System and method for enhancing color separation utilizing multiple pass scanning in a single pass color scanner

A digital color scanner capable of high color quality includes a light source (1), a photosensor (11), a first color filter (13R), a second color filter (13G), a third color filter (13B), and a fourth color filter (21). The first, second, and third color filters are positioned in an optical path between the light source (1) and the photosensor (11) so as to enable the photosensor to produce a first, second, and third set of color image data during a first calibration scan. The fourth color filter (21) is moved into and out of the optical path between the light source (1) and the photosensor (11) so as to enable the photosensor to produce a fourth, fifth, and sixth set of color image data during a second calibration scan. A circuit produces a set of color correction values from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sets of color image data.