Low level read out the image sensor (linear array) from a flatbed scanner

Question

I use Python and the sane module to read a flatbed scanner. May aim is to control and readout the sensor (the linear array). I will place the sensor in e.g. a spectrometer. Therefore I do not need all the mechanics and transport methods of the sane interface. I can make the handshake and set the resolution and the ROI, and then perform a scan with the start and snap methods. That is all fine. Start and snap is the only reading method I can find. When I call start and snap it also starts movement to and from the home position each time it is called. I want just to readout and control the sensor. Is there a pythonic way to do this?