Apparatus for scanning and digitally processing half-tone images

Abstract

The apparatus comprises an optical scanning device for scanning elements or portions of an image or for providing corresponding electrical image signals which are fed to a plurality of threshold comparator circuits where they are compared with respective reference signals which define a scale of half tones. The apparatus further includes a digital-signal generator circuit arranged to generate a plurality of digital signal combinations each of which is indicative of a respective predetermined matrix pattern of white or black points associated with a respective half tone of the scale. This generator circuit, in operation, outputs the combination of digital signals relating to the pattern associated with the half tone currently indicated by the signals provided by the threshold comparator circuits. The apparatus effects the electronic processing of half-tone images and may further include means for processing white/black image portions, and detection and switching means arranged to identify the transitions from half-tone image portions to white/black image portions and vice versa.