Abstract: An imaging apparatus, such as used in a digital camera or scanner, includes at least one photosensor chip. Each chip includes one line for conveying a signal causing an integration event of a selected subset of photosensors on the chip, the integration event being one of a starting or ending an integration period for the subset of photosensors. Each chip also includes at least two selection lines, for conveying a multi-bit code identifying the selected subset of photosensors for the integration event.

Abstract: An image printing system for adjusting gloss on printed documents includes a marking engine constructed to print images, which have gloss, on a document; a gloss measurement device, includes a linear array sensor to detect a generally specular and diffuse reflectance in the first direction produced by one or more illuminators; a processor configured to receive image data relating to a content of the image to be printed on the document; to process the detected generally specular and diffuse reflectances to determine a characteristic of the gloss of the document, and to compare the gloss characteristic with the image data relating to content of the image printed on the document; and a controller configured to control at least one process controls parameter of the marking engine based on the comparison of the gloss characteristic with the image content by the processor.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring gloss and spatial dependence of gloss. In a first embodiment, the system comprises: a first illuminator configured to emit a first light beam at a point on a target, thereby producing a generally specular reflectance in a first direction; a second illuminator configured to emit a second light beam at the point on the target, thereby producing generally diffuse reflectance in the first direction; a linear array sensor configured to detect the generally specular reflectance and the generally diffuse reflectance in the first direction; and a processor configured to process the generally specular reflectance and the generally diffuse reflectance detected by the linear array sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a color printing apparatus takes into account variations in color quality across a sheet, perpendicular to the process direction. The apparatus outputs a print sheet forming a test print, the test print including at least one primary strip extending along a cross-process direction of the printer, and a set of test patches. The test print is read, the reading including measuring actual colors of each of a plurality of portions of the primary strip along the cross-process direction. An in-line spectrophotometer, with an array of photosensors extending across the sheet path, can be used to make measurements across the primary strip.

Abstract: A reference level generator for driving an analog circuit to cyclically complete an analog function includes a portion of the analog circuit, a master clock, a control circuit, a detection circuit, an integrating circuit and a reference level circuit. The master clock operates at a master clock speed and provides master clock signals to the analog circuit utilized to complete the analog function. The control circuit is used to start and stop the operation of the portion of the analog circuit. The detection circuit is configured to determine when the analog function is completed and to provide an output indicative of the completion of the analog function. The integrating circuit is driven by the output of the detection circuit and configured to set an analog level that is function of the analog function completion time.

Abstract: A method and or a device for comprehensive temperature calibration of a full width array (FWA) image sensor may minimize loss of productivity and/or image quality. Multiple temperature sensors disposed along a width of the FWA image sensor may provide temperature points used to correct for temperature shifts in output of individual pixel sensors of the FWA image sensor. Under control of a microprocessor, a real-time correction may be calculated for each pixel of the FWA image sensor. The correction may be based upon a real-time temperature profile of the FWA image sensor and temperature dependent factors of at least one calibration equation. The factors may be predetermined, or be determined at factory test, at warm-up or at a specified time.

Abstract: A system for controlling a slew rate of a signal, such as used in an imaging device, comprises a counter for measuring a duration that the signal drops from a maximum voltage to a predetermined reference voltage; a register for retaining a desired duration that the signal drops from the maximum voltage to the predetermined reference voltage; and a comparator for comparing the measured duration to the desired duration, the comparator being operative of a current source for the signal. An anti-oscillation circuit prevents the system from oscillating between two discrete durations.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, such as useable in a digital camera or input scanner, comprises a first photodiode and a first integrating amplifier associated therewith. A first reset capacitor, selectably associated with the first photodiode, flushes charge on the first photodiode through the first integrating amplifier. A first CDS capacitor is downstream of the first integrating amplifier. A hold capacitor forms a hold node downstream of the first CDS capacitor. A pixel amplifier reads out a signal from the hold node at a predetermined time. The pixel amplifier is selectably controllable between a standby mode and a power mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an image on a sheet comprises a linear array of light sources and an optical element for transmitting light emitted from the light sources. The optical element comprises a light-transmissive member, having an entry surface for disposal near the light sources. The entry surface defines at least one set of prisms. The optical element can further define a DCPC (dielectric compound parabolic concentrator) in cross-section. Collection optics, such as a SELFOC® lens, receives light reflected from the sheet. Each prism of the optical element defines an angle whereby light exiting the optical element is outside the acceptance angle of the collection optics.

Abstract: A system for controlling a slew rate of a signal, such as used in an imaging device, comprises a counter for measuring a duration that the signal drops from a maximum voltage to a predetermined reference voltage; a register for retaining a desired duration that the signal drops from the maximum voltage to the predetermined reference voltage; and a comparator for comparing the measured duration to the desired duration, the comparator being operative of a current source for the signal. An anti-oscillation circuit prevents the system from oscillating between two discrete durations.

Abstract: An image printing system for adjusting gloss on printed documents includes a marking engine constructed to print images, which have gloss, on a document; a gloss measurement device, includes a linear array sensor to detect a generally specular and diffuse reflectance in the first direction produced by one or more illuminators; a processor configured to receive image data relating to a content of the image to be printed on the document; to process the detected generally specular and diffuse reflectances to determine a characteristic of the gloss of the document, and to compare the gloss characteristic with the image data relating to content of the image printed on the document; and a controller configured to control at least one process controls parameter of the marking engine based on the comparison of the gloss characteristic with the image content by the processor.

Abstract: In a system and method for streak detection in a fixed imaging array digital scanning system, redundant information regarding individual lines of a scanned image collected by multiple discrete rows or sets of scanning sensors in the imaging array are compared. Stationary obstructions in the field of view of the imaging array are detected through this comparison which would otherwise appear repeatedly reproduced as streaks or lines in the reproduced output image.

Abstract: In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes, subsets of photodiodes share a common node for signals to be sent to an amplifier. Within each subset, each individual photodiode is selected for sending signals to the amplifier by an associated selection device. The selection device is a MOS device operating in a linear region. The subset of photodiodes share a common “fill and spill” or “bucket brigade” transfer circuit to the amplifier, the transfer circuit including at least one MOS device which operates in a subthreshold region.

Abstract: A printing apparatus has a substantially shiny photoreceptor imaging surface, and a photosensor array disposed to receive specularly-reflected light from the imaging surface. A quantity of toner is placed on the imaging surface, and data is derived based on light reflected from the imaging surface. The reflected light is filtered to a color effectively complementary to the toner color. The system avoids noise caused by diffusely-reflected light from powdered toner.

Abstract: A photosensitive imaging apparatus has a linear array of groups of photosensors. In a low-resolution scanning mode, all of the photosensors in each group act together as one large photosensor. In a high-resolution scanning mode, each photosensor in a group acts outputs image-based signals independently. In either mode, the signals output by the photosensors are transferred to one of two output lines, such as for “odd-” and “even-” positioned photosensors or groups of photosensors. The signals on the two lines can then be multiplexed to a single output line. The dual output lines enable fast signal output in either resolution mode.

Abstract: In an image sensor array, as would be used in an input scanner such as in a digital copier, an original image is moved relative to a linear array of photosites. Each photosite includes at least two wide photosensors, each of which extends substantially across the photosite along the array direction, and at least two narrow photosensors, which are arranged next to each other along the array direction. In one embodiment, the wide photosensors include primary-color filters and the narrow photosensors are clear-filtered.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring gloss and spatial dependence of gloss. In a first embodiment, the system comprises: a first illuminator configured to emit a first light beam at a point on a target, thereby producing a generally specular reflectance in a first direction; a second illuminator configured to emit a second light beam at the point on the target, thereby producing generally diffuse reflectance in the first direction; a linear array sensor configured to detect the generally specular reflectance and the generally diffuse reflectance in the first direction; and a processor configured to process the generally specular reflectance and the generally diffuse reflectance detected by the linear array sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a color printing apparatus takes into account variations in color quality across a sheet, perpendicular to the process direction. The apparatus outputs a print sheet forming a test print, the test print including at least one primary strip extending along a cross-process direction of the printer, and a set of test patches. The test print is read, the reading including measuring actual colors of each of a plurality of portions of the primary strip along the cross-process direction. An in-line spectrophotometer, with an array of photosensors extending across the sheet path, can be used to make measurements across the primary strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an image on a sheet comprises a linear array of light sources and an optical element for transmitting light emitted from the light sources. The optical element comprises a light-transmissive member, having an entry surface for disposal near the light sources. The entry surface defines at least one set of prisms. The optical element can further define a DCPC (dielectric compound parabolic concentrator) in cross-section. Collection optics, such as a SELFOC® lens, receives light reflected from the sheet. Each prism of the optical element defines an angle whereby light exiting the optical element is outside the acceptance angle of the collection optics.

Abstract: An imaging system, such as having pixel-sized photosensors for recording images, or light emitters or ink-jet ejectors for creating images, comprises a plurality of chips. Each chip includes a shift register with a shift-register-in line; a set of imaging elements associated with the shift register; and a program line, for accepting a program enable signal enabling acceptance of control data relating to a desired operating parameter of the chip. A control system is operable in a first mode wherein each chip in the plurality of chips receives the program enable signal directly through the program line, and a second mode wherein each chip receives the program enable signal through the shift-register-in line.