Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a CPU arranged to select one of a plurality of pixel rates including a normal pixel rate and high pixel rates which are higher than the normal pixel rate when processing at a low resolution. The image processing apparatus also includes a timing generator arranged to control a CCD line sensor so that the pixel data is outputted at the selected pixel rate, a switch arranged to select the pixel data of pixels at different positions in a line, from line to line, from among the pixel data acquired by scanning the plurality of consecutive lines according to a control signal from the timing generator, and an ASIC arranged to import the selected pixel data and apply different filters to the imported pixel data depending on the line where the target data to be acquired is positioned.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for a scan carriage and an axial rod has a scan carriage, an axial rod, and a connecting device for connecting the scan carriage to the axial rod. The scan carriage has a flange protruding horizontally from a side thereof. The axial rod is disposed under the flange of the scan carriage. The connecting device includes an elastic hooking plate fixed vertically on a bottom surface of the flange, and a pair of lining pads. The hooking plate has a free end bent downwardly and inwardly therefrom against the axial rod. The pair of pads is fixed on two sides of the bottom surface of the flange and lean against the axial rod mating with the hooking plate.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a frame and a print/scan assembly. The print/scan assembly includes a carriage assembly movably mounted on the frame. The carriage assembly includes a printhead carriage and a scanner carriage. The printhead carriage is adapted to hold a printhead and the scanner carriage is adapted to hold a scanning assembly. The scanner carriage is joined to the printhead carriage for movement therewith as the carriage assembly moves relative to the frame. A printhead may be mounted on the printhead carriage for movement therewith. A scanning assembly may be mounted on the scanner carriage for movement therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides an axle sleeve apparatus for optical chassis. By the guidance of a guiding rod, the optical chassis making a linear displacement motion along the extension direction of the guiding rod. The axle sleeve apparatus for optical chassis includes an axle sleeve main body and at least one anchoring mechanism. The axle sleeve main body has a fastening mechanism capable of proceeding connection with the optical chassis. The anchoring mechanism is arranged at one side of the axle sleeve main body and capable of proceeding connection with the guiding rod. It is arranged with: a convex arm extending out one side of the axle main body and an elastic body corresponding to the convex arm. By elastic force, the elastic body may move between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An imager apparatus comprises a pixel and a first filter positioned in an incident light path for a portion of the pixel, the filter being operable to alternate between transmitting and reducing incident light on the pixel portion.

Abstract: An optical scanner including a housing having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion and a rear portion; a platen member forming a portion of the housing top portion, the platen member having a flat upper surface defining a platen plane; a scanner base provided on the housing bottom portion and defining a base plane; the platen plane being inclined relative to the base plane.

Abstract: A compensating method for image scanning measures original optical values corresponding to a plurality of scan lines in a frame using a plurality of channels. First, a reference channel is selected from the plurality of channels. Based on the differences between the actual exposure locations of the reference channel and other channels on the frame, corresponding weighting values are then generated for compensating the original optical values measured by other channels, thereby generating the correction optical values for other channels.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus that is capable of reading a transparent original and a reflective original, a navigation sheet (24) on which the content of transparent-original read processing has been entered and a film guide (25) holding a transparent original are placed on an original table (23), and the navigation sheet (24) is read first to recognize the content thereof. Next, a scanner carriage unit (22) is moved so that the transparent original being held by the film guide (25) is read in based upon the result of recognition of the navigation sheet (24). Since a method of reading the transparent original can be designated using the navigation sheet, it is easier to perform the reading of a transparent original using a stand-alone image reading apparatus.

Abstract: A line head, includes: a plurality of luminous elements grouped into a plurality of luminous element groups; and a lens array which includes a plurality of lenses each of which faces the luminous element group, focuses light beams emitted from the luminous element group on an image plane, and accordingly forms a spot group, wherein the plurality of luminous element groups are arrayed in M×N in a first direction and in a second direction which are different from each other, where M and N are integers equal to or greater than two, and spot groups adjacent to each other in a direction corresponding to the first direction are so formed on the image plane as to partly overlap in a direction corresponding to the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device with a scanning feature that includes a body and a scanner. An attachment with a scan code, including data or information, is positioned within the scanning range of the scanner and the data or information received from the scan code by the scanner is used by the device, for example, to configure one or more features associated with the device.

Abstract: A scanner apparatus is provided. The scanner apparatus includes a carrier sheet, which includes a base sheet and a plurality of scan sheets attached to the base sheet and in which each of a plurality of photos is inserted between the base sheet and the scan sheets through a side of each of the scan sheets that is not adhered. A feed roller, which is driven by a power source and moves the carrier sheet at a uniform linear velocity, and a scan unit, which scans images in the photos inserted in the carrier sheet.

Abstract: There is described a bar code reading device having an image sensor, a first operating state and an alternative operating state. In the first operating state the bar code reading device can be restricted from reading out image data corresponding to a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. In the alternative operating state, the bar code reading device can be capable of reading out a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. The bar code reading device can attempt to decode a bar code symbol represented in captured image data whether the first operating state or the alternative operating state is active.

Abstract: An imaging optical system for imaging imagewise information provided on a surface of an original, upon a surface of an image pickup device such that the imagewise information is read based on signals from the image pickup device, the imaging optical system including four off-axial reflection surfaces which are asymmetric within a sub-scan section, wherein, when a combined power, in a main-scan direction, of two off-axial reflection surfaces of said four off-axial reflection surfaces which are optically close to an original side is denoted by Mf and a combined power, in the main-scan direction, of two off-axial reflection surfaces of the four off-axial reflection surfaces which are optically close to an image pickup device side is denoted by Mr, relations ?0.3<Mf/Mr<0.3 and 0<Mr are satisfied.

Abstract: An optical scanner with a floating load cell frame. The optical scanner includes a plurality of planar load cells and a frame for tying the planar load cells together.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning comprises rotating a scanning chassis of an optical scanner to create an acute angle between the scan line and a scanning direction, such that the scanning chassis has two ends, and moving the scanning chassis in the scanning direction and with the acute angle between the scan line and the scanning direction, both two ends of the scanning chassis being moved in the scanning direction, while one of the two ends is moved more slowly than the other one so that the scanning chassis is made to be rotated with the acute angle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus receives image data from a plurality of external input means and forms an image on a sheet of paper based on the image data. In the image forming apparatus, an operation part for a user to perform an input/output operation is provided in the front side of the housing formed with a stage. Additionally, an extended housing is provided on the housing so that the top of the extended housing is higher than the location of the operation part. Further, a light emitting part for indicating the operational status of the image forming apparatus is provided on the extended housing.

Abstract: A scanning device for calibration using single-point data includes a light source module, a scanning module, a non-volatile memory and a processor. The light source module provides a linear illumination extending along an X-axis to illuminate an original and a calibration sheet. The scanning module scans lines of the original to generate an original image signal. Each line extends along the X-axis. The scanning module further scans the calibration sheet to generate a standard image signal. The non-volatile memory stores a calibration database recording data for deriving respective luminance of the linear illumination along the X-axis correspondent to luminance of a specific point of the linear illumination. The processor receives the standard image signal and the original image signal and converts the original image signal into a digital output signal with respect to the standard image signal and the calibration database.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image reading apparatus which can reselect a film type after prescanning, and after confirming the result on the monitor, perform actual scanning. To achieve this object, a film scanner selects from a color table storage a color table corresponding to the type of film, sets the color table in an image data converter, and performs prescanning. If the user reselects a film type after prescanning, the color table set before prescanning and a color table selected after prescanning are transferred to a confirmation image changing unit where the difference between the two tables is calculated. Prescanned image data is transferred from a memory to the confirmation image changing unit, added to the difference, and returned to the memory. The color table selected after prescanning is set in the image data converter, and scanning for obtaining a high-resolution image is executed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of sensor IC chips aligned in a row. Each of the sensor IC chips incorporates a plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light receiving elements successively output image signals as serial analog signals corresponding to received amount of light upon receiving light from an object to be read. The number of the sensor IC chips is an integer multiple of three. The sensor IC chips are divided into blocks. The number of the blocks is an integer multiple of three. The image signals are outputted on a block-by-block basis.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus that can read a reflection original and transparent original, a film holder for holding the transparent original is provided to be pivotal to the left or right about a shaft as the center. After the transparent original is set such that its image can be seen correctly, when the film holder is brought down to the right, the film can be set correctly concerning its upper and lower sides. At this time, as the film holder is held by the reading apparatus, its positional shift can also be prevented.

Abstract: A combined flat bed scanner/printer machine having: a moving body; a scan module connected to the moving body to read a document; and a recording head connected to the moving body adjacent to the scan module, to print on a paper. The moving body is moved by a moving body transfer unit made up of a belt to which the moving body is secured, a guide rod to guide the moving body, and a motor to move the belt.

Abstract: A line sensor, includes a plurality of pixels which is arranged linearly, the number of the plurality of pixels including the number depending on a resolution, a first pixel group which is provided to a center portion of the plurality of pixels arranged linearly and has a pixel pitch shorter than a length corresponding to a pixel pitch calculated from the resolution, and a second pixel group which is provided to each of both side portions of the center portion, and has a pixel pitch longer than the length corresponding to the pixel pitch calculated from the resolution.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads a document image optically at a reading position while feeding the document over a reading glass. A document guide sheet for forming a step so as to prevent an imaged surface of a fed document from coming into contact with the reading glass is provided at an upstream side of the reading position with respect to a document feeding direction. The reading glass is capable of reciprocating in the document feeding direction by a specified distance x2. If the document guide sheet is located such that a downstream edge of the document guide sheet is at a distance x1 from the reading position, the distances x1 and x2 are in relationship of x1<x2.

Abstract: A scanning system for writing, printing, direct imaging, plotting, computed radiography, and scanning includes an optical system contains at lest one modulatable radiation source for emitting radiation, a movable collimating lens, a reflector, and a focusing lens and a mechanical system containing a first mechanical carrier spinning about a first axis. A second mechanical carrier spins about a second axis. The second axis is mounted on the first mechanical carrier and is arranged to rotate about the first axis. A third mechanical carrier spins about a third axis. The third axis is mounted on the second mechanical carrier and is arranged to rotate about the second axis. The system also has a movable surface.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an image reading apparatus, which has an illumination unit adapted to irradiate an object with first and second light rays in different frequency ranges, and a light-receiving unit adapted to receive light coming from the object, and to output a signal, and reads an image of the object by moving the illumination unit and light-receiving unit relative to the object, the light-receiving unit outputs a first signal in response to irradiation with the first light ray, and outputs a second signal in response to irradiation with the second light ray.

Abstract: A picture frame scanner has a frame defining a display area. The frame is disposed generally upright. A transparent retention pane is mounted within the frame, spanning the display area. A support back spanning the display area is spaced apart from the retention pane. An image scanning bar is operatively mounted in the frame for moving across the display area and scanning an electronic image of media disposed between the support back and the retention pane into memory storage.

Abstract: An image reading device of the present invention includes a glass platen mounted on a support member. A rotary cam, a home position sensor and so forth allow the support member to move in reciprocation in a subscanning direction. When a document is conveyed along the glass platen, the glass platen is moved in the subscanning direction together with the support member. Consequently, a reading section and the reading position of the glass platen move relative to each other, obviating black stripes and other defects ascribable to contamination.

Abstract: A scanner including first and second light monitor elements and a light redirection system operable in a first mode to focus light reflected from a scanned object and the first light monitor element onto a sensor and operable in a second mode to focus light reflected from the object and the second light monitor element onto the sensor. The light monitor elements are arranged such that the first light monitor element will not interfere with scans in the second mode, which may be a high resolution scan mode, and the second light monitor element will not interfere with scans in the first mode, which may be a normal resolution scan mode.

Abstract: The present invention enables helical scanning of an image and results in a rectangular image, centered on the imaging media with its boundaries parallel to the media edges and/or to the gripper line.

Abstract: A lid for an imaging device is disclosed. The lid comprises a cover having a first side and a second side. The first side of the cover is adapted to retain an object to be imaged proximate to an imaging plate of the imaging device. At least one storage compartment is disposed on the second side of the cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multiple object planes in an optical image scanner are provided. One embodiment is an optical head configured to scan an object, comprising a rod-lens array positioned to focus light reflected off the document, an optical sensor array for receiving light focused through the rod-lens, and a reflective surface variably positioned relative to the rod-lens array for reflecting light from the object to the rod-lens array. Another embodiment comprises a method for providing multiple object planes in an optical image scanner comprising positioning an optical head relative to a platen to locate a primary focal point of a rod-lens array at a first object plane and adjusting the position of an optical sensor array relative to the rod-lens array to relocate the primary focal point of the rod-lens array at a second object plane.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with a small and low-priced lighting member. The scanner scans an object having undulations on a surface thereof with good quality. The object is placed on a scanning platform. A CCD line sensor incorporated in a camera is positioned facing the scanning platform and scans the object line by line, while moving along an image plane on a lens of an optical scanning system for a specified distance. The lighting member irradiates a scanned position with light from above in a slanting direction under the same condition. The lighting member is moved in synch with the scanned position shifted when the CCD line sensor scans one line, so that the irradiation angle is constant entirely on the object to be scanned. Therefore, shadows of the undulations on the surface of the object are formed under the same conditions as those observed under the natural light without loss of stereoscopic effect of the object.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a platen, a frame for holding the platen, an installation device disposed to the frame so that the platen can be held in a substantially vertical state, and a scanning device for reading a document along the platen substantially vertically held. The reading of the document is carried out by elevating or lowering the scanning device.

Abstract: An image reading unit includes a light source for illuminating a document, a plurality of reflecting devices for reflecting the light from the document, a condensing device for condensing the light reflected by the reflecting devices, and a reading device disposed at a condensing position at a rear side of the condensing device. The light source is disposed at a forward side of the condensing device. A plurality of reflecting devices includes a final reflecting device and a reciprocating reflecting device. The final reflecting device forms a linear optical path together with the reading device, and the reciprocating reflecting device forms at least one reciprocating optical path crossing the linear optical path between the condensing device and the reading device. Accordingly, the image reading unit can be made small.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a movable image-capturing printed circuit board including an image device, and a controlling printed circuit board which is fixed to the image reading apparatus and which controls the driving of the image device. Both printed circuit boards include connectors. When electric connection is established between the connectors, signal transmission and reception is performed. The connectors are connected only in a predetermined position. This can eliminate the need for using cable wires. Thus, a simplified structure can reduce emission generated by using cable wires to transmit a driving signal for the image device and a read image signal.

Abstract: The purpose of obtaining a high resolution image with fewer number of image sensings in an image input device which allocates a planar object such as a document or the like into a plurality of areas for image sensing, and combines the obtained image data for output to a printer or display device or the like. An image reading device using an area sensor as an image sensing element 30 which is stationary in an image sensing unit 14 facing the center of a document 1 on a table 11, and a taking lens 31 moves parallel to the document 1 and the image sensing element 30 to read the images of allocated sections A˜I of the document 1.

Abstract: When the speed of carriages that are moved in an image processing device is increased in order to accelerate the processing speed, the acquired image data is degraded due to vibrations being transmitted to the carriages from a motor which drives the carriages. The present invention provides a vibration damping mechanism for such image processing devices wherein weights are provided at selected positions on the transmission paths of the vibrations from the motor to the carriages in order to damp the vibrations. Preferably, the weights are made of a permanent magnet material and the housing is made of a material, such as steel, that is attracted by a magnet. This enables the weights to be attached at any desired positions, such as on the housing base plate, on the lower housing, and at perimeter walls of the housing which support the carriages where vibrations, without the weights, would be excessive.

Abstract: Support structure is disclosed for an image processing apparatus having a carriage that is scanned in order to read or print a document. Support brackets for attaching tension members, such as wire ropes, to each side of the carriage are formed by bending a flat plate to create an attachment plate portion of a bracket that is mounted on the carriage, a vibration absorbing arm, and a clamping extension. A wire rope is clamped to each clamping extension so that the carriage may be moved by the wire ropes. The width, length and thickness of the support brackets are selected to reduce vibrations, according to the speed and characteristics of the carriage, and at least the length dimension of the bracket may be readily adjusted. Also, vibration dampers may be used between the attachment plate portion of the bracket and the carriage.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an original resting glass sheet for resting allowing an original thereon, a support device for supporting an end portion of the original resting glass sheet, and a movable image reading unit for reading image information of the original, wherein the support device is provided with a cutout for preventing the support device from coming into contact with the image reading unit when the image reading unit moves outwardly beyond the end portion of the original resting glass sheet.

Abstract: An image processing system includes: a scanner for inputting an original image on an input recording media after reading the original image, or a digital camera inputting an image of a subject after picking-up the image; and a first setting-up portion for converting image data being input by the scanner or digital camera into intermediate image data of color signals being irrespective of types of the input recording media and the input device, and for recording the intermediate image data being converted by the first setting-up portion onto a portable recording media.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a transparent platen mounted on a housing, and an object-imaging device within the housing mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the platen and an object supported thereby. The object-imaging device is rotatable about a transverse axis and comprises an aperture for receiving light reflected from the object. The object-imaging device has a travel distance between a home end position and a back end position, the travel distance comprising a central portion and at least one end portion. The scanner further comprises a mechanism operatively associated with the object-imaging device for rotating the device about the transverse axis thereof in response to movement of the device within the at least one end portion of the travel distance, the device being rotated in a direction so that the light-receiving aperture is rotated away from the central portion of the travel distance.

Abstract: A transmission device for driving a name card to pass over a contact image sensor (CIS) comprises: a loading deck provided with a central recess and a correction slip attached to a bottom face at the front end thereof; a first gear set for driving the loading deck; a second gear set fixed oppositely on the same gear shaft of the first gear set for driving the loading deck; and a motor for driving the first gear set.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed that is capable of making it simple to initialize a laser system thereof. The image forming apparatus includes a first photo detector that detects a part of a laser beam from each of the lasers and generates respective power adjustment signals for the lasers, a second photo detector that detects another part of the scanning laser beam of each of the lasers and generates a synchronization signal corresponding to each laser, and a power adjustment control unit that changes the output power of each of the lasers to a predetermined value. During the adjustment of output powers of the lasers, the power of a laser is monitored by using the synchronization signal. The power adjustment control unit turns on a laser for power adjustment, and turns off the laser when the scanning synchronization signal is detected twice to complete the power adjustment of the laser, and then starts power adjustment of the next laser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanner including a housing defining two mounting holes. An elastic rib is located beside each of the two mounting holes to provide a retaining action. A paper cover is pivotally mounted on the housing and has two locking hooks. Each locking hook is mounted in a respective mounting hole of the housing. Thus, the height of the paper cover can be adjusted according to the variation of depth of the locking hook in the mounting hole. In addition, the locking hook is retained by the elastic rib and the catch plate of the mounting hole, such that the paper cover cannot be removed easily, thereby preventing the paper cover from being lost.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of capturing relatively high resolution digital images (e.g., comparable to traditional flatbed scanners). A preferred embodiment provides a look-down digital imaging device comprising a linear sensor for imaging a raster line of an original image placed substantially below the look-down digital imaging device, and a lens for focusing reflected light from the original to such linear sensor. The linear sensor functions much as in traditional flatbed scanners in that it captures a single, congruent digital image of a scanned original. Most preferably, the linear sensor is a high resolution sensor that enables a digital image to be captured having resolution comparable to that of traditional flatbed scanners. For instance, the linear sensor preferably enables capture of a digital image having a resolution no less than approximately 300 dpi.

Abstract: A guiding mechanism is provided for use in an image capturing device. The image capturing device includes a housing, a scanning module movably installed inside the housing for scanning documents, and a driving module for driving the scanning module. The guiding mechanism includes a guide shaft for supporting the scanning module, and at least a sleeve connected to the scanning module and movably installed on the guide shaft. The sleeve includes an inner side and at least two protrusions protruding over the inner side that are respectively positioned on two opposite sides of a line of gravity of the sleeve. The sleeve contacts the guide shaft along the protrusions. When the driving module drives the scanning module to move along the guide shaft, the scanning module is supported by the guide shaft via the at least two protrusions of the sleeve.

Abstract: A carrier device for a contact image sense optical scanner. The carrier device incorporates a pair of magnets with identical poles facing each other or a fluid filled sealed chamber for exerting an equal pressure on a scanning module within the scanner and maintaining close contact with a document platform throughout a scanning operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a scanner connected to a document feeder are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a calibration strip attached to a rotatable wheel assembly disposed within the document feeder. A cam is provided to rotate the wheel assembly and expose the calibration strip to the field of view of a head assembly of the scanner for calibration. The cam is configured to then rotate the wheel assembly in the opposite direction, so that the calibration strip is no longer exposed to the head assembly. A cleaning blade may be provided to wipe the calibration strip as it is moved to its non-exposed position.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided which is capable of reading an original document at a higher speed. M pieces of lines on the surface of the original document can be simultaneously read by M pieces of line-like strings of light sensing devices making up a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) having an interval represented by N pieces of lines to be read. When simultaneous reading is completed, the original document is moved to a line existing apart by L pieces of lines from the lines that have been read. While the original document is moving, image signals of lines that have been read are A/D (analog to digital) converted and then stored to memory regions. Simultaneous reading operation and subsequent storing are sequentially performed on lines on which the line-like strings of light sensing devices are placed.