Abstract: An apparatus for optical sensing of samples includes an optical source, an optical assembly being rotatable about an axis, a sample holder, and a detector. The optical assembly rotates, allowing the sensing apparatus to sense results from plural locations on a sample without moving the sample. Moving the sample in a linear direction while rotating the optical assembly allows sensing of an entire sample containing multiple test sites, such as a biochip. An optical assembly containing mirrors to direct light from the optical source to the sample is provided. Preferably, light enters the optical assembly along the axis of rotation. Sensing methods consistent with the invention are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical sensing of samples includes an optical source, an optical assembly, a sample holder, an objective lens, and a detector. The objective lens collimates light emitted by the sample. Preferably, the optical assembly rotates about an axis, allowing the sensing apparatus to sense results from plural locations on a sample without moving the sample. Moving the sample in a linear direction while rotating the optical assembly allows sensing of an entire sample. Preferably, light from the optical source enters the optical assembly along the axis of rotation. Sensing methods consistent with the invention are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical sensing of samples includes an optical source, an optical assembly, a sample holder, an objective lens, and a detector. The objective lens collimates light emitted by the sample. Preferably, the optical assembly rotates about an axis, allowing the sensing apparatus to sense results from plural locations on a sample without moving the sample. Moving the sample in a linear direction while rotating the optical assembly allows sensing of an entire sample. Preferably, light from the optical source enters the optical assembly along the axis of rotation. Sensing methods consistent with the invention are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding sheets of media to a media processor may include a take-away roller for engaging a first sheet of media. It may further include a first sensor for detecting a movement of the first sheet of media past the take-away roller. The apparatus may include a feed roller and a second sensor for detecting a movement of the first sheet of media past the feed roller. The apparatus may further include a second motor for driving the feed roller. Also, the apparatus may include an ejection roller, a third sensor for detecting the movement of the first sheet of media past the ejection roller, and a third motor for driving the ejection roller.

Abstract: A method of feeding a sheet of media to a media processor is provided. The method may include picking up the sheet of media from a stack of sheets. The method may further include curling the picked-up sheet of media to separate the picked-up sheet of media from other sheets of media in the stack of sheets. In addition, the method may include feeding the curled sheet of media to the media processor.

Abstract: A first signal and a second signal are obtained using a first and second image sensors, respectively. The first signal and the second signal are converted from analog to digital form. The first signal and the second signal are then averaged to improve the signal to noise ratio of the resulting signal. The first signal may be obtained using a channel corresponding to a first channel. The second signal may be obtained using a channel corresponding to a second channel. Further, a third signal may also be obtained using a channel corresponding to a third channel. Then, the first, second, and third signals may be averaged to generate an averaged signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding sheets of media to a media processor may include a take-away roller for engaging a first sheet of media. It may further include a first sensor for detecting a movement of the first sheet of media past the take-away roller. The apparatus may include a feed roller and a second sensor for detecting a movement of the first sheet of media past the feed roller. The apparatus may further include a second motor for driving the feed roller. Also, the apparatus may include an ejection roller, a third sensor for detecting the movement of the first sheet of media past the ejection roller, and a third motor for driving the ejection roller.

Abstract: A process for performing error diffusion to print an image with reduced visually apparent artifacts. The process involves a step of encoding selected pixels as binary values, and calculating error values corresponding to differences between modified intensity values of the pixels and predetermined threshold values. The calculated error values are diffused among four neighbors of each pixel in accordance with a predetermined ordered set of weighting factors. The set of weighting values dictates that 4/8 of the error is diffused to one of the pixel neighbors, 1/8 of the error is diffused to a second pixel neighbor, 2/8 of the error is diffused to a third pixel neighbor, and 1/8 of the error is diffused to a fourth pixel neighbor. A random selection is made of one of the predetermined set of weight values as a starting weight value. The starting weight value is assigned to a predetermined one of the pixel neighbors.

Abstract: A scanner apparatus using multiple CCD arrays for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image can correct for misalignment of the arrays in the X-axis (scanning) direction and/or Y-axis (feed) direction using a combination of hardware, software, and firmware. To correct for alignment errors there is provided a transparent plate in the optical path that can be rotated about a linear axis parallel to the surface of the CCD array to displace the image.

Abstract: A scanner apparatus using multiple CCD arrays for scanning an image line by line to produce data representative of the image can correct for misalignment of the arrays in the X-axis (scanning) direction and/or Y-axis (feed) direction using a combination of hardware, software, and firmware. To correct for alignment errors in the X-axis direction, the field of view of each of the arrays must overlap. A start pixel is determined for each array based on the degrees of overlap so that a composite scan line of data can be formed from the video image data from each of the arrays. The scan lines are continuously stored in a buffer memory which operates as a ring FIFO buffer. Alignment errors in the Y-axis direction are corrected by software in the host computer which reads separate portions of the scan lines from the buffer memory corresponding to each of the arrays using on read pointers that are set according to the alignment error.