Abstract: An image sensor (100) comprises a lens (4), a sensor (6) and a first casing (1). The lens (4) is configured to focus light irradiated toward an object to be read (30) from a direction tilted relative to the X-Z plane, and reflected by the object to be read (30). The sensor (6) is configured to receive the light focused by the lens (4). The first casing (1) is configured to contain or retain the lens (4) and the sensor (6) and to have, in a surface (1j) extending along a main scanning direction, a tilted portion having a length in a sub-scanning direction that decreases toward the object to be read (30).

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a lens configured to focus light after passing through or reflected by an object to be read and passing through a first transparent plate; a sensor arranged along the X direction and configured to receive the light focused by the lens; a first casing fixing the first transparent plate and containing or retaining the lens and the sensor; and a bracket arranged at the X direction end portion of the first casing and configured to seal the lens contained or retained by the first casing.

Abstract: An image sensor (100) comprises a lens (4), a sensor (6) and a first casing (1). The lens (4) is configured to focus light irradiated toward an object to be read (30) from a direction tilted relative to the X-Z plane, and reflected by the object to be read (30). The sensor (6) is configured to receive the light focused by the lens (4). The first casing (1) is configured to contain or retain the lens (4) and the sensor (6) and to have, in a surface (1j) extending along a main scanning direction, a tilted portion having a length in a sub-scanning direction that decreases toward the object to be read (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-shaped member holding system, which stably holds a plate-shaped member without damage during transportation. The plate-shaped member holding system includes a holder for holding a glass sheet as a plate-shaped member and a fixing member engageable with the holder. The holder includes a pair of retainers for clamping the plate-shaped member from both sides of a front side and a rear side thereof, a pair of supports for supporting the retainers, and a coupler for coupling the paired supports. When the holder is engaged with an engagement recess formed in the fixing member with the plate-shaped member being disposed between the paired supports, the holder utilizes the weight of the plate-shaped member to generate pressing forces in directions to bring the paired retainers much closer to each other so as to firmly clamp and stably holds the plate-shaped member by the paired retainers.

Abstract: A light guide unit includes, a first light guide that takes a light incident upon one end surface and emits a light from other end surface and from a light emitter on a side surface of the first light guide, and a second light guide that takes the light emitted from the other end surface of the first light guide then incident upon one end surface of the second light guide, and emits the light from a light emitter on a side surface of the second light guide. The first light guide includes a first mating member, and the second light guide includes a second mating member engaging with a first alignment member such that the side surface of the first light guide having the light emitter and the side surface of the second light guide having the light emitter are flush with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-shaped member holding system, which stably holds a plate-shaped member without damage during transportation. The plate-shaped member holding system includes a holder for holding a glass sheet as a plate-shaped member and a fixing member engageable with the holder. The holder includes a pair of retainers for clamping the plate-shaped member from both sides of a front side and a rear side thereof, a pair of supports for supporting the retainers, and a coupler for coupling the paired supports. When the holder is engaged with an engagement recess formed in the fixing member with the plate-shaped member being disposed between the paired supports, the holder utilizes the weight of the plate-shaped member to generate pressing forces in directions to bring the paired retainers much closer to each other so as to firmly clamp and stably holds the plate-shaped member by the paired retainers.

Abstract: The invention provides a tactile information transmission system or an information perception apparatus that transmits information by means of various motions of a presenter in two directions, as well as a small driving force generation apparatus that drives a presenter suitably. Thin plate-like magnets are provided on a base, and generate magnetic fields perpendicularly. A perception unit is supported above the magnets movably in the horizontal direction. Plural coils are fixed on the perception unit, some coils are provided so as to cross in X direction and the residual coils are provided so as to cross in Y direction. By controlling supplied current or applied voltage, the perception unit is driven arbitrarily in an XY plane. A user places a finger on the perception unit, recognizes the motion of the perception unit, and obtains information.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided, enabling to specify a position in a predetermined space easily. A ball is rotatably fitted in the bottom of a body of a pointing device, and the ball rolls when the body moves over a reference surface. A first displacement detecting unit detects displacement of the body relative to the reference surface by detecting the rolling of the ball. A fixed member is fixed to an upper part of the body by way of an elastically bendable supporting member. The moving member can displace relative to the fixed member, and this displacement is detected by a second displacement detecting unit. When the moving member is depressed, the fixed member presses a switch. The switch thus detects whether or not the moving member is being depressed.

Abstract: A user authentication system and method for a data communication network that helps ensure that a user accessing the network resources is indeed the person having a claimed identity. The user's identity is verified by a biometric system by examining the user's physiological or behavioral characteristic. User identification information needed for accessing the network resources is stored in the biometric system and not released until the user's identity is verified. Upon verification of the user's identity, the user identification data is provided to a switching node for determining the VLANs that the user may access.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided, enabling to specify a position in a predetermined space easily. A ball is rotatably fitted in the bottom of a body of a pointing device, and the ball rolls when the body moves over a reference surface. A first displacement detecting unit detects displacement of the body relative to the reference surface by detecting the rolling of the ball. A fixed member is fixed to an upper part of the body by way of an elastically bendable supporting member. The moving member can displace relative to the fixed member, and this displacement is detected by a second displacement detecting unit. When the moving member is depressed, the fixed member presses a switch. The switch thus detects whether or not the moving member is being depressed.

Abstract: There are provided an image transfer apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can form an image of excellent quality by controlling speed variations of an image carrier and an intermediate transfer body generated by an external force. When the front end of a recording medium enters the nip area provided between the intermediate transfer body and a bias transfer roll and the rear end of the recording medium leaves the nip area, an impact force is applied to the intermediate transfer body and the bias transfer roll. The bias transfer roll swings, due to such impact force, in the direction parallel to the traveling direction of the recording medium to enter the nip area. As a result, a transitional load variation to be applied to the intermediate transfer body with such impact force is absorbed by springs to prevent rotating variation of the intermediate transfer body and the image carrier.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided in which changes in speed of an intermediate transfer body and a photosensitive body are suppressed and thereby a high quality image without density unevenness, color misalignment, a smear or the like can be formed, and which does not require a larger size in structure, increase in power consumption, a higher degree of complexity and the like. A rubbing contact member, high viscosity damper, magnet, or electromagnetic brake imposes a constant rotation load on the intermediate transfer body. Impulsive and constant changes in speed of the intermediate transfer body and the photosensitive body are suppressed even if changes arise in torque load on the intermediate transfer body and the photosensitive body.