Abstract: A solid state imaging device comprising: a plurality of photosensitive pixels for scanning an optical image signal falling thereon and converting the same photoelectrically which are arranged in parallel to one another in a main scan direction, wherein the photosensitive pixels are respectively formed in a triangle or in a trapezoid, the two mutually adjoining ones of the photosensitive pixels are positioned in point symmetry in which the two mutually adjoining photosensitive pixels are rotated in 180° about a point from each other, and the oblique sides of the two mutually adjoining photosensitive pixels are opposed to and in contact with each other.

Abstract: A color linear image sensor includes a sensor pixel linear array with a plural number of color filters laid and bonded thereover, a readout circuit and an output processing circuit. The sensor pixel linear array consists of repeat patterns of color pixels linearly arrayed in a preset color order, the repeat patterns being symmetrical with respect to the midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array. The readout circuit reads out image signals line by line from the sensor pixel linear array. The output processing circuit distributes the readout signals into a plural number of color image signal routes, and outputs the readout signals of separated colors. The color linear image sensor thus constructed may be incorporated into an image processing system. The midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array is coincident with the optical axis of a lens of the optical system of the image processing system.

Abstract: Because of using as a light source a halogen lamp which is well stabilized in terms of both the quantity of light and the spectral ratio, it is unnecessary to read shading data whenever the reading of an image is initiated. The shading data can be read with a certain margin at the end of a copy job, when power is being given to an image reader or at given time intervals for making shading correction on the basis thereof. Reading the shading data can be carried out with a certain time margin without detriment to FCOT (First Copy Output Time) and CPM (Copy/Minute); enough time is allowed for acceptance of the shading data, so that data of a plurality of lines can be read and fault values, if any, can be removed therefrom. Therefore, the influences of dust, etc., even if present on the white reference plate, can be eliminated.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprising a line sensor for reading image data, a driver for outputting the image data read by the line sensor wherein the driver comprises an integrated circuit mounted on a circuit board, and a radiator system for dissipating heat generated by the driver, wherein the radiator system physically contacts the driver.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus with a plurality of line sensors comprises a reference level adjusting circuit for adjusting a level of a dark output outputted from one of the line sensors to a reference level, and a level difference adjusting circuit for progressively adjusting to a minimum a dark output level difference between the reference level adjusted line sensor and a second line sensor adjacent to the former sensor, a dark output level difference between the second line sensor and a third line sensor adjacent to the second line sensor, and so on. When three or more line sensors are used, a level of a dark output outputted from one of the three line sensors which is located at the center of a sensor array of the three sensors is adjusted to the reference level. Alternatively, a level of a dark output outputted from one of three line sensors which is located at one of the ends of a sensor array of the three line sensors is adjusted to the reference level.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic system for image reading equipment having an imaging unit and at least one circuit board, including a pattern generator, which generates a prescribed pattern signal, disposed at the input end and/or the output end of the circuit board. According to this system, a source of problems occurring in the image reading equipment can be identified, that is, a faulty component can be identified by performing a copying operation for a pattern generated by the pattern generator.

Abstract: An image data control system for use in an image reading equipment, in which analog signals output from a line sensor, which represent the amounts of light reflected from an original sheet are converted into digital signals by analog/digital conversion, and then the digital signals are converted into density signals to obtain original sheet reading signals in the form of the density signals, the system characterized in that offset control are performed by an offset control circuit and dark time output adjustment by the unit of picture elements are performed by a dark time correction circuit, respectively, after performing gain control by a gain control circuit.

Abstract: An original document recording apparatus having a plurality of line sensors arranged in a uniformly staggered pattern. Each line sensor has a built-in analog memory, which stores the image and outputs the image according to a delay value. The built-in analog memory is controlled by two kinds of pulse-train signals generated by a control means, thus reducing a vertical delay time.

Abstract: An image sensor is operable in a read state, a rest state, and a stand-by state. Control signal generating means generate a control signal. The control signal has a first constant preset level during the read state, a second preset level during the rest state, and alternates between the first and second levels at a duty ratio during the stand-by state. Drive circuit means transfer current to the image sensor in response to the control signal. Therefore, current is continuously transferred to the image sensor during the read state, no current is transferred during the rest state, and current is intermittently transferred to the image sensor at the duty ratio during the stand-by state.

Abstract: An illuminating light source for a color image recording device comprises a glass tube having a predetermined diameter, a reflecting film coated on an inner wall of the glass tube excepting a part thereof by coating, a fluorescent film formed on the reflecting film coated on the glass tube, wherein at least one of a ultraviolet ray absorbing film and the fluorescent film is formed on the part on which the reflecting film is not formed thereby to maintain a ratio of a bright line to a fluorescence being not more than 1.3 when a fluorescent lamp current is applied.

Abstract: In an information reading apparatus in which picture image data of manuscript read with a manuscript reader is converted into a digital signal including picture image data or shading correction reference density data of the manuscript, and the digital signal is converted into a logarithmic value. A memory device is used for storing the shading correction reference density data which has been converted into a logarithmic value and a subtractor is provided for subtracting data stored in the memory device at the time of no light input from picture image data and shading correction reference density data so as to effect a base level correction of the both data. A shading correction circuit is provided for effecting a shading correction based on the picture image data and the shading correction reference density data whose level have been corrected by the subtractor.