Importance

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Abstract

A scanner useful as an input device for a computer is operable in two scanning modes: a prescanning mode in which subsampled images are composed and rapidly output to the computer for substantially real-time display, and an input scanning mode in which three successive high resolution color separations are obtained and displayed on a computer screen for color balance. A fixed color image is supported on a movable, hand-manipulated stage that interactively controls the conjugate distances of the optical system so that zooming and cropping is obtained in the prescanning mode without losing focus. The input scanning mode provides color separations useful in evaluating color balance. By defining a window overlying a selected area of the displayed color image containing neutral colors, color balance correction factors are automatically obtained for scanning values within the defined area. The exposure times of each of the color separations are then modified by the correction factors in order to preserve dynamic range in the color balanced image.

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First Claim