Abstract: Many software applications have the ability to render the application's user interface from content delivered by internet connected HTML servers. At times it is desirable to limit the amount of access the end user has to the rendered content. This inventive method is able to limit and guide the end user interaction within the HTML content, without requiring any changes to the delivered HTML content, or changes to the appearance of the rendered content. The look-and-feel of the content is preserved while ensuring the end user remains inside the software application intended boundary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging digital content between a scanning appliance and a mobile device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging digital content between a scanning appliance and a mobile device are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a scanner which allows for any type of media, including embossed credit cards, with a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm to be inserted into the media path and remain in constant contact with the CIS as a result of a spring loaded roller, gear, and cantilever system. The input process, called a “kick start” method, allows for momentary lowering of the roller, and return, as it spins to grasp the media and continue pulling the media through the scan path. This apparatus stores energy provided by the motor within its spring and gear system, thus requiring less energy from the motor, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatic, computer-based image management, including reading, transfer, and storage, and to related software for acquisition, transfer, editing, processing, copying, and archiving of images by the apparatus in accord with the methods. More particularly, the invention comprises image input devices of which specific examples include digital scanners, digital media readers, and a combination of the two, and software that makes possible the complete processing and archiving of digital images with the press of a single button or the act of inserting the media in the device. The inventive processing and archiving image management hardware and software system includes non-camera digital image acquisition, data transfer, display, manipulation (including cropping, adjusting colors, and other such editing), storage, thumbnailing, printing, and electronic transmittal of processed digital image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small, portable, duplex scanner which is fully battery powered. The scanner will accept various media including standard size paper documents, embossed credit cards, ID type cards, and compact disc type media. The scanner batteries are charged via connection to any power providing device, such as a small cell phone type AC adapter or via the docking station when the scanner is docked. Power management is optimized to provide efficiency of battery usage and battery life. Assisted de-skew is a novel feature wherein LED's direct a user to adjust media insertion for a perfect media feed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small, portable, duplex scanner which is fully battery powered. The scanner will accept various media including standard size paper documents, embossed credit cards, ID type cards, and compact disc type media. The scanner batteries are charged via connection to any power providing device, such as a small cell phone type AC adapter or via the docking station when the scanner is docked. Power management is optimized to provide efficiency of battery usage and battery life. Assisted de-skew is a novel feature wherein LED's direct a user to adjust media insertion for a perfect media feed.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a method for creating and utilizing a paper intermediary, ideally termed a document routing form, to serve as a lead sheet to a set of documents to be scanned on a scanner connected to a computer, or a computer connected to a workgroup. Computer readable data, such as bar code, printed on the routing form serve as data instructions to the inventive software to process a set of scanned documents in a variety of end outcome options. The document routing forms may be printed on an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper, or on an adhesive type label, and contain selection options that determine an outcome to documents scanned. Options for end outcomes may include processing the scan as an email, a fax, or being sent to a User's electronic archive. The inventive software facilitates data retrieval from a secondary source such as a User's electronic archive to be utilized in the outcome process.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a novel magnetic mirror air bearing for a Michelson interferometer with lateral motion. A precise kinematic mount is used in combination with magnetic fields wherein current can be applied on a centerline to move a piston and mirror laterally without pitch and yaw so as to effect accurate light beam reflection regardless of distance of lateral movement within a defined space. The assembly is able to operate across extended temperature ranges by utilizing materials which expand and contract at similar rates, and contains a thermalizing cavity which will thermalize the gas to avoid temperature induced artifacts.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a novel magnetic mirror air bearing for a Michelson interferometer with lateral motion. A precise kinematic mount is used in combination with magnetic fields wherein current can be applied on a centerline to move a piston and mirror laterally without pitch and yaw so as to effect accurate light beam reflection regardless of distance of lateral movement within a defined space. The assembly is able to operate across extended temperature ranges by utilizing materials which expand and contract at similar rates, and contains a thermalizing cavity which will thermalize the gas to avoid temperature induced artifacts.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a method and apparatus to allow for scanning of both paper documents and thicker media such as credit or identification cards utilizing the same piece of scanner hardware. The inventive apparatus provides a depressible card reader slot located in the center of the horizontal axis of the sheet feed, and accompanying cantilever system for providing appropriate thickness of insert area for the particular media. A software implementation facilitates an automatic scan of either media inserted. The inventive method and apparatus is unique to the prior art in that it allows both media types to be scanned utilizing the same piece of hardware, and wherein scanning occurs automatically, which offers both ease of use and value to the consumer.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a scanner which allows for any type of media, including embossed credit cards, with a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm to be inserted into the media path and remain in constant contact with the CIS as a result of a spring loaded roller, gear, and cantilever system. The input process, called a “kick start” method, allows for momentary lowering of the roller, and return, as it spins to grasp the media and continue pulling said media through the scan path. This apparatus stores energy provided by the motor within its spring and gear system, thus requiring less energy from the motor, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a method and apparatus to allow for scanning of both paper documents and thicker media such as credit or identification cards utilizing the same piece of scanner hardware. The inventive apparatus provides a depressible card reader slot located in the center of the horizontal axis of the sheet feed, and accompanying cantilever system for providing appropriate thickness of insert area for the particular media. A software implementation facilitates an automatic scan of either media inserted. The inventive method and apparatus is unique to the prior art in that it allows both media to be scanned utilizing the same piece of hardware, which offers both ease of use and value to the consumer.

Abstract: Bi-directional multi-resolution scanner having software/firmware for 1- to 2-pass high resolution scanning, enabling the scanner to capture and render image data both the standard direction, top to bottom pass, as well as the return direction, that is, bi-directional scanning, in contrast to prior art scanners which return to the start position after each pass without reading (scanning). Typical current B&W scanning of an 8½×11? image at 600 dpi takes a total time from start to reload to the next image of on the order of 42-67 seconds. In contrast, the inventive system scans and displays the high resolution image in about 37 seconds, some 7-30 seconds faster than a conventional scanner. In multiple image scanning, since the time for the two return passes and the preview pass is eliminated, the productivity is increased from 20 to 300% or more. Since multiple non-scan return passes are eliminated, the inventive system is also a substantial improvement for limited power bus devices.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, “instruments” an arbitrary software program, without changing the software program, to automate malfunction detection and reporting. Although users can be invited to enter a description of what the user was doing prior to receiving the error, report generation and transmission to a remote server can be fully automatic and transparent to the user. In the case of beta testing, therefore, a software developer is guaranteed to receive all pertinent information about malfunctions of an application without having to rely on “fallible humans” for this information. The effectiveness of beta testing, in terms of ultimately contributing to an improved product, is therefore greatly increased. Various kinds of malfunctions may be detected and reported, including an application “crashing,” becoming “hung,” etc.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a method for elimination of a reverse side reflection, or ghosting effect, resulting from a dual sided media being scanned utilizing a standard document scanner or analogous hardware wherein the reverse side reflection typically results in a defect on the scanned image. The inventive method is unique to the prior art in that it incorporates backing which impedes reflection of the reverse side of a scanned page that typically manifests as an unwanted artifact on the resultant scanned image. The inventive method further eliminates, in the case of sheet fed or duplex scanners, the requirement for alternating the scanner's light source to create artificial black and white reference for calibration of the scanner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simple “one click” method for a User to calibrate their standard scanner or related device wherein a color target is inserted into the scanner and the User selects calibration initiation by clicking a single time on an icon as provided in the inventive method's user interface. A proprietary algorithm performs acquisition and conversion steps wherein the result is optimal color representations as between the device and its manufacturer produced color coordinates. Such a method is simple and requires no knowledge of the calibration process, thereby enabling the least sophisticated computer user to periodically calibrate their scanner or device so as to compensate for natural degradation over time of the illuminant contained therein.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a method for creating and utilizing a paper intermediary, ideally termed a document routing form, to serve as a lead sheet to a set of documents to be scanned on a scanner connected to a computer, or a computer connected to a workgroup. Computer readable data, such as bar code, printed on the routing form serve as data instructions to the inventive software to process a set of scanned documents in a variety of end outcome options. The document routing forms may be printed on an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper, or on an adhesive type label, and contain selection options that determine an outcome to documents scanned. Options for end outcomes may include processing the scan as an email, a fax, or being sent to a User's electronic archive. The inventive software facilitates data retrieval from a secondary source such as a User's electronic archive to be utilized in the outcome process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for suppressing the display and printing of blank pages resulting from a set of scanned documents during a multi-page mode scanning operation. The inventive software determines, via algorithmic calculation, whether there is data sufficient on a page to result in a displayed or printed page of a document. The determination is achieved based upon pixel counts on the page. The invention reduces paper waste, data bit storage on a User's computer, and mitigates pagination issues in a hard copy scanned document.