Facsimile Patents (Class 358/400)
  • Publication number: 20020097442
    Abstract: A communication terminal device transmits an ANSam signal (step S2). When the device does not detect a CM signal within a prescribed period (NO in step S3 and YES in step S4), the device transmits a DIS signal with a bit indicating that the communication procedure of the V.8 mode can be carried out (step S5). Then, when receiving a CI signal (YES in step S6), the device transmits an ANSam signal (step S21 in FIG. 3), and afterwards if a CM signal cannot be detected (NO in step 22), and the number of detected CI signals is a prescribed number or more (YES in step S25), the device transmits a DIS signal without a bit indicating that the communication procedure in accordance with V.8 mode can be carried out (step S26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshinori Murata
  • Publication number: 20020093689
    Abstract: In a color facsimile apparatus, a plurality of image data are grouped for each destination, and the groups are further sub-grouped on the basis of data types such as color and monochrome images. In addition, these groups may be sub-grouped on the basis of encoding types such as MR encoding and JBIG encoding. Each sub-group created in this manner includes a plurality of image data having the same destination and data type. Image data are transmitted on a sub-group basis. That is, a plurality of image data can be transmitted by originating a single call. Since only image data of the same type are transmitted with a single call, confusion on the receiving side can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Takehiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020093690
    Abstract: A communication device is provided. The communication device comprises a keyboard used to input literal information. In the communication device, a character allocated to each of keys provided on the keyboard can be changed. In the communication device, the character may be allocated to each of the keys according to a predetermined keyboard character layout. In the communication device, the predetermined keyboard character layout may be selected from among a plurality of predetermined keyboard character layouts by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Satoh
  • Publication number: 20020085239
    Abstract: A recording apparatus for effecting recording on a recording material using a recording head, includes a part for effecting a recording operation; a supporting member supporting the part, the supporting member having a bent portion supporting the part and being locked with another portion of the supporting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Takeji Niikura
  • Patent number: 6414759
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of forming both color and monochrome images is disclosed which when a document containing a color page is received while a memory reception mode is set, i.e., while the received document is controlled not to be output, (1) all pages of this received document only are output, (2) only color pages of this document are output, (3) all pages of this document only are transferred to an external apparatus, or (4) only color pages of this document are transferred to the external apparatus, in order for an image memory to be prevented from being made full and entering a reception disable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Itaru Ikegami, Shinji Todaka
  • Publication number: 20020080410
    Abstract: A scanning system including a scanner and a local user computer, wherein the scanner is coupled with a remote computer by a networking connection. The scanner scans objects and uploads scanned images to the remote computer directly through the networking connection. The local user computer is coupled with the scanner and the remote computer, wherein the local user computer contains an application for assigning a storage address located in the remote computer, and a driver that instructs the scanner to perform certain operations including scanning and uploading images to the assigned storage location. The remote computer wraps received data, the image files from the scanner, into a data package and saves it as a file to the assigned storage location therein. Besides assigning storage locations for saving image files, the application on the local user computer also provides the scanner with information regarding the location of the remote computer, such as internet addresses, web sites, or network locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Chang-Hwa Yang, Tzan-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20020080412
    Abstract: A facsimile transmission control procedure for a relay use to relay facsimile communication via a public telephone network between mobile communication control units placed at different places from one another in which such facsimile communication is implemented by the use of a radio link wherein non-standard facilities signal NSF and non-standard facilities set-up signal NSS defined by the Recommendation T.30 are used to identify another communicating party; if the other communicating party can apply a transmission control procedure of the invention, communication is conducted in accordance with such independent transmission control procedure, while if it is not, the communication is made based on the standard Recommendation T.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sasaki, Wataru Uchida
  • Publication number: 20020080411
    Abstract: A technique of using an electronic device to change light into the facsimile of an image. Signals are generated, indicative of the image shape. An array of electro optical devices are transformed based on the image signals, and those devices are used to transform the light characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Scott M. Perry
  • Publication number: 20020075518
    Abstract: The present invention aims to effectively utilize a memory by changing a recording system for received images in accordance with a remaining amount of the memory. When images received by a facsimile are printed, in accordance with the memory remaining amount, images are read out from storing means and are recorded by recording means in such a manner that, after a predetermined number of one sides of recording media are successively recorded, the recording medium is directed into a recording medium reverse-rotating mechanism, and one side of another recording medium until the recording medium is picked up from the reverse-rotating mechanism and is recorded so as to record the other side of the recording medium. Further, in accordance with the memory remaining amount, front and back sides of the recording medium can be read out and recorded alternately, or only one sides of the recording media can be recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Takehiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020075522
    Abstract: A time administrator includes (a) a first unit which acts as a clock and transmits a first signal indicative of a standard time, (b) a second unit which makes access to the first unit and receives the first signal, (c) a third unit which judges whether a system for adjusting a current time is adapted and further whether the system is to be applied to the standard time, and (d) a fourth unit which, when the third unit judges that the system is to be applied to the standard time, carries out a specific operation to the standard time, and transmits a second signal indicative of the result of the operation as a current time, and which, when the third unit judges that the system is not to be applied to the standard time, transmits a third signal without carrying out the operation which third signal is indicative of the standard time as a current time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Takashi Nozu
  • Publication number: 20020067514
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a register for registering a facsimile number of a sending destination for an abbreviation number, a register for registering an electronic mail address of the sending destination for the same abbreviation number, a key corresponding to the abbreviation number, a key representing facsimile sending, and a key representing electronic mail sending, a unit for executing the facsimile sending of a read image to the registered facsimile number when the key representing the facsimile sending is depressed pursuant to depression of the key corresponding to the abbreviation number, and a unit for executing the electronic mail sending of the read image to the registered electronic mail address when the key representing the electronic mail sending is depressed pursuant to depression of the key corresponding to the abbreviation number, so that it is possible to reduce the number of necessary keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Michihiro Izumi, Toshio Kenmochi, Yutaka Inoue
  • Publication number: 20020067513
    Abstract: To provide a reading/printing apparatus and a reading apparatus by which the facility with which each unit is assembled and maintained can be significantly improved because steps of fixing and connecting individual units need not be performed in order, a printing apparatus, a control board, and a power supply are disposed inside a housing obtained by integrally forming a base portion serving as a bottom surface, side walls serving as outer side surfaces, and an opening surrounded by the side walls. The reading apparatus, the printing apparatus, the control board, and the power supply are discretely constituted. The housing includes a first housing integrally formed with enough strength to separately fix the base portion, lower portions of the side walls, the reading apparatus, the printing apparatus, the control board, and the power supply, and a second housing covering the opening and integrally forming upper portions of the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Keizo Sasai, Atsushi Saito, Hiroshi Ogushi, Kazuyuki Morinaga, Fumihiko Nakamura, Shigeyuki Sugiyama, Noriyuki Aoki, Takayuki Nishinohara, Yoshiaki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020067492
    Abstract: Print data including text or graphics data is transferred from a host computer to a printer. The printer develops the received data on band basis. When data processing to be performed by the printer is expected to fail due to shortage of the memory area size, the host computer cancels the data which has already been sent to the printer, and develops the text or graphics data to form image data. The image data thus formed is sent to the printer. Image data is transferred in a hierarchical manner. Disclosed also is a method which makes it possible to eliminate as much as possible any data processing failure in the printer attributable to shortage of memory capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: SHIGERU UEDA
  • Patent number: 6396597
    Abstract: A method for transmitting facsimile documents from a facsimile store-and-forward service computer (50) to a networked computer system (20). The networked computer system includes a central server computer (22) and one or more computers (34) coupled to the central server computer. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the central server computer is programmed to determine whether the facsimile store-and-forward service computer has received a facsimile document for a particular user of the networked computer system. If so, the central server causes the facsimile store-and-forward service computer to transmit the facsimile documents to the central server computer. Upon receipt, the central server computer opens a file that is associated with the particular user and stores the facsimile document in the file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6392760
    Abstract: A circuit configuration in a multimedia network representing a controllably persistent virtual meeting room simulates an actual meeting room where conferences between two or more people may be held. This facilitates the creation in the network of flexible, long-term multimedia conferences between conferees who are separated from one another. Any number of conferees may communicate with one another via one or more of audio, video, and data. Virtual meeting rooms may persist in the network for predetermined periods of time controlled by the users of the meeting room. The room may remain in the network independent of whether or not a user is connected to the room. The meeting room is a vehicle whereby the activity of various media servers is coordinated to effectuate conferences between multiple participants in more than one medium. The servers are associated with storage devices which may record or store certain aspects of multimedia conferences using the virtual meeting room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Sudhir Raman Ahuja, Murali Aravamudan, James Robert Ensor
  • Patent number: 6389170
    Abstract: In the image data processing of the digital copying machine (M), the image data is assigned to the expanders (30,31) in such a manner that the expansion time of each of the expanders (30,31) is close to one another. Thus, because the difference of the expansion time between the expanders (30,31) is very close to one another, both of the expanders (30,31) can be efficiently used so that the timing when printing can be started is quickened. In consequence, the speed of expansion processing or print processing is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Kawasaki, Takeshi Morikawa, Eiichi Yoshida, Akio Nakajima, Tomoyuki Atsumi, Yoshikazu Ikenoue
  • Patent number: 6388772
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling electronic calendar events using a facsimile transmission. The invention may be initiated using a designated facsimile transmission sheet or sheets which can invoke a specified electronic calendar operation. A data processing system, upon reception of the facsimile transmission sheet, interprets the sheet for a specified electronic calendar operation. Upon validation of specified operations, the operations are directed to an electronic calendar for processing. In addition, specified facsimile images from the facsimile transmission may be associated with a calendar event or events. Upon an originator's request, confirmation on the status of the electronic operations are directed to specified facsimile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Marvin L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20020054358
    Abstract: A method for transmission of facsimile messages comprises the use of a plurality of transmission modalities to allow coupling of a conventional facsimile apparatus to remote equipment. A facsimile transmission is made to a point of presence facility. The facsimile transmission includes identification of the ultimate recipient for the transmission. The point of presence facility identifies the recipient, and re-transmits received facsimile image information to the recipient in a format appropriate for the recipient. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recipient's address is identified as an e-mail address, and the point of presence facility converts the facsimile data to an e-mail-compatible format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: GARY HOCHMAN
  • Publication number: 20020054360
    Abstract: A scanner having a chassis and a body, the body containing a base portion and a document lid. The body is movably connected to the chassis by a connection element, allowing the body to move from a substantially horizontal operative position to a substantially vertical rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Karl Heinz Rubner, Bavo Debusschere
  • Publication number: 20020054359
    Abstract: The original cover of an image reading apparatus for covering an original stand which is provided on the image reading apparatus and on which an original is placed is provided with a cover member for covering the original placed on the original stand, and a hinge member having one end thereof pivotally supported by the cover member and having the other end thereof mounted on and pivotally supported by the original stand. The original cover is characterized in that the cover member is biased in a direction in which it is opened relative to the hinge member and is biased toward a rotary shaft, by biasing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Yukitoshi Takeuchi, Atsushi Miyahara
  • Publication number: 20020054361
    Abstract: A flat cable 121 is plugged in a connector 125 on a USB connector board 123 at one end, and plugged in a connector 128 on a mainboard 122 at the other end, and put approximately one round, thereby the flat cable 121 is provided with wider surfaces along a vertical direction to the surface of glass plate 105 in the apparatus. The flat cable 121 is passed by a reading unit 110, avoiding a position under the reading unit 110, along a side wall as a part of a frame 101 around the glass plate 105.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Naho Saito
  • Publication number: 20020051219
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit for inputting an image signal representing an original image, a processing unit for performing image processing of the image signal input from the input unit, and a recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium on the basis of the image signal subjected to the image processing by the processing unit. The processing unit performs rotation processing of the image signal in accordance with the shapes of the original image and the recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: MITSURU KURITA, MASAHIRO FUNADA
  • Publication number: 20020051220
    Abstract: The disclosed facsimile apparatus stores data in a memory card through a communication line, and transfers image and other data to other terminal, image processing device, display unit or the like at a high picture quality through the memory card. A data memory unit stores the received data. A memory card input and output unit writes data into the memory card, and reads data from the memory card. The received data is stored in a data memory unit, and data reception information is displayed in a display unit. The user manipulates an input selector to select the data to be stored in the memory card from the data stored in the data memory unit and transfers to the memory card. Moreover, if necessary, the copyright is protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Seiji Tanaka, Yasushi Kida, Yoshinori Ikeguchi, Hirohiko Hirai
  • Publication number: 20020051146
    Abstract: A facsimile machine connected to PSTN to receive image data from another device over PSTN and transfer the image data to a designated recipient on another network such as LAN and internet. Delivery conditions are registered in a storage of the facsimile machine. Delivery information or instructions are carried together with the image data. A control unit determines a recipient by comparing the delivery information or instructions with the delivery conditions. The control unit causes the facsimile machine to transfer the image data to the determined recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6381038
    Abstract: A facsimile communication system includes a calling and a called facsimile machine connected via a communication network. Each of the facsimile machines has a timer value representing a maximum allowable response time for a response signal relative to a signal transmitted to the counterpart facsimile machine. Using the timer value, each of the facsimile machines monitors whether the response signal is received from the counterpart facsimile machine within the timer value. If the response signal is not received within the timer value, retransmission of the transmitted signal is required. The called facsimile machine transmits all timer value change information for increasing the timer value to the calling facsimile machine. The calling facsimile machine selects the optimum timer value change information within the range of the timer value change information received from the called facsimile machine, and transmits the selected timer value change information to the called facsimile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Endo
  • Publication number: 20020044697
    Abstract: In a method for image processing, an image is scanned. A first portion of the image is displayed based at least in part upon a first value of a first adjustable parameter, where the first parameter affects the appearance of the image. A second portion of the image is simultaneously displayed based at least in part upon a second value of the first parameter, where the second value is different from the first value. A first processing value is selected based upon at least one of the first value and second value. The image is processed in accordance with the first processing value. In one aspect of the method, the first portion of the image is displayed adjacent to the second portion of the image. In another aspect of the method, the first parameter is selected from the group consisting of density, contrast, focus, edge enhancement, and gamma correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: THOMAS M. GILLIHAN, LARRY ALAN WESTERMAN
  • Patent number: 6374291
    Abstract: A communication terminal device of the present invention is provided with both facsimile communication function and electronic mail transmission/reception function. At the transmission side, scanned image data is coded by MH, MR method and the like, converted to text data, then edited according to electronic mail format for transmitting it as an electronic mail to computer network like internet. The transmission side also transmits by facsimile (by a circuit switching method) a transmission notification indicating transmission of the electronic mail and a signal indicating reception of the electronic mail. After receiving the signal requesting reception of the electronic mail, the receiving side receives the electronic mail from the computer network, converts it into image data and prints the image data out by facsimile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Ishibashi, Hiroyuki Yasumoto
  • Patent number: 6366698
    Abstract: A user of a portable terminal writes sentences to be transmitted as an e-mail, a mail address, and information indicating that service a host device is requested to provide is “mail transmission” on paper as a memo. By using an image input unit installed in the portable terminal, the paper or the like is imaged. The portable terminal transmits the image data thus taken in to the host device. The host device analyzes received image data by using an image recognition unit. Upon recognizing by characters that the service requested by the portable terminal is “mail transmission”, the host device starts a mail transmitting/receiving unit. The mail transmitting/receiving unit transmits the content of the written memo included in the image data to a terminal specified by the mail address included in the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tooru Yamakita
  • Patent number: 6356670
    Abstract: A method of sending a facsimile of a document includes diffusing a grayscale image to produce a binary, black-and-white image having on/off image values corresponding to a first spatial resolution. When communicating with a remote facsimile device that supports a lower resolution, the black-and-white image is converted to a lower resolution. To perform this conversion, a scaled value for each image value of the lower-resolution image is calculated by interpolating between neighboring dots of the original black-and-white image. The resulting scaled values are then error diffused to create a black-and-white image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Co.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Keithley, Brent D. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20020024684
    Abstract: A facsimile server carries out facsimile communication, and notifies a forwarding destination computer of the confidential data reception when the facsimile server has confidentially received communication data. The facsimile apparatus transmits the confidentially received data in accordance with a demand by the destination computer. The facsimile server encrypts and decrypts the received data by using an encryption key produced based on peculiar information of the facsimile server and the forwarding destination computer at the time of carrying out communication with the destination computer via a computer network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6344905
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for dialing and printing a telephone number of a transmission-side facsimile device provided through an integrated services digital network (ISDN). According to an aspect of the present invention, a reception-side facsimile device stores the telephone number of the transmission-side facsimile device provided through the integrated services digital network. The reception-side facsimile device can dial the telephone number of the transmission-side facsimile device when transferring facsimile data and also prints the telephone number of the transmission-side facsimile device if necessary. Accordingly, the facsimile device according to the present invention is convenient because the user does not have to dial the telephone number of the transmission-side facsimile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Mo An
  • Publication number: 20020012135
    Abstract: On receipt of image data printable on A4-sized paper, the device provided with A4-, A3- and B5-sized paper feeding trays 1, 2 and 3 carries out printing the data on A4-sized paper feed from the tray 1 (as shown in FIG. 2(A)). When an interrupt request takes place to temporarily suspend a current printing job and carry out a copying job using the B5-sized paper feeding tray, the device accepts the interrupt because of no need for use of the A4-sized paper feeding tray, carries out the copying job by using the tray 3 and then resumes the suspended job by using the tray 1 (as shown in FIG. 2(B)). If an interrupting copying job requires use of the A4-sized paper feeding tray, the device neglects the interrupt and continues the current printing job (as shown in FIG. 2(C)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Tadashi Nagaso
  • Publication number: 20020005964
    Abstract: In view of the fact that a limited storage area of a facsimile memory cannot store a large amount of data necessary to operate and manage the facsimile machine, a hard disk of a personal computer connected to the facsimile machine is used for storing such a large amount of data. For example, an application software needed for achieving a certain function of the facsimile machine is supplied from a service station managed by a manufacturer of the facsimile machine and is downloaded and installed in a hard disk of the personal computer. An example of the function is a scheduled/delayed transmission for scheduling a time of facsimile transmission at a specific time or after a certain period of time has passed. As far as the facsimile machine and the personal computer are connected, other kinds of data, such as help list data and facsimile transaction information, are stored in the hard disk of the personal computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriko Matsumoto, Kiyotsugu Takiguchi, Tetsuya Ouchi
  • Patent number: 6335804
    Abstract: An image communication apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving image data, an image memory for storing the received image data, a recorder for recording the received image data, and a control unit for causing the image memory to store the received image data and causing the recorder to record the received image data, and for, when recording by the recorder is disenabled, causing the image memory to continue storage of the received image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seishi Ejiri
  • Patent number: 6333787
    Abstract: There is provided a hypertext information acquisition system which enables a user to follow hypertext links by designating a link to document contents by entering a numerical value indicative of a location of the link. User command analysis unit recognizes a coordinate value entered by the user from his telephone set and outputs the same to linked contents request unit. Linked contents request unit outputs to contents acquisition unit a request for acquisition of linked document contents associated with a location on an image generated from link-embedded document contents, the location being indicated by the link coordinate value. Image generation unit generates an image from document contents acquired by the contents acquisition unit, with the image matrix coordinate scales added thereto. The generated image is transmitted to a user's FAX machine by image transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hiromi Konno
  • Patent number: 6330067
    Abstract: A digital copying machine comprising an image scanner part for reading an original image to reproduce image data of the original image, a laser printer part for printing an image according to given image data, a removable memory card, and a reader/writer of the memory card is provided. For offline print, the image data of a document prepared in an external computer and output control data are stored into the memory card. By installing this memory card in the digital copying machine, the digital copying machine prints the image data read out from the memory card offline in a desired output form. For offline image input, read control data obtained by using an image scanner such as a read gradation level, a read size, density, and the degree of edge enhancement is stored in the removable memory card using software executed in an external computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Murata
  • Patent number: 6321266
    Abstract: An input/output apparatus is connected to a plurality of host computers via a network and executes both a scanning function and a printing function. The apparatus includes a portion that generates image data from data input from a first one of the host computers and prints the generated image data by executing the printing function, and further includes an output device that scans image data by executing the scanning function and outputs the scanned image data to a second one of the host computers in response to a request command. As a result, the input/output apparatus may operate in coordination with a plurality of personal computers by using the network to transfer image data therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Yokomizo, Susumu Sugiura, Yoshinobu Mita, Makoto Takaoka, Mitsumasa Sugiyama, Shigetada Kobayashi, Junichi Shishizuka, Tsutomu Negishi, Osamu Yamada, Yukari Toda, Kazuhiro Saito, Masanari Toda, Yasuhiko Hashimoto, Yasuo Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20010035979
    Abstract: Telecommunications system for transmitting images On the transmission side, an image, for example a black-and-white individual image, is picked up and stored on request by a simple camera, for example with a wide-angle lens and optical viewfinder. The image data of the image message are suitably compressed and subsequently coded with a telecommunications-channel-specific code and transmitted, preferably unidirectionally, indirectly or directly to a telecommunications network (for example a wired or wireless telephone network). On the reception side, the image data are accepted—in a way corresponding to the process on the transmission side—either directly or indirectly. After decompression and decoding, the image data are stored in a screen store and transmitted to the screen, for example an LCD flat screen, according to the instructions of a screen controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Fritz Pornbacher
  • Publication number: 20010035977
    Abstract: A facsimile network includes a plurality of nodes (10)-(14) which are disposed at different locations in the world. An originating fax machine (16) is associated with one of the nodes (10) for transmitting a fax over a local public telephone network (PSTN) (18). When the node (10) receives the fax transmission in the normal transmission mode, it then converts it to a digitized compressed and encrypted image which is transmitted over a primary network (24), such as the Internet, to a destination node (14) by a predetermined route. The node (14) then decompresses and de-encrypts the image and converts it to a facsimile image for transmission to a destination fax (20) in a normal mode over a local PSTN (22). A node (12) operates as a central node which can also receive the transmission for routing directly to the fax or for directing via another network link to the node (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: WorldQuest Network, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Michael Adler, Tommy Wayne Quaid, Bruce Willard Graham, John Claybron Poss, David Wayne Thorn
  • Publication number: 20010033393
    Abstract: An air exhaust device for use in an image forming apparatus includes a duct and a fan unit arranged in the duct. The duct includes a resilient holding member configured to resiliently hold the fan unit. The air exhaust device is arranged in a main body of the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: RICOH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takefumi Adachi
  • Patent number: 6307646
    Abstract: A communication device is provided wherein a message stored in a message box for a specific individual and a message stored in a general mail box and not addressed to a specific individual can be retrieved sequentially without releasing a line. The communication device includes a personal information output control device that reads personal information stored in a personal information storing device and outputs the personal information via a telecommunication line and a general information output device that reads general information stored in a general information storing device and not addressed to the specific individual and outputs the information via the telecommunication line. The information is output by operating the personal information output control device and the general information output control device according to a request, which is input via the telecommunication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuji Otsuka, Kunihiro Yasui
  • Patent number: 6304343
    Abstract: A dust-proof mechanism for optical reflection module of an image scanner is disclosed. The dust-proof plate is disposed at an open area of the optical reflection module. Each lateral end of the dust-proof plate is disposed with a shaft rod pivotally fitted in a shaft hole formed on a lateral inner wall of the optical reflection module. The direction of the dust-proof plate is parallel to the direction of the reflection mirror of the optical reflection module. When the scanner performs the scanning operation, the dust-proof plate is positioned at an opened position. When the scanner does not perform the scanning operation, the dust-proof plate shields the open area of the optical reflection module so as to isolate suspending dust from passing through the open area of the optical reflection module and attaching to the mirror surface of the reflection mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Umax Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsu Chuan-Yu, Huang Chih-Wen
  • Publication number: 20010026693
    Abstract: A facsimile machine performs a printing operation in an optimum environment by detecting the environment of the facsimile machine when it receives a facsimile signal from a remote device. A control circuit assembly (1) of the facsimile machine includes a scanner unit (15), a printing unit (20) and a transmission and reception unit (25). All of them are operated by commands from a main controller (2). A memory (5) that accumulates image information is associated with the main controller (2). If the image information is input into the transmission and reception unit (25), a fan (11) and a heater (12) are operated in accordance with control information stored in a table (31) prepared in the memory (5) until attainment of the operation-assured environment. After that, the printing unit (20) prints the information on sheets of paper. By pressing a button (8), the printing is forcibly output at whatever time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Sasai
  • Publication number: 20010026376
    Abstract: To enable low cost distribution of pictures from a mobile entity that incorporates digital camera functionality, the mobile entity (20) generates both a high resolution picture image (81) and a low resolution thumbnail (80). This thumbnail (80) is distributed via a mobile radio infrastructure to a service system (40) that then transfers the thumbnail to specified recipients (60). After viewing the thumbnail (80), each recipient (60) indicates to the service system (40) whether they wish to receive the high resolution image (81) and, if so, whether it is to be transferred immediately or at the next. The service system (40) effects transfer of the high resolution image (81) accordingly. In other embodiments, distribution of the high resolution image is effected independently of the service system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Colin I'Anson
  • Patent number: 6297893
    Abstract: A facsimile machine (10), connected to a telephone line (L), includes a telephone handset (17) and a flip-up lid (12) having a cradle (19) for removably accommodating the telephone handset (17). The lid (12) is provided with catches (22a,22b) that cooperate with the telephone handset, (17) releasing it so that it can be picked up when the lid (12) is closed on the casing of the facsimile machine (10), and retaining it on the lid (12) to prevent it from falling out of its cradle (19), when the lid (12) is flipped up. The availability and use of the telephone line (L) for making voice telephone calls through the handset (17) are controlled in relation to presence of the latter (17) in its cradle (19) and to the position of the lid (12). In particular, the telephone line (L) will remain free even when the lid (12) is flipped up with the telephone handset (17) in its cradle, thus permitting the reception of incoming voice telephone calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Olivetti Tecnost S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Menaldo Moretta, Renzo Gozzano
  • Patent number: 6292271
    Abstract: In a machine having facsimile capabilities, a method for programming soft speed buttons which includes determining whether a number is associated with a given speed button; and if a number is associated with that speed button, providing for a facsimile message to be transmitted to the associated phone number. However, if no number is associated with the given speed button, then allowing a user to create a label for that speed button, and also to associate a number with that speed button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignees: Toshiba American Information Systems, Inc., Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tom Phan
  • Patent number: 6288802
    Abstract: An image scanner capable of detecting the center of a valid image reading range is disclosed. To accurately detect the center position of a mirror, a center mark is positioned outside of the valid image reading range in parallel to the axis of rotation of the mirror. The center mark is input together with an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Hoshina, Shintaro Komuro
  • Patent number: 6282504
    Abstract: A low power recording devices permits various flexible power options, including a no-battery option in which the recording device satisfies its entire power requirements from the telephone wall socket and from the RS-232 socket of a computer, and a no-battery option in which the recording device satisfies its entire power requirements from the power source for the mobile telephone. Neither no-battery option exerts a significant additional load on the power source. Voice signals are digitized and stored in low power non-volatile memory. Facsimile signals either are digitized and stored in low power non-volatile memory, or are decoded and stored in low power non-volatile memory. An audio recording and playback capability through an integrated speaker-microphone pair is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: David K. Wong, Nagesh Challa
  • Publication number: 20010015827
    Abstract: A fax/copy key (61) is positioned in the center of a cover (130) of a control panel (60). When the cover (130) is closed, a plurality of one-touch speed dial keys (62) are arranged under the fax/copy key (61). In other words, the fax/copy key (61) and the one-touch keys (62) are superposed. At a pivot of the cover (130) is positioned a cover sensor (65) to detect the open/close status of the cover (130). When the fax/copy key (61) is depressed while the cover (130) is closed, several one-touch keys (62) are depressed via a plurality of protrusions (61b) of the fax/copy key (61). Because the cover (130) is closed, the depression of the one-touch keys (62) is interpreted as the depression of the fax/copy key (61). This contributes to miniaturization of the operational input unit (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsunori Ishiyama
  • Publication number: 20010013950
    Abstract: On the transmission side, an image, for example a black-and-white individual image, is picked up and stored on request by a simple camera, for example with a wide-angle lens and optical viewfinder. The image data of the image message are suitably compressed and subsequently coded with a telecommunications-channel-specific code and transmitted, preferably unidirectionally, indirectly or directly to a telecommunications network (for example a wired or wireless telephone network). On the reception side, the image data are accepted—in a way corresponding to the process on the transmission side—either directly or indirectly. After decompression and decoding, the image data are stored in a screen store and transmitted to the screen, for example an LCD flat screen, according to the instructions of a screen controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Fritz Prnbacher