Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel section where a plurality of pixels for effecting photoelectric conversion are two-dimensionally arranged, having an effective pixel section consisting of pixels for receiving object light and a reference pixel section consisting of pixels shielded from light; a first scanning circuit for sequentially setting to the pixel section the pixels to be read out a signal; a noise suppressing circuit for suppressing noise components of signals from the pixels based on a first control signal associated with sampling and holding of signals from the pixels and a second control signal associated with setting of clamping potential that are applied at respective predetermined timings; a second scanning circuit for sequentially reading signals of each pixel suppressed of the noise components; and a reference signal control section for applying the first and second control signals to the noise suppressing circuit so that it is brought into one or the other of a first conditio

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image compressing unit that creates thumbnail data in page units on the basis of image data of a document scanned by a scanner unit, a first control unit that writes the thumbnail data in page units in a page memory, converts the thumbnail data into thumbnail packets in a unit of thumbnail data of plural pages and reads out the thumbnail packets, and stores the thumbnail packets in a data storage medium, and a second control unit that reads out the thumbnail packets stored in the data storage medium and stores the thumbnail packets in the page memory, selects data of an arbitrary thumbnail packet in response to user operation, and displays a thumbnail image in a unit of plural pages on a display unit of a control panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing scanned pages are described. In one aspect, the invention features a method of processing a sequence of scanned pages of a document in accordance with which, page number indicators are extracted from scanned pages of the document. A histogram of extracted page number indicators is computed. Scanned page sequence information is determined based at least in part on the computed histogram. A computer program and a system for implementing the scanned page processing method also are described.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. When both the double-sided manuscript reading mode and the successive manuscript reading mode are specified, the reading operation of the successive manuscript reading mode for the front sides is performed, and then the reading operation of the successive manuscript reading mode for the back sides is performed. Therefore, when the user processes a large amount of manuscripts to be read, the operational process can become smooth. Differences between the manuscript sets and differences distinguishing the front side from back side, etc., can be tremendously reduced. Therefore, the reading operation becomes very convenient.

Abstract: An image scanner for converting image data of multiple scanning lines of a scanned object into digital data comprises a first image-receiving end moving in a scanning direction for receiving image data of a first portion of the scanned object, a second image-receiving end disposed downstream of the first image-receiving end in the scanning direction and moving along the scanning direction for receiving image data of a second portion of the scanned object. The scanner further comprises a first photoelectric conversion device synchronously moving with the first image-receiving end for converting the image data of the first portion of the scanned object to a first digital data, and a second photoelectric conversion device synchronously moving with the second image-receiving end for converting the image data of the second portion of the scanned object to a second digital data, wherein the second digital data is combined with the first digital data.

Abstract: A structure holds a medium itself to be scanned flat on an installation base in a stand type image input device. The installation base of the image recognition apparatus is provided with a mechanism which clips a medium and straightens creases and curls in the medium. the installation base may be provided with adhesion. Alternatively a mechanism for holding down a medium with filaments finer than the resolution of the image input device maybe provided.

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.

Abstract: An image reader has an original tray for feeding an original from a bundle of originals, a first transport passage for transporting the original fed by the original tray, a scanner for reading an image on one side of the original from one side of the transported original, and a CIS for reading an image on the other side of the original from the opposed side to the one side of the transport passage. To read both sides of an original, the image reader is provided with a mode of reading both sides simultaneously using the scanner and the CIS and a mode of reading both sides of the original only by the scanner with the original reversed using a third transport passage, a fourth transport passage, and a fifth transport passage without using the CIS.

Abstract: A one-side or both-side transmission mode is properly automatically selected in accordance with an original, thereby enabling desired image communication of the user to be properly executed. A CPU discriminates whether effective image data is included on both sides of an original image read by a reading circuit or not. If at least one sheet of original in which the effective image data is included on both sides exists, a both-side transmission of the image data read from both sides of the original is executed, and in the other cases a one-side transmission of the image data read from the front side of the original is executed. When a compulsory front side reading mode is selected by the operation of an operation unit, even if at least one sheet of original in which the effective image data is included on both sides exists, only the front side of the original is read and the read image data is transmitted in the one-side mode.

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.

Abstract: An original scanning apparatus is provided in which a translucent member can be easily cleaned. A glass (31) on a reading surface is configured openable and closable with respect to an upper original conveying guide (24), whereby a surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) in a reading window can be easily cleaned and deterioration of an image due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) can be prevented.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus having a first original reading device for reading one side of an original guided and fed by a guide, and a second original reading device disposed downstream of the first original reading device for reading the other side of the original, the guide is bent between the first original reading device and the second original reading device so as to shield the respective reading devices. The bending of the guide is done by bending an original feeding path so that direct rays and diffraction rays from each of two light sources may not enter respective photoelectric transfer elements associated with other light source, to thereby shield the photoelectric transfer elements from light of a light source not associated therewith.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of automatically forwarding hard copy image products to a designated recipient, comprising the steps of: analyzing a digital image and developing a unique ID with respect to the image based on the analysis; storing the unique ID and associated order informations with respect to the image in a storage database, the order informations including additional information and a designated recipient for receiving a hard copy image product made using the digital image; printing the digital image on to a medium using a first printer so as to obtain the hard copy image product; scanning the hard copy image product subsequently by a scanning device and analyzing the digital image so as to obtain the unique ID and accessing the database for obtaining the order informations using the unique ID.

Abstract: In color reading including an infrared light source, light reflected by a document focuses on a light-receiving part of a sensor IC with different conjugate lengths, due to color aberration of the rod-lens. Since the wavelength of the infrared light is relatively long, the deterioration of the reading resolution appears to be extensive. Here, when reading a document such as a valuable security or a paper bill, a defocusing phenomenon has been prevented, and when reading by infrared light, a high accurate reading characteristic has been realized. As a solution, light is irradiated from a light output window (101a) of a light source (101) and reflected by a document (8), and an infrared light shielding area is provided on a bottom face of a glass (51) placed in an optical path of the light reflected by the document (8), between the document (8) and a sensor IC (3).

Abstract: In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order of a print output at every captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus; an image storing server stores the captured image data; and a first print out apparatus prints out an initial printed matter, and the first print out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal; a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter; and the first print out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus reads information on a recording sheet. The apparatus includes a first information reading unit that reads information recorded on one side of an information sheet. A second information reading unit reads information recorded on the other side of the information sheet. An information sheet conveying unit conveys the information sheet to the second information reading unit via the first information reading unit. A control unit controls one of the first information reading unit and the second information reading unit to re-read the information sheet when the other information reading unit is unable to read the information.

Abstract: Efficient and optimum printing is enabled using multiple, different models of printers. When a scanner receives a multiple simultaneous output instruction from the operator, the instruction of multiple simultaneous output, printing instruction information specified by the operator (such as the number of prints, duplex printing and stapling) and multiple pieces of image data produced according to multiple models of printers are transmitted to a printing management server. When the printing management server receives the multiple simultaneous output instruction, the printing instruction information and the multiple pieces of image data, the server stores and manages the printing instruction information and the multiple pieces of image data in association with each other. Image data corresponding to a desired printer is transmitted based on the stored and managed data.

Abstract: In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order of a print output at every captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus; an image storing server stores the captured image data; and a first print out apparatus prints out an initial printed matter, and the first print out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal; a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter; and the first print out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus of the present invention is provided with a driving unit for supplying a driving force to a scanner module and for supplying a driving force to an ADF. Changeover between the driving force for the scanner module and the driving force for the ADF is carried out by moving the scanner module, where the driving force of the scanner module and the driving force for the ADF are supplied from a single driving force source. A low cost member is used for the changeover of driving force transmission where the same driving force source (motor) supplies necessary driving force for a fed document reading mode and for a stationary document reading mode. This lowers a cost of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image scanning device is provided with first and second sensors for scanning first and second surfaces of a sheet. The first sensor reads a monochromatic image, and the second sensor reads a color image. The image scanning device is further provided with a plurality of image processing systems. A switching system is provided which connects the input terminal of a predetermined one of the image processing systems with the output terminal of the first sensor when the double-side scanning operation is performed. A signal output from one of output terminals of the second sensor other than the terminal connected to the predetermined image processing system is used as an image signal representing the image of the second surface of the sheet when the double-side scanning operation is performed.

Abstract: A duplex image reading apparatus has a transportation path for transporting a sheet original to a reading region by an original transporting device, and first and second reading devices placed corresponding to respective transportation sides of the sheet original in the reading region of the transportation path, and is constructed in such structure that each of the first and second reading devices is of such a configuration that a color reference portion used as a color reference for reading is opposed to a reading portion while the color reference portion and the reading portion are placed on two sides with the transportation sides of the sheet original in between, wherein the first and second reading devices are arranged so that either one of the reading portion and the color reference portion is supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an image reading surface of the reading portion.

Abstract: A scan system and method provides users the ability to quickly and efficiently transfer images from a scanner to a destination location. In particular, the scan system can be implemented as follows. The scan system includes a scanner and a transferring mechanism. The scanner generates a scanned document or image. The transferring mechanism connects to a destination location and transfers the scanned document or image to the destination location for storage. The present invention can also be viewed as providing a method for scanning documents directly to a destination location. The method operates by selecting a scanner icon and associating the icon with the destination location. The association of the icon with the destination location causes the scanner to connect to the destination location, scan a document or image using the scanner, and transfer the scanned document to the destination location for storage.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading indicia on the front and back surfaces of a document using two image sensors includes a document detection sensor to detect the document, a first image sensor for reading an image on one surface of the document, a second image sensor for reading an image on the other surface of the document, and a controller. The controller starts to read the image data from the first and second image sensors when prescribed amounts of time have passed after the document detection sensor detects the leading edge of the document, and stops the reading of the image data from the image sensors. The structure provides a lightweight and compact apparatus while reducing image noise caused by the mutual interferences of the light sources in reading the image data.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a reading mode to read an image on a still document, and a reading mode to read an image on a moving document, and includes a first reading device to read one surface of the still document at a first reading station and a document moving at a second reading station, and a second reading device for reading the other surface of the document moving at a third reading station. The first, second and third reading stations are arranged adjacent to each other along the document transfer direction. A compact and light weight system capable of stable transport of the document and of quality image reading is thereby attained.

Abstract: A system and method for generating digitized documents for a digital environment, having at least one scanner, a local operator control unit, and a management unit connected to the scanner or scanners. The management unit is provided with an input unit for receiving, from the digital environment, a request for a digitized document; a warning device for communicating a request for a digitized document to at least one scanner; a receiving unit for receiving from a scanner an acceptance of a request selected via the operator control unit; and an allocation unit whereby, in response to the acceptance, a scan order for generation of the digitized document requested in the said selected request is allocated to the scanner which sent the acceptance. This enables incoming scan orders to be held until a scanner is ready to execute them, without in any way interfering with current scanning processes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that has first reading device for reading a first surface of an original, and second reading device for reading a second surface opposite to the first surface of the original, the first reading device and the second reading device being provided on the first surface side and the second surface side, respectively, with the original as a boundary, the second reading device including a light source and a reading member for reading image light from the original irradiated by the light source, the reading member being provided separately from a vertical line passing through the light source.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light transmitting member opposed to an original, a reading device for reading the original image through the light transmitting member, and a standard portion which is read by the reading device to perform shading compensation, wherein the standard portion is provided on the opposite side of the original with respect to the light transmitting member.

Abstract: In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order to print all captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus, an image storing server stores the captured image data, a first print-out apparatus prints out the initial printed matter, and the first print-out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal, a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter, the first print-out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print-out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

Abstract: A method and an application installed in a computer system for controlling a plurality of scanners connected to the computer system being capable of feeding documents automatically. The scanners being parallel-connected to the computer system via an interface selecting from a group consisting of IEEE 1394, USB, and SCSI interfaces. The application comprises a scan code for controlling the scanners parallelly and a plurality of image files generated by the scanners scanning documents that can be transferred to the computer system, and a sort code for sorting the images files.

Abstract: A compact structure and rapid method for calibrating a document scanner provides for a substantially cylindrical calibration casing having a central axis and an outer surface, with a brightness calibration section of the outer surface encompassing a portion of the circumference of the outer surface, a document width detection segment encompassing a second portion of the circumference of the outer surface, and a document backer element encompassing a third segment of the circumference of the outer surface of the casing. A driver selectively positions the casing in different rotational positions in which the different segments of the outer surface of the cylinder face the optical element of the scanner.

Abstract: In a print order receiving system, a first output receiving server receives an order to print all captured image data obtained by imaging apparatus, an image storing server stores the captured image data, a first print-out apparatus prints out the initial printed matter, and the first print-out apparatus supplies the initial printed matter to a shipping terminal. An order receiving server receives a reorder of the printed matter from a user terminal, a charging and settlement server performs the charging and settlement of the printed matter, the first print-out apparatus prints the image data to generate later printed matter when a reorder is received, and the first print-out apparatus supplies the later printed matter to the shipping terminal.

Abstract: An image alignment method and system for aligning two digital images which were intended to be scanned from the same portion of medium, but which may be skewed somewhat. A portion of the first digital image is selected as the target region and a portion of the second digital image is selected as a variable or movable region. Data from the two regions can be subjected to a mathematical or statistical algorithm which determines how well the data from the regions match or correlate. Then, a new region can be selected to serve as the variable region from the second digital image and the correlation algorithm can be conducted again. This process can be repeated on a number of regions from the second digital image. Regions having the highest mathematical correlation can then be used to determine offsets which indicate the amount of skew or misalignment between the two digital images.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus which has first reading means for reading image information on one side of an original document; second reading means for reading image information on the other side of the original document; image processing means for processing the image information read by the first reading means and the second reading means; and switching means for switching, to either of the first reading means and the second reading means, an input source of the image information to be transmitted to the image processing means.

Abstract: A multiple-field sensor for a scanner suitable for scanning a document. The scanner includes a multiple-field sensor, an average accumulator, and a block of memory. The multiple-field sensor has a plurality of sensing lines for each color channel. Each sensing line picks up a portion of image signal from the document during scanning. The sensing lines scan the same portion of the document to produce corresponding image signals. The average accumulator averages the image signals obtained from the sensing lines of the same color channel to produce an average image signal. The block of memory is used as a storage area for image signals in general and the average image signal in particular.

Abstract: An automatic-paper-feed-type document scanning mechanism is disposed on flat-bed-type document scanning mechanism and discharges documents onto the document holding cover of the flat-bed-type document scanning mechanism. The document holding cover includes a groove formed in the document holding cover and a stopper member fitted therein. The groove extends in the document transport direction and has a first engagement portion on its side wall. The stopper member has a base portion which has a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the first engagement portion and can be moved along the document transport direction while being guided by the groove, and a vertical portion projecting perpendicular from the base portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, and related method, for continuous volume imaging a specimen using imaging a plurality of image planes at predetermined focal depths. The focal depth for each image plane is adjustable in accordance with a variety of desired spatial configurations. The images generated at the image planes are processing in parallel and the image corresponding the an optimal focal depth at an specimen location is selected for imaging the specimen at that location. The volume imaging apparatus of the invention allows for rapid scanning of an entire microscope slide at high image resolution.

Abstract: Upon transferring two image signals to an output apparatus in an image transfer system, the amount of data to be transferred can be reduced. In an image signal output apparatus, subtraction signal generating means generates a subtraction signal from a front-side image signal and rearside image signal, and the subtraction signal as well as either the front-side image signal or the rearside image signal are transferred to an operation and display terminal. When the front-side image signal and the subtraction signal are transferred, the operation and display terminal restores the rearside image signal by carrying out an operation using the subtraction signal and the front-side image signal having been transferred thereto. The front-side image signal and the rearside image signal are similar, and the amount of the subtraction signal is smaller than the amount of the rearside image signal, which results in reduction in the amount of data to be transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for double-sided scanning of a paper document comprising diagonally offset scanner and traction pinch roller pairs thereby forming a zero-gravity traction feed. The zero-gravity traction feed allows the scanning apparatus to be oriented in varying positions while maintaining full operation. The scanner is adapted to scan a two-sided document by flip-flopping between two scanners whose field of views each face opposing sides of the document.

Abstract: An image scanner for converting image data of multiple scanning lines of a scanned object into digital data, respectively, is disclosed.

Abstract: A low cost image reading apparatus and an image reading method is obtained which allows a high speed image reading process to be performed. When a frame image recorded on a negative film is read, the amount of light of a lamp and the charge accumulation time of a CCD area sensor provided in the prescan section of a film image reading apparatus are fixed. An image buffer is also provided for holding the density values data (the image data) obtained by the fine scan section until the auto setup processing and positive image examination, which are based on the density values data, are completed.

Abstract: A multiple resolution scanning device, comprising: a lens group, having a light source for illuminating the scanned object; at least two lenses of different resolutions; and a detector group, having for each of the lenses a corresponding detector. The lenses generate images of the scanned object that are focused on the corresponding detectors. The at least two lenses generate images from different scanned areas, so that the lenses generate images of the scanned object from different locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a facsimile server including a facsimile receiving unit for receiving image data and a distributing unit for distributing the image data that is received by the facsimile receiving unit to an original destination. The facsimile server also includes a storing unit for storing the image data when not distributed to the original destination. The distributing unit distributes the stored image data to a second destination that differs from the original destination.

Abstract: A communications apparatus includes a communications mechanism, a registering mechanism, a notifying mechanism, and a controlling mechanism. The communications mechanism performs communications with a sending communications machine and a transfer communications machine. The registering mechanism registers an address and a communications capability of the transfer communications machine. The notifying mechanism notifies of the communications capability of the transfer communications machine registered in the registering mechanism. The controlling mechanism instructs the notifying mechanism to notify the sending communications machine of the communications capability at a beginning of communications and to instruct the communications mechanism to transfer image information received from the sending communications machine to the transfer communications machine using the address stored in the registering mechanism.

Abstract: A method of constructing a photo album wherein a plurality of digital images are provided in a low resolution format on sticker sheets that have a unique identifier that cross references the reduced resolution images digital images with a high resolution version that is stored in a data base. A set of decorative stickers is provided that can identify themes that can be represented on individual pages, such as birthdays, theme park visits, cruises, national parks, vacations and the like. A second set of sticker sheets is provided that functions as pages of a photoalbum having positions for the low resolution image stickers. The sticker sheet pages are loaded with low resolution stickers creating the pages for the photoalbum and the sticker sheet pages are then arranged in a desired manner on a page layout form resulting in a miniature version of the photoalbum which can be viewed at that point.

Abstract: A method of generating an album, comprising: providing a plurality of digitally encoded images, automatically arranging at least some of the images to fit a format of an album and printing a photograph album using the determined arrangement. Preferably, each page of the album is a single sheet of photographic paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facsimile device that is connectable to a plurality of lines. When a facsimile transmission is made, information regarding the transmission source (the facsimile number, the sender's name and the like) is normally transmitted as TSI signals or as a part of the image data (TTI) to the receiver side. According to the present invention,TTI information (line information) can be set for each of a plurality of lines and a particular item of the line information can be selected as desired. Thus, the same line information (TTI information) can be transmitted over all the lines when a simultaneous broadcasting transmission is made using a plurality of lines. In addition, when some lines are used exclusively for transmission and some are used exclusively for reception, any confusion of the TTI on the receiver side will be avoided because misuse of the sender's dedicated transmission lines for reception of a return fax from the original receiving side can be reliably avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a patient's tooth shade that includes the steps of electronically imaging a patient's tooth to obtain an image which includes color information representative of tooth color; determining the patient's tooth color from the color information of the image; and displaying the determined tooth color to identify one or more tooth shades having a combined color corresponding to the determined tooth color. Preferably, the displayed data includes RGB chromaticities of the color image, and the patient's tooth color is determined by averaging the color information at selected locations of the image which correspond to different spatial locations of the patient's tooth. If desired, the color information of the patient's tooth can be electronically stored for use at a later time.

Abstract: A method of constructing a photo album wherein a plurality of digital images are provided in a low resolution format on sticker sheets that have a unique identifier that cross references the reduced resolution images digital images with a high resolution version that is stored in a data base, a second set of sticker sheets is provided that functions as pages of a photoalbum having positions for the low resolution image stickers. The sticker sheet pages are loaded with low resolution stickers creating the pages for the photoalbum and the sticker sheet pages are then arranged in a desired manner on a page layout form resulting in a miniature version of the photoalbum which can be viewed at that point. The miniature version of the photo album is then correlated to the high resolution version of the images stored in the database to retrieve a high resolution version of the photo album which is then produced using conventional photofinishing techniques.

Abstract: An image handling method and system for executing the method wherein hardcopy images are scanned at a scanner station, to obtain a corresponding set of digital image signals. Each of the digital sets of image signals is assigned an associated unique identification. The digital signal sets and their associated identification are communicated to a hub station which is remote from the scanner station, and then forwarded to a terminal which is remote from both the hub station and the scanning station via a route independent of the hub station. Storage for the communicated image set signals and associated identification are provided at the hub station.