SELF CALIBRATING SCANNER WITH SINGLE OR MULTIPLE DETECTOR ARRAYS AND SINGLE OR MULTIPLE OPTICAL SYSTEMS

A system for scanning and digitizing large images using an optional reseau for accuracy without obscuring the image to be scanned. The system uses at least one CCD photoreceptor array which is fixed in a rigid position with respect to any accompany lenses and mirrors. In one embodiment, a first CCD photoreceptor array is used to scan the image while a second CCD photoreceptor array simultaneously scans the reseau. In a second embodiment, a single CCD photoreceptor array is used to first scan the reseau and then to scan the image. One illumination source illuminates the reseau while second illumination source illuminates the image. The arrangement of the lens(es) and the photoreceptor arrays allows the determination of any displacement of the scanner along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as well as the determination of any rotation of the scanner around the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis. The position and attitude of the scanner, as determined by scanning the reseau, is used to correct any errors in the resulting image that are caused by displacement or rotation of the scanner. A large image can be scanned in separate but overlapping swaths, the overlap being used to align the swaths to create a final seamless digital image from the assembled swaths.