the optical path is small-scale and the number of parts used is reduced, resulting in a compact and inexpensive product.Also, since the diffraction phenomenon of light is not used, the resolution is good, and furthermore, the primary color It becomes possible to independently convert each color image into an electrical signal.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a diagram for explaining the embodiment. 1... Prism, 2... Charge coupled device (CC)
D), 3... paper, 4... white light source. ¥1 father

Claims (1)

[Claims] A prism that refracts and separates a color image irradiated by a white light source into a plurality of primary color images, and a one-dimensional scanning element that scans and converts the plurality of refracted and spectroscopic primary color images into electrical signals. A color image scanner featuring