Abstract: A paper processing apparatus equipped with a paper transferor for sequentially transferring paper sheets while maintaining a predetermined interval between a certain paper sheet and the next paper sheet; a paper position detector for detecting the position of a paper sheet; a plurality of processors for performing processing for the paper sheet; an information reader for reading information relating to processing to be performed for the paper sheet; and a controller for controlling operations relating to the paper transferor, the paper position detector, the plurality of processors, and the information reader, wherein upon judging that the certain paper sheet has passed through a certain processor, the controller carries out control to adjust the widthwise position of the certain processor so as to be adapted for the processing for the next paper sheet.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus, including a contact glass having an original to be scanned on; a light source including plural dotted light-emitting elements linearly arrayed in a main scanning direction and emitting scanning light to the original; a photoelectric converter photoelectrically converting reflected scanning light from the original to produce line-image data in the main scanning direction; a halation detector receiving the line-image data from the photoelectric converter and detecting whether the line-image data has halation; and a corrector receiving information whether the line-image data has halation and correcting pixel values of all pixels of the line-image data having halation into a predetermined pixel value.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a document table; a light reception unit; light sources disposed such that positions at which the optical axes of the plurality of light sources cross a reception optical axis of the light reception unit are different from one another; and a read control unit. The image reading apparatus further includes: a light reception amount storage unit configured to store the light reception amount for each of distances; a distance calculation unit configured to calculate a distance between the placement surface and the document based on the light reception amount obtained by the read control operation for each light source by referencing the light reception amount stored in the light reception amount storage unit; and a correction amount determination unit configured to determine a correction amount based on the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus, which is capable of communicating with the electrical paper displaying an image based on image data, is configured to select whether the image displayed on the electrical paper is read based on a size of the electrical paper or a size of the image data, when the image is read, and to instruct the electrical paper to change a display content of the image to be displayed on the electrical paper, in accordance with a result of the selection.

Abstract: A document setting position on a document set tray 101 where a small-sized document is set is determined by positionally matching a near-side reference position (a position of or set in the vicinity of a user-side end of a document placement surface of the document set tray 101) and a user-side edge of the document. An output tray 114 has a window 115 made from a transparent material so as to allow a user to see a document setting position on the document set tray 101 where the user sets a small-sized document. This makes it possible to adjust a position on the document set tray 101 where a document is placed, in use of an image reading apparatus 100 in which the document set tray 101 for placing thereon a document to be read is provided below the output tray 114 for placing a read document thereon.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image reading apparatus that scans an image from a document, includes (a) acquiring read position data indicating a reference position where the image reading apparatus performs scanning operations, and (b) setting a reading region that defines, based on the acquired read position data, a range that is used when the image reading apparatus scans an image.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a memory to store therein image data acquired by reading an original is provided. In a regular reading mode, the memory is divided into a first buffer that stores therein first image data of an image of a first side of the original and a second buffer that stores therein second image data of an image of a second side of the original. In a ring buffer mode, only the first image data is stored in the first buffer and the second buffer in a seamless manner, and the first image data stored in the buffers is output from the buffers to an image processing unit through an output path in a parallel manner. When a size of an original to be read is larger than a predetermined size, reading is performed in the ring buffer mode.

Abstract: A semi-automatic system for scanning a document includes an image capture device, such as a digital or video camera, which records a sequence of images while a user waves a document in front of the device. The user can present multiple pages of a document to the image capture device, after which the total sequence of images are processed to identify a clear image of each page from the sequence of images. The system further includes image processing techniques to correct for motion blurring, acceleration and perspective errors. The system is capable of processing any size or shape of document without destroying the organization or format of the original.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a timing predicting unit that predicts a reading-start-timing by detecting a front-end and predicts a reading-end-timing by detecting a back-end, an image reading unit that generates density data, a line density data classification unit, a first, second and third specific density data storage units, a determination unit that determines whether or not a foreign substance is attached to a reading position, and a peak density position specifying unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transparent plate for mounting a sheet, a sheet cover having a light reflecting plate for reflecting light passing through the transparent plate, a storage unit for storing first profile information involving plural darkness data of reflection light from the light reflecting plate detected by an image sensor in advance when a speed of closing the sheet cover is changed variously without the sheet mounted on the transparent plate, and for storing second profile information involving plural darkness data of reflection light detected by the image sensor when the sheet is mounted on the transparent plate and the sheet cover is closed, and a control unit for comparing the first profile information with the second profile information stored in the storage unit, and for determining that a sheet is mounted on the transparent plate when there is a predetermined difference therebetween.

Abstract: Image scan device, comprising a platen, and a carriage, the carriage comprising a scan head, and a support structure arranged to move the scan head with respect to the platen, wherein a resilient element is provided that is arranged to bias the scan head in the direction of the platen, and resilient element fully extends between the platen and the bottom of the carriage, as seen from a direction parallel to the platen.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, which make it possible to appropriately print each of a valid print object and an invalid print object. The apparatus includes: a printing section to conduct a printing operation based on the print data, so as to create the print product; and a control section to determine whether the digital signature is valid or invalid so as to control the printing operation, based on the determined result. When the plurality of print objects includes both a valid print object for which the digital signature is determined as valid and an invalid print object for which the digital signature is determined as invalid, the control section controls the printing operation, so as to enable the valid print object to be printed, based on the print data, while disable the invalid print object to be printed, based on the print data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that is capable of accurately outputting images of both sides of a card type document to the same side of a sheet of paper with a simple operation. On a card size input screen, a first scale for measuring a long-side size of a card type document and a second scale for measuring a short-side size of the card type document are displayed on a same screen such that they intersect at an origin. By operating a long-side size-decreasing instruction portion and a long-side size-increasing instruction portion, the long-side size of the card type document is decreased or increased and inputted. By operating a short-side size-decreasing instruction portion and a short-side size-increasing instruction portion, the short-side size of the card type document is decreased or increased and inputted.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided which generates an easily reusable electronic document from an input image in which different page sizes are mixed. The image processing device generates a plurality of pieces of display information from a plurality of document images, and, depending on the size and the direction of each of the images, converts the pieces of display information into electronic documents. That is, the plurality of pieces of display information are divided into a plurality of groups, depending on the size and the direction of each of the images, and the display information included in each of the groups is converted into a separate electronic document. Further, sequence information based on the input order of the plurality of document images is stored on an electronic document.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of checking whether information is recorded in a predetermined region of a document and not recorded in another predetermined region, includes a first and second registration unit, an input unit configured to input image data obtained by reading an image of the document, an identification unit configured to identify a region corresponding to position information registered by the first registration unit or position information registered by the second registration unit from the image data input by the input unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether information is recorded in the region identified by the identification unit, and an output unit configured to output a result indicating that information is recorded in the first region or information is not recorded in the second region according to the determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: When an original conveying unit that rotates about a rotation center 901 reaches an opening angle 906, an image is read using a line sensor, and a detected object is determined as being white dust on a platen glass. When it further reaches an opening angle 908, an image is again read using the line sensor, and a detected object is determined as being black dust on the platen glass. When it further reaches an opening angle 910, an image is again read using the line sensor, and a detected object is determined as being dust on a reference white plate with which the original conveying unit is provided in a state of facing a reading position where the line sensor performs reading.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprising: an automatic document feeding apparatus which conveying a document that has a part written by pigment that becomes colorless when heated and is loaded in a document tray to a sheet discharge location via a conveying path that passes through a prescribed reading out position; a reading section for obtaining an image information by reading out optically from the document which is conveyed by the automatic document feeding apparatus at the reading out position; a storage section for storing the image information obtained by reading the document in the reading section; and a heating unit for heating the document in a temperature of the pigment becomes colorless on a downstream side of the reading out position while the document passing through the conveying path.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a document correction section and a display control section. The document correction section carries out rotation processing with respect to a document image so that a first reference direction from a reference side of a document to a side facing the reference side coincides with as an upper-to-lower direction of the document image which has been subjected to the rotation processing. Further, before the rotation processing is carried out, the display control section causes the display apparatus to display a display image in which the document and a mark indicating the reference side of the document to a user are shown in accordance with the document image. This allows a user to easily predict how the document shown in the document image will be oriented after the document image is subjected to the rotation processing, before the user inputs a command to carry out the rotation processing.

Abstract: An image scanner has a scanning unit which captures an image of an original placed on a platen, a scanning unit moving mechanism which moves the scanning unit in an auxiliary scanning direction, and an image processing unit which processes the image of the original scanned by the scanning unit. The image processing unit includes a sheet size candidate determining unit which determines sheet size candidates based on a width of the original, and a scan/non-scan section determining unit which determines a non-scan section and a scan section based on the sheet size candidate. The scanning unit moving mechanism moves the scanning unit at a first speed in the scan section and at a second speed which is faster than the first speed, and the scanning unit scans the image of the original in the scan section and does not scan the image in the non-scan section.

Abstract: A first line sensor optically reads a first surface of an original in a main scanning direction to obtain first line image data. A second line sensor arranged in parallel to the first line sensor at a predetermined distance optically reads a second surface of the original to obtain second line image data. A tilt detecting unit detects main-scanning coordinates of a first edge and a second edge from the first line image data, detects main-scanning coordinates of a third edge and a fourth edge from the second line image data, and detects a tilt of the original with respect to a sub-scanning direction based on the detected main-scanning coordinates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printer and method for printing an image on a medium comprising a plurality of holes, said image enveloping at least one of said holes. According to an embodiment, the printer comprises a means for identifying the respective locations of the holes in at least a first part of the medium, a processor for adjusting at least a part of the image by removing image regions corresponding with the defined locations and at least one printer head responsive to the processor for printing the adjusted at least part of the image on the at least the first part of the medium.

Abstract: An image processing controlling unit calculates an image processing parameter to reduce an image quality difference between image data read by a first reading unit and a second reading unit depending on a reading characteristic of a reading unit indicated by attached information (reading-unit information) received together with the calculating request and a writing characteristic of a printer. The calculated image processing parameter is stored in a memory. Next, when printing the image data, a middleware unit causes a printer to print the image data based on the image processing parameter held in the memory.

Abstract: An image processing device determines whether a total number of ancillary images based on input data is equal to a total number of document images extracted from acquired image data. When determining that the total number of the ancillary images is different from the total number of the document images, the image processing device makes an adjustment such that the total number of the ancillary images is equal to the total number of the document images. Based on the document images and the ancillary images after the adjustment, the image processing device generates set data each piece of which has a set of a document image and an ancillary image based on ancillary data identified as being associated with the document image. The image processing device outputs the set data generated.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance device that is capable of correcting skew of a sheet like an index sheet without complicating a use setting and without increasing a cost significantly. A plurality of conveyance units are arranged in a direction intersecting a sheet conveyance direction to convey a sheet. At least three detection sensors are arranged in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction at an upstream side from the conveyance units to detect the sheet. A skew amount computation unit measures a time difference between detection timings of a front end of the sheet by two of the at least three detection sensors except the detection sensor that detects first, and computes a front-end skew amount according to the time difference. A speed change unit makes the conveyance speeds of the conveyance units be different according to the front-end skew amount so as to correct the skew of the sheet.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a first image inputting unit, a second image inputting unit, an image processing unit, and a restriction control unit. The first image inputting that inputs a first image. The second image inputting unit inputs a second image. The image processing unit performs a prescribed process on the second image based on the first image. The restriction control unit is configured to restrict the prescribed process based on information of the first image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reading device configured to read information of an object, including an imaging optical system configured to image an image of an object and an image-capturing device configured to image-capture at least a portion of the image imaged by the imaging optical system, wherein the imaging optical system includes a first optical system configured to image an intermediate image of the object and a second optical system configured to image the imaged image of the intermediate image.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a document table that is transparent, a read unit that reads a document placed on the document table through the document table so as to generate image data representing a read image of the document, an extraction unit that converts the image data of the read result of the read unit into edge image data representing an edge image and extracts edge points satisfying a predetermined condition as edge points corresponding to a side of the document placed on the document table from the edge image data, an outer margin recognition unit that approximates the edge points corresponding to each side of the document extracted by the extraction unit to a line so as to recognize an outer margin of the document, and a likelihood evaluation unit that evaluates the likelihood of the outer margin recognized by the outer margin recognition unit.

Abstract: A special pattern determination section determines whether a special pattern is included in a document image read by a document reading section. If the special pattern determination section determines that the special pattern is included, the breaking pattern applying section applies a breaking pattern to the document image, and the print image generating section accumulates image data of the document image applied with the breaking pattern into a memory. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special pattern is not included, the print image generating section accumulates the image data of the document image directly into the memory. Then, if it is set by a user so as not to print the breaking pattern, the controller deletes image data of the document image accumulated in the memory and applied with the breaking pattern.

Abstract: Virtual straight lines are parallelly shifted at regular intervals from starting points, which are four vertexes of a rectangular-shaped captured image, toward the center of the captured image, the virtual straight lines being tilted at an angle of a predetermined degree with respect to coordinate axes extending along two mutually orthogonally intersecting edges of the captured image. While doing so, intersection points between the virtual straight lines and outline elements are obtained. Based on the intersection points, angular points of a contour of a document is obtained. Based on the angular points, a mesh model is generated.

Abstract: Two images are stitched together through minimization of a cost function that consists of registration errors from image data of the two images, as well as the estimated errors from a set of sensors. The weight function in the cost function is derived from the confidence value of sensor estimation that considers the sensor errors including lift and off page as well as a measure of accuracy of the sensor readings. Weights are used to adjust image registration accuracy against sensor accuracy to produce a set of registration parameters that would best stitch the two images together. In order to handle large errors for initial registration parameters and to avoid local minima in the minimization process, the image pair may be registered in a lower resolution and then refined in a higher resolution.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a scanning module. The scanning module includes plural light emitting diodes, a porous reflective plate with plural openings, and a reflective element. When the scanning apparatus starts scanning a document, the light beams emitted by the light emitting diodes are directed to the porous reflective plate. A portion of light beams reflected by the porous reflective plate are defined as reflected light beams. The light beams penetrating through the openings are diffracted to be diffractive penetrated light beams. The reflected light beams reflected by the reflective element and the diffractive penetrated light beams are projected on the document, so that enhanced uniform illumination efficacy is achieved.

Abstract: A forming unit forms a latent image of input image data. A counter counts number of times of forming the latent image in a sub-scanning direction, in which an upper limit of the number of times is set. A first control unit controls the forming unit to form the latent image based on the upper limit. A determining unit determines whether a latent image forming is performed by the forming unit exceeding the upper limit. When the determining unit determines that the latent image forming is performed exceeding the upper limit, a second control unit controls, the forming unit to continue to form the latent image.

Abstract: A multi-functional peripheral allows a user to select a productivity priority mode or an image quality priority mode. In the productivity priority mode, a scanner performs a reading operation without moving first and second carriages in a sub-scanning direction, a foreign object image removing processing is executed in accordance with image data obtained by the reading operation, and image forming is performed in accordance with the image data applied with image processing. In the image quality priority mode, the first and second carriages are moved from a reading position P to a reading position P? at which the foreign object does not adhere to a reading slot, the scanner performs the reading operation, and an image forming is performed in accordance with image data applied with image processing not including the foreign object image removing processing.

Abstract: When reading of the documents set on the document feed tray is given priority by user designation, the documents set on the document feed tray are read first, then the document set on the platen plate is read. When reading of the document set on the platen plate is given priority, the document set on the platen plate is read first, then the documents set on the document feed tray are read. Even when originals are composed of documents that can be set on the document feed tray and an original that cannot be set on the document feed tray, use of the above configuration makes it possible to achieve copying of the originals as one job.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for correcting a dislocation of image, pixels being arranged in a first and second directions perpendicular to each other, including: a section which breaks down a correction amount of the image of each pixel in the second direction into a first shift amount with a unit of a prescribed block, a second shift amount with a unit of the pixel, and a third shift amount less than the pixel size; a minimal shift section which shifts the image data by the third shift amount; a pixel unit shift section which shifts the image data by the second shift amount; and a block unit shift section which shifts the image data by the first shift amount, during compression and storage processing of the image data in the block unit, and executing arrangement of the image data after reading-out and expanding the compressed image data.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a scanning head that scans an image of a document positioned on a stage glass, but varying in its distance therefrom. A boundary line is detected to determine an amount of skew therein. A skew line is compared with an established reference line, and a correction factor is calculated based on the result of the comparison. The original image processed to map the boundary line to the reference line and image data inside of the boundary line is similarly mapped based on the calculated correction factor. Beneficially, skews of an image produced when a thick book is scanned can be corrected simply.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing method for processing an image obtained by reading a document plate on which at least one document is placed. The method includes a first detecting step of specifying a first rectangular region including all of objects included in the image to detect the coordinates of each vertex thereof, an identifying step of identifying on each object whether it is a document item, an eliminating step of eliminating the object which is not a document item from the image, a second detecting step of specifying a second rectangular region to detect the coordinates of each vertex thereof, the region including all of the objects after elimination and having a minimum area, a comparing step of comparing the coordinates of the vertices detected in the first and second detecting steps, and a determining step of determining a method of cropping the document based on the comparison result.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a first guide member, a second guide member, a light adjusting member and a light adjusting control unit. The reading unit reads an original document. The first guide member places the original document thereon when the reading unit reads the original document. The second guide member is disposed opposite to the first guide member. The light adjusting member is disposed between the first guide member and the second guide member and adjusts permeation of light irradiated from the reading unit. The light adjusting control unit controls in such a manner to adjust the light permeating through the light adjusting member when the reading unit reads the original document.

Abstract: A method for determining a location on an image bearing surface of an image printing system where a toner image is to be printed is provided. The method comprises generating a first signal from a detector that is configured to detect a reference mark on the image bearing surface, and a second signal from a clock system that counts incremental movements of the image bearing surface, determining a first value that correlates the first signal and the second signal, where the first value corresponds to a value of the second signal at a start of characterization of the image bearing surface, and determining a second value using the first value, where the second value provides the location on the image bearing surface where the toner image is to be printed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which has a double-side copying function, including: at least either one of an original document detection section that detects a size of an original document, and an original document size setting section that sets a size of the original document as required; an original document top position setting section that sets a top position of the original document as required; a binding direction setting section that sets a binding direction of the original document and a binding direction of an output sheet as required; an output size setting section that sets a size of the output sheet as required; a print magnification ratio setting section that sets a print magnification ratio as required; and a copy region determination section that sets a copy region with reference to a top left corner of the original document, the top left corner being identified when the original document is placed such that the top position thereof is upward.

Abstract: A recording medium includes lenticules and a guided portion guided by a guide portion which is provided in a supporter for supporting the recording medium provided on a recording apparatus carrying out a recording on the recording medium, so that the recording medium is guided in a predetermined conveying direction.

Abstract: An image reader includes: an average calculation unit which calculates an average DAV of pixel values of pixels existing in an area corresponding to a striped image in a document image read by a scanning unit; a judgment unit which judges whether the average DAV is a value between judgment reference values DL and DH where (DL<DAV<DH); and a correction unit which executes replacement processing to replace a pixel value of each pixel in an area corresponding to the striped image with to a pixel value calculated based on a pixel value of a peripheral pixel if DL<DAV<DH is not satisfied and maintains the pixel value of each pixel in the area corresponding to the striped image without performing the replacement processing if DL<DAV<DH is satisfied.

Abstract: A document scanner is disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface. The document bed has a plurality of perforations therethrough. The document scanner also includes a fan mounted to the document bed on a side opposite the document positioning surface and oriented to draw air through the perforations of the document bed. A method of use of the document scanner, and a particular check scanner are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A copying machine includes a document skew detection section. The document skew detection section includes an angle calculation section and a judgment section. The angle calculation section specifies an angle ?1 formed between a reference direction and an edge of a document placed on a platen glass, in accordance with first input image data obtained by scanning the document the document being started to be scanned when an angle formed between the platen glass and a platen cover is ?°. Further, the angle calculation section specifies an angle ?2 formed between the reference direction and the edge of the document, in accordance with second input image data obtained by scanning the document, the document being started to be scanned when the angle formed between the platen glass and the platen cover is 0° Also, the judgment section generates an angular difference ? obtained by carrying out an operation of ?1??2. This makes it possible that the document which is unintentionally skewed be identified.

Abstract: A system and process for reading forms using a curvature distortion correction scheme is disclosed. A model image of a known form is partitioned into sectors defined by at least three alignment marks, and a transfer or correction function for each sector is generated by comparing the locations of alignment marks on a captured unread image of a form to those on a model image. The transfer function is then applied to the other marks within the sector to calculate a correct location of the marks. Each sector is sized to reasonably ensure curvature distortions are handled such that all the marks on a form are properly found and interpreted. Errors may be checked and, if they persist, smaller sectors may be defined and employed, if available.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes receiving an annotation environment signal that includes a context information indicative of a recognizable aspect of an item. The method also includes receiving an expression signal that includes an annotation information indicative of a user expression associated with the recognizable aspect of the item. The method further includes electronically associating the context information indicative of a recognizable aspect of an item and the annotation information indicative of a user expression associated with the recognizable aspect of the item.

Abstract: An image acquiring apparatus and image acquiring method are provided. The image acquiring apparatus includes an image sensor for outputting a plurality of first analog image signals corresponding to a plurality of pixels; an ADC for converting the plurality of first analog image signals to a plurality of digital image signals; a DAC for converting the plurality of digital image signals to a plurality of second analog image signals, wherein each of which has an actual voltage value; a comparing unit for respectively comparing the actual voltage values of the plurality of second analog image signals with a reference voltage value so as to generate a plurality of corresponding comparing results; a counting unit for adjusting a counting value according to each of the comparing results; and a control unit for determining whether to stop a scanning operation of the image acquiring apparatus or not according to the counting value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is capable of scanning a document having a larger size than the flat. For example, it is possible to scan an A3 document using a scanning sensor having a slight larger size than an A4 document, and also it is possible to obtain a high quality of the A3 document image.

Abstract: Multiple images are combined where the images exhibit variations in illumination between one another. The images are of the same portion of an object, and each image is represented by a set of image data. A comparative data transform is applied to each set of image data, such that the transformed comparative image data isolates and preserves first variations in the illumination between the images but suppresses second differences in illumination between the images. At least one normalization transform is determined from the transformed comparative image data sets. When applied to at least one of the image data sets, the at least one normalization transform minimizes the variation in illumination between the image data sets. Each determined normalization transform is applied to the at least one of the image data sets. The normalized sets of image data are transformed to a single image of the portion of the object.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is supplied, which can continuously read plural manuscripts and memorize separatively their image data. The image reading apparatus can read plural manuscripts each is formed from head sheet and document sheet in pairs and read the plural manuscripts as respective image data, and comprises a sheet identifying section which identifies the head sheet; an information obtaining section which obtains sort information of the document sheet from the head sheet after the sheet identifying section identified the head sheet; and a reading section which reads the document sheet following the head sheet on the basis of the sort information obtained by said information obtaining section.