Plural Scanner Station Patents (Class 358/408)
  • Patent number: 7973987
    Abstract: An image copying apparatus includes a target data acquiring unit, a target data saving unit, an adding unit, a sampling data saving unit, a specifying unit, a sampling data saving unit, and a correcting unit. The target data acquiring unit acquires target data from a test chart document. The adding unit adds data displaying a specification image specifying the scanning unit having scanned a test chart recorded side to the recorded side image data. The sampling data acquiring unit acquires sampling data from a copy of the test chart document. The specifying unit specifies the scanning unit having scanned the test chart recorded side from the specification image. The sampling data saving unit saves the sampling data when the scanning unit having scanned the test chart copied side matches the specified scanning unit. The correcting unit corrects the image data based on a correcting feature generated from the saved data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Dokuni
  • Patent number: 7965424
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner apparatus provided with both a flatbed-type mechanism and an ADF-type mechanism. The ADF mechanism can be set at an arbitrary position with an arbitrary orientation for use, whereby convenience for the user is improved while ensuring freedom with regard to the setting place of the apparatus. Further, the scanner apparatus is made such that reading with the ADF unit and reading with the flatbed unit can be performed simultaneously. A movable coupling mechanism is provided at a joint portion between the ADF mechanism and the flatbed mechanism. The movable coupling mechanism does not fix the position and orientation of the ADF mechanism and enables the ADF mechanism to be freely moved and rotated. With this movable coupling mechanism, the ADF mechanism can be disposed at either of the left and right ends of the paper-pressing board of the flatbed unit or at an arbitrarily position in consideration of convenience for a user and the setting place of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kawai, Norio Kanemitsu, Tamio Amagai
  • Patent number: 7948660
    Abstract: A facsimile machine including an electronic mail receiving device, a condition data setting portion sets various condition data related to output of electronic mail (e-mail) message and stores the set condition data into an EEPROM. The condition data is used when an output method and an output timing of the e-mail message are specified based on contents of the e-mail message. The condition data can be set by a user using an operation inputting portion to meet user's needs. Next, an output condition determining portion compares the e-mail message received at a mail receiving portion, with the set condition data, to specify an output method according to the condition data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuma Aoki
  • Patent number: 7920296
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the image and ancillary image sides of scanned hardcopy media. Hardcopy prints typically provide ancillary data to supply additional information for an area of interest and can enhance the analysis of key data in the print. Postcards, for example, provide a unique form of ancillary data. On the back of a postcard image, ancillary data information such as stamps, user notes, dates, addresses, and other types of annotation can be found. This data typically provides additional information to a reader of the postcard. Dual sided scanners provide both the image and ancillary (i.e., non-image) scans simultaneously. In addition, ancillary data can be in a variety of formats, such as audio, video and the like. When a hardcopy print is scanned the scanner provides two image files that represent the image and ancillary image sides of the print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Louis J. Beato, William J. Lloyd, Dale F. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7916361
    Abstract: A double side image scanner includes a frame, a two-way roll feeder, a one-way roll feeder and an image sensor. The frame includes a track that has an entrance, a scanning line joined to the entrance and a circuit line joined to the scanning line. The circuit line is designed to return the medium to the scanning line. The circuit line has a junction point where the circuit line meets with the scanning line, an inlet through which the medium comes into the circuit line from the scanning line and an outlet through which the medium goes out of the circuit line toward the scanning line. A driving means mounted to the frame for driving the two-way roll feeder and the one-way roll feeder. The image sensor obtains image data by scanning the front and rear surfaces of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Wisecube Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-han Park
  • Patent number: 7884975
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first reading unit that reads an image on a front side of a document being transferred along a transfer path; a second reading unit that reads an image on a rear side of the document; a reversing unit arranged downstream of the first and the second reading units that turns the document over and place it on the transfer path; and a controller that causes, when a error is detected in the first or second reading units, the reversing unit to turn the document over and place it on the transfer path, so that a reading unit in which the error is not detected reads the image on the side to be read by the reading unit in which the error is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Uku
  • Patent number: 7872783
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a feeding unit, a conveying unit, a primary stacking unit, a secondary stacking unit, and a path switching unit. The path switching unit switches between a first conveying path including a bend section for normal conveying mode and a second conveying path for reverse conveying mode. In the normal conveying mode, the conveying unit conveys a sheet fed from the feeding unit to the primary stacking unit through the first conveying path. In the reverse conveying mode, the conveying unit conveys a sheet fed from the primary stacking unit to the secondary stacking unit through the second conveying path bypassing the bend section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kitagawa, Yusuke Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7855794
    Abstract: In a proxy printing system, one print job is transmitted to a first one of printers connected over a network, and when a print failure occurs in the first printer, a second networked printer processes the print job to perform proxy printing. The system detects a failure of the first printer attempting to process the print job and issues a notification. In accordance with managed history information for the first printer, the proxy printing system detects whether a printer that has previously processed a print job as a proxy for the first printer exists out of the networked printers. The system issues a notification indicating at least one detected printer as a proxy destination candidate. The system performs control so that the printer is used to execute proxy print processing, and updates the history management table after the execution of the proxy print processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Kikuchi, Noriyoshi Kurotsu, Masamichi Ohshima, Hidekazu Morooka, Takashi Yagita, Koichiro Wanda, Kei Kitagata, Hiroyuki Kayama, Kenichi Shirai
  • Patent number: 7843611
    Abstract: The present invention is a flatbed scanner operating with a digital image capture module comprising two-dimensional (2D) optical image photo-sensor and in particular with a digital camera or digital video camera. The present invention further relates to flatbed scanners and means and methods of supporting cameras, and particularly, although not exclusively, to a flatbed scanner housing for holding a digital camera to allow the digital camera to act as a document capture device in obtaining digital images suitable for downloading to a personal computer or other computer peripherals such as a printer. The scanner incorporates an image capturing module comprising 2D image photosensor and assembly such as flash light, electronic circuit, and software inside the flatbed scanner box to function like an image capturing module where said scanner box functions like the camera body with an internal lens internal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kuwait University
    Inventor: Tareq Abduljalil Albahri
  • Patent number: 7796310
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of increasing the detection accuracy of the size of an original and eliminating the need for an image sensor dedicated to detection of the size of an original. A first reading unit has a first light source disposed on one side of a conveyance path of an original for emitting light to one surface of the original. A second reading unit has a second light source disposed on the other side of the conveyance path for emitting light to be received by the first reading unit, an optical opening for causing the light emitted from the second light source and subsequently received by the first reading unit to pass therethrough toward the first reading unit. The original is detected on the basis of the resultant output of the first reading unit upon receipt of the light emitted from the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Hasegawa, Minoru Sashida, Katsuhiko Okitsu
  • Patent number: 7782500
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus including: a circulating transport path to transport original documents; a first reading section to read images at a first reading position on the original documents; and a second reading section to read images on the original documents at a second reading position, opposing to the first reading position, on the circulating transport path, wherein the second reading section has different reading characteristics from characteristics of the first reading section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Shiokawa, Mitsuru Nagoshi
  • Patent number: 7782499
    Abstract: An image scanning apparatus with a preview function includes a scanning unit that scans a plurality of documents to obtain scanned images of the plurality of documents; a display unit; and a control unit that controls the display unit to display the scanned images of the plurality of documents as preview images of the plurality of documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-sik Byun
  • Patent number: 7773269
    Abstract: A scanner capable of being folded and unfolded, the scanner including a first unit having a first scanning unit which scans a document; a second unit which is rotatably disposed to the first unit, and having a second scanning unit which moves between a folded position in which the second scanning unit faces the first scanning unit, and an unfolded position in which the second scanning unit is unfolded from the folded position; and a moving unit which moves at least one of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit in at least one of a focus adjusting direction and a transverse direction according to a transport direction of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-han Kim
  • Patent number: 7755812
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus and an image expansion and contraction correcting method are provided that improve the quality of each read image by restraining image expansion and contraction caused by a variation in the combination of conveying units for conveying each document. The image reading apparatus has conveying units (a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a third conveying unit) that convey each document, and an image reading unit (a first image reading unit and a second image reading unit) that reads an image of each document being conveyed by the conveying units. The image reading speed of the image reading unit is adjusted in accordance with a change in the combination of conveying units that are conveying a document, so as to correct image expansion and contraction caused by a change in document conveying speed caused by the change in the combination of conveying units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruhisa Oshida, Takeshi Aoyama, Shoko Magata, Ayumu Murakami, Yuichi Yamamoto, Takayuki Suga
  • Patent number: 7733537
    Abstract: A scanning device includes a first chassis, a second chassis and a calibration mechanism. The first chassis is for scanning one side of a document. The second chassis is for scanning the other side of the document. The second chassis is movably disposed opposite the first chassis. The calibration mechanism is for calibrating the color depth of the scan image. The calibration mechanism includes a calibration sheet and an elastic member. One end of the elastic member is fixed in the scanning device. The second chassis exerts a force on the calibration sheet to generate a relative movement between the calibration sheet and the first chassis. When the second chassis ceases exerting the force, the elastic member releases a resilient force for moving the calibration sheet to a starting position. The first chassis performs dynamic calibration by the relative movement between the first chassis and the calibration sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Jung Tu, Chi-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 7715060
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus accurately determines the positions of image forming mirrors formed with an off-axis reflecting surface, while enabling any thermal expansion caused by a rise in temperature due to a rise in the surrounding temperature to be absorbed. Each image forming mirror formed with an off-axis reflecting surface comprises respective and independent units for determining the positions in the longitudinal direction, in the lateral position, and in the direction orthogonal to the reflecting surface. Holes with which the longitudinal position determining units and the lateral position determining units engage have gaps in the directions orthogonal to the position determining directions to absorb the thermal expansion caused by a rise in the temperature of the image forming mirror when the position determining units engage with the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Suga, Takeshi Aoyama, Hyoe Iwata, Yukihiro Miura, Takehiro Kishi
  • Patent number: 7697005
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for converting paper documents (134) to electronic documents (138) and sending the electronic documents (138) to at least one destination (144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Srinivasan Gopalasamy
  • Patent number: 7688481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning apparatus with different resolutions. The scanning apparatus includes a casing, a scanning module, a reflective module, a first lens, a second lens, a first sensing element, a second sensing element and a main reflective mirror. The first lens and the first sensing element have a first resolution and are used for scanning a first-sized document. The second lens and the second sensing element have a second resolution and are used for scanning a second-sized document. The main reflective mirror arranged between the first sensing element and the second sensing element for preventing interference of the first sensing element with the second sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Yu Chen, Chien-Kuo Kuan
  • Patent number: 7679789
    Abstract: Individual destination information is registered into each character/symbol input key on an operation panel. Upon transmitting data, one of the registered character/symbol input keys is pressed to select a destination. In addition to character/symbol input keys, it is possible to register destinations into selection keys. When one of the selection keys having been pre-assigned for a predetermined operation is chosen for a registration, the registration of the key is denied. The registered destination information can be printed out, by a recorder, as a destination list that associates key names and destination names. The destination information can be displayed on a screen by a display, after a retrieval process based on a specified search condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hikaru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7657121
    Abstract: A method for simultaneously capturing images of multiple areas is applied to an image processing device. The method includes scanning a document and obtaining a preview image of the document; providing N scan windows for selecting N to-be-scanned areas from the preview image, wherein N is an integer; setting N scan resolutions respectively for the N scan windows; scanning the document; and outputting N scan images corresponding to the N scan windows according to N frequencies of a timing signal corresponding to the N scan resolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Shing-Chia Chen
  • Patent number: 7646516
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading a document image includes: a document feeding tray for placing the document thereon; a first document reading position for reading the first face of the document ejected and conveyed each from the document feeding tray; a document reverse tray for storing the document so that the document having passed through the first document reading position is reversed and conveyed; a stationary document reading position wherein the document having passed through the document reverse tray and having been reversed and conveyed is conveyed to a platen and the stationary document is read; and an image reading unit for reading the document image. The image reading unit stops at the first document reading position to read the first face of the document, and performs scanning movement at the stationary document reading position to read the second face of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Katayama, Atsushi Takahashi, Norio Joichi, Youbao Peng, Yoshihito Sasamoto, Takashi Nara
  • Patent number: 7637620
    Abstract: A lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information uses beams of coherent light that are emitted in a scanning manner to project the beams of coherent light onto a display surface to form the graphical information on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Marvell International Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montierth, James A. Hall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7636183
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a first reading part which reads a first side of a document, a second reading part located on a document discharge path which reads a second side of the document with an image sensor, a path narrowing member positioned across from the image sensor on the document discharge path; and an adjusting unit, wherein the adjusting unit adjustably moves the path narrowing member closer to and farther away from the image sensor in order to correspondingly move the document closer to and farther away from the image sensor. The image reading apparatus is capable of increasing reading speed when a one-side reading of a document is performed as well as minimizing any damage done to data produced by the reading when a double-side reading of a document is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-cheol Park
  • Patent number: 7636182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning table and a scanning device of the same. The scanning table comprises a table surface and two sides. The scanning device comprises a first transparent case provided on the table surface, a second transparent case provided on one side and adjacent to the first transparent case, a first scanning module provided inside the first transparent case, a second scanning module provided inside the second transparent case, and a transporting device for operatively connecting the first scanning module and the second scanning module with each other and scanning the left and right inner pages of the book. With the above arrangement, the user can read on the table while easily scan the contents of the book without damaging the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yan-Liang Guo
  • Patent number: 7633653
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit having contact glass through which an image is read from a document, backup glass located opposite the contact glass of the reading unit so as to form a conveying path between the backup glass and the contact glass through which the document is passed, a white member located on a rear surface side of the backup glass which is different from a contact glass side of the backup glass, a support plate that allows the white member to pivot between a position where the white member stands opposite the contact glass via the backup glass and a retract position where the white member is retracted from the position where the white member stands opposite the contact glass, and a regulating member provided between the backup glass and the white member so as to create a specified gap between the white member and the rear surface of the transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Nishizawa, Kazuhisa Mochizuki, Masataka Hamada
  • Patent number: 7626735
    Abstract: The invention provides an image reading apparatus includes a feeder that feeds a sheet, a transfer path on which the sheet fed by the feeder is transferred, a first reading unit that captures a first image on a first face of the sheet from one side of the transfer path to obtain first image data, a second reading unit that captures a second image on a second face of the sheet from the other side of the transfer path to obtain second image data, and a correction unit that substantially equalizes image density of the first image data and that of the second image data in a case where the first image and the second image are captured at a single transfer of the sheet through the transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizuhashi, Yasuhisa Mizuta, Yoshitake Matsubara, Ayumi Onishi, Minoru Sodeura, Sadao Furuoya, Masato Saito
  • Patent number: 7616725
    Abstract: A signal delay structure and method of reducing skew between clock and data signals in a high-speed serial communications interface includes making a global adjustment to the clock signal in the time domain to compensate for a component of the skew that is common between the clock and all data signals. This can include skew caused by the variation in frequency of the input clock from a nominal value, misalignment between the phase of the clock and data generated at the source of the two signals. The global adjustment is made through a delay component that is common to all of the clock signal lines for which skew with data signals is to be compensated. A second level adjustment is made that compensates for the component of the skew that is common to the clock and a subset of the data signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Cao, Guangming Yin
  • Patent number: 7616358
    Abstract: A double-side scan device for performing a single-side scan operation or a double-side scan operation selectively includes a document conveyer, a first transparent device, a second transparent device, and an image scan module. The image scan module moves to one side of the first transparent device to capture an image of one surface/side of a document and moves to one side of the second transparent device to capture an image of the other surface/side of the document, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Yu-Jen Su, Hsun-Hao Chan, Shu-Ya Chiang, Liang-Qing Su, Kai-Lun Lee, I-Chung Hou
  • Patent number: 7612925
    Abstract: A double-side image scanner module suitable for scanning a document having a first side and an opposing second side, having a paper feeder and an image extraction apparatus. The paper feeder has a paper-feeding through-channel through which document is transmitted. The paper-feeding through-channel is divided into a first-side scanning region for scanning the first side of the document, a second-side scanning region, aligned with the first-side scanning region for scan the second side of the document, and a paper-turning region between the first-side scanning region and the second-side scanning region, through which the document is turned up side down. A plurality of document transmission members is installed along the paper-feeding through-channel for transmitting the document. The image extraction apparatus is aligned with both the first- and second-side scanning regions to extract images of the first and second sides of the document through the first- and second-side scanning regions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Chao Tseng
  • Patent number: 7609418
    Abstract: A contact area-sensor includes a plurality of image scanners, each of which includes an image scanning sensor substrate in which a plurality of sensor sections are aligned in a matrix manner so as to scan an image; and a connecting line having flexibility, for connecting the plurality of image scanners to each other. On this account, it is possible to provide a small, thin, light-weighted contact area-sensor, which is capable of obtaining a wide area of an image, while ensuring superior portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7602516
    Abstract: An image processing system make it possible to easily for electronizing paper documents can read a large quantity of manuscripts with image processing apparatuses to generate images. The system has multi function peripherals (MFP). One of the MFPs (combination destination) can send a management table for managing image data to another MFP (transmission source), which designates an image data combination position, generates a management table for managing the image data of the transmission source MFP, generates a management table, in which the management table of the transmission source is added to the management table of the combination destination, and transfers the image data of the transmission source MFP and the management tables to the combination destination MEP, which combines the image data of the transmission source MFP and the image data of the combination destination MFP based on the management tables and the combination position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Ito
  • Patent number: 7589871
    Abstract: An original transport and reading apparatus includes an original transport apparatus having a transport path, a first image reading unit that reads an image of an original facing the original transport apparatus, and a second image reading unit that is arranged inside the original transport apparatus and reads an image of the original. The second image reading unit includes a light source, a turning mirror, a lens, an image sensor, and a rotation support shaft, and is accommodated and held by a unit casing. The rotation support shaft performs support so as to allow rotation of the second image reading unit centered on a rotational fulcrum that is arranged along a reading light path for reading an image at a second reading position. Furthermore, a curved original guide having a guiding surface that is curved is arranged in a position corresponding to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Yoshimoto, Tomohiko Okada, Yasuhiro Suto, Kenji Nakanishi, Hisashi Yamanaka, Shohichi Fukutome
  • Patent number: 7554703
    Abstract: An optical reading device of a scanning apparatus includes two light sources and a movable lens. The first light source emits a first light when the optical reading device is operated in a flatbed scanning mode. The second light source emits a second light when the optical reading device is operated in a sheetfed scanning mode. The movable mirror is selected to allow for passing the first light without being obstructed by the movable mirror in the flatbed scanning mode or allow for reflecting the second light coming from the second mirror in the sheetfed scanning mode. Due to the special design, the overall volume of the scanning module is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-Yuan Tsai, Yu-Cheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20090153912
    Abstract: A scanner calibration strip medium is described which includes at least one of a plurality of text symbols and a plurality of halftoned non-text images. A scanner is described which includes a scan bar and a scanner calibration strip medium scannable by the scan bar. The calibration strip medium includes a plurality of text symbols having text pixels and a plurality of halftoned non-text images having halftoned non-text pixels. A method for segmenting a scanned document image into text symbols and halftoned non-text images is described which uses a scanner calibration strip medium which includes a plurality of text symbols having text pixels and a plurality of halftoned non-text symbols having halftoned non-text pixels, wherein the calibration strip medium has a known pixel classification including which pixels of the calibration strip medium are text pixels and which pixels of the calibration strip medium are halftoned non-text pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Mohamed Nooman Ahmed, Chengwu Cui, Ahmed Hamad Mohamed Eid
  • Patent number: 7518763
    Abstract: A scanner is provided with an illumination lamp for emitting light to a first side of a document from one side of a transfer path and a CCD image sensor for receiving light reflected from the first side of the document, and a CIS provided in a document feeder is provided with an LED for emitting light to a second side of the document from the other side of the transfer path and a line sensor for receiving light reflected from the second side of the document. The illumination lamp is a xenon lamp, and the LED is a white LED having emission characteristics different from those of the xenon lamp. To the CIS, a filter is attached, which brings emission characteristics of light emitted from the LED onto a document closer to those of light emitted from the illumination lamp onto the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuuichi Shiraishi, Shunsuke Hamasuna, Yuichi Mikuni
  • Patent number: 7515312
    Abstract: An image scanning device including: a conveyance path which conveys originals; a first scanning means and a second scanning means which are placed such that they sandwich the conveyance path; and a white reference member used for adjusting the white levels of the scanning means; wherein at least one of the first scanning means, the second scanning means and the white reference member is movable; the first scanning means and the second scanning means can scan the same surface of said white reference member since the first scanning means or the second scanning means is moved or the white reference member is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ayumu Murakami, Shoko Magata, Takeshi Aoyama, Yuichi Yamamoto, Takayuki Suga, Haruhisa Oshida
  • Patent number: 7515315
    Abstract: A scan description language (SDL) system and method are provided for managing a scan job. The method comprises: scanning a document at a scanning device; constructing a scan job using SDL commands; partially performing the scan job at the scanning device in response to the SDL commands; and, partially performing the scan job at a node connected to the scanning device in response to the SDL commands. The scan job can be constructed at a scanning device front panel, a connected web page, or a client connected to the scanning device. Likewise, the scan job can be initiated from a front panel of the scanning device, a connected client, or a connected web page. Further, the scan job may be partially performed a locally connected client, a network-connected client, a network-connected server, a locally connected server, another scanning device, or a telephone network-connected client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch
  • Publication number: 20090034015
    Abstract: A fax conversion system for determining a measure of the number of pages transmitted by fax to or from a plurality of users, comprising: means for converting the transmitted pages into a format that can be output electronically rather than in hardcopy, means for counting the number of pages within an individual fax transmission, means for associating said fax transmission with a respective one of said plurality of users, and means for determining a measure of the total number of pages transmitted by fax to or from each of said plurality of users. The system may determine a measure of an equivalent number of trees saved, or the number of carbon credits gained, by not producing hardcopies of transmitted pages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Tom Mulligan, Nicola Fawle
  • Patent number: 7466457
    Abstract: A sheet-fed scanner capable of scanning multiple scan lines for image signal calibration includes a housing, a sheet-feeding mechanism, a first scanning module, a first actuator and a first calibration sheet. The sheet-feeding mechanism disposed in the housing feeds a document across a scan region. The first scanning module rotatably mounted in the housing scans a front side of the document fed across the scan region. The first calibration sheet is fixed in the housing and disposed in the scan region. The first actuator drives the first scanning module to rotate such that the first scanning module senses a plurality of scan lines on the first calibration sheet to obtain a first calibration standard for calibrating a first image signal of the front side of the document. Thus, it is possible to avert any flaws in image quality caused by the contaminated calibration sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Ku Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7463392
    Abstract: Provided is an image reader including: a first reading device for reading an image on one side of a document moving on a transparent glass plate; a second reading device as a movable reading device, for reading one of an image on another side of the document moving on the transparent glass plate and an image on another side of the document remaining stationary on the transparent glass plate; and a show-through preventing member for preventing show-through of the document at a first position opposed to the first reading device, characterized in that the show-through preventing member is provided movably from the first position opposed to the first reading device to a second position in which reading of an image by the second reading device is prevented from being hindered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Yamamoto, Takeshi Aoyama, Haruhisa Oshida, Ayumu Murakami, Shoko Magata, Takayuki Suga
  • Patent number: 7457006
    Abstract: An image input scanner having two scan heads for simultaneous scanning of both sides of a sheet includes two calibration surfaces. A first calibration surface is disposed on the carriage on which a first scan head is mounted. A second calibration surface is disposed on the document handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Wilsher, Claire Dawn Ireland
  • Patent number: 7440150
    Abstract: A flatbed scanner includes a housing, a glass plate fixed to the housing, a front rib formed at a bottom face of a front part of the housing and extending downward, a back rib formed at a bottom face of the back part of the housing and extending downward, and side ribs formed at two sides of the housing and extending toward the center of the housing. The inner distance from the back rib to the front rib is not smaller than the length of the glass plate. The side ribs are under the bottom faces of the front part and the back part so as to form a fastening gap. Because the distance between the side ribs is smaller than the width of the glass plate, when the glass plate is inserted into the fastening gap, the glass plate is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Microtek International Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Wang
  • Patent number: 7417755
    Abstract: In an image processing system in which a server, a plurality of image processing apparatuses that execute image quality stabilization processing, and a terminal apparatus are connected to each other via a network, the server calculates, with respect to each image processing apparatus, the time period elapsed since the image quality stabilization processing was last executed, and selects the apparatus having the shortest elapsed time period as the apparatus to execute a job requested by the terminal apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Imaizumi, Yoichi Kawabuchi, Yoshikazu Ikenoue
  • Publication number: 20080191208
    Abstract: A pixel circuit includes: a switching transistor whose conduction is controlled by a drive signal supplied to the control terminal; a drive wiring adapted to propagate the drive signal; and a data wiring adapted to propagate a data signal. The drive wiring is formed on a first wiring layer and connected to the control terminal of the switching transistor. The data wiring is formed on a second wiring layer and connected to a first terminal of the switching transistor. A multi-layered wiring structure is used so that the second wiring layer is formed on a layer different from that on which the first wiring layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuo Minami, Yukihito Iida, Katsuhide Uchino
  • Patent number: 7411704
    Abstract: A multiple-background device for a scanner and a calibration device utilizing the same principle are disclosed. The multiple-background device includes a shaft, a low-reflectance portion and a high-reflectance portion are formed along the length of the shaft. Thereby the shaft can provide various background colors, and the optical module can acquire a plurality of scan lines by means of rotating the shaft for image calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Bo-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7397585
    Abstract: Obtained are an imaging optical system having a simple structure in which imaging position deviation due to deformation caused by a weight of an off-axial optical element is reduced and an image reading apparatus using the same. According to an imaging optical system for image reading, image information on an original surface is imaged on a sensor, and is read by the sensor. The imaging optical system includes reflection-type off-axial optical elements, each of which has an outer shape whose lengths in directions orthogonal to each other are different from each other and whose thickness is smaller than a length of the outer shape in a short-direction thereof and is made of a resin material. The plurality of off-axial optical elements are disposed such that mirror surfaces thereof are opposed to each other and constructed to satisfy a conditional expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tochigi, Takeyoshi Saiga, Tadao Hayashide, Kazuyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 7394576
    Abstract: A facsimile apparatus can automatically register its own facsimile number into TTI, the own facsimile number being previously registered in the facsimile apparatus. In the facsimile apparatus, information containing the own facsimile number is input to the facsimile apparatus. The input own facsimile number is automatically incorporated into transmitter terminal identification (TTI) information as information regarding a transmitting end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7382844
    Abstract: A method of self-synchronizing clocks in a multiple chip system, by assigning one chip as the master chip and the other chips as slave chips. A training signal is sent from master chip to the slave chips to determine the latency from the master chip to a slave chip, and then a synchronization signal is sent out to synchronize the “time zero” of the chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie C. Hwang, Timothy G. McNamara, Ching-Lung Tong, Wiren Dale Becker
  • Patent number: 7379700
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a feeding roller for feeding a document, a reading unit for reading images of the document fed by the feeding roller and a substantially U-shaped document transfer path for guiding the document fed the feeding roller. The substantially U-shaped document transfer path is constituted by an internal guide and an external guide. The external guide is separated from the internal guide by rotating the external guide. The internal guide is rotatably disposed and supports the reading means. A reading transfer path in which the reading unit is arranged is opened by rotating the internal guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hyoe Iwata
  • Patent number: RE42269
    Abstract: A double side scanner module which consists of a U-shaped inversion device and two image information reading devices is provided for reading images on the two sides of an original in a single pass. The U-shaped inversion device has two ends for providing a paper feeding path and a paper output path respectively. The two ends are at the same side for the convenience of operation. At both of the two ends, there is a glass window. Beneath each of the glass windows, there is an image information reading device. When an original is fed into the paper feeding end and conveyed through the first glass window, the first image information reading device starts to read the image on the first side of the original. When the original is conveyed through the U-shaped inversion device, the scanned side will be inverted to the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Transpacific Optics LLC
    Inventor: Will Kao