Abstract: A vertical alignment correction apparatus and method includes a central processing unit for reading a vertical alignment correction program, detecting scanning distances during bidirectional scanning using a vertical reference line, and outputting a control signal for correcting a scanning distance difference; a print driver for receiving the correction control signal and for outputting a control signal for controlling the scanning distances; and a carriage return motor whose rotation number is controlled according to the control signal output from the print driver.

Abstract: A scanner server is structured to execute, at independent times, prescan process, for storing image data output from a scanner in a prescan for reading an original document image at a low resolution, and a final scan process for storing the image data output from the scanner in a final scan for reading an original document image at a high resolution in accordance with the processing conditions set on the basis of image data stored in the prescan process.

Abstract: A multi-scanning system or image processing system includes a plurality of sensors, each of the sensors scanning a portion of the document to produce image data. Each of the sensors overlaps adjacent ones of the sensors so that the image data includes overlapped image data. The image data from the sensors is stitched together to form a complete image. The stitching may be performed by a weighted averaging of the data or by varying stitch location within the data. This stitching is useful in eliminating visible image defects created the misalignment of pixels between adjacent sensors.

Abstract: A data processing system is coupled to a facsimile device which receives and transmits facsimile images between the data processing system and a telephone line. The data processing system includes the capability to receive a facsimile image, interpret certain images as specified commands for the data processor, and to retrieve, manipulate and transmit data in response to the specified commands.

Abstract: A paper advance mechanism which minimizes the size of a printer includes a printer head and a platen disposed below the printer head and separated from the printer head by a gap. A first channel defined by the platen and a chassis is in the form of an arc for guiding a sheet from a paper cassette to advance along the chassis and towards the printer head while the platen is rotating in a first direction. A pair of driving rollers is disposed close to the gap for controlling the moving direction of the sheet. A second channel in communication with the first channel guides the sheet from the first channel, and a third channel in communication with and horizontally aligned with the second channel guides the sheet from the second channel to a paper exit opening. The printer had prints on the sheet when the sheet is advancing from the second channel to the third channel. After printing is finished, the sheet is fed back to the second channel for retrieval.

Abstract: An image scanning method for a scanner that can simultaneously sense image signals corresponding to the three primary colors or a monochromic color, and store the signals in a storage device within one exposition process. The scanning method can further determine a period of the driving signal and a number of rotation steps for the driving motor to calculate the period of the triggering signal for a light-sensitive device. The scanning method according to the invention can therefore reduce the time needed for a scanning process and improve efficiency. Furthermore, the signal-to-noise ratio of a CCD module can be improved, and the requirement for the brightness of the light source is lowered as well.

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.

Abstract: A duplex document scanner for processing multiplexed images with a single data path is disclosed. A document transport (131) moves documents past a first image acquisition system (81) and second image acquisition system (82). The first digital image is transferred to a datastore (89) and the second digital image is transferred to a datastore (90). The images are merged into a composite image.

Abstract: System components provide for a method of: processing an exposed photographic film at a processor-scanner station which has both a scanner and a processor at the same location, to produce one or more hardcopy images at the processor-scanner location; reading data on the film which indicates that a set of one or more of the hardcopy images, is to be communicated to a hub station, which hub station is remote from the processor-scanner station; scanning the set at the same processor-scanner location at which the film was processed, to obtain a corresponding image set signal; communicating the image set signal from the scanner to the hub station; and storing the communicated image set signal at the hub station.

Abstract: In a method for modifying the resolution of an image obtained by digitising a real image, the digitised image includes a plurality of pixels of a particular intensity. The outlines in the digitised image are studied and isolated and additional pixels are created by interpolation of the intensities of original pixels located on one side of an outline to form an image with a modified resolution. The studying of outlines is achieved by locating, for close pixels, the intensity transitions representative of a gradient exceeding a particular threshold. The method is utilized for modifying the image resolution of facsimile machines.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus, such as a computer, which executes a communication protocol defined by a general-purpose communication application software program. The facsimile apparatus includes an own number memory which stores an own number, and determines whether or not an addressing number sent by the computer corresponds with the own number. When the own number and the addressing number do not correspond with each other, the facsimile apparatus transmits image data sent from the computer to another facsimile apparatus which is indicated by the addressing number. If the own number and the addressing number correspond with each other, the facsimile apparatus responds to the computer with dummy response information, and image data is sent from the computer to a printer to be printed out.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus is provided with a feed roller that feeds a document in its feeding direction while making contact therewith, a rotation driving power source that rotationally drives the feed roller, and a power transmitting mechanism enabled to transmit rotational driving power from the rotation driving power source to the feed roller. Two driving paths, each having a reduction ratio different from the other corresponding to two resolutions, are provided at at least one part of the power transmitting mechanism and a planetary gear for selecting one of the driving paths as a transmitting path of the aforesaid rotational driving power is provided at a branch point of the power transmitting mechanism. Which resolution to select is determined and selection of the driving path is controlled by a selector based on the result of the determination.

Abstract: An image handling method and apparatus for executing the method. The method comprises scanning at least a first resolution of a hardcopy image. A second resolution image signal of the same image which second resolution is lower than the first resolution, is communicated from a first location to a receiver at a second location remote from the first location, by a first communication method. The first resolution image signal is communicated from the first location to the receiver at the second location, by a second communication method which is physically independent of the first communication method, or following communication of the second resolution image signal, waiting until a predetermined condition independent of the communication of the second resolution image signal, then communicating the first resolution image signal from the first location to the receiver at the second location by the first communication method.

Abstract: A variety of parameters for a scanner printer are set from a host computer on a network by arranging a scanner printer server system composed of the host computer and the scanner printer server connected to the network, and a scanner and a printer connected to the scanner printer. The scanner printer server system has a bidirectional communication channel formed between the scanner, the printer and the scanner printer server, wherein characters, graphics and a method of transferring image are instructed from the host computer and the data is transferred by the instructed transference method.

Abstract: An image handling system, and a method which can be executed on such a system comprising a plurality of processor-scanner stations remote from one another, interfaced with a hub station that is in turn interfaced with a plurality of terminal. Each processor-scanner station having at the same location: a processor which can process exposed photographic film to produce a hardcopy image set; a scanner system which can scan the hardcopy image set to obtain a corresponding image set signal; and a first communication interface for communicating the image set signal to a remote hub station. The hub station, which can be remote from each of the scanner stations, comprises: a second communication interface to receive image set signals from each of the plurality of scanner systems; a first storage to store the image set signals; a third communication interface for transmitting the image set signals to any of a plurality of terminals remote from the hub and each of the processor-scanner stations.

Abstract: A distribution system and method which can be executed by such a system.

Abstract: An image handling system and method which can be executed by such a system.

Abstract: A data transfer method and apparatus for an image reading apparatus suitably used with an image scanner is improved in that a transfer line apparatus is simplified in construction and produced with a reduced cost by an improved transferring technique of data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image reading apparatus for reading images of original documents by moving the original relative to a stationary image reader. A single image reader is used in a first embodiment. When reading the image of a first side, the single image reader is stationary at a first position to read the original. When reading the image of a second side, the single image reader is moved to a second position corresponding to the size of the original, and reads the image of the second side while said image reader is stationary at the second position. The image reading apparatus of the second embodiment uses a stationary first reader for reading a first side of an original, and a movable second image reader for reading a second side of an original. The image reading apparatus of the second embodiment changes the position of the image reader in accordance with the size of the original.

Abstract: A complex recording apparatus includes a housing. A platen glass is provided at an upper portion of the housing, and an exposure lamp which reads a first original put on the platen glass is provided within the housing. Furthermore, above the housing, a platen cover which holds the first original put on the platen glass and a reading head which reads a second original supplied from an outside are independently provided.

Abstract: A method for exposing a radiation sensitive material is disclosed comprising a double-sided laser exposure of the same information in register on both sides. In a preferred embodiment this material is a thermal imaging medium comprising a support, an image forming layer preferably containing carbon black, a release layer and an adhesive layer. By laser exposing this medium in register on both sides a heat mode image can be obtained after lamination and delamination which shows practically no pinhole defects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which images on the front and back sides of a double-sided original are serially connected on one scanning line, subjected to image processing and converted into binary image data, and immediately separated into the front and back side images again. One of the front and back side images is compressed and transferred to a SCSI bus, and the other is temporarily stored in a graphic video RAM and can be displayed or printed. After the former image is completely compressed and transferred, the latter is read from the video RAM, compressed by the compression circuit and then transferred to the SCSI bus.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus includes a plurality of image reading units, each reading an image and converting the read image into image data, and a main controlling unit for receiving image data through a communication line and transmitting the received image data through another communication line to another facsimile apparatus of a destination. In the main controlling unit of the facsimile apparatus, a selector selects one of the image reading units, and a communication line connection controller connects the main controlling unit through the communication line with the selected one of the image reading units. Further, a data receiver receives image data from one of the image reading units cconnected throught the comunication line by the communication line connection controller.

Abstract: A digital scanner, which is capable of scanning a document having L scanlines, includes M optical scanning systems wherein M is equal to or greater than 2. Each optical scanning system scans only L/M scanlines of the document such that an area of the document scanned by a single optical scanning system does not overlap an area of the document scanned by another single optical scanning system. The digital scanner also includes a plurality of parallel image processing circuits, each connected to one of the M optical scanning systems, to produce a plurality of sets of digital image data. Each set of image data corresponds to an image scanned by a single optical scanning system. A stitching circuit is connected to the plurality of parallel image processing circuits to stitch together the plurality of sets of digital image data to produce a complete image.

Abstract: An image data transfer architecture in which control data and image data are isolated is provided. Bidirectional buffers isolate data buses from the control bus, thereby allowing control to be maintained by an 8-bit programmed microprocessor. The controller microprocessor does not handle image data thereby reducing complex software and support components required of prior multiple 16- and 32-bit microprocessor controller systems. Isolation is achieved by having multiple data buses handling image data at various stages of processing, such as, for example, input image data, compressed image data and output image data. Additional efficiencies are realized by eliminating the inherent delays caused when high speed image output terminals are forced to share data buses with much lower speed image input terminals.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for storing or generating images has a processor that receives digital information representing an image or scene, where the digital information includes at least two different image units of the image, each image unit containing different information regarding the image. The processor links the different image units of the image for storage in a database such that the different image units of the image are automatically accessed when the image is accessed. A storage device stores the different image units of the image in a database. An output device produces an output image from the different image units of the image stored in the database. The database is contained on a photographic CD, for example. The linkage of the different image units allows three-dimensional images to be generated, or other manipulations to be performed by a computer graphics processor.

Abstract: A management system automatically manages order and sales operations by facsimile communication between an orderer and a supplier. The management method of this system comprises checking the steps of the kind and number of commodities written on an order sheet which is sent from the orderer by facsimile, checking the stock of such commodities, sending an order content check request sheet to the orderer by facsimile in order to have the orderer check the contents of the order, collecting the ordered commodities based on an order content confirmation sheet sent from the orderer by facsimile, managing the remaining stock of the commodities, and performing accounting operations for the ordered commodities.

Abstract: An automatic facsimile-receiving-sheet recognizing apparatus including: a device for automatically receiving facsimile information transmitted from an orderer; a device for detecting the position of a bar code, a mark sheet and a figure in a received sheet and automatically cutting their images; and a device for automatically recognizing the cut bar code, the mark sheet and the figure and transmitting the result of the recognition to a store controller of an automatic order receiving and sales control system.

Abstract: An image transmitting apparatus for digitizing a still-picture television signal, a manuscript image signal or the like and transmitting the digitized signal over a line is adapted to read an analog image signal stored in video memory such as a video disk, convert the read analog image signal into a digitized multi-valued signal and store the multi-valued image signal in an image memory. On the basis of paper size on which printing is to be performed by an apparatus, such as a facsimile machine, on the receiving side, the number of pixels constituting the multi-valued image signal stored in the image memory and an ensuing binary coding method, a ratio is obtained at which the multi-valued image signal stored in the image memory is to be expanded or compressed, and the multi-valued image signal is expanded or compressed based on this ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing and recording the content, ownership, and/or bibliographic source of documents reproduced on a reprographic device, and more particularly for tracking the reproduction of specified information, especially copyrighted documents, is connected, preferably detachably, to any of various reprographic devices. The apparatus includes a digitizer for digitizing desired pages (such as those containing title and author information) output from a main portion of the reprographic device, a recording device and medium for storing said digitized pages, a counter for counting the number of reproductions made and optionally inferring the number of originals, a controller for controlling the operation of the apparatus and, optionally, a control panel for interacting with the operator of the reprographic device.

Abstract: A fingerprint image system includes a television camera in a cabinet pivotable between two positions where it views different surfaces on which an image can be placed. In one position it sends a fingerprint image at five times magnification to a printer and a monitor. In the other position it sends the image at actual size to the printer and monitor. A remote, hand-held camera, adapted to view fingerprints directly on surfaces, includes a light shield to prevent ambient light from falling on the fingerprint and light sources, such as a filtered light to cause the fingerprint to fluoresce or colored light to enhance the image.

Abstract: A document scanner that is able to reliably discriminate and scan the information side of each simplex document of a stack of documents, i.e. The side containing information, even when some of the documents are upside-down.

Abstract: A copying machine control system according to the present invention includes a plurality of data terminals collecting data related to a plurality of copying machines, respectively, a centralized control unit for communicating data with each data terminal through a communication network, and a communication control unit for connecting the plurality of data terminals and the communication network. Each of the data terminals includes a request device for requesting the communication control unit communication with the centralized control unit when predetermined transmission condition including one with high priority and one with low priority is satisfied, a transmitting device for transmitting the priority of the transmission condition to the communication control unit when the predetermined transmission condition is satisfied, and a communication device for communicating with the centralized control unit when communication with the centralized control unit is permitted by the communication control unit.

Abstract: A method for the optimization of optical scanners by automatically determining image processing threshold values using a novel threshold calibration sheet. The calibration sheet image has lines at a forty-five degree angle to the path of the document through the scanner and has a predetermined image dot count. One embodiment comprises the steps of repetitively scanning the sheet until scanner threshold values which satisfy predetermined relationships with said dot count are determined. Another embodiment comprises the steps of a single calibration scan with multiple processing of the gray scale scan data on a host computer. By using this method, two or more scanner cameras can work together on processing document images and consistently give uniform results, independent of their individual technical operating or performance differences.

Abstract: A two-sided original reading apparatus includes carrying means for carrying an original in a predetermined carrying direction. First reading circuitry reads the image on the first face of the original at a first reading position and generates first analog image signals. Second reading circuitry reads the image from the second face of the original at a second reading position different from the first reading position with respect to the carrying direction, and generates second analog image signals. Converting circuitry converts the first and second analog signals into first and second digital signals, respectively. Delay circuitry is provided for delaying one of the first and second digital image signals with respect to the other by a delay time which corresponds to a deviation between the first and second reading positions.

Abstract: An image information reading system comprising a plurality of preset apparatuses each having a first scan mechanism for reading image information carried by an original while scanning the same, and a processing condition setting-up device for setting up scanning conditions of the read image information and image processing conditions used to process the read image information, and at least one main scan apparatus having a second scan mechanism for reading image information recorded on an original while scanning the same, and an image information processing device for processing the image information read by the second scan mechanism on the basis of the scanning conditions and the image processing conditions determined by any one of the preset apparatuses.

Abstract: An image processor employing a plurality of types of scanners including a stored table in which identification numbers allotted to the scanners and scanner control information are registered in pairs, a controller for registering the identification number of a scanner from the operator of the image processor, a controller for requesting the scanner to transmit an identification number representative of its type and receiving such identification number, a controller for setting the registered identification number as the identification number of the scanner when the scanner fails to transmit its identification number within a predetermined amount of time, a reading controller for reading from the stored table scanner control information corresponding to the identification number of the scanner, and a controller to control the scanner in a manner to conform with the scanner control information.

Abstract: A method of reading image wherein an original image is read with two different sampling intervals, and undesirable signal components are removed from the read image signals. An apparatus for reading image wherein an original image is read with different sampling intervals by reading devices of two systems; outputs of the reading devices are A/D converted and subjected to an orthogonal function transformation; a converted signal of smaller absolute value is subjected to an inverse orthogonal function transformation to produce a read image signal.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a scanner, a plotter, a communicating device, a memory storing the image data supplied from the scanner and supplied, through the communicating device, from a source facsimile machine coupled to the transmission line through a network, a second memory storing a plurality of programs each defining a procedure for relaying the image data supplied from the communicating device to at least one destination facsimile machine, and an input device inputting the plurality of programs into the second memory.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a printer main body and optional units coupled thereto through a serial communication line. Each of the optional units has its own device identification code. The printer system main body includes a table memory for storing logical identification codes each of which is assigned one of the device identification codes. Each of the optional units includes a memory for storing its own device identification code and the logical identification codes which has been assigned to its own device identification code, and a discerning circuit for discerning whether one of the logical identification codes sent from the printer main body is identical to its own assigned logical identification code stored in the memory. The printer main body receives paper from one of the optional units related to one of the logical identification codes sent by the printer main body, and ejects paper to one of the optional units related to one of the logical identification codes sent by the printer main body.

Abstract: This invention concerns an image processing system whichis constructed by combining a plurality of image readers for electrically reading an image and producing corresponding image data and printing means provided with sorting means for sorting and stowing sheets carrying formed images into a plurality of discharge paper bins and adapted to form an image on sheets based on said image data received from said image readers. In accordance with this image processing system, the operator is enabled to associate a given sheet bearing an image formed in accordance with an image signal read out by any of the image readers with the particular image reader which has produced the image signal as the source of the image on the sheet. The image processing system, therefore, enhances the efficiency of the operator's work in a great measure.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises an original table, a lamp located above the original table and used as a first light source for irradiating light to an original placed on the original table, another lamp located below the original table and used as a second light source for irradiating light to the original, and a photoelectric converter for receiving the light passing through the original or the light reflected therefrom, and converting the light into electric signals. Upon the pushing of a passing-light mode key incorporated in a console panel, the first light source is turned on and is moved, together with the photoelectric converter, in a straight line along the original table, in order to read the image formed on the original which is of the type through which light passes.

Abstract: A clock generator (15) and a delay circuit (16) create N dot recording clock signals (.phi..sub.1 to .phi..sub.N) of a cycle t, delayed by t/N. A counter (20) counts a detecting time interval between a start sensor (12) and an end sensor (14) for every surface of a polygon mirror (8) to generate time resolution t/N. The difference between the count value and a reference count value set in a latch (24) is input to a subtracter (23), so that a translation table (28) outputs clock crossover timing responsive to the difference. A latch (17) and an encoder (18) select an N dot recording clock signal synchronous with detection output of the start sensor (12) for every surface of the polygon mirror (8). A second selector (33) outputs a crossover dot recording clock signal (.phi..sub.X) for image recording by performing crossover from the selected dot recording clock signal to other dot recording clock signals that are sequentially along the clock crossover timing.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing multi-sheet, collated copy sets of a multi-original document with apparatus for monitoring the copy sets for confirming that each copy set contains all of the sheets, and has no grossly skewed, or unwanted duplicate or blank sheets. First electrical information signals characteristic of the images on the originals and second electrical information signals characteristic of the images on the copy set sheets are compared to produce an error signal representative of differences therebetween. A malfunction of the copier/printer is indicated in response to error signals of at least a predetermined magnitude.