MULTI-POSITION LENS MECHANISM FOR A SCANNER

A scanner mechanism having a multi-position lens assembly for capturing images resident on an original includes an electronic camera for capturing the images and providing an image signal therefrom and a base assembly having a camera housing which supports the camera for movement relative to an optical axis in order to define plural fields of view. A lifting cam is mounted for pivotal movement from the base assembly, pivoting at one end thereof in spaced relation to the camera and engaging the camera at the other thereof for movement relative to the base assembly to define the plural fields of view, the lifting cam further having a contour cam surface on one side thereof. A slide is movable in relation to the base assembly and supports at least two lens assemblies in spaced relation relative to the optical axis of the camera. Since the slide has a surface element movable therewith for engaging the contour cam surface of the lifting cam, the slide is moved until the lifting cam positions the camera relative to a selected lens assembly in the optical axis of the camera.