Abstract: A dual job processing method of a multifunction peripheral having a carrier driver, a line feed driver and a scan driver, prevents power overload by avoiding overlapping actuation of the three drivers when dual job operations are requested. When an operation, that requires the use of the scan driver being requested while printing, is being performed by driving the carrier driver, the document scanning is performed by driving the scan driver, and the drive time for the line feed driver is delayed and initiated after the driving of the carrier driver is completed. When a request for printing is requested while scanning is being performed by driving the scan driver, printing is performed by driving the carrier driver, and the drive time for the line feed driver is delayed and initiated after driving of the carrier driver is completed.

Abstract: A color image pickup device is provided with image pickup elements having color separation filters, respectively, wherein one array pattern of the color separation filters corresponds to four pixels that are vertically and horizontally adjacent to each other; a storage circuit for storing filter-transmitted signals corresponding to the respective pixels and supplied from the image pickup elements; a signal processing circuit for obtaining a luminance value and a color-difference signal for each pixel, using the filter-transmitted signals corresponding to the respective pixels and stored in the storage circuit; and a resolution conversion circuit for performing interpolation using the luminance values and the color-difference signals outputted from the signal processing circuit, and the filter-transmitted signals corresponding to the respective pixels and outputted from the image pickup elements, thereby generating a luminance value and a color-difference signal corresponding to a pixel to be newly generated.

Abstract: The present invention is a printer controller comprising a processor that exclusively executes a communication task for receiving packet data from host computers and extracting print job data on the basis of the received packet data, a language task for generating image data on the basis of the above-mentioned print job data, and a print task for controlling a print engine, according to priorities assigned to each of these tasks. The priorities assigned to the communication task and language task are altered according to specific conditions. For example, if the amount of packet data to be processed by the communication task is below a specific value, the priority of the language task is altered to be higher than the priority of the communication task, whereas if the amount of packet data to be processed by the communication task is over a specific value, the priority of the communication task is altered to be higher than the priority of the language task.

Abstract: A facsimile server carries out facsimile communication, and notifies a forwarding destination computer of the confidential data reception when the facsimile server has confidentially received communication data. The facsimile apparatus transmits the confidentially received data in accordance with a demand by the destination computer. The facsimile server encrypts and decrypts the received data by using an encryption key produced based on peculiar information of the facsimile server and the forwarding destination computer at the time of carrying out communication with the destination computer via a computer network.

Abstract: To obtain a high-quality image, there is provided an image pickup apparatus having a plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical signal from an object into an electrical signal and a read unit for reading out the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit, a difference circuit for performing difference processing on a noise component contained in the signal read by the read unit, a detection circuit for detecting image pickup conditions, and a correction circuit for performing correction of execution of difference processing in accordance with an output from the detection circuit.

Abstract: In a flat bed type scanner, while a control unit (24) for generating a secondary control signal and for controlling a CCD (22) is separated from an image processing ASIC (46) for generating a primary clock signal as a base signal of the secondary control signal, this scanner is arranged so as to generate the secondary control signal having the short pulse width from the primary clock signal having the long pulse width. This scanner employs such an arrangement that the primary clock signal having the long pulse width is transmitted via an FFC (40) which electrically connects the image processing ASIC (46) with the control unit (24).

Abstract: A printer has two or more boards. Each board comprises a pre-editing unit which extracts format information from the start of non-delimited received data to sequentially delimit the data into pages beginning with the start of the received data and calculates a temporary page change position that is the trailing end of one page whose start is the leading end of the non-delimited data, an editing unit which edits data following the temporary page change position, calculates an actual page change position that is the trailing end of one page whose leading end is the temporary page change position, and outputs the editing data of the page, and a drawing unit which performs drawing processing in which the editing data is drawn and video output data is output.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method provides a wide dynamic range and is capable of displaying an improved color in low-luminance regions, and an image signal processing method thereof. In the imaging apparatus, a first process divides the voltage level of an analog image signal into a plurality of sections and amplifies the analog image signal with a plurality of different gains according to each section, and a second process converts the analog image signal amplified with the different gains into a digital signal, and non-linearly gamma-corrects the digital signal according to each section. The plurality of different gains may be inversely proportional to the luminance level of the analog image signal. Thus, the level of an analog signal in a low-luminance region is amplified with a gain greater than in a high-luminance region before gamma correction, so that signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in the low-luminance region of an image is increased, thereby improving sensitivity of the image following gamma correction.

Abstract: A digitizer having a dual exposure technique is combined with an associated LUT for each exposure. Each LUT may have a transfer function including a logarithmic operator resulting in a digitized image with improved photometric resolution and increased dynamic range. A digitizer utilizing multiple exposures at approximately equal exposure time intervals provides a noise reduction for lower optical density portions of the data medium further contributing to increased dynamic range. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A facsimile machine detects transition points in image data, and adjusts the image data accordingly. Preferably, the image data are run-length data, from which image margins are detected, and the image data are adjusted to avoid overflow of printing margins. The adjustment may include horizontal repositioning and zooming. In zooming, an offset is preferably added to avoid moire patterns.

Abstract: The image reading system comprises an image reading device, to which an external interface adaptor and a recording medium interface adaptor can be selectively connected. The external interface adaptor is provided with an interface circuit by which a format of image data is converted to that which conforms to a device provided externally to the image reading device. The device may be a computer. The recording medium interface adaptor is provided with a recording medium attaching unit to which a recording medium is attachable. An operation switch is disposed on the recording medium interface adaptor so that the image data can be recorded to the recording medium.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a photoelectric transducer which reads an image of a document and outputs an analog image signal, an A/D converter which converts the analog signal to a digital image signal, and an offset level detecting circuit which determines an average value of output levels from picture elements in a predetermined range of the photoelectric transducer. Further, there is an offset setting unit which provides an offset in the analog image signal before the A/D conversion on the basis of the average value, a first comparing device which compares the average value to a predetermined target value, and an adjusting device which adjusts a size of the predetermined range of the photoelectric transducer on the basis of the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Image data can be corrected in the same manner as by retouching work using a photograph finishing system in a laboratory. Sub-image data generating means generates sub-image data representing density information or the like of an original image from main image data representing the original image. The sub-image data are displayed on a monitor as a sub-image, and an operator carries out correction using input means while viewing the sub-image. In this manner, corrected sub-image data are obtained by retouching means. Correction means corrects the main image data based on the corrected sub-image data, and processed image data are obtained. The processed image data are reproduced as a printed image by a printer.

Abstract: A circuit connected to a linear array of photosensors generates image data representative of information printed on a document and adjusts the gains applied to the outputs of selected ones of the photosensors to eliminate streaks in the image data otherwise due to the selected photosensors imaging debris on an optical reference surface. The circuit determines which photosensors have low output values during a factory scan of a clean white reference surface. During a subsequent user environment calibration scan, low output values are adjusted to the average of their neighbors, but only for locations not identified as having low outputs during the factory scan. The circuit additionally performs a PRNU compensation and further adjusts the gains applied to each of the outputs of the photosensors so that all of their output values have a substantially uniform value.

Abstract: Image processing systems for converting image data corresponding to a document, where the image data exhibits a first format, are disclosed. In this regard, a representative image processing system includes a file conversion system configured to receive information corresponding to the image data as well as information corresponding to a second format to which the image data is to be converted. Additionally, the file conversion system is configured to retrieve information corresponding to a set of format rules, where the set of format rules corresponds to the second format. Thereafter, the file conversion system converts the image data to converted data representative of image data and exhibiting the second format without rescanning, reanalyzing, or reprocessing the document. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: The preset invention provides an image device, which combined scanning device with video device. Due to the scanning device and video device have image data treating elements are identical in function, thus, the two image data processing elements within the scanning device and video device could combine to be an image device to process the two different image data type and the image data could output by one image device to diminish the cost.

Abstract: An image data interpolation apparatus includes an image data obtaining unit for obtaining image data representing an image as dot-matrix picture elements, a picture element interpolating unit capable of selectively executing one of a plurality of interpolating processes when the image data is interpolated so that the number of constituent picture elements thereof is increased, a feature amount obtaining unit for obtaining a feature amount concerning the image data with respect to the selected interpolating process, and an interpolating process selecting unit for selecting one of the interpolating processes capable of obtaining an optimum result of interpolation according to the feature amount obtained by the feature amount obtaining unit and causing the picture element interpolating unit to execute the selected interpolating process.

Abstract: In order to reduce the capacity of a line memory when converting image data that are input in a raster scan order into pixel block data such as 8×8 pixels for JPEG compression and the like, data on the first 0th to 7th lines is written in an 8H line memory in a raster scan order. Next, while performing block reading, the writing of the next 8th to 15th lines is performed so as to follow the part that has been read. The block reading of the 8th to 15th lines is performed in an order from the area where the data on the 0th line was first stored to the area where the data on the 1st, 2nd . . . lines was stored. For this reason, the writing of the 16th to 23rd line that is performed simultaneously with the block reading of the 8th to 15th lines can be performed in the same manner as the writing of the first 0th to 7th lines. Therefore, block conversion can be performed using an 8H line memory capacity corresponding to 8 lines, whereas that corresponding to 16 lines has been conventionally required.

Abstract: A document is read by a scanner, the document type is detected, and a specific block in the document, for which character recognition is to be performed, is determined. The character recognition is performed for the specific block, the obtained character strings are analyzed, and in accordance with the analysis results, document objectives, such as the extraction of data, filing, transmission to a printer or notification of transmission, are attained. A process corresponding to the attained objectives is performed for the document that has been read.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of elements (D) for receiving reflected light from an object, photoelectrically converting it into image signals (OS1-OS4), and outputting the image signals, a first output buffer (121) for outputting image signals received from even elements of the plurality of elements in the line from one end to the other end, a second output buffer (122) for outputting image signals received from odd elements from one end to the other end, a third output buffer (123) for outputting image signals received from even elements from the other end to the one end, and a fourth output buffer (124) for outputting image signals received from odd elements from the other end to the one end.

Abstract: The image reading method and apparatus read photoelectrically an original image by an image sensor and convert an output signal of the image sensor into a digital signal. At least one of an adjusting step of a quantity of light incident upon the image sensor by a light transmittance adjusting operation in an optical path, a sensing condition control step in the image sensor, and an intensity adjusting step of the output signal from the image sensor is used and a maximum value of a signal upon being converted into the digital signal is set to be constant without recourse to the original image. The method and apparatus can attain following effects that a variable aperture is unnecessary, a shading fluctuation occurred in a light quantity adjusting operation is eliminated, and an image reading operation with a maximum use of a dynamic range of a scanner by an apparatus at low costs and at high precision can be executed, in an operation for photoelectircally reading an image.

Abstract: A camera system is disclosed comprising an image sensor and processing device for sensing and processing an image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media; a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally to the camera system; the image sensor and processing device comprising a single integrated circuit chip including the following interconnected components: a processing unit for controlling the operation of the camera system; a program ROM utilized by the processing unit; a CMOS active pixel image sensor for sensing the image; a memory store for storing images and associated program data; a series of motor drive units each including motor drive transistors for the driving of external mechanical system of the camera system; and print head interface unit for driving the print head for printing of the sensed image.

Abstract: A system and method for transcoding a document to be transmitted to a mobile station according to document display capabilities thereof and a wireless infrastructure containing the same. The system includes: (1) a station identifying circuit that receives data indicating a particular mobile station's document display capabilities and (2) a transcoding circuit that modifies the document according to the document display capabilities before the document is transmitted to the particular mobile station, the particular mobile station thereby freed of having locally to substantially modify the document according to the document display capabilities.

Abstract: An image sensor employing multiple arrays of photodetectors is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, every two of three arrays are shielded with a non-transparent material. When charge signals are generated in the non-shielded array in response to light reflected from a scanning document illuminated by one of three colored lights, the charge signals are shifted to a next adjacent shielded array so that another set of charge signals can be generated under another one of the three colored lights. Essentially, the shielded arrays are used as buffers to separate the charge signals independently generated under three different colored lights. Subsequently, the charge signals corresponding to the same colored light can be accumulated to produce a much stronger scanning signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image reading device and image reading method which reduce the total reading time and do not produce color drift when reading a plurality of documents comprising a mix of color and monochrome documents. The present invention provides for reading all documents by moving the documents during reading past a fixed position reader. If the documents are determined to be color documents, the documents are read by moving the reader during reading past fixed position documents. The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus, which reduces the total reading time when reading a mix of color and monochrome documents. The present invention additionally provides a computer program product for use in an image reading system to operate the system in the prescribed manner.

Abstract: A method and structure for an image processing apparatus that includes an image bearing surface adapted to receive electrostatically charged toner, a cleaning brush adapted to remove waste particles from the image bearing surface, a detone roller adapted to remove the waste particles from the cleaning brush, and a speed controller adapted to maintain a rotational speed of the cleaning brush above a minimum speed below which the waste particles would not be removed from the image bearing surface and below a maximum speed above which the waste particles would be thrown from the cleaning brush.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises input means for inputting an image information, storage means for storing the image information input from said input means, display means for displaying the image information input from said input means and the image information stored in said storage means, changeover means for switching between the display of the image information from said input means and that of the image information from said storage means, and output means for outputting the image information stored in said storage means.

Abstract: A PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit of the present invention includes a reference pulse sequence generating section for outputting a reference pulse sequence, an up-down counter, a trigger signal generating section for generating from an input signal a trigger signal for the up-down counter having a period which is a natural number multiple of one cycle the period of PWM, and a comparator for comparing the output of the up-down counter and the reference pulse sequence.

Abstract: A document-image reading device that can analyze a speed fluctuation state of a scanner when scanning an image in the feed direction by separately extracting speed fluctuation components by reading a change in density of reference scale lines and, on the basis of the analysis result, prevents the occurrence of an image blur that may be resulting from unstable factors of a driving mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for formatting bitmapped image data for printing. An image data bus section (120) has an image bus interface (122) adapted to be coupled to a computer bus to transmit the image data, a front end memory (124) coupled to the image bus interface (122) to receive the image data in an unformatted form, a back end memory (126) for receiving the image data in a formatted form, and a print interface device (1280 coupled to the back end memory (126) for transmitting print data based on the image data in a formatted form. A processor bus section (140) has an image processor (146) and a processor bus interface (1420 adapted to be coupled to the computer bus to communicate print processing instructions between the print processor (146) and the computer.

Abstract: An image acquisition architecture includes a device class representing a physical image acquisition device, a storage class representing storage areas of the image acquisition device, a package class representing sets of data files stored in a storage area of the image acquisition device, and an item class representing individual data files within the sets of data files stored in the storage area of the image acquisition device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method in which proper image processing conditions can be realized by simple operation, even in cases in which it is difficult to automatically obtain proper image processing conditions. A film image recorded on a photographic film is read, and is analyzed based on the image data obtained by reading. Processing conditions for various types of image processings for the image data are calculated. In a process of verifying the calculated processing conditions, if an operator designates correction of density or color balance, the image data is corrected in accordance with the designated correction, the image is reanalyzed based on corrected image data, and processing conditions for image processing, e.g., hyper gradation processing, are recalculated automatically.

Abstract: The invention produces a document-image reading device that can analyze a speed fluctuation state of a scanner when scanning an image in the feed direction by separately extracting speed fluctuation components by determining a change in density of references scale lines; and, on the basis of the analysis result, prevents the occurrence of an image blur that can result from unstable factors of a driving mechanism of the device. The document-image reading device, which reads document image data at a specified time interval given by a reference clock signal, comprises an image sensor that can read a document image while the document-image reading device or the document moves in the feed direction. Additionally, the document-image reading device includes a chart reader for reading a reference chart portion having alternations of high-density and low-density divisions that are arranged one after another at a distance interval equal to the least pitch readable by the document-image reading device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for dithering, and inversely dithering an image. The apparatus makes use of a pixel address and a pixel data to locate a dither reference value from a dither matrix and use the dither reference value to convert an original pixel data having N bits into a dithered pixel data having M bits (N>M). On the other hand, the apparatus for performing an inversely dithering process makes use of the pixel address and the dithered pixel data (M bits) to locate a dither reference value from a dither matrix. Then, the dither reference value is employed to perform an inversely dithering process to recover the dithered pixel data into original pixel data.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus in which basic image data and information of the printing position of the image data on a recording medium are input from a data source and stored in advance, and the designated image data is bitmapped at the printing position to print an image, thereby increasing the printing speed, and a printing system including the printing apparatus. In this system, image data sent from a host is registered as a basic image, and the image is bitmapped in an image memory on the basis of the information of the printing position, of the stored basic image data on a printing paper sheet, sent from the host. The image data bitmapped in the image memory is then output to a printhead to print the image.

Abstract: In case of performing an image process on an input image by selectively using plural conversion (halftone process) methods, a main object of the invention is to add, even if the plural conversion methods are switched and used, appropriate additional information according to each conversion method. To attain the object, there is provided an image process apparatus especially comprises an addition means for adding in a selected addition method the information to the image signal in a state that the added information is difficult to be perceived by human eyes. An another object is to add, even if the plural conversion methods are switched and used, the appropriate information according to a predetermined position or period.

Abstract: A gateway device with private branch exchanging function capable of carrying out transmission of image data using a desired network without carrying out any complicated operations by a user. When receiving an input of a facsimile number and the image data from the user, the facsimile machine FAX1a connected to the private branch network K transmits the facsimile number and the image data to the gateway device GTW1 functioning as a PBX. When receiving the facsimile number and the image data from the facsimile machine FAX1a, the gateway device GTW1 confirms the number attached to the front of the facsimile number, and when the number is “0”, transmits the image data to the facsimile machine FAX2 via the public switched telephone network PSTN. When the number is “*”, the gateway device GTW1 transmits the image data to the gateway device GTW2 via the Internet NTW.

Abstract: An image processing architecture for a scanner, especially used to process the image data output from an analog signal processor by a digital controller, is provided. The image processing architecture of the present invention comprises a ping-pong buffer, an image data storage region and a cache memory. The ping-pong buffer has at least two buffer rows, any of which is used to store the image data. The image data storage region is used to store a correction parameter for image data correction and to store the image data corrected according to the correction parameters. The correction parameters obtained from the image data storage region are stored in the cache memory. The cache memory provides such correction parameters so that the above image data can be corrected in the image processing architecture according the image correction parameter. Additionally, the image processing architecture further includes a cache as a working buffer for line-difference compensation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of data transmission/reception in which picture signals are encoded into image data, the attribute information of the image data is obtained, meta data are generated from the attribute information of the image data. The image data and the meta data are transmitted separately. With this system and method of data transmission/reception, when predetermined conditions are satisfied, i.e. only when a moving body is detected or abnormal data or data including significant information are detected, image data and meta data are transmitted. Therefore, since not all the data are transmitted, the amount of transmitted data is reduced. As a result, the amount of data accumulated in data recipient can be reduced and the load of data analysis operation can be alleviated. In addition, the burden on an operator visually monitoring image data can be eased. Furthermore, inadvertent failure in checking abnormal data or data including significant information can be prevented.

Abstract: A facsimile server carries out facsimile communication, and notifies a forwarding destination computer of the confidential data reception when the facsimile server has confidentially received communication data. The facsimile apparatus transmits the confidentially received data in accordance with a demand by the destination computer. The facsimile server encrypts and decrypts the received data by using an encryption key produced based on peculiar information of the facsimile server and the forwarding destination computer at the time of carrying out communication with the destination computer via a computer network.

Abstract: A circuit implemented on a single piece of silicon or a low cost hybrid circuit that controls all the functions required to operate sheet-fed, flatbed, handheld, slides, duplex, drum and 2D still-image document scanners. The circuit performs monochrome image sensor management, color image sensor management, light source modulation, motor management, Anti-Skew Auto-Start, pixel correction, adaptative thresholding, black-sides removal, image enhancement, dithering, up/down sampling, image compression, scan and forward action management, memory management, and host interface management with plug and play capability.

Abstract: A picture signal processing apparatus and method is presented that determines whether there is an odd or even-number field signal in the picture signals received, by referring to flags that are turned on or off in accordance with the result of odd and even-number field detection. If the odd and even-number field flags are on, an image processing operation A is performed. If the odd-number field flag is on and the even-number field is off, an image processing operation B is performed. If the odd-number field flag is off and the even-number field is on, an image processing operation C is performed. In accordance with whether there is an odd or even-number field signal in the received picture signals, an appropriate image processing operation is selected from the different operations. That is, the received picture signals are processed in a mode suitable to the signals, so as to generate suitable image data.

Abstract: A printer comprises an input unit for inputting color page description information, creation means for creating intermediate information for recording by analyzing color page description information which has been input, an execution unit for executing fast hardware rendering with a hardware for the intermediate information, and a switch for switching the fast hardware rendering into a software rendering in the case of a high grade color logical drawing which cannot be supported by the hardware.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting analog fax calls between two wireless subscriber stations in a tandem configuration are presented herein. To support the tandem configuration, full duplex communication may be established between the two base stations. Full duplex communication may be realized by incorporating an echo canceler in the base station, or by utilizing both BFSK channels of the V.21 fax system for communication. The tandem configuration may also be supported by advanced flag synchronization, wherein a second base station will immediately start sending preamble flags to a first base station after a message is transmitted from the first base station to the second base station. The first base station may then synchronize its receiver for immediate receipt of the return message from the second base station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting data transmitted by a facsimile machine and provides for encrypting and decrypting of data converted to a binary code. The device is detachably connectable to a facsimile machine for receiving the data and for encrypting/decrypting the data in accordance with a pre-selected key. The encrypted data is stored by the device for subsequent retrieval upon demand. A keypad and an associated visual display allow programming of the electronic function of the device.

Abstract: The invention is based on an electronic still camera for converting a taken optical image of the subject into digital image data, and recording into a memory card incorporating semiconductor memories, in which the digital image data obtained from this electronic still camera is stored in a large-capacity recording medium through an exclusive recording device, or displayed in plural monitors, or stored in a disk or magnetic tape by existing recording devices or even compressed, expanded, edited or processed, so that it may satisfy versatile requests of users sufficiently.

Abstract: According to a quadruplex CCD of the present invention, an AGC-M0 circuit which is connected to an output terminal OS1 operates to make an electric current of a predetermined value flow into a differential amplifying circuit with use of the differential amplifying circuit, a terminal-based detection circuit, the other differential amplifying circuit, a comparison circuit, a reference control value, a reference current generating circuit, and a voltage holding circuit. The comparison result obtained by the comparison circuit is output to the AGC-S1, AGC-S2, and the AGC-S3 circuits, as a reference value of the AGC circuits. With use of the reference control value obtained in this manner, the difference in image density of the image obtained by the quadruplex CCD is corrected by the AGC-S1 circuit connected to an output terminal OS2, the AGC-S2 circuit connected to an output terminal OS3, and the AGC-S3 circuit connected to an output terminal OS4.

Abstract: In an image forming device including a plurality of image processing means each having a particular function, control means combines the image processing means in accordance with a requested mode. For example, assume that an image input via first image inputting means should be processed by first image processing means, then processed by second image processing means, and then output via first outputting means. Then, the control means sets particular parameters in each of the first and second image processing means, and sets up an image path extending from the first inputting means to the first outputting means.

Abstract: A printer communication system includes a printer (20) having a printer controller (34) with memory (38) and a processor (36). The printer (20) receives and transmits information through a port (40) to which a host computer (10) is coupled. The printer controller (34) may be programmed to be operable to receive configuration-related commands through the port (40), process the configuration-related commands received by the port immediately provided that a command is a safe command to process while the printer (20) is busy processing a print job. The printer (20) may respond to the host computer (10) by indicating that the change was successful or that the printer (20) must be taken offline before the change may be made. The printer controller (34) is programmed to be remotely taken offline and put back online. A symbol set list command may be used by printer (20) to send symbol sets to host computer (10).

Abstract: An optical scanner having a variable resolution wherein an optical detecting unit controlled by a pixel clock signal generates a discrete signal representing pixels scanned in a region. An analog-to-digital converter converts the signal to a digital signal with a preselected resolution controlled by a sample clock generator. The sample clock generator receives the pixel clock signal, and through a counter and a store, operates an addressed, binary data word which is sent to a register. The register is coupled to a further periodic clock generator that controls reading from the register and provides a clock signal with pulses when the bits of the data word assume a first binary state, and no pulses when the bits assume a second binary state. The clock signal is passed to the analog-to-digital converter as a sample clock signal.