Abstract: An imaging lens comprises a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lens group from an object toward an image. The first lens group includes a first lens that is a convex meniscus lens with a convex surface on the object side. The second lens group includes a second lens having a positive refractive power, and a third lens bonded to the second lens and having a negative refractive power. The third lens group includes a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, and a fifth lens bonded to the fourth lens and having a positive refractive power. The fourth lens group includes a sixth lens having a positive refractive power. The imaging lens satisfies the condition 0.10<D/f<0.19 where D denotes a sum of an air gap between the first lens and the second lens and an air gap between the fifth lens and the sixth lens, and f denotes a focal length of the entirety of the imaging lens with respect to an e-ray.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an image reading apparatus including: first and second light emitters that emit lights; a light guide unit that guides the lights emitted from the first and second light emitters to irradiate a document with the light; a photoelectric conversion unit that converts reflected light from the document into an image signal; and a control unit that controls the first light emitter to emit light for a first time period in a unit time period and controls the second light emitter to emit light for a second time period misaligned from the first time period in the unit time period.

Abstract: More than one image forming devices (such as printer, copier, facsimile, etc.) which provide detecting means of environmental conditions (such as a temperature and/or humidity sensor) and sending means of the information of the said detected conditions and a print server are connected through a network. The print server judges the environmental situation of each device, selects the devices which are good for operation and sends the respective print data to the selected devices according to the said judgment. In this printing system the environmental conditions of image forming devices are judged uniformly and in highly reliable manner in order to avoid printing from the devices which are in dew condensation and/or waiting for the devices becoming ready to operate so that a large volume of printing matters can be printed in the minimum interval.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a visible light source; an infrared light source; at least three one-dimensional photoelectric conversion elements extending in a main scanning direction and having respective different spectral sensitivity characteristics; an imaging optical system configured to form an image of image information of an original placed on an original holder and irradiated by the visible light source and the infrared light source on the one-dimensional photoelectric conversion elements; a driving unit configured to change relative optical positions of the imaging optical system and the original in a sub-scanning direction; and a control unit configured to obtain visible-light image information and infrared-light image information of the original by controlling turning-on operations of the visible light source and the infrared light source at every reading in the main scanning direction and by performing relative movement of the image optical system and the original in the sub-scanning direct

Abstract: A method is disclosed as including scanning a first pixel of an image with a primary scanning line of a sensor, and scanning a second pixel of the image with a secondary scanning line of the sensor, wherein the first pixel is separated from the second pixel by a pitch of one or more scan lines. A compensation value is determined for one or more pixels of the image, wherein the compensation value is determined based, at least in part, on a mathematical operation comprising pixel values associated with the first and second pixels and the pitch. The method further includes compensating the one or more pixel values based, at least in part, on the compensation value, wherein the compensation value compensates for a reflection of light between the first and second scanning lines when the first and second pixels are scanned.

Abstract: A method for forming a color image that allows a color image forming device to detect print chromaticity by an actually used print medium and automatically perform an optimal color balance adjustment in consideration of the chromaticity of the print medium. At a first step of the method, it is determined whether a feeder is selected for a subsequent printing operation. If selected, the process proceeds to a second step. If not selected, it is determined that the printing operation is not performed for some time and the process is completed without color balance adjustment. At the second step, a print medium for printing a test pattern is fed from the feeder selected for a subsequent printing operation, which is determined at the first step. A color sensor detects the chromaticity of the test pattern transferred and fused on the print medium, and the color balance is then adjusted.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes, with the purpose of accurately correcting noise in an image due to dust on a platen, three line sensors spaced from each other in a sub scanning direction to scan an original in the sub scanning direction, a platen between the original and the three line sensors, a moving mechanism for moving the platen, a noise detection processor detecting a noise pixels from each of multiple data output from the three line sensors, a selector selecting one of a plurality of search ranges defined with reference to the noise pixel, and a corrector extracting a reference pixel for correcting the noise pixel from the selected search range to correct the noise pixel based on the value of the extracted reference pixel.

Abstract: A device and method for compensating for motion in image capture are provided. A processor (205) initiates partially concurrent scanning sweeps (208,209) across a digital image sensor (203) to obtain sets of digital values (210,211). At least a first set of digital values (210) and a second set of digital values (211) are stored in memory (206). An image construction module (213) compares ones of the first set of digital values (210) with ones of the second set of digital values (211) to estimate an amount of motion. The estimation may be accomplished by determining a moment between the first set of digital values (210) and the second set of digital values (211). Upon compensating for any motion, resulting digital values (412) are written to memory (206) as a compensated image. To improve an overall signal to noise ratio, noise reduction filters may also be applied to the first set of digital values (210), the second set of digital values (211), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A scanning technique for imaging sites in an array includes illuminating or irradiating sites in lines of the array, and collecting returned radiation from the sites for imaging. The sites are sequentially scanned by means of confocally directed radiation lines from source optics. The orientation of the radiation lines with respect to the lines of sites in the array is such that the distance between nearest edges of sites in adjacent lines is greater than lines through those edges in a direction parallel to the radiation lines used for scanning. The resulting system experiences less crosstalk and a greater ability to distinguish between neighboring sites in resulting images.

Abstract: An image sensor 20A contains a photodiode array portion 21, a signal processor 22, a switching instruction part 23A and a control part 24A. Each switch SWn is provided between the corresponding photodiode PDn and the common output line L, and instructed to carry out the switching operation by the switching instruction part 23A so as to be closed, whereby the charges accumulated in the junction capacitance portion of the photodiode PDn are output to the common output line L. On the basis of the instruction from the switching instruction part 23A, the N switches SW1 to SWN carry out the switching operation so that the N switches SW1 to SWN are set to the close state in the different periods and the interval at which each switch SWn is set to the close state is equal to an integral multiple of a base period. As described above, the charge accumulation time of each of the N photodiodes PD1 to PDN is set to an integral multiple of the base period.

Abstract: A technique for achieving a smart start of scan (SOS) detector that is related with line scan timing on raster output scanners by expanding the available functions to include beam size and position. A start of scan detection system adapted to provide beam size and position control. The system includes a CPU, a data source and laser driver managed by the CPU, and a multiple element pre-patterned detector managed by the CPU and enabling a sensor pattern through which laser beams from the laser driver are passed and detected. According to a method for managing beam size and position in a image processing system, a multiple element pre-patterned detector adapted to enable a sensor pattern is provided wherein at least one laser beam is passed through said sensor pattern enabled by the multiple element pre-patterned detector, analyzed and used by the image processing system to adjust beam size and position.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is disclosed. The image reading apparatus provides plural sensors and a correction unit that corrects displacement of image data caused by intervals among the plural sensors and includes a first draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is the same as at the time of shading correction and a second draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is different from at the time of shading correction. The correction unit includes plural paths in which a different number of delay units are disposed in each path and changing over units that change over a connection between the sensors and the paths. The changing over units are changed over between at the time of reading image data and the shading correction in the first draft reading mode and at the time of reading image data in the second draft reading mode.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes, with the purpose of detecting with improved precision noise generated due to dust on a platen, three line sensors spaced from each other in a sub scanning direction to scan an original in the sub scanning direction, the platen between the original and the three line sensors, a moving mechanism for moving the platen at a rate relative to the line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the line sensors, an interline corrector synchronizing three data output from the three line sensors to be values of pixels reading a single location on the original, and a noise detector receiving these data synchronized by the interline corrector that are provided successively line by line, and the noise detector includes an isolated noise determiner determining that an isolated point of a chromatic color is a noise pixel.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting units, an activation unit, a plurality of light receiving units and a determination unit. The determination unit retrieves at least one output signal from the plurality of light receiving units in accordance with a predetermined retrieving procedure each time each of the plurality of light emitting units is activated, and determines, based on the at least one output signal, whether or not at least one of at least one of the plurality of light emitting units and at least one of the plurality of light receiving units is normal. The predetermined retrieving procedure is configured such that at least one output signal is retrieved from a part of the plurality of light receiving unite in response to an activation of at least one of the plurality of light emitting units.

Abstract: A filter circuit has: a first and a second current mirror circuit that are each built with a plurality of transistors and that respectively pass a first and a second mirror current according to a constant current; an input terminal via which an input pulse signal is fed in; a first transistor that, in response to the signal fed in via the input terminal and by using a supply voltage, makes the first current mirror circuit operate; a second transistor that, operating in inverted synchronism with the first transistor, in response to the signal fed in via the input terminal and by using a ground voltage, makes the second current mirror circuit operate; a capacitor that is charged by the first mirror current and that is discharged by the second mirror current; and an output terminal via which a voltage at one end of the capacitor is fed out.

Abstract: An image scanner including a plurality of light receiving units, a signal processing device, a connector and a determination device is provided. The plurality of light receiving units receive reflected light from an object to be scanned per each pre-divided area. The signal processing device processes output signals from each of the light receiving units to generate image data. The connector is connected to a plurality of output signal lines from the light receiving units so that the output signal lines are collectively connected to the signal processing device via the connector. The determination device receives the output signals from each of the light receiving units to the signal processing device via the connector, and determines whether the output signals from the light receiving units to the signal processing device are normal based on a signal level of the output signals.

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

Abstract: A method of changing driving sequence to output a charge coupled device signal, the method is applied to a scanner. The scanner has a pixel processor and a charge coupled device. A plurality of charge signals detected by the charge coupled device is sequentially output to the pixel processor according to the driving sequence. In the method of changing the driving sequence to output the charge coupled device signal, a fast driving sequence is provided. The fast driving sequence has a period equal to 1/N of the original driving sequence. According to the fast driving sequence, the charge signal is sent to the pixel processing circuit. The charge signals are sampled by the processing circuit according to a sampling sequence, and the data obtained by sampling is output.

Abstract: An image data sequencing method for a memory unit inside an optical scanning device. The image data sequencing method is particularly suitable for scanning a line of pixels with each pixel comprising a plurality of primary colors. The image data sequencing method involves scanning a line of pixels to obtain the data for a primary or secondary color. The pixels within the scan line are subdivided into groups. A storage space is reserved both before and after the address space inside the memory unit for holding the scanned primary or secondary color data so that all the primary or secondary color data constituting a pixel are in a fixed sequence next to each other inside the memory unit. When all the primary or secondary color data of pixels within a group are secured, the group of data is released from the memory unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. A color contact image sensor (CIS) module employing a single channel line sensor can be used to produce substantially the same performance as a color CIS module employing a three-channel line sensor and having color filters to, for example, reduce manufacturing costs. Moreover, a blurring phenomenon that can occur in a scanned image can be reduced and the quality of the scanned image can be improved.

Abstract: A first set-value calculating unit calculates a first set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that increases a speed of tracking to a black-level target value in a black-level feedback control. A second set-value calculating unit calculates a second set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that slows down a tracking to a black-level target value as compared to the speed of tracking of the first set-value calculating unit. A selecting unit selects and outputs any one of the first set value and the second set value and outputs selected value as a set value. A controlling unit controls selection of any one of the first set value and the second set value by the selecting unit based on the black differential value and a gain of the image data.

Abstract: A light sensing element having two functions is provided for a high-speed image scanning system to scan a document, including a set of matrix light-sensing cells for detecting a scanning location for the scanned document, thereby feeding the sensed signals to control the scanning location and scanning speed, and at least one set of trilinear light-sensing cells for sensing an document, thereby acquiring image signals.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes, with the purpose of accurately correcting noise in an image due to dust on a platen, three line sensors spaced from each other in a sub scanning direction to scan an original in the sub scanning direction, a platen between the original and the three line sensors, a moving mechanism for moving the platen, a noise detection processor detecting a noise pixel from each of multiple data output from the three line sensors, a second pixel extractor extracting a second pixel present in first data for correcting the noise pixel, based on a value of a first pixel present in second data different from the first data and corresponding to the same location on the original as the noise pixel, and a corrector correcting the noise pixel based on the extracted second pixel.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a plurality of image sensors aligned in a zigzag shape and a draft carrying unit operated to a draft to carry in a sub scanning direction, the image reading apparatus forming an image data of a total of the draft from image data provided by the respective image sensors. The draft carrying unit is provided to be operated to the draft in a region aligned in a zigzag shape to constitute an inverse phase relative to the image sensor.

Abstract: A white reference value and a corresponding transport speed are stored in memory. A black reference value and a corresponding imaging speed are also stored. Next, a printing operation is started and color values and a corresponding transport speed are stored. Accurately corrected color values are derived from the stored white reference value, transport speed, black reference value, imaging speed, color values and transport speed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen relative to the three line sensors at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a lightness difference detector extracting a feature pixel having a predetermined feature from each of three data output from the three line sensors; and NOR and AND devices comparing a plurality of data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect the feature pixel extracted from one of the plurality of data, as a noise pixel if the feature pixel is not a feature pixel for the other data and also has at least a predetermined value in saturation.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a first detector detecting a noise pixel based on a plurality of data output from the three line sensors; and a second detector detecting a subsequent noise pixel based on the noise pixel detected with the first detector.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a first lightness difference detector extracting a first feature pixel of a first level from each of three data output from the three line sensors; a second lightness difference detector extracting a second feature pixel of a second level; and NOR and AND devices comparing the three data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect the first feature pixel extracted from one of the three data, as a noise pixel if the second feature pixel is not extracted from the other data.

Abstract: A color machine vision system with two or more differently colored light sources and one black and white photoelectric sensor (BW sensor). The light sources are employed to separately illuminate a target object with a different color, e.g., red, green, blue, magenta, yellow, and cyan. The BW sensor senses the reflection of colored light off the target object from each light source. A separate measurement is generated by the BW sensor for the reflected colored light from each light source and stored for further processing to render a color image of the target object. A calibration is performed to enable the BW sensor to sense reflected colored light from the target object in a linear mode, not the non-linear (saturated) mode. Since calibration enables the BW sensor's electronic components to operate (sense reflected primary colored light) in a relatively linear mode, the sensor is relatively accurate and fast in alternatively sensing/measuring reflected primary colored light from each of the light sources.

Abstract: A solid state imaging apparatus of which spatial phases of pixels forming a first matrix of adjoining rows and adjoining columns are relatively different from each other is characterized by that an intersection of a line between two pixels to be added in a row direction and a line between two pixels to be added in a column direction approximately agreed with a center of four pixels to be added when the four pixels adjoining in the row and column directions are added, and phases of said centers of four pixels adjoining in the row direction or column direction are relatively different from each other in a second matrix consisted of a plurality of said centers of four pixels.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors having filters, respectively, different in spectral sensitivity, and arranged in a subscanning direction with a distance therebetween to scan an original in the subscanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a noise pixel detection processor detecting a noise pixel from each of the three data output from the three line sensors; a color detector detecting a color of each noise pixel from the three data; and a determiner validating a result of detection by the noise pixel detection processor when a color of the noise pixel and that of a pixel neighboring the noise pixel form a predetermined combination.

Abstract: An image reading device including a plurality of image sensors configured to read image data of an original document, each of which having a reading range overlapping in a main scanning direction with an adjacent image sensor among the plurality of image sensors, and a gamma correction mechanism configured to conduct gamma correction to correct linearity of respective output characteristics of the plurality of image sensors, based on gamma correction data produced according to an output characteristic of a reference image sensor selected from the plurality of image sensors. The reference image sensor and the adjacent image sensor read identical input data, and the gamma correction mechanism compares the results, obtains a difference between the results, and adjusts the output characteristic of the adjacent image sensor to the output characteristic of the reference image sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a writing circuit of an electro-optical device having a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels disposed to correspond to intersections between the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of data lines. Here, each pixel comprises: a pixel capacitor having a pixel electrode and a common electrode opposed to the pixel electrode; and a switching element for electrically connecting the corresponding data line to the pixel electrode when the corresponding scanning line is selected. The writing circuit comprises an inversion circuit for maintaining a voltage between a potential of the data line and a predetermined potential for a predetermined time, and inverting the maintained voltage with respect to a reference potential and applying the inverted voltage to the data line after the lapse of the predetermined time, in a period of time when one scanning line of the plurality of scanning lines is selected.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a scan bar configured to generate image data to reproduce a document scanned by the scanning apparatus. The scan bar includes a light source and a plurality of light sensors. The light source and the plurality of light sensors define at least one ultraviolet light channel and at least one visible light channel. The light source may emit visible light and ultraviolet light. The plurality of light sensors may be configured to allow the scanning apparatus to distinguish between the visible light and the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen relative to the three line sensors at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a lightness difference detector extracting a feature pixel having a predetermined feature from each of three data output from the three line sensors; and NOR and AND devices comparing the three data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect the feature pixel extracted from one of the three data, as a noise pixel if the feature pixel is not a feature pixel for the other data.

Abstract: When a monochromatic original is read, a control is effected to transfer a charge accumulated in a monochromatic photodiode array to a rear stage, and not to accumulate charges in respective color photodiode arrays. When a color original is read, a control is effected to transfer charges accumulated in the respective photodiode arrays and not to accumulate a charge in the monochromatic photodiode array.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors mutually spaced in a sub scanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen relative to the three line sensors at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a lightness difference detector extracting a feature pixel having a predetermined feature from each of three data output from the three line sensors; and NOR and AND devices comparing a plurality of data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect the feature pixel extracted from one of the plurality of data, as a noise pixel if the feature pixel is not a feature pixel for the other data and also has at least a predetermined value in saturation.

Abstract: An exposure control device is used for adjusting light amount received by a focusing device and a photoelectric conversion device of an image scanning apparatus. The exposure control device includes a control unit and a light-transmission adjusting device. The control unit asserts a control signal according to a certain condition of the image scanning apparatus. The light-transmission adjusting device is arranged in the light path to the focusing device and the photoelectric conversion device and changes an effective light-transmission area thereof in response to the control signal to adjust light amount passing therethrough.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, such as used for recording full-color images from a moving sheet, different rows of photosensors are each filtered to record one primary color. Certain specific spacings of adjacent rows of photosensors are particularly useful in operating the apparatus at different commonly-used output speeds.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for color acquisition based on human color perception. First component image data in a first component region is received from a first associated sensor having a first sensor area. Second component image data in a second component region is then received from a second associated sensor having a sensor area greater than that of the first sensor area, according to a distribution of human eye color receptors corresponding to the first component region and the second component region. The first and second component image data are then processed into image data in a selected luminance-chrominance color space.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes, in order from the object side, a one-dimensional scanning mirror, a lens unit which has a flat shape, a two-dimensional image sensor which has a flat shape, and an image composition processing means in which images scanned by the one-dimensional scanning mirror and obtained by the two-dimensional image sensor are connected into one composite image. The lens unit coincides in direction of flatness with the two-dimensional image sensor. An aspect ratio ? of the imaging surface of the two-dimensional image sensor satisfies the following condition: 0.05<?<0.5 One section of an image divided into 2 to 32 sections with respect to one composite image composed through the image composition processing means corresponds to a photographing image obtained by the two-dimensional image sensor in a single scanning operation.

Abstract: A modular scanning system (10) consisting of a first scanning unit (11) and a plurality of tethered scanning (13) and digital capture elements (150, 160) providing both sheet-fed, platen, and digitally captured documents and photographs. The first scanning unit (11) includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet-fed scanning of documents. The platen scanner (13) provides a second scanning unit which performs platen scanning of documents on a glass top (26) of the platen scanner (13). Since the platen scanner (13) is detachable, the user has the option to select the platen scanning functionality but with the additional flexibility of selectively mounting or storing the platen element.

Abstract: In bi-directional imaging, such as bi-directional printing, a driving mechanism scans a light beam through a scan path across an imaging window. A controller enables transmission of video data to a modulator when the light beam is positioned for imaging on the imaging window. Video data is transmitted to the modulator when the light beam is traveling in a forward direction or a reverse direction across the imaging window, whereby a modulated light beam is capable of producing an image when traveling in the forward or reverse directions. The controller adjusts scan durations or image rasterization rates to ensure that each scan is properly aligned with the prior and subsequent scan.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes light sources, an image sensor, a data generating unit, and a carrier unit. The light sources are sequentially turned on for an identical period once in a single line period. The image sensor reads information from a print medium irradiated by the light sources. The data generating unit generates pixel data corresponding to the information. The carrier unit carries the print medium such that the image print medium is scanned by the image sensor in a sub-scanning direction. The single line period is equal to or more than twice a period from when first one of the light sources is turned on until last one of the light sources is turned off.

Abstract: Means for detecting scanning positions of first and second recording heads is provided for detecting that the first recording head is opposed to a recording inhibition area (in which an imaging material is not mounted) on a drum 1, based on an output from the detection means. While the recording head is in the recording inhibition area, correction data for the second recording head is read from a correction data memory and transferred to a submemory in an FPGA for image processing. The second recording head reads the correction data from the submemory. Correction data can be read in parallel.

Abstract: An image sensor includes P (P?2) red-light, P green-light and P blue-light photosensors and is mounted in an image scanning device to expose and read multiple scan lines of a to-be-scanned document. The scanning device includes a driving device for driving the image sensor to move relative to the document. When the image sensor acquires an image of the document, the P red-light photosensors, the P green-light photosensors and the P blue-light photosensors read 3P adjacent scan lines respectively in each exposure. The image sensor continues to read the 3P corresponding adjacent scan lines when the driving device further drives the image sensor to move by P scan lines relative to the document in a specific direction in each step of the driving device. The driving device continues to drive the image sensor to move relative to the document until all the scan lines have been read.

Abstract: A contact image sensor structure includes a body, a substrate, and a light source unit. The body has a first side surface and a second side surface. The body has a pin slot that passes through the first side surface and the second side surface. The second side surface has a light source receiving slot, and the light source receiving slot links with the pin slot. The substrate has a plurality of pads. The light source unit is fastened in the pin slot and the light source receiving slot. One end of the light source unit has a plurality of pins. The pins pass through the pin slot and contact the pads of the substrate. Thereby, the pins are electrically connected with the pads without welding. The life time and the reliability of the contact image sensor are enhanced, and the assembling process is simplified.

Abstract: A stagger sensor and a method for improving modulation transfer function. The method of using the stagger sensor for improving modulation transfer function can be applied to scan an object. The stagger sensor includes a plurality of sensing modules. The method of increasing scanning resolution includes retrieving reference digital data and processing digital data of a computed pixel obtained from an object scanning operation.

Abstract: The invention provides an image reading apparatus that scans an image from an original document including: a light source that irradiates a light to the original document; a photoelectric conversion element; a driving mechanism that relatively moves either one of the photoelectric conversion element or the original document in a predetermined direction with respect to the other; a detection sensor that detects a vector amount of movement of either one of the photoelectric conversion element or the original document in the predetermined direction with respect to the other so as to output a detection signal for each vector amount of movement that corresponds to a minimum unit of a reading area of the image; and a control unit that executes one cycle of operations each time when the detection signal is outputted from the detection sensor.

Abstract: A document platen supports a document. A sensor module has a first sensor reading the document and a second sensor disposed parallel to the first sensor and reading the document. An adjustment member adjusts an inclination of the sensor module to the document platen.