Method for scanning an original picture photoelectrically to obtain picture signals simultaneously

Claim 1

In a method for sequentially scanning areas of an original picture photoelectrically in sequential scanning cycles to obtain picture signals corresponding to picture elements in each of such areas lying on each of successive straight scanning lines which extend parallel to each other in a principal scanning direction, the width of each scanning lines being orthogonal to the principle scanning direction, said improvement comprising: illuminating the original picture with a light beam which is spread orthogonally to the principal scanning direction to cover a plurality of said successive scanning lines during such scanning cycle; and simultaneously projecting images of the picture elements on each of said plurality of successive scanning lines on respective photosensor arrays, each of said photosensor arrays producing color separation picture signals corresponding to the images of the picture elements projected thereon; the images of the scanned picture elements projected on one of said photosensor arrays during each scanning cycle advanced in the principal scanning direction by at least one picture element as compared with the images of the scanned picture elements simultaneously projected on the remaining photosensor arrays during the same scanning cycle whereby color separation picture signals corresponding to the picture elements on each of said plurality of successive scanning lines of each of said picture areas are simultaneously obtained during each scanning cycle.