Abstract: An imaging system, such as having pixel-sized photosensors for recording images, or light emitters or ink-jet ejectors for creating images, comprises a plurality of chips. Each chip includes a shift register with a shift-register-in line; a set of imaging elements associated with the shift register; and a program line, for accepting a program enable signal enabling acceptance of control data relating to a desired operating parameter of the chip. A control system is operable in a first mode wherein each chip in the plurality of chips receives the program enable signal directly through the program line, and a second mode wherein each chip receives the program enable signal through the shift-register-in line.

Abstract: An approach for processing scanned document data includes a document processing service processing scanned document data and generating text data that represents text contained in one or more printed documents. The document processing service identifies, in the text data, contact data for a recipient and uses the contact data to automatically transmit the scanned document data and/or the text data to the recipient. The contact information may be included with the text data and a confirmation may also be generated and transmitted. The document processing device may also store the text data and later retrieve and transmit the text data to a specified recipient in response to a request. The document processing service may also transmit the contact data to the scanning device so that the scanning device may make the contact data available to a user for subsequent scan jobs, for example, in an address book or contact list.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a processing circuit having a clamp unit that matches an offset potential of an inputted analog image signal to a predetermined value, a processing unit that subjects an analog image signal obtained from the clamp unit to analog processing, and a converting unit that converts a processed analog image signal to a digital image signal. A control unit for controlling the processing circuit includes a switching unit that switches a main scanning line period of a charge coupled device and outputs analog image signals using a number of reading speeds, and a changing unit that changes a clamp period depending on the main scanning line period.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an interface unit which receives print data and file data; a printing unit which prints an image on a recording medium; a writing unit which stores tag data in a non-contact type tag when the recording medium provides the non-contact type tag; a buffer unit in which file data is stored in the non-contact type tag; and a control unit which controls the printing unit and the writing unit. The control unit stores the file data in the buffer unit when the file data is received. The control unit controls the printing unit to form an image on the recording medium based upon content of the print data when the print data is received. The control unit controls the writing unit to store the file data stored in the buffer unit in the non-contact type tag.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus, of lower power consumption and a smaller area with maintaining sufficient performance, includes a plurality of pixels for reading a plurality of color components, a plurality of holding units holding a signal from each pixel, a plurality of common output lines to which the plurality of respective holding units corresponding to respective color components are connected, and a plurality of output circuits connected to the plurality of common output lines. Then, at least two of the plurality of common output lines are connected to one of the plurality of output circuits through a selecting unit. In addition, outputs of a holding unit to which pixels of at least two different color components among the plurality of pixels in the unit cell are connected are connected to one of the plurality of common output lines through a selecting unit.

Abstract: Provided are a specific image information adding method with enhanced detection accuracy enabling multiple pieces of information to be added, and an image forming apparatus using the method. In the method of adding specific image information about a recorded image onto the recorded image, the specific image information consists of reference information and identification information, the reference information is formed so as to be able to set a reference position for reading of the specific image information, and the identification information is formed from dot images indicative of bit information at predetermined positions on an arc or a circumference around the reference position. The identification information can represent a single information item by a plurality of dot images, which are placed on a plurality of different arcs or circumferences and arranged at predetermined spacings in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus, including: an image pickup section of the plural channel output type configured to output signals individually corresponding to divisional regions of an image pickup device; a plurality of signal processing sections configured to individually receive the output signals of the plural channels of the image pickup device as inputs thereto to produce digital data corresponding to pixel values, and a digital signal processing section configured to receive the pixel value data produced by the signal processing sections as inputs thereto to execute an image correction process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processor for outputting image data to an image forming device forming an image with use of a recording material having a plurality of color components. The processor comprises a component determining a region having higher brightness than predetermined brightness and a region having lower brightness than the predetermined brightness in the image data based on the image data and a component adjusting saturation so as to reduce density values of color components other than a color component having a maximum density value among the plurality of color components of the recording material to increase saturation in a region having brightness determined to be high and reduce density values of color components other than a color component having a minimum density value among the plurality of color components of the recording material to decrease saturation in a region having brightness determined to be low.

Abstract: Provided is a print controller for a mobile telephone handset. The controller includes a printer central processor configured to control operation of an integral printing assembly of the handset. An image sensor is arranged in signal communication with the central processor and is configured for capturing images. The controller also includes a print media feed apparatus configured to feed print media through the printing assembly.

Abstract: A circuit module integrating a light driver and an optical scanner is capable of sensing an image of a document and driving a light source. The circuit module comprises a printed circuit board, an optical sensor and a light driver. Both the optical sensor and the light driver are mounted on and electrically connected with the printed circuit board. The optical sensor is capable of sensing the image and the light driver is capable of driving the light source.

Abstract: A sheet image scanner of the present invention has plural image sensors to output electric signals by detecting optical image data that are obtained by applying a light from a light source to documents, amplifiers to amplify outputs from the plural image sensors, and a peak detection processing unit to detect a peak value of sensitivity of at least one of the plural image sensors and set a gain value for each of amplifiers for the plural image sensors using the detected peak value.

Abstract: An integrated adapter and fax device using the integrated adapter are provided. The power supply converting unit and line interface unit, each of which has a first section and a second section that are isolated from each other, are configured separately in the integrated adapter. Thus, product liability and safety standards are fundamentally satisfied, material costs of an external case of the fax device can be reduced, the external case can be more freely designed, and a power supply line and telephone line can be easily connected by a modular jack.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which can improve the operability in making various settings required for direct transmission of read image data to services on the Internet. The image reading apparatus is connected to at least one external service, which provides at least one service for image data output from the image reading apparatus via a network. Personalized service list information for personalizing the service is acquired so that the operator can use the service. A setting screen, a setting procedure, and contents of setting for the operator are personalized according to the acquired service list information. Various settings based on the setting screen, setting procedure, and contents of setting personalized for the operator are transmitted via the network to the external service, together with the image data.

Abstract: A device for obtaining graphical information from a single- or multi-page document printed on a hard media where reading out of the position of the document elements is performed by using a method of volumetric scanning of a document (even closed) is described. Processing of scanning results, comprises joining up the separate scanning layers scanning results, removing noise, correction of document image orientation, dividing information into portions relating to separate pages, is performed after reading the information. Then text information recognition contained in the graphical file is performed. Information may be read out by using methods of magnetic resonance scanning, supersonic scanning, X-ray scanning etc. The results of scanning in electronic form may be stored for further transmission thereof on a medium or via communication channels to a distant location for recognition.

Abstract: A method of obtaining graphical information from a single-or multi-page document printed on a hard media where reading out of the position of the document elements is performed by using a method of volumetric scanning of a document (even closed) is described. Processing of scanning results, comprises joining up the separate scanning layers scanning results, removing noise, correction of document image orientation, dividing information into portions relating to separate pages, is performed after reading the information. Then text information recognition contained in the graphical file is performed. Information may be read out by using methods of magnetic resonance scanning, supersonic scanning, X-ray scanning etc. The results of scanning in electronic form may be stored for further transmission thereof on a medium or via communication channels to a distant location for recognition. A device for realization of the described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing method and system using gain-controllable clipped histogram equalization, in which the image processing method includes the steps of as obtaining a brightness histogram, computing a mean brightness of an image signal, determining a clipping rate based on the mean brightness, determining a clipping threshold based on the clipping rate, obtaining a clipped brightness histogram by clipping frequencies exceeding the clipping threshold in the brightness histogram, obtaining a corrected brightness histogram by correcting the clipped brightness as histogram using the clipping rate as a total gain, obtaining a cumulative histogram from the corrected brightness histogram, and correcting an input image using the cumulative histogram as a transformation function. Accordingly, the clipping rate is adaptively controlled so that image contrast is enhanced.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a light source that irradiates a document sheet with light; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the document sheet; and a color determination unit that performs color determination as to whether an image of the document sheet is any one of a monochrome image and a color image. The color determination unit performs the color determination as to whether the image of the document sheet is any one of a monochrome image and a color image by comparing chroma information of the image of the document sheet read by the light receiving unit with a threshold calculated from chroma information obtained by reading an image having a predetermined chroma.

Abstract: An offset adjusting device includes a sample-hold unit that sample-holds an analog image signal obtained by converting reflected light from an original into an electric signal with a photoelectric conversion device to thereby obtain a sample-hold signal; an amplifying unit that amplifies the sample-hold signal to obtain an amplified signal; an analog-digital converter that digitizes the amplified signal to obtain a digital signal; a difference detecting unit that detects a difference between a black-level detection value of the digital signal and a black-level target value; an selecting unit that selects an adjustment coefficient among a plurality of adjustment coefficients based on comparison of the difference and a reference value; and a feedback unit that subjects an offset adjustment value based on the adjustment coefficient selected by the selecting unit to feedback processing.

Abstract: In a disclosed image forming apparatus, an original is scanned and image data of the original are obtained. The data size of the image data corresponding to one page of the original is measured. The image data obtained are stored in or deleted from a memory. A storable number of pages of the original that can be stored in the memory is calculated based on the data size measured and available space in the memory. In response to the storable number of pages calculated being less than a total number of pages of the original, the image data of the original is successively stored in and deleted from the memory.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, includes: a registration unit that refers to a use limit information memory which stores use limit information indicating a policy of a use limit of a document corresponding to a set of a mark image indicating that use of the document is limited and user associated information relating to a user associated to the document, extracts the mark image and person in charge information from document image information obtained by reading a paper document including the mark image and the person in charge information indicating a person in charge with respect to contents of the paper document, acquires the use limit information corresponding to a set of the extracted mark image and the user associated information corresponding to the extracted person in charge information from the use limit information memory, and registers the acquired use limit information associated with a document including the document image information in a document memory.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a denoise method on Gaussian/Laplacian image pyramid, which integrates Pyramid analysis/synthesis algorithm, MMSE (minimum mean square error) filter and NL (non local) filter on the image pyramid to reconstruct and output a denoised image of an original input image through a plurality of iterative procedures, and utilizes an auto-adaptive noise estimation algorithm to find parameter of noise level used by the NL filter, so as to be easily embedded in mobile or handheld devices for obtaining better noise removing and anti-shaking results and remove noise much faster than the conventional denoise method, but only with less quality loss.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a correction value of an optical sensor detecting an edge of the medium so as to generate detection information, includes: acquiring edge information on an edge position of one of opposite edges of the medium based on the detection information; forming on the medium a correction value obtainment pattern including lines that are arranged at a fixed interval in a first direction and parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and that include a reference line spaced a first distance from the edge position in the first direction and parallel to the second direction, based on the edge information; specifying a line spaced the first distance from the edge position in the first direction; obtaining a second distance in the first direction between the specified line and the reference line; and determining the second distance as an absolute value of the correction value.

Abstract: A circuit module integrating a light driver and an optical scanner is capable of sensing an image of a document and driving a light source. The circuit module comprises a printed circuit board, an optical sensor and a light driver. Both the optical sensor and the light driver are mounted on and electrically connected with the printed circuit board. The optical sensor is capable of sensing the image and the light driver is capable of driving the light source.

Abstract: A method of obtaining graphical information from a single- or multi-page document printed on a hard media where reading out of the position of the document elements is performed by using a method of volumetric scanning of a document (even closed) is described. Processing of scanning results, comprises joining up the separate scanning layers scanning results, removing noise, correction of document image orientation, dividing information into portions relating to separate pages, is performed after reading the information. Then text information recognition contained in the graphical file is performed. Information may be read out by using methods of magnetic resonance scanning, supersonic scanning, X-ray scanning etc. The results of scanning in electronic form may be stored for further transmission thereof on a medium or via communication channels to a distant location for recognition.

Abstract: An analog front-end circuit controlling an imaging device and processing an analog image signal output from the imaging device includes: an analog processing section that receives an analog image signal from the imaging device, provides the image signal with predetermined processing, and outputs the image signal; an A/D converter that performs A/D conversion with the image signal output from the analog processing section; a transmitter circuit that receives digital image data output from the A/D converter, generates a differential signal based on the digital image data, and outputs the differential signal; and a timing generator that generates a plurality of clocks including a multiphase driving clock for driving the imaging device based on a first reference clock; the transmitter circuit including a differential amplifier circuit that generates a differential signal based on the digital image data output from the A/D converter, and outputting the differential signal generated in the differential amplifier ci

Abstract: This invention is made to solve the problem that the conventional method cannot correctly determine whether an original is a halftone. To solve this, a method according to this invention detects, from an original, first and second feature pixels respectively exhibiting first and second features. A first feature pixel to first feature pixel distance and second feature pixel to second feature pixel distance are calculated from neighboring first feature pixels and neighboring second feature pixels, respectively. The average of the first feature pixel to first feature pixel distance and the neighboring second feature pixel to second feature pixel distance is calculated as a feature pixel to feature pixel distance. A histogram is generated by the appearance count of only a feature pixel to feature pixel distance for which the same value successively appears. Whether the read original is a halftone is discriminated based on this histogram.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an analog processing unit configured to perform line-clamping on an analog electric signal representing image data and to output the line-clamped analog electric signal as an analog image signal, and a fixed electric potential supplying unit configured to supply a fixed electric potential. There is also a variable electric potential supplying unit configured to supply a variable electric potential, a first switch configured to start and stop the line-clamping, and a second switch configured to select the fixed electric potential or the variable electric potential. The image processing device is configured to turn on the first switch at such a timing that an influence of a distorted response waveform, which distorted response waveform is generated when the variable electric potential is switched to the fixed electric potential by the second switch, is reduced.

Abstract: A display apparatus, a scanner, a display system, and a display method using the same are provided. The display apparatus includes a first display, a second display, a hinge unit, and a control unit which displays a scanned image on at least one of the first display and the second display. Therefore, a user can view images scanned by the scanner with greater ease and greater convenience. In addition, the scanner can be mounted in the display apparatus with maximized efficiency of space.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a plurality of external signal input means; an external input unit having a switch each connected between the external signal input means and a read line and electrically connected for output from the external signal input means on the read line; a shift register receiving an external control signal and an external clock signal and synchronized with the external clock signal to shift successively the external control signal to provide shifted data and output the external control signal to electrically connect the switches in accordance with the shifted data; an output circuit receiving the external control signal from the shift register and externally outputting the external control signal; and a frequency divider circuit dividing the external clock signal in frequency to generate and output an internal clock signal, wherein the output circuit is synchronized with the internal clock signal to externally output the external control signal.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve operability of an image processing device by reading a document with multiple pages at a time, changing a page addressed to each destination, and transmitting the page to each destination.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a first image processing section to which original image data is inputted; an image storing section connected downstream of the first image processing section; a second image processing section connected downstream of the image storing section; a loop-back path through which image data output from the second image processing section is returned to the first image processing section; an instruction inputting section which inputs an instruction in relation to a processing content; a controller for controlling a flow of image data and contents to be processed in the first and second image processing sections according to the instruction input from the instruction inputting section, wherein a plurality of types of image data different from each other in contents which have been processed, are capable of being generated on the basis of the original image data.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus which is connected to a storage unit for storing a plurality of image data so as to form an image using image data selected by a user from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus including: a display unit which displays a screen; an exclusion candidate image extracting unit which extracts exclusion candidate image data as a candidate excluded from image formation with a predetermined condition from image-formed image data out of the image data stored in the storage unit; an exclusion image selection reception unit which displays the extracted exclusion candidate image data by the display unit and receives selection of image data excluded from image formation by the user; an exclusion image setting unit which sets the selected image data as exclusion image data excluded from image formation; and a formed image selection reception unit which displays image data excluding the image-formed image data and the set exclusion image dat

Abstract: A communication control terminal apparatus employs one CPU to control two or more communication procedures, without adversely affecting each other. The communication control terminal apparatus includes a storage unit for storing information by using predetermined codes, a codec unit for coding and decoding the information, and communication control units for transmitting the information. A communication code obtained by the codec unit through conversion is transmitted via the communication control units. An execution time for the codec unit is changed in accordance with types of the communication procedures performed by the communication control units.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first light source unit that emits light in a first wavelength band to a subject; a second light source unit that emits light in a second wavelength band, which is a part of the first wavelength band, to the subject; an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the subject and outputs the image as an image pickup signal; a light cut filter unit that cuts light in the second wavelength band reflected from the subject; and a complementary processing unit that applies complementary processing to a component equivalent to the second wavelength band cut by the light cut filter unit in the image of the subject picked up by the image pickup unit in a state in which the subject is illuminated by the light in the first wavelength band.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes a scanning section which scans an object opposite to a linear scanning area along a main scanning direction while moving the scanning area along a subscanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The scanning section generates image data on the basis of the result of the scanning. A control unit of the scanning section includes a first image acquiring section that acquires first image data by making the scanning section execute scanning at a first subscanning resolution. The control unit also has a pattern searching section that searches the first image data for the image of the predetermined pattern. A second image acquiring section of the control unit acquires second image data in such a manner that when the image of the predetermined pattern is not detected by the pattern searching section.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a control unit and a reference color region. The control unit includes a preliminary read processing unit, a first image acquisition unit, a second image acquisition unit and a reprocessing instruction unit. The reprocessing instruction unit specifies a schematic position of a reference region in the sub-scanning direction and instructs the preliminary read processing unit to perform preliminary reading again at the schematic position of the reference region.

Abstract: In a multifunction product including a plurality of input sources and a plurality of output destinations corresponding to the function thereof, there are an input document class that fits an input document input from the input source to a common format regardless of the input sources and manages the input document, a user document class that obtains user images of a predetermined size to be processed from the input document and manages the user document formed of the obtained user images, and an output document class that uses the output image created from the user images constituting the user document to create an output document reshaped in a format to be output to the output destination and output the output document.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a scanner, a first setting portion configured to set a reading scale factor for an image from a document, a second setting portion configured to set the size of an image formed medium, a determining portion configured to determine to which of divided ranges the reading scale factor set by the first setting portion belongs, a moving section configured to move the scanner at a specified moving speed corresponding to the range determined by the determining portion, a calculating section configured to calculate a distance the scanner moves based on the reading scale factor and the size of the image formed medium, and a storing portion configured to store the image read by a photoelectric converting device while the moving section is moving the scanner at the moving speed corresponding to the reading scale factor.

Abstract: A facsimile use modem apparatus includes an analog interface formed from a silicon data access arrangement interfacing with an analog telephone line. A digital interface is provided to interface with an ISDN line. A signal converting device is provided to convert a modem signal used in facsimile communications via the analog telephone line into a signal used in the ISDN line, vice a versa. A data transmitting device is provided to transmit linear data to a monitor via the silicon data access arrangement when G3 facsimile communications are performed via the ISDN line so as to monitor a progress of the G3 facsimile communications.

Abstract: When image processing is performed, the present invention increases the speed of processing for an individual scanning line constituting an image, and improves the throughput while suppressing the required memory area. The present invention is an image processor for performing image processing in parallel using a plurality of processors, wherein when an individual scanning line is divided into a plurality of partial areas, at least one of the plurality of processors is allocated to each of the partial areas for at lest one scanning line constituting an image, and image processing is performed in parallel. As a memory area for storing the image processing result, the image processor comprises memory areas for the number of scanning lines, which is less than the number of the plurality of processors.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a conveying mechanism configured to convey a recording medium in a conveying direction, and a recording unit configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism when the recording medium is in a first position below the recording unit. The apparatus also includes a discharge path in which the recording medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism is conveyed from the first position to a second position which is opposite the conveying mechanism and above the recording unit. Moreover, the apparatus includes a reading unit which faces the discharge path and is positioned on a side of the recording unit. The reading unit is configured to read the image recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit.

Abstract: A method of scanning a portion of a document using an electronic device includes activating a data input to a picture element of the display to illuminate the portion of the document, in which the document is located proximate to the display. The method also includes deactivating the data input and measuring, by way of the data input, a signal from a photosensitive device, the signal being indicative of the light reflected from the illuminated portion of the document.

Abstract: In a data processing device, an additional information acquiring unit is configured to acquire, from a plurality of input image data items, respective items of additional information relevant to the plurality of input image data items. A log management unit is configured to manage a log of output image data, wherein, when the plurality of input image data items are integrated into an output image data, the log management unit manages respective items of additional information acquired from the plurality of input image data items contained in the output image data, as a log of the output image data.

Abstract: A method of providing a discount may include monitoring at least one resource via a communication network. A usage profile may be received from the at least one resource. The usage profile may include a measurement of consumption of a consumable over a period of time for the at least one resource. A first factor may be determined based on the usage profile. A second factor may be determined based on one or more of an ownership level and a participation level of the at least one resource. A discount for a future purchase may be provided based on the first factor and the second factor.

Abstract: There are provided an information processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption more than ever without deteriorating processing efficiency in the apparatus as a whole, an image forming apparatus, and a method for controlling the information processing apparatus. When the operation mode is in a sleep mode or an energy save mode at the time of receiving a facsimile data by a FAX modem, an instruction is made not to an image processing chip but to an IO chip to perform image processing for the received facsimile data. The IO chip performs the image professing using an LCDC (Liquid Crystal Display Controller). During this time, main control sections such as an SoC is remained in the non-energized state.

Abstract: A method and a multi-function machine are provided for scanning and counting documents, generating a summary report thereof, and dispatching the summary report to at least one destination. The summary report contains a count of the number of documents scanned or, additionally or alternatively, the number of document sides which contain an image; thumbnail representations of at least one of the scanned pages; and/or metadata.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes an image data generating unit that reads a original and generates image data, an information transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receive the digital data, a first data generating unit that generates first digital data used for a real-time communication method without using analog data, and a second data generating unit that generates second digital data used for a deemed voice communication method without using analog data. when using the real-time communication method, the first data generating unit generates the first digital data and the information transmitting and receiving unit transmits the first digital data to the destination. When using the deemed voice communication method, the second data generating unit generates the second digital data and the information transmitting and receiving unit transmits the second digital data to the destination.

Abstract: When the input value becomes close to the medium dot relative density value (Den_M), the large dot threshold value (Thre_L) and medium dot threshold value (Thre_M) become close to each other. It is possible to prevent output values from being converged to the particular medium-dot output value. When the input value becomes close to the small dot relative density value (Den_S), the medium dot threshold value (Thre_M) and the small dot relative density value (Den_S) become close to each other. It is possible to prevent output values from being converged to the particular small-dot output value.

Abstract: An image-reading apparatus reads an image on a document by controlling a main-scanning operation in accordance with an index period, a sub-scanning operation in accordance with a line-thinning rate, and a reading velocity of reading the image in a sub-scanning direction in accordance with a magnification factor. The apparatus includes an inputting section to input the magnification factor, an index period changing section to control the index period, based on the magnification factor, and a line-thinning rate changing section to control the line-thinning rate, based on the magnification factor. The index period changing section may select one of a plurality of index periods, including at least normal and long index periods, to control the index period. The thinning-rate changing section may select one of a plurality of line-thinning rates, including line-thinning rates indicating activation and deactivation of a line-thinning operation, to control the line-thinning rate.

Abstract: A modular copying system including combinations of printer, scanner, and system controller modules formed as independent frames. The scanner module includes devices for image reading, first data I/O and first synchronizing signal generation; the printer module includes devices for image forming, second data I/O and second synchronizing signal generation; and the system control module includes devices for third data I/O and system control. The modules are added or removed according to user requirements and the system is capable of accommodating up to seven modules. The modules are stacked in a vertical direction and arranging devices ensure proper module alignment. Once the modules are aligned and assembled in the system, communications between each module is accomplished via light wave, electric wave, or sonic wave transmission and reception. As a result, system interconnection is reduced, system noise is reduced and various connecting cables are eliminated.