Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image sensor module including a plurality of image sensors and a common signal line. The common signal line is commonly electrically connected to the plurality of image sensors. To the common signal line, image signals are output sequentially from the plurality of image sensors. The image sensor module feeds back a feedback signal from a first image sensor to a predetermined image sensor. The first image sensor is an image sensor which lastly outputs the image signal among the plurality of image sensors. The predetermined image sensor is an image sensor which outputs an offset signal to the common signal among the plurality of image sensors. The feedback signal indicates a completion of an output of image signal to the common signal line. The predetermined image sensor outputs the offset signal to the common signal line in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing the processing of print data at a printing device based upon available consumable resources. A printing device includes a print process configured to determine consumable resources that are currently available at the printing device. The print process is further configured to determine which print data is to be processed based upon the consumable resources currently available at the printing device and the consumable resources required to completely process each of the print data. Print data that can be completely processed using the currently available consumable resources are selected for processing. The print process may also be configured to cause a notification to be provided to a client device to indicate the consumable resources currently available at a printing device and/or that insufficient consumable resources were available to process particular print data and to recommend other consumable resources to process the particular print data.

Abstract: A keyboard and a display screen are arranged to cover an upper side a main body of an ADF-type scanning apparatus, so that a large space can be secured to arrange the keyboard and the display screen. The display screen includes an ADF-cover opening-closing mechanism that opens and closes the display screen in conjunction with an ADF cover. The keyboard includes a keyboard raising mechanism for raising a front portion of the keyboard in the upward direction.

Abstract: A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface; (ii) swiping the scanner across the surface; (iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.

Abstract: An image reader includes a casing, a contact glass plate, a contact image sensor, and a sliding mechanism; wherein the contact image sensor has a housing, a light source attached to the housing so as to face the contact glass plate, a plurality of light receiving elements attached to the housing so as to face the contact glass plate and aligned in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and a bearing formed integral to the housing at a position below a lower surface of the housing; and the sliding mechanism includes a guide shaft provided on the casing and extending in a short direction of the housing and inserted through the bearing, and an urging member elastically which urges the guide shaft toward the contact glass plate so that the housing is pressed against the contact glass plate.

Abstract: A kind of device to transfer photo images into digital data includes a body wherein photo taking mechanisms are set inside and insert-fit grooves and positioning mechanisms are set with internal lighting assembling plates at the other side. The integrated photo clamps for clamping photos are put in the interior of the body through insert-fit grooves. By usage of simple operations, the images on the taken photos by photo taking mechanisms can be transferred into digital data for convenient storage, modification, or copying then printing the new photos. Thus, the present invention is rich of convenience and advancement.

Abstract: A document scanning device and method of use are disclosed. The document scanning device includes a document bed and one or more document retention devices positioned along the document bed to define a document positioning surface. The document scanning device also includes a scanning module slidably attached to the document bed to pass over the document positioning surface. The document retention device retains a document in place on the document positioning surface as the scanning module slides over the document.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image production apparatus, including a light source; an optical modulation apparatus of the one-dimensional type; and a projection optical system including a scanning optical system; the scanning optical system including a main scanning optical system, and a sub scanning optical system for carrying out scanning in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, and a scanning direction by the main scanning optical system, the sub scanning by the sub scanning optical system is carried out between frames of the main scanning by the main scanning optical system, a frame rate and an average of substantial numbers of times of movement until the sub scanning optical system returns from a sub scanning origin to the sub scanning origin satisfy a relationship of Rf/Ns>15 where Rf is the frame rate and Ns is the average of substantial numbers of times of movement.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming section; an upper unit located over the image forming section with a space therebetween and slidable in a direction of from the front side to the rear side of the apparatus and the opposite direction; a sheet discharger configured to discharge a sheet bearing an image in the first or opposite direction; a sheet stacker receiving the sheet from the sheet discharger; a support arranged outside of both side ends of the sheet stacker in the first direction and slidably supporting the upper unit; and at least one of a release preventing member for preventing releasing of the upper unit from the support, and a covering member movable from a first position to a second position in conjunction with sliding of the upper unit and covering an opening formed at an end portion of the support when acquiring the first position.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image pickup element that emits an electrical signal based on received light, a document table including a reading window, a document cover, a base plate including a flat portion that opposes the reading window, the base plate being displaceable in a direction of separating from the document cover and a direction of approaching the document cover, a spring portion that is integrally formed with the base plate, and a document presser that presses the document placed on the document table toward the reading window and includes an elastic member that is elastically deformable and is adhered to a reading window side of the base plate. The document cover includes a first pressing portion that conveys force due to a weight of the document cover acting to press the spring portion toward the reading window when the document cover covers the reading window.

Abstract: A duplex document scanning apparatus and method thereof are described. The duplex document scanning apparatus includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a switch module, a data conversion unit, and a scanning control device. The first image sensor senses the first analog image signal and the second image sensor senses the second analog image signal. The switch module switches the first image sensor and the second image sensor to select the first analog image signal and the second analog image signal. The data conversion unit converts the first and second analog image signals to generate first and second digital image signals. The switch control module of scanning control device generates a switch signal to control the switch module. The scanning control device has a switch control unit and processes the first digital image signal and a second digital image signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a lateral cover, which is an external covering to cover a lateral side of the image forming apparatus, and a connector member having at least one protrusion, by which the lateral cover is connected to the connector member. The lateral cover is formed to have an inwardly-dented handgrip, which has an open end and a closed end, and at least one opening on an upper section of the handgrip. The at least one protrusion protrudes downwardly from a surface of the connector member. The at least one protrusion is inserted in the at least one opening of the lateral cover to penetrate the connector member and to protrude downwardly from the upper section of the handgrip.

Abstract: An fiber optic imaging device utilizing fiber optics for imaging portions of documents of varying shapes and/or sizes. For example, for imaging a book or any document having a centerfold, where the document will not lay flat (non-planar) against the platen of the image forming device. The device may be shaped to fit in the centerfold of an open document between the platen of the copying device and the document. Additionally, the fiber optic imaging device may also allow for performing a geometric translation based upon a portion of the document, for facilitating document reproduction.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention involves a document reading apparatus that includes an optical scanning unit that moves back and forth in a document reading direction so as to read information of a document placed on a document placement table arranged in a top face of a frame by irradiating the document with light emitted from a light source lamp, and a distribution cable connected to the light source lamp. The optical scanning unit includes a support member that leads out and supports the distribution cable connected to the light source lamp in the document reading direction, and the support member includes a regulating member that regulates inclination of the lead-out distribution cable with respect to the document reading direction to support the distribution cable so as to be substantially parallel to the document reading direction.

Abstract: An optical reader with a single optical assembly that receives images from at least two different environments. For example, one environment may be constructed in a first chamber into which a document or bulk item with a bar code may be placed. The other environment may be constructed in a second chamber with an active drive mechanism that transports a document with optical readable markings to a reading location. The environments may be separated by a baffle that prevents light from leaking between the environments, and the electronics and software are constructed to read and decode information that is found in the images from both environments either sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A full-zone optical image addressing apparatus, including an addressing device, an image extraction converter, a comparator, an AND gate and a counter. The addressing device is located at the enclosure of the scanner and includes a plurality of geometric patterns. Each of the geometric patterns includes a plurality of rows of pixels. While receiving an exposure signal, the image extraction converter extracts one row of pixels from the addressing device, such that a series of analog signals is obtained and output to the comparator. The comparator then compares the series of analog signals to an analog critical voltage to output a series of analog comparison signals to the AND gate. The AND gate synchronously processes the series of analog comparison signals and a pixel rate clock to output the pixel data corresponding to the extracted row of pixels to the counter.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable computer system for capturing a target image related to an item. The portable computer system comprises a base, a cover, an image capturing module, and a lightness adjusting module. The cover is pivotally connected to the base, and comprises a panel. According to the size of the item, the cover rotates with respect to the base to project the light radiated from the panel onto the base. The image capturing module is used for rotating with respect to the cover to capture a reference image according to the size of the item. The lightness adjusting module is used for adjusting the lightness of the panel according to the reference image. After the lightness of the panel is adjusted, the item is deposed on the base, and the image capturing module captures the target image related to the item.

Abstract: In a frame (8) holding a sensor board (7) with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (6k) arranged and mounted and an imaging element (5) for focusing light reflected from an original onto the sensor board (7), the imaging element (5) includes a plurality of rod lens arrays (5) each having at least one cut end in a lengthwise direction, and cut portions of the rod lens arrays (5) are connected to each other to be tailored to a predetermined reading width, the frame (8) includes a holding section (13) for holding the rod lens arrays (5), and the holding section (13) includes a bottom surface (13B) widened at a part where a cut portion and/or a connection portion of the rod lens arrays (5) is located.

Abstract: An image reading device including (1) a transparent member having an image reading area, (2) a line sensor that moves in a line sensor moving direction, which is perpendicular to a reading line direction of the line sensor, (3) a first supporting structure that supports, at opposite ends of the image reading area in the line sensor moving direction, the transparent member such that the transparent member is not deformed with respect to the reading line direction when an external force is applied to the transparent member, and (4) a second supporting structure that supports, at opposite ends of the image reading area in the reading line direction, the transparent member such that the transparent member is movable between a first posture, where the transparent member is in a flat plate shape, and a second posture, where the transparent member is bent with respect to the line sensor moving direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that, is capable of physically preventing taking-out of the set document, even when a thick copy-prohibited document is set on a document reading device. The image forming apparatus is configured to place a document on a document table, and at least the document is read by closing a pivotally supported document cover portion to cover the document and the image forming apparatus comprises a read-out document determining portion and when the document is determined to be a copy-prohibited document, and prevents the document from being taken out from the document table by locking the rotation of the pivotally supported portion of the document cover.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, such as useable in a digital camera or input scanner, comprises a first photodiode and a first integrating amplifier associated therewith. A first reset capacitor, selectably associated with the first photodiode, flushes charge on the first photodiode through the first integrating amplifier. A first CDS capacitor is downstream of the first integrating amplifier. A hold capacitor forms a hold node downstream of the first CDS capacitor. A pixel amplifier reads out a signal from the hold node at a predetermined time. The pixel amplifier is selectably controllable between a standby mode and a power mode.

Abstract: To provide a technology which facilitates an operation for placing a document with a larger size than a size of a document table, on the document table. A document cover is positioned at a plurality of open positions to a document table. A pivot of a document table 2 and a hinge 7 is configured by two pivots A1, A2, and a constricted portion 1b and it is configured in such a manner that, in case of setting a document with a smaller size than that of the document table 2, the pivot A2 is pivoted at a convex portion 7a of the hinge 7, and in case of setting a document with a larger size than that of the document table 2, the convex portion 7a is moved to the pivot A1 side through the constricted portion 1b, and the pivot A1 is pivoted at the convex portion 7a.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which can reduce a change of color balance due to the exchange of the optical unit. The image reading apparatus comprises an original glass plate on which an original is placed, and an optical unit adapted to move in parallel to the original glass plate below the original glass plate, the optical unit comprising an illumination light source adapted to illuminate the original placed on the original glass plate, and a charge coupled device adapted to read the reflected light from the original placed on the original glass plate, and the optical unit being exchangeable with a spare optical unit. The image reading apparatus retains thickness information of the original glass tableplate. The spare optical unit retains change information of an image resolution of the image reading apparatus due to a change of an optical path length of the spare optical unit replacing the optical unit.

Abstract: A technique that can realize acquisition of a proper white reference value in shading correction is provided. It includes plural line sensors arranged at different positions from each other in a sub-scanning direction and configured to read reflected light from a reading target surface, guided by a scanning optical system that moves in the sub-scanning direction, and a reading control unit configured to control image reading timing in each line sensor so that, when reading a predetermined white reference board by the plural line sensors in order to perform shading correction, the plural line sensors have substantially the same reading area on the white reference board.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that detects failure in the white LEDs constituting a white LED array. Failure in the white LEDs is detected by comparison between a prescribed current threshold and the current running in the LED array detected by an image reading apparatus controller when the white LED array composed of plural LED blocks connected in parallel, each LED block being composed of plural LEDs connected in series, is powered for failure detection. This failure check is conducted by checking LEDs for failure in each of the LED blocks constituting the LED array. Image reading is not permitted when faulty LEDs are detected in two neighboring LED blocks.

Abstract: In a system and method for processing a form comprising a plurality of entry markings, an area-array image sensor may capture an image of the form in free-space without requiring relative movement of the sensor and the form. A processor may interpret the captured image to determine at least a first entry selection based, at least in part, on the position of at least one of the plurality of entry markings with respect to at least one other marking in the image.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a command input portion, an acquiring portion that acquires image data, a judging portion that determines if specified image data is included in the image data, a control portion and a printing portion that prints an image based on the image data onto a medium. Upon receiving the print command, a determination by the judging portion is performed, and when the judging portion determines that the specified image data is included, a first copy that includes invalidation processing on at least a section of the image is produced, and a second copy that includes invalidation processing on all of the image and the image in all subsequent copies that are printed thereafter is produced, to thereby execute printing of a number of copies that are specified by the print command and subsequently enter a state in which a next print command can be executed.

Abstract: A scanning device may include a first structural member and a second structural member, a movable body that is configured to reciprocate between the first structural member and the second structural member, and a cable of which a first end is fixed to one of the first and second structural members and a second end fixed to the movable body. The cable may have a curved portion between the first end and the second end thereof. The scanning device may further include an elastic member of which a first end portion is fixed to one of the first and second structural members to which the first end of the cable is fixed, and a second end portion is engaged to the curved portion. The elastic member may be configured to elastically urge the cable in a direction opposite to the curving direction of the curved portion.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a control unit configured to control by sorting common setting information valid among a plurality of devices and specific setting information valid for a specific device, an internal storage device configured to store setting data that includes a pair of setting data of identification information indicating a type of setting item and setting values, an external storage device controller configured to control to input and output the setting data with a detachable external storage device, and a selective-write device configured to select and write the setting data read from the external storage device based on the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an LCD controller configured to output a plurality of image signals in parallel; a plurality of signal lines respectively corresponding to the plurality of image signals to be outputted in parallel; a plurality of terminal portions respectively connected to the plurality of signal lines; and delay circuits configured to delay a plurality of image signals, which are divided into a plurality of groups to the extent that the sum of each value of a current flowing through each signal line does not exceed a predetermined current value and outputted from a plurality of terminal portions, by a predetermined delay time from each other among the plurality of groups.

Abstract: A method for detecting scanner phase error in a bidirectional scanned beam imager includes obtaining first and second images derived from respective first and second scan directions, comparing apparent image feature positions in the first and second images, and calculating a phase error corresponding to a difference between the apparent image feature positions. The comparison may include multiplying frequency domain transformations of the images.

Abstract: To provide an image reading apparatus enabling a long light source inside the image reading apparatus to be uniformly cooled in the main scanning direction with a simplified structure without increasing the number of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: This image data processing device DP1 is equipped with a frame video data acquiring unit 40 and driving video data generator 50. The frame video data acquiring unit 40 acquires first frame video data FR(N) that shows first original images, as well as second frame video data FR(N+1) that show second original images that are displayed following the first original images. The driving video data generator 50 generates first through fourth driving video data DFI1(N), DFI2(N), DFI1(N+1), DFI2(N+1) that respectively show first through fourth driving images to be sequentially displayed on the image display device. First and second driving video data DFI1(N), DFI2(N) are generated based on first frame video data FR(N). Third and fourth driving video data DFI1(N+1), DFI2(N+1) are generated based on second frame video data FR(N+1). The color of the pixel in a part of the second driving image constitutes the complementary color of the color of the corresponding pixel in the first driving image.

Abstract: To control the potential distribution generated in a well at the time of amplification and reduce a shading in a solid-state imaging device of amplification type, the amplification type solid-state imaging device of the present invention comprises a plurality of picture elements each including photoelectric conversion elements formed in a second conductivity type common well inside a first conductivity type substrate, wherein a plurality of well contacts are disposed inside a picture element array area.

Abstract: An image obtained by an electronic endoscope apparatus is changed to an image that is appropriate for observation with suppressed halation and fewer dark areas. Halation detection means detects halation of a predetermined level or higher in an image represented by a signal obtained by an imaging device, based on the signal. Light amount adjustment means decreases an amount of light emitted from illumination means to cause the halation to become a predetermined level or lower. Luminance conversion means processes the signal so as to generate a luminance conversion image wherein only a dark area having a predetermined luminance or lower in the image due to the decrease in the amount of the light is changed to have a higher luminance.

Abstract: In a system and method for processing a form comprising a plurality of entry markings, an area-array image sensor may capture an image of the form in free-space without requiring relative movement of the sensor and the form. A processor may interpret the captured image to determine at least a first entry selection based, at least in part, on the position of at least one of the plurality of entry markings with respect to at least one other marking in the image.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes an endless belt; a pair of rotating bodies being adapted to wind the belt therearound with tension and rotating for rotating the belt; an image scanning unit which moves in association with the rotation of the belt in a state of being fixed to the belt for scanning an image from a document; a pair of frame members connected to each other; a supporting shaft integrated with one of the frame members for rotatably supporting one of the rotating bodies; and a restraining member provided on the other frame member for restraining inclination of the supporting shaft caused by a shaft load applied to the supporting shaft by the belt being wounded around the pair of rotating members with tension.

Abstract: A reader apparatus is provided that includes a reading part configured to read the image of an original material; a coding part configured to code the data of the read image; an image memory configured to contain the coded image data; and a controller configured to control the image reading and the image data coding. The coding part includes a part configured to count the number of lines of the image indicating its size in the original material feed direction; a part configured to code the image data with a provisional number of lines in response to the image size in the original material feed direction being unknown; and a part configured to determine the number of lines at the end of the image reading. The controller includes a part configured to replace the provisional number of lines in the coded data with the determined number of lines.

Abstract: A stacking device includes a contact section with which top ends of the recording media in a conveying direction, conveyed into the storage space, make contact so stop the recording media at a storage position, a media move section which comprises a plurality of partition members, forms a plurality of spaces capable of storing the recording media between the partition members, stores the recording media stopped at the storage position into arbitrary one of the plurality of spaces, and moves the partition members thereby to move at least a part of the top ends of the recording media to a pushup position different from the storage position, and a lift section which pushes up, to the carry-out section, the recording media moved to the pushup position by the media move section.

Abstract: A rotation of an original cover and a hinge member in a vertical setting state of an image reading apparatus is locked by a simple operation. A locking mechanism which fixes the hinge member to the image reading apparatus is provided. The locking mechanism is fixed in a state in which the image reading apparatus has vertically been set by using its side surface on the hinge side as a setting surface and its fixture is released in a state in which the other surface is used as a setting surface. The locking mechanism has a construction in which a movable lock member provided in the hinge engages with the lock receptacle of the image reading apparatus upon vertical setting.

Abstract: An automatic paper feed device is provided, including a cover member that has a paper insertion opening in a nearly rectangular shape, the paper insertion opening having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to both a transport direction of the paper and a thickness direction of the paper. The paper insertion opening includes a first end opening portion, a second end opening portion, and a center opening portion arranged in the longitudinal direction of the paper insertion opening. The paper insertion opening connects a placement unit, in which paper is placed, with a separation and transport mechanism, that separates paper placed in the placement unit and transports paper placed in the placement unit in the transport direction. The first and second end opening portions are each larger in size than the central opening portion.

Abstract: A notebook information processor includes an image photographing unit, a display, a keyboard, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes, a live view displaying unit that displays a live view obtained by photographing at least a portion of the keyboard within a photographing area of the image photographing unit on the display, a still image obtaining unit that obtains a still image from the live view displayed on the display by the live view displaying unit, when receiving a photographing start signal to start photographing the still image of a document put on the keyboard, and an image processing unit that performs projective transformation on the still image obtained by the still image obtaining unit so as to obtain an image photographed from a front direction, executes image processing so as to perform cropping to clip the document, and stores a transformed image of the document after the image processing in the storage unit.

Abstract: A document surface micro-adjust mechanism for an optical scanner. The optical scanner has an outer casing with a transparent document platform in the upper section. An optical lens is enclosed inside the outer casing. The document surface micro-adjust mechanism uses a carrier chassis to embed the transparent document platform. One end of the carrier chassis is hinged upon the upper wall of the outer casing while the other end of the carrier chassis has a through hole to be engaged to a locking hole on a latching structure attached to the upper section of the outer casing. A locking element passes through the through-hole to engage with the locking hole. An elastic element is positioned between the carrier chassis and the latching structure. Depth of the locking element inside the locking hole may be adjusted to vary optical distance from the document surface of the transparent document platform to the optical lens inside the scanner.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes a scope unit in which a color filter is provided. The scope unit further includes a filter information storage means for storing filter information showing the kind of the color filter provided in the scope unit. Further, a plurality of kinds of scope units, each of which has filter information showing a different kind of color filter from each other, can be selectively connected. The filter information stored in the filter storage means of the connected scope unit is obtained. Then, color space correction processing is performed, based on the filter information, on color image signals output from the plurality of kinds of scope units so that each of signals for display, produced from the color image signals, represents the same point in color space.

Abstract: A driving-force transferring unit is extended in a predetermined direction, with a predetermined portion attached to a running unit. A driving unit changes a direction of movement of the driving-force transferring unit by rotating based on a driving force from a driving source. At least one pulley unit is rotatably attached to the case and supports the driving-force transferring unit. The pulley unit includes an outer ring member that is rotated by the driving-force transferring unit, an inner ring member that rotatably supports the outer ring member, and an engaging unit that is provided on the inner ring member, to engage with the case.

Abstract: An image reader includes two rows of image reading element arrays, that is, a first image reading element array and a second image reading element array, and a first rod lens array and a second rod lens array, disposed in correspondence with the first and second image reading element arrays and having different focal positions, in order to read an image on a transmission original in optimal focus with a CIS scanner using the rod lens arrays as when an image on a reflection original is read. The second image reading element array provides higher resolution, and has a shorter reading length. The focal length of the second rod lens array is greater than that of the first rod lens array.

Abstract: A white-level correcting unit makes an image reading unit read a white reference board, and sets a parameter corresponding to a value read by the image reading unit. A carriage includes a light source that irradiates the document, and moves in a sub-scanning direction with respect to a document to be read. When shifting to an energy-saving mode, the image reading device moves the carriage to a position of the white reference board before entering to the energy-saving mode.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a case that extends in a longitudinal direction; and a first positioning member that is disposed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the case, the first positioning member positioning the case in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A multiple non-directional scanning method. A document preview scanning is carried out from one end of the document to the other. The preview image is next analyzed to provide a set of scan parameters. After setting the scan parameters, the scanner performs a backward scanning operation from the other end of the document back to the original start-up position to obtain a final scan image.

Abstract: A changeable resolution apparatus and method for scanner includes two rotational disks which have respectively a plurality of lenses of different focuses and a plurality of charge-coupled devices (CCD) of different resolutions located therein. A motor is provided to drive a transmission shaft to rotate in a positive or a reverse direction. Two one-way shaft bearings are engaged with the transmission shaft to drive the rotational disks one-way in opposite directions for changing lens and CCD combination to reach different resolutions. The apparatus is located in the scanner for users to adjust scanner resolution based on scanning requirements to get optimum resolution result.