Print scanner with soft key variable magnification

Abstract

A zoom lens magnification control mechanism for a photoprint digitizing scanner contains an adjustable focus, zoom lens. The photoprint image projection path is incident upon a high resolution CCD sensor, image output signals from which are digitized for storage on a compact disc. Control of the operation of the scanner includes the use of a display device to which output signals provided by the photosensor are coupled so as to display the projected image. Whenever a photoprint is presented to the scanner an indication of the size of the photoprint is provided, as by way of a code stored on a photoprint platen, in order to set the magnification setting of the zoom lens. The photofinisher observes the display of the image projected on the photosensor and adjusts, as necessary, the operation of the zoom lens so that the image displayed by the display device fits the display screen. Using a program feature of a user interface, the photofinisher stores in memory information representative of the adjustment of the operation of zoom lens. Then, for subsequent presentations of photoprints to the scanner, the stored adjustment information is used as a magnification setting default value for a respective photoprint size. Whenever the magnification of the zoom lens is adjusted, there is an accompanying change in the focus ring of the lens, so that the displayed image is maintained in focus.