Abstract: One embodiment minimally process a burst of images captured with an image capture device. The images are displayed, and maximum processing is performed on one of the images.

Abstract: A method, for use on a computer system having a memory, permits a user to index and track digitized images resident in said computer memory. The method comprises creating a scannable contact sheet comprising thumbnail versions of the digitized images, information identifying each image, and at least one instruction for a corresponding designated image, the at least one instruction being manually selectable by the user, and printing out the contact sheet. Also disclosed is a computer system enabling a user to index and track digitized images resident in a memory accessible by the computer system. The computer system comprises (1) means for creating a scannable contact sheet, the contact sheet comprising thumbnail versions of the digitized images, information identifying each image, and at least one instruction for each image, the at least one instruction being manually selectable by the user; and (2) means for printing out the contact sheet.

Abstract: Image data in an image scanner is examined to determine whether lines (light or dark) are present in the image data. By examining whether the lines are present in image data for multiple colors, and whether calibration gains for corresponding photosensors are normal, it can be determined whether the lines & likely caused by a surface defect, on a calibration target, or on a platen, or on an image being scanned.

Abstract: Multiple scans of the same object are obtained, where for any given line on the object to be scanned, the angle of the illumination is different for each scan. The different scans are obtained from different rows of photosensors that are separated. Because the angles of illumination are different, the resulting shadows in each scan are different. The multiple scans may be combined into a single composite color image. In a composite image, a dust particle may generate a series of overlapping shadows, where each shadow is a different color. Searching the composite image for the unique pattern of colors may identify artifacts or defects. Alternatively, the data for one scanned image may be compared to the data for another scanned image, and any differences may be due to shadows, which may indicate defects.

Abstract: An image scanner has a movable photosensor array that can be moved in two dimensions in a plane. Two dimensional movement is provided using a single motor.

Abstract: Image data in an image scanner is examined to determine whether lines (light or dark) are present in the image data. By examining whether the lines are present in image data for multiple colors, and whether calibration gains for corresponding photosensors are normal, it can be determined whether the lines are likely caused by a surface defect, on a calibration target, or on a platen, or on an image being scanned.

Abstract: Photosensor assemblies have, for each color, multiple line-arrays of photosensors. For each color, the spectral bandwidth received by each line-array is different. The additional spectral bandwidths are used to improve the spectral measurement accuracy, and to increase bit-depth. In one example, one row of a staggered array receives light having a first spectral bandwidth, and a second row of the staggered array receives light having a different spectral response. In a second example, photosensors with different sizes receive light having different spectral bandwidths.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of capturing relatively high resolution digital images (e.g., comparable to traditional flatbed scanners). A preferred embodiment provides a look-down digital imaging device comprising a linear sensor for imaging a raster line of an original image placed substantially below the look-down digital imaging device, and a lens for focusing reflected light from the original to such linear sensor. The linear sensor functions much as in traditional flatbed scanners in that it captures a single, congruent digital image of a scanned original. Most preferably, the linear sensor is a high resolution sensor that enables a digital image to be captured having resolution comparable to that of traditional flatbed scanners. For instance, the linear sensor preferably enables capture of a digital image having a resolution no less than approximately 300 dpi.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of scanning a calibration area included within such look-down digital imaging device to capture image data for the calibration area and calibrate itself based on analysis of such captured image data. More specifically, a preferred embodiment includes a calibration area that is integrated internally within the look-down digital imaging device. When performing calibration in such a preferred embodiment, the scan head of the look-down digital imaging device is operable to align itself with the calibration area to allow for a scan of the calibration area (i.e., the capture of digital image data of the calibration area). In one embodiment, a look-down digital imaging device does not achieve a focused scan of the calibration area, but is capable of utilizing captured unfocused digital imaging data for calibration.

Abstract: Object plane user selection in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment is a method for optically scanning a document comprising receiving a user selection of an object plane to be scanned, the user selection defining a distance above a platen, and adjusting an optical head based on the user selection to scan the object plane selected by the user.

Abstract: A light attenuating filter is introduced between a light source and a light sensor in a calibration region of a transparency scanner. The transparency scanner includes a carriage for supporting the light source, a transparent platen, and a housing for supporting the transparent platen. The light attenuating filter is placed in the calibration region either as part of a template resting on the transparent platen, as part of housing, or as part of the carriage. Light from the light source is directed through the light attenuating filter and onto the light sensor. The transparency scanner is calibrated to compensate for the attenuation of light by the light attenuating filter. Calibrating the transparency scanner includes adjusting one or more parameters for controlling the transparency scanner. Examples of parameters used for controlling the transparency scanner include light source intensity, light source exposure time, and analog and digital gain of a signal produced by the light sensor.

Abstract: A digital memory upload method and system allows the uploading of information contained in a memory element to a central processing location, or any other location defined by a user. By uploading the contents of the memory element, the memory element is made available for further use. In a preferred embodiment, the digital memory upload method and system can be used to conveniently upload the contents of a digital camera memory element, thereby freeing the memory element for further use. The contents of the memory element can be transferred to a processing location, which can forward the information to the user, can make the images available to the user via an Internet world wide web (WWW) site, or can process the information into conventional photographic prints and mail them to the user.

Abstract: An image scanner has a moveable photosensor array that can be moved in two dimensions in a plane. Two dimensional movement is provided using a single motor.

Abstract: A multiple image scanner that performs a single scan of a document containing different types of images (e.g., text and graphics) and sends multiple renditions of the same document from the scanner to a host computer (e.g., one high resolution gray scale image and one low resolution high bit depth color image; or one high resolution, low bit depth gray scale or monochrome image and one low resolution, high bit depth gray scale or monochrome image; or one high resolution, low bit depth color image and one low resolution, high bit depth color image), thus greatly reducing the total amount of data sent to and processed by the host computer.

Abstract: Multiple scans of the same object are obtained, where for any given line on the object to be scanned, the angle of the illumination is different for each scan. The different scans are obtained from different rows of photosensors that are separated. Because the angles of illumination are different, the resulting shadows in each scan are different. The multiple scans may be combined into a single composite color image. In a composite image, a dust particle may generate a series of overlapping shadows, where each shadow is a different color. Searching the composite image for the unique pattern of colors may identify artifacts or defects. Alternatively, the data for one scanned image may be compared to the data for another scanned image, and any differences may be due to shadows, which may indicate defects.

Abstract: Photosensor assemblies have, for each color, multiple line-arrays of photosensors. For each color, the spectral bandwidth received by each line-array is different. The additional spectral bandwidths are used to improve the spectral measurement accuracy, and to increase bit-depth. In one example, one row of a staggered array receives light having a first spectral bandwidth, and a second row of the staggered array receives light having a different spectral response. In a second example, photosensors with different sizes receive light having different spectral bandwidths.

Abstract: Image data in an image scanner is examined to determine whether lines (light or dark) are present in the image data. By examining whether the lines are present in image data for multiple colors, and whether calibration gains for corresponding photosensors are normal, it can be determined whether the lines are likely caused by a surface defect, on a calibration target, or on a platen, or on an image being scanned.

Abstract: Multiple scans of the same object are obtained, where for any given line on the object to be scanned, the angle of the illumination is different for each scan. The different scans are obtained from different rows of photosensors that are separated. Because the angles of illumination are different, the resulting shadows in each scan are different. The multiple scans may be combined into a single composite color image. In a composite image, a dust particle may generate a series of overlapping shadows, where each shadow is a different color. Searching the composite image for the unique pattern of colors may identify artifacts or defects. Alternatively, the data for one scanned image may be compared to the data for another scanned image, and any differences may be due to shadows, which may indicate defects.

Abstract: An integrated image capture device and a desk and floor lamp. The image capture device is adapted to plug or screw into the light bulb socket of the lamp so that the image capture device may obtain power from the light bulb socket of the lamp when the lamp is plugged into a wall socket. The image capture device may also have a ‘pass-through’ socket adapted to receive a standard light bulb so that the standard light bulb may provide additional light for the image capture device. The image capture device may also provide modulation to the light bulb in order to perform exposure control. The image capture device may also provide color compensation by measuring the intensity and color of the light from the light bulb. The image capture device may also perform data transmission through the power cord of the desk or floor lamp.

Abstract: Transparent documents with precoated background so that only the text and foreground need to be printed by a printer is taught. Alternatively, the transparent documents may be precoated with watermarks, company logos, company confidential or other common background patterns. The printer may be able to selectively remove the background precoating from predetermined areas of the transparency where text or other foreground material will be printed. Alternatively, the ink in the printer may chemically dissolve the precoating in predetermined areas.