Method of scanning images larger than the scan swath using coded surfaces
A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface; (ii) swiping the scanner across the surface; (iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.
1. A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface, said surface having a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image, said method comprising the steps of:
(i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface;
(ii) swiping the scanner across the surface;
(iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image;
(iv) imaging, during said swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern;
(v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and
(vi) using the absolute positions to assemble said captured portions of said graphic image into a scanned graphic image.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said positions of said scanner are sensed using a first image sensor.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of:
sensing relative motion of the scanner using a motion sensor.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the step of:
using said sensed relative motion together with said absolute positions to assemble said scanned graphic image.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein said motion sensor is an optical mouse sensor.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said optical mouse sensor utilizes said first image sensor.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said images of the graphic image are captured using a second image sensor.
8. The method of claim 7 , where the second image sensor is a linear image sensor.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein said second image sensor extends substantially a width of said scanner.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said position-coding pattern is printed with an infrared-absorbing ink.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the graphic image is printed with one or more inks having an infrared window enabling imaging of said position-coding pattern in the presence of said one or more inks.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
sensing an orientation of the scanner relative to the position-coding pattern;
using the orientation together with said absolute positions to assemble said scanned graphic image.
13. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:
communicating the scanned graphic image to a computer system.