Abstract: Provided is a method for flattening a laser-based image of a curved book page, which is applicable to a scanning platform and an image acquisition device and a laser generation device fixed above the scanning platform. The flattening method includes the following steps of: opening a book on a horizontally arranged scanning platform, and emitting a laser beam to a curved book page to be scanned, the laser beam forming a plurality of laser lines parallel on the curved book page; acquiring a horizontal image of the curved book page having the parallel laser lines, and acquiring a 2D planar coordinate (x, y) of each pixel on the laser line in the horizontal image; calculating, according a y-coordinate in the 2D planar coordinate, a y-coordinate of an intersection line of the laser beam and the scanning platform, and an intersection angle of the laser beam and the scanning platform, and by means of a tangent function, a height of each pixel on the laser line, i.e.

Abstract: An overhead support includes a transparent structure to support a visual medium for display to a supine viewer. The support is suspended from a ceiling over a location where the viewer wishes to recline. The support includes a positioning mechanism for easily adjusting the height of the visual medium above the viewer. In an embodiment, the positioning mechanism has a lock for fixing the height. In another embodiment, the support includes a light source. In another embodiment, the support includes an optical prescription.

Abstract: A card recognition system comprises an imaging device configured to capture a raw image of at least a portion of a card, and a processor operably coupled with the imaging device. The processor is configured to perform an image processing analysis of the raw image to identify measurements of at least one of a rank area around a rank of the card, and a suit area around a suit of the card, and automatically generate a calibration file based, at least in part, on the image processing analysis. A card handling device comprises a card infeed, a card output, and a card recognition system. A method for tuning a card handling device comprises capturing a plurality of images from a deck of cards, storing the images in memory, analyzing the plurality of images for card identification information, and generating a calibration file including parameters associated with the card identification information.

Abstract: An image reader includes a reading carriage, on which a reading unit is mounted and which performs scanning along a document-sheet platen in a scanning direction, and an annular belt that draws the reading carriage. The belt includes a first side extending in the scanning direction to which the reading carriage is fixed, and a second side that is disposed to be spaced from the first side. The detection unit that detects a document sheet mounted on the document-sheet platen is disposed in a region between the first side and the second side of the belt in a direction intersecting with the scanning direction.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a sensor unit that captures a predetermined range including a subject; a reference chart that is captured by the sensor unit together with the subject; an illumination light source that illuminates the subject and the reference chart; a lens member including one or more lenses arranged in an optical path of reflected light extending from the subject and the reference chart to the sensor unit; and a lens moving unit that moves at least one lens of the lens member so as to change a position thereof in a direction along the optical path.

Abstract: An optical scanning device provides a radiation source (2,200), a collimator lens (4,40), an objective (7,90) for converting a beam (5,30?) to a scanning spot at the position of an information layer (101) of a record carrier (1,100). The device also includes an electrowetting cell (6). The electrowetting cell (6) acts such that a beam (5,30?) enters the objective (7,90) at a predetermined height of an entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) independent of the position of the objective (7,90) and that the beam (5,30?) forms a predetermined angle at the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) with the optical axis (8). In this way the rim intensity may be kept constant over the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90).

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for focusing a laser beam, comprising a source of emission of a laser beam, for example a substantially elliptic and astigmatic laser beam, a focusing lens of the laser beam and first aperture adapted to select a central portion of the laser beam. The first aperture is directly applied on the focusing lens, and comprises a coating made of a substantially opaque material which are applied (for example, by spraying, sputtering, evaporation, printing, painting) on a peripheral portion of a front surface of the focusing lens so as to allow the propagation of the central portion of the laser beam and obstruct the propagation of a surrounding portion of beam. The device of the invention is extremely simple from the constructive point of view, and is inexpensive and small-sized.

Abstract: System and method for illuminating a target area with a desired illumination pattern. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, a cartridge-engaging assembly may be positioned adjacent a data cartridge, light may be emitted from at least one light source on the cartridge-engaging assembly, and a portion of the emitted light may be attenuated so that the unblocked light illuminates the target area with the desired illumination pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a camera and a structured light pattern in a platenless document imaging system (1) to capture the image of a page or of a bound book together with depth information that can be inferred from the light pattern.

Abstract: An auto focus mechanism mounts a target of reading on a manuscript board and moves an optical read unit which is long in a main scanning direction along a sub scanning direction to read an image of the target of reading. The auto focus mechanism is provided to an image input apparatus for inputting image data. The read unit includes: an optical source for irradiating the target of reading with a read light ray; a lens which accepts a reflected light ray from the target of reading and is long in the main scanning direction; a lens thickness change portion which is provided on both sides of the lens in the longitudinal direction and mechanically operates so as to change a thickness of the lens in the longitudinal direction by an electric lens; a SELFOC lens for focalizing a reflected light ray at a central portion in the sub scanning direction; and a photoelectric transfer portion for photoelectric-transferring a focalized reflected light ray to generate image data.

Abstract: A food/drink tab/check holder for making it easier for the customer to be able to read one's tab/check upon the receipt thereof. The food/drink tab/check holder includes a book having a front cover and a back cover being pivotally connected to the front cover and closable upon said front cover with the front cover having a side facing the back cover upon the book being closed and with the back cover having a side facing the front cover upon the book being closed; and also includes a tab/check member including a piece of paper being removably held within the book and having indicia displayed thereupon; and further includes an elongate magnifying member being movably attached to the book for enlarging the indicia for a user to easily view without having to use eyeglasses; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being attached to the book for providing light between the front and back covers upon the book being opened; and further includes a writing utensil being removably supported upon the book.

Abstract: The invention discloses a magnifying assembly that may be clamped on printed sheets or pages in a book. The assembly consists of two part. One part is an elongated magnifying glass having a flat bottom and half circle shape top. The other part is a holding element that has a receiving cage at one and an extending flat section adjacent the cage. The magnifying glass is inserted into the cage to be held therein. The magnifying glass may slide in the cage to change the size of the assembly. The friction between the bottom of the magnifying glass and the holding element is increased by providing an upstanding friction knob at one end of the holding element, by providing an upstanding friction knob on a flexible element intermediate the one end and the cage and by angling the cage relative to the flat section. thereby, by pushing the magnifying glass into the cage the flat bottom of the magnifying glass will force the cage and the flat section into a straight line.

Abstract: An image forming lens for forming an image of an original document includes a front side lens group arranged at an object side and a rear side lens group arranged at an image forming side. The front side lens group includes from 2 to 4 lenses including at least one positive lens, and the rear side lens group includes one negative lens. The back-focus of the image forming lens when in use is equal to or smaller than 25% of an entire length of the image forming lens, and the open space between the front side lens group and the rear side lens group is equal to or greater than 50% of the entire length of the image forming lens. The front side lens group lens can include two, three or four pieces of lenses. By configuring an image forming lens with at least three lenses, correction of aberration is easy and high performance can be realized.

Abstract: A size-reduced image reading apparatus for optically reading an image drawn on the document surface. The size reduction is achieved this way. Two light sources are so mounted over the document surface at a specific angle formed with the document surface that they are a certain distance away from each other and bilaterally symmetrical. These light sources are surface light emitters made by forming a light-emitting layer on a transparent substrate. And a fiber lens formed of a plurality of bundles of optical fibers is mounted in the gap between the two surface light emitters. Even if the surface light emitter is brought close to the reading position, a uniform illuminance intensity can be obtained at this reading position. Furthermore, if a fiber lens with a small diameter is used in place of the rod lens, the conjugate length can be shortened.

Abstract: A paper-separating plate is adapted for a paper-separating mechanism having a paper-separating roller. The paper-separating plate placed around a side of the paper-separating roller comprises a main body and a cushion. The main body has a surface and a plurality of grooves and the grooves are positioned on the surface. The cushion is positioned on the surface of the main body and covers the grooves. The cushion positioned over the partial grooves is elastically pressed onto the paper-separating roller. The grooves are linear and the direction of extending the linear grooves is substantially parallel with the axis of the paper-separating roller, the linear grooves neighboring one another or each other. Besides, the cushion is made of flexible material and the main body is made of rigid material.

Abstract: An imaging device for an optical scanning module of an optical scanner apparatus is disclosed. By use of an optical well imaging device to replace the conventional micro-lens imaging device to receive the straight imaged light, which is generated from the scanning object is illuminated by an illuminant. Moreover, the height of the non-inducted region on the optical sensor is higher enough to block the interfered light that is formed by other beam of the imaged light such that the optical sensor can receive the part of the beam of the straight imaged light and will not be interfered. Therefore, by use of the optical well imaging device, the light dispersion effect can be improved and the imaging data can be completely focused on the optical sensor to obtain an optimum resolution and the best MTF (modulation transfer function).

Abstract: A linear guiding mechanism for a platform type optical scanner. A V-shaped track is installed inside a casing and positioned parallel to the travel path of a carrier chassis containing a system of optical devices. The upper section of the V-shaped track has a pair of support surfaces forming an included angle. The V-shaped track supports a positioning wheel or a positioning bump attached to the carrier chassis. The carrier chassis moves along the longitudinal direction of the V-shaped track when driven by a driving system. The V-shaped track may be constructed from a pair of monorails so that the driving belt may move inside the space between the monorails. An additional positioning structure may attach to the interior sidewall of the casing to serve as a retainer for the chassis in an initial position.

Abstract: The invention aims at obtaining an original illuminating apparatus and an image reader having the same with which “the reflection” phenomenon is reduced, and much quantity of light for illumination is obtained in an area to be read of an original to thereby be able to perform the reading operation at high speed.

Abstract: A magnifying system is provided to aid in the viewing or reading of book, papers or similar documents by those with impaired vision. A magnifying lens with approximate overall dimensions of eight by eleven inches is supported in an attractive wood or plastic frame of various designs and is supported by a series of four legs in each corner. The legs are adjustable in length by the use of a spring-based telescopic adjustment system that allows the user to adjust for different parameters such as strength of magnification, object size, level of vision impairment and the like. The legs also fold over against the frame in a manner similar to a card table to allow the invention to be carried in a case, a briefcase or just allow for easier transportation with reduced risk of damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: A testing stand for printing plates has an upright frame, a printing plate support having opposed lateral ends, and guide members connected to the opposed lateral ends of the printing plate support. The guide members engage the frame and connect the printing plate support to the frame so that the printing plate support is vertically moveable. A magnifying glass carriage is slidably connected to the printing plate support. An illumination device is connected to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus which has an original supporting surface on which a sheet original is placed, reading means for reading an image of the sheet original placed on the original supporting surface, and an abutting portion which is provided on the original supporting surface and against which an end portion of the sheet original abuts, and the autting portion has a positioning portion for positioning the end portion of the sheet original so that when the original supporting surface is brought into an inclined state with respect to a horizontal, the sheet original may not float up relative to the original supporting surface.

Abstract: An image forming lens for forming an image of an original document includes a front side lens group arranged at an object side and a rear side lens group arranged at an image forming side. The front side lens group includes from 2 to 4 lenses including at least one positive lens, and the rear side lens group includes one negative lens. The back-focus of the image forming lens when in use is equal to or smaller than 25% of an entire length of the image forming lens, and the open space between the front side lens group and the rear side lens group is equal to or greater than 50% of the entire length of the image forming lens. The front side lens group lens can include two, three or four pieces of lenses. By configuring an image forming lens with at least three lenses, correction of aberration is easy and high performance can be realized.

Abstract: An image reader including a light source irradiating light to a reading object, a reading device reading an image on the reading object based on the radiated light; and a lens focusing the image onto the reading device and having a characteristic by which a distortion rate is increased from the central part to the end part. The distortion rate of the end part is set to a value in which there is no need to complement the read image.

Abstract: A testing stand for printing plates has an upright frame, a printing plate support having opposed lateral ends, and guide members connected to the opposed lateral ends of the printing plate support. The guide members engage the frame and connect the printing plate support to the frame so that the printing plate support is vertically moveable. A magnifying glass carriage is slidably connected to the printing plate support. An illumination device is connected to the frame.

Abstract: A magnifying insert designed particularly for a binder having separable binding members for securing pages of printed material therein includes a substantially rectangular panel having a pair of side edges, a top edge and a bottom edge. The panel is a Fresnel lens for magnifying small or unreadable indicia on the pages secured within the binder. Along an edge of the panel are a plurality of apertures, each spaced, dimensioned and positioned to receive a select binding member. The panel can be interchangeably used as a conventional insert, a divider, a page mark or as a magnifying lens for enlarging fine print appearing on the bound pages. The panel can also include measurement indicia along an edge thereof allowing the device to also function as a measuring tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: An aid for reading indicia, such as that printed on golf scorecards and protecting the scorecard from inclement weather. The apparatus includes a base panel, and a back panel connected together near a first back panel edge. A magnifying lens is mounted to the back panel near a second, opposite back panel edge. A golf scorecard is retained against the base panel by two retaining clips. The apparatus is opened by hinging the base panel to a perpendicular orientation relative to the back panel, and hinging the magnifying lens to a perpendicular orientation relative to the back panel to form a U-shaped structure resting on one side leg. In this configuration, the magnifying lens and the base panel, to which the scorecard is mounted, are parallel and spaced apart. The space is enough to permit a user's hand to write on the scorecard. When closed, the device preferably fits in a rear pants pocket.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, in an image forming apparatus, two document reading sections, a document conveying unit and a fixing unit are efficiently laid out so as to occupy a minimum of space available in the apparatus. Also, the document reading device is capable of reading even a relatively thick or a relatively long document conveyed by a turn-over type sheet-through document conveying device and not feasible for a turn-over path.

Abstract: A reading unit provided with an optical system mounted on a recording apparatus to read a source document includes a housing having the optical system in it, a light transmitting portion arranged on the outer surface of the housing of the reading unit in order to guide the light outside the reading unit into the optical system of the reading unit, and a protection member to cover the outer side of the light transmitting portion for opening and closing such portion freely. With the structure thus arranged, the reading unit is protected from ink mist and other particles created by the recording apparatus that may contaminate the reading unit, hence preventing the accuracy of reading signals from being lowered when reading is performed by means of this reading unit.

Abstract: A financial transaction card for reading externally stored information includes a transparent, substantially non-foldable rigid base and a strip for carrying machine readable information. The rigid base comprises a magnifying lens. The lens is formed by machining a shallow cavity in the rigid base; partially filling the cavity with a radiation curable liquid resin; impressing a lens pattern on the surface of the resin with a die; and exposing the resin to radiation of sufficient intensity to cure the resin.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads document surfaces of open book-like documents placed on a document platen in a face upward condition, the image reading apparatus comprises; a first detector which detects a height distribution of a document surface in a main scanning direction, a second detector which detects a height distribution of the document surface in a sub-scanning direction, and a direction discrimination device for discriminating whether a placement direction of the document is a main scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction based on the height distributions.

Abstract: A financial transaction card adapted for use in reading externally stored information includes a substantially non-foldable rigid base and a strip for carrying machine readable information, The rigid base comprises a magnifying lens.

Abstract: A reading unit for an image reading device includes a lens tube for forming an image of an object and a line sensor for converting the formed image into an electrical signal. A reducing/magnifying mechanism is included for changing the magnification of the image detected by the line sensor. The lens tube is movable such that the optical path length between the lens tube and the line sensor is adjustable to thereby vary magnification of the image. Further, in response to the movement of the lens tube, a movable mirror is adjusted. The mirror is set in a first predetermined position and directs reflected light from the object to the lens tube to shorten the optical path length between the object and the lens tube and thus relatively increase magnification, in response to the lens tube being in a predetermined normal position with a relatively long optical path length between the lens tube and the line sensor.

Abstract: A financial transaction card adapted for individual use in reading information stored externally to the card, having machine readable information contained thereon identifying the user and the issuing institution for transacting business at locations remote from the issuing institution, includes:a. a rigid substantially rectangular base comprising a substantially transparent material and having a top surface and a bottom surface;b. machine readable information carried on the base for identifying the user and the issuing institution; andc. a magnifying lens produced by formation of fresnel contour lines on the top surface of the base and in non-interfering relationship with the machine readable information.

Abstract: A credit card includes an integral magnifying lens positioned in the non-data area on the credit card for permitting magnification of the credit card transaction form at the point-of-sale. The placement of the lens assures that the machine readability of the magnetic encoding strip and the embossed indicia associated with the card is not impaired. The magnifying lens incorporates a fresnel-type contour lens mounted in a window provided in the credit card base.

Abstract: An elongated enclosure includes a number of apertures through which a film must be precisely viewed. A slider receives a removable film holder into which a film, such as a 35 mm slide is positioned. A precision recirculating bearing assembly provides accurate and smooth motion of the slider within the housing. A number of alignment components are located in the device to repeatedly and accurately position the film, relative to the apertures. Thus, a laser beam or optical axis can repeatedly and precisely pass through the same point of the image as it appears in a corresponding aperture.

Abstract: A magnifier apparatus for use with a hand-held video display apparatus which magnifier apparatus has a frame with a magnifier lens, the frame secured to a support, the support releasably adapted to be secured in a snap-in relationship to the sides of the housing of the video display apparatus in an upright, correct position, the frame with the magnifier lens adapted to move between an open, use position over the screen of the video display apparatus and a closed, non-use position nested within the support.

Abstract: Apparatus including a central housing plate with a floor plate mounted thereunder to define a slot therebetween. The housing plate includes an annular opening with a convex magnification lens mounted thereon to receive a lotto ticket through the slot permitting ease of reading of the lotto ticket. The invention may further include a plurality of straps positioned at forward and rear end portions about the housing plate to secure a stack of lotto tickets thereunder for storage and transport thereof.