Abstract: A synchronization system includes an image processor, a RAM, a CPU with an R/W interface, and a time controller. The time controller generates synchronization signals based on image control signals and ALE signals respectively generated by the image processor and the CPU. The image processor and the CPU can access the RAM synchronously according to the synchronization signals.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus including a first optical unit and a second optical unit used to illuminate a document and direct the reflected light via a lens unit to the light sensing device; a movement mechanism used to move the first and second optical units in such a way that the optical path from the light source to the lens unit is always a fixed length. The movement mechanism includes a first driving unit having a first driving wheel, a first passive wheel, and a first transmission member coupling the first driving and passive wheels and affixed to the first optical unit; a second driving unit having a second driving wheel, a second passive wheel, and a second transmission member coupling the second driving and passive wheels and affixed to the second optical unit; and a driving motor. The diameter of the first driving wheel is of a predetermined multiple of that of the second driving wheel such that the optical path from the light source to the lens unit is always a fixed length.

Abstract: An apparatus for digital correction in an image system is disclosed. The present invention comprises pre-processing means for automatically adjusting dc gain of an image signal; an analogue-to-digital converter for converting the adjusted image signal to a digital signal; bit-enhancing means for generating a bit-enhanced signal; and post-processing means for generating an image code by processing the bit-enhanced signal through highlight, shadow, Gamma and shading correction. The present invention provides an improved apparatus for correcting the photo-response non-uniformity, avoiding image defect, without sacrificing the accuracy of the image system.

Abstract: A tri-mirror multi-reflection optical path folding apparatus for optical scanner includes a light source, a reflection means, a lens set, a charged coupled device (CCD), and a base. The three reflection mirrors of the reflection means are positioned with each other at selected angles such that total reflection time of the optical path is four or five times. The optical path folding apparatus, consequently the scanner, can be made compact size, light weight and low cost.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical system with multiple optical lens having capability of auto-focus calibration, instead of conventional scheme of manual operations. Furthermore, achieve purpose of obtaining more accuracy in sharpness and magnification calibration than the conventionally scheme, and of upgrading yield rate of the system. The optical system disclosed by the invention basically includes a lot of home-sensors and micro-sensors, lots of lens, an image sensor, an imaging control motor, a lens switch motor for switching the lens, and a base control motor for switching base of the optical system. By using the imaging control motor and the base control motor to control motions of the imaging device and the lens, auto sharpness and magnification calibration is easily achieved.

Abstract: An improvement of transparent window glass holding structure for an optical scanner includes a first rack fixedly disposed in the case. The first rack has a plural number of clamps for holding and gripping the transparent window glass securely without gluing the originals table to the case as does a conventional scanner. The originals table can be easily installed and removed to facilitate the repairs and maintenance of the scanner.

Abstract: An optical scanner with an improved chassis locking mechanism. The improved chassis locking mechanism includes a chassis, a latch disk, a scanner case and a cover. The latch disk has a shaft for turnably resting on a rack of the scanner case and being held from falling off the rack by a pair of brackets of the cover. The latch disk also has a limiting bulge for limiting the turning angle of the latch disk and a plurality of positioning notches formed on the circumference thereof. The latch disk further has a locking slot for receiving or locking a strut ofthe chassis. By turning the latch disk to a predetermined angle, one of the positioning notches will be engaged with a positioning bulge on the scanner case. The locking slot of the latch disk will either allow the strut to move freely or lock the strut from moving so that the chassis can be held stationary during transportation to reduce damage that might otherwise occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to pixel insertion on optical scanners. The invention increases the efficiency of video buffer in optical scanners and improves the speed of I/O device by locating the position of interpolation device in front of video buffer which is for temporarily storing image data and outputting the image data. Immediately after the video buffer is an input buffer which is for receiving the output of the video buffer. The input buffer provides an interface for video buffer and the interpolation device. The function of the interpolation device is for inserting pixels into the original pixels to increase the resolution of the image. When the host machine is requesting image data, an output buffer delivers the image data in the interpolation device to an I/O device for the host machine to read.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical apparatus for moving and scanning in an optical system comprises a step motor, a timing belt, a first lead screw carrying a first optical assembly, and a second lead screw carrying a second optical assembly. Each of the lead screws has a spiral thread forming a lead path. The lead path of the second lead screw is twice as long as the lead path of the first lead screw. Each lead screw has a gear fastened to its one end. The timing belt connects the rotation axis of the step motor and the two gears on the lead screws. When the step motor rotates, the two gears are driven by the timing belt. The two lead screws are also rotated by the gears. The first optical assembly moves twice as fast as the second optical assembly because the two gears have identical radii but the second lead path is twice long. The different distances traveled by the two optical assemblies ensure that the optical system has a constant optical resolution while scanning.

Abstract: An image system for reducing shading noise of a scanned image is disclosed. The present invention includes following steps: a required deviation of shading noise of an image is specified initially. A real deviation of the shading noise is then generated by measuring the image system. Next, a sampling constant (n) is generated by dividing the real deviation of the shading noise squared by the required deviation of the shading noise squared. A line of a calibration plate is scanned n times, and the pixels of the scanned lines of the calibration plate are averaged. Finally, the image is conventionally calibrated using the averaged scanned line as a reference.