Patent ID: 6211975
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of controlling image data collection and image data transfer from a photographic film scanner to a host computer, said film scanner having a line integrating image sensor and operating under the control of a digital controller, the method comprising:providing a plurality of lookup tables (LUT) in the controller, each LUT populated with a sequence of elements defining timing of an operating activity in a respective one of (a) transfer out from the scanner of a line of collected image data, (b) on/off operation of one or more scanning exposure light sources and (c) step operation of a film transport drive stepper motor;using a common timer to step synchronously through the elements of the LUT's to output value states from the elements of each of the LUT's;responding to said synchronously outputted value states from said LUT's to effect timing of actuation of said data transfer, LED and film transport drive stepper motor operations in accordance with said value states of the LUT elements;determining if transfer of data to said host computer is delayed for a time in excess of a line integration period of said image sensor; andresponding to said determination of said excess data transfer time to disable said LEDs until such time as said transfer of data to said host is complete.