Abstract: A reading device having two different reading elements for scanning the same portion of an original in different wavelength ranges. A color separating circuit comprises a signal level adjusting circuit for adjusting the levels of picture signals provided by the reading elements so that the levels are equal to each other when white picture data is read. An arithmetic unit obtains a level difference between the picture signals which have been subjected to level adjustment by the signal level adjusting circuit. A/D converters are used for digitizing an output signal of the arithmetic unit and the picture signals provided by the reading elements. A color separation logic circuit subjects three different picture signals outputted by the A/D converters to logic operation for color separation.

Abstract: A method of transforming an image of a document into a binary signal. Each pixel of the document is read and expressed in terms of a signal having one of eight levels. This signal is compared with the signals of the immediately adjacent pixels. A new level is assigned to the given pixel according to the formulaD'=3D.sub.0 -D.sub.1 -D.sub.2 . . . -D.sub.N.This new level is then compared to a reference level, and the signal is binary-coded accordingly.

Abstract: A picture data processing device in which a region specifying original having markings which physically define a region of interest of an original document to be processed is read and stored. When the original document is read, the stored markings are reproduced to mask out the areas of the original document other than the region of interest. A signal processing operation, such as extraction, rearrangement, or size alteration with respect to the selected region can then be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the photoelectric converter of a document reading unit for non-linearities produced by the optics of the system. A test document having no image data thereon is scanned to produce a shade correction signal which is subjected to A/D conversion and stored in a memory. In binary-encoding the picture data of the original, a switch is operated according to the data stored in the memory so as to change a threshold level for the picture signal, whereby digital picture data whose shading has been corrected is obtained. In the case where the picture data of the original are represented by an analog signal, the picture data are also subjected to A/D conversion, and division is carried out with the data stored in the memory being employed as dividends. From the results of such a division, corrected multi-level picture data is obtained.

Abstract: A reading mechanism of a plane reading device is provided with a rack and pinion drive mechanism with a step motor as the driving source. Backlash and vibration are prevented by applying a biasing force on the reading mechanism in a direction opposite that of the movement thereof.

Abstract: A data reading device of the type employing a plurality of image sensors for reading separated colors is provided with a delay device in the processing circuitry of at least one of the image sensors. The delay device can be set to delay the signal output from the associated image sensor to an arithmetic circuit for a variable time corresponding to a multiple of the line scanning period. In this manner, the image sensors need not be so accurately positioned that the same line is read by each of the several sensors at the same time, but the picture data signals for the same line can nonetheless be fed to the arithmetic circuit simultaneously.

Abstract: A two-color reading system includes binary encoders for signals of wide and narrow wavelength ranges. The reference level of the narrow wavelength encoder is set proportionately to the level of the wide wavelength signal by means of a voltage divider, so that the second color of the two color system may be more accurately separated.

Abstract: A multi-function copying machine having a reading section for reading picture data on an original by raster scanning. A recording section has a plurality of recording devices adapted to perform recording at different recording positions. The recording section applies to the recording devices a picture signal for each color for multi-color recording or a picture signal for each side of the original for two-side recording. Recording control is achieved by a control system for controlling the timing of delivery of the picture signal applied to the recording devices. An editing control circuit sets the timing of delivery of a part of the picture signal provided by the reading section to the recording section, for editing the picture data on the original. A memory delays the timing of delivery of a predetermined picture signal to the recording section according to the timing of delivery set by the control system.

Abstract: A thermal recording apparatus operates to efficiently utilize a smaller capacity power supply by the provision of a capacitor in parallel with the power supply source. The capacitor is discharged during printing cycles and is recharged in the interval between the end of one line printing operation and the beginning of the next. This interval is increased in proportion to the percentage of black bits printed in a given line, such that the capacitor may be sufficiently charged and the power supply efficiently used.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus in which the transmitted picture image is partially or totally enlarged at the receiving unit thereof. If the recorded image is to be smaller than the original image, a first switch is closed at the transmitter unit and information bits are periodically removed from both the main scanning and subscanning portions of the transmitted picture signal. If the recorded image is to be larger than the original image, a second switch is closed at the transmitter unit and expansion bits are periodically inserted in the subscanning portion of the transmitted picture signal. In the latter case, a third switch is closed in the receiver unit and expansion bits are inserted into the main scanning portion of the signal. Alternatively, the transmitter can send an instruction signal, in which case the receiver inserts expansion bits in both the main and subscanning directions.

Abstract: An information reader has a number of linear image sensors dividing one line of picture information into as many parts for reading an original. As these sensors may be relatively shifted in the subscanning direction, signal delay devices are provided corresponding to the sensors for delaying a read out signal by an amount corresponding to the respective shift of the image sensors. The invention removes severe constraints on the placement and alignment of the sensors, facilitating installation and maintenance.

Abstract: A polychromatic image sensor having a semiconductor for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, in which the sensor is provided with at least two PN-junctions of which the depth from a light incident plane varies continuously. A plurality of sensors may be arranged into a sensor array.

Abstract: A three-color copying machine is made capable of copying in black, a chromatic color and the complement thereof to improve visual image quality while using only two image sensors. Logic circuitry is used to separate the image signals into printing signals for each color.

Abstract: A picture image position setting apparatus having a linear reading element for obtaining picture information by scanning an original document successively line after line. A position designating cursor is attached slidably in a main scanning direction on a platen at a front end or a rear end portion of an original document scanning region on the platen. The position designating cursor is arranged to be sensed by the linear reading element to distinguish it from other scanned portions. A circuit converts picture image information with respect to the position designating which has been read into positional information in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A two-color copying machine performs two scannings of an original to supply image data respecting the original to an image sensor. In one of the scans, a complementary color filter is inserted in the optical path to absorb a particular chromatic color. Achromatic printing is carried out using the image signal generated without the filter, while printing in the chromatic color is carried out using a combined image signal generated with said complementary filter in place.

Abstract: A two-color copying machine includes a scanner unit for producing output signals representing different colors of an original image and a thermal printer heating its heating elements to temperature ranges in accordance with the scanner unit output signals and utilizing a recording medium which records in two different colors depending on the applied temperature.

Abstract: A color picture reading system including a correction circuit for correcting the output signal to eliminate color noise. In color picture reading systems the image of a picture element is optically separated into two or more color signals. Due to errors in the mounting position of optical sensors, color noise in the form of a color signal being erroneously present in the optical output occurs at the boundary of a color change in the picture. A correction is made by detecting the color signals resulting from the scanning of neighboring picture elements and deciding upon the correctness of a given color signal based upon the continuity of color information from the surrounding picture elements.

Abstract: A copying machine includes sensors and logic circuitry for determining the size or presence of an original placed thereon. According to the size of the original, the scanning length and the size of the recording medium may be determined.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is provided on its transmission side with sensors for determining the size of an original to be transmitted, and at its receiving side with a selector for providing sheets of the same size as the original for the reproduction thereof. In the case of smaller sized originals, if this size of sheet is not available at the receiving end, a size twice that of the original is selected. If originals are transmitted in succession, two such smaller originals may be recorded on the same recording sheet.

Abstract: A heat sensitive recording apparatus using an ink donor sheet in the form of a continuous band includes a device for detecting and correcting the tension applied to the band so as to prevent creases, etc. from being formed therein.