Plural Scanner Station Patents (Class 358/408)
  • Patent number: 8531737
    Abstract: A scanning device includes a first scanning unit, a second scanning unit, and a light source corresponding to each of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit. The light sources are arranged on the same side of the first and second scanning units with respect to the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Kubo, Yusuke Nakashima, Yasuhiko Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8526065
    Abstract: A contact-type image reading apparatus includes two image reading units each of which has light-receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally for reading an image on an original in two-dimensional directions, a first body unit which includes one of the two image reading units as a first image reading unit, and a second body unit which includes the other image reading unit as a second image reading unit disposed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the first body unit for sandwiching the original therebetween when the second body unit is closed. When the second body unit is closed, the second body unit is closed with respect to a surface where the first image reading unit is provided in the first body unit, and the second image reading unit is disposed to face the first image reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Masanari Takabatake
  • Patent number: 8508807
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image reading apparatus that includes: a photoelectric sensor including plural reading pixels aligned in one direction and output an electric signal depending on the amount of light from an image on the document; a read control section that reads a document image with the photoelectric sensor in accordance with a read instruction, and obtains image data; a black correction section that performs a black correction to adjust an output under dark condition of each reading pixel to a value within a predetermined range, the output under dark condition being an electric signal output when the amount of light input is zero; and a black correction execution determining section that determines whether to perform the black correction, when the read interval between each two document sheets of the multi-page document is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Tanaka, Kazuaki Shintani, Shinichi Gono, Yosuke Takebe, Mitsugu Kamio, Mayumi Tada
  • Patent number: 8467081
    Abstract: The subject application is directed to coordinating document processing operations among devices having differing functionality. A document is received into a first document processing device that has a first set of processing functions. A display is generated on the first device that includes indicia of an available document processing operation having a function of a first set and a secondary function of a second device, with any secondary function outside the first set. Selection data is received of an operation having functions from the first set and one or more secondary functions. Operation of the first device is controlled by a controller operable to control the functions of the first set by the first device on the document. The document is communicated to the second device following completion of any first set functions. The document processing operation is completed by the second device via completion of any secondary functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: William Su, Giri Natarajan, Jianxin Wang, Hongfeng Wei
  • Patent number: 8432577
    Abstract: Scanner parameter techniques are described. In an implementation, one or more computer-readable media comprise instructions that are executable by a computer to detect a mode in which one or more scan parameters are set by a user at a scanner and when a scan is performed in conjunction with the detected mode, keep the one or more scan parameters as set at the scanner for the scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Marius Niculescu
  • Patent number: 8422087
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided which enables image data of high S/N ratio with constant resolution to be acquired without fluctuations in resolution over the entire area of an original document, while actualizing the compact image reading apparatus by minimizing the spaces on the opposite end sides in the sub-scanning direction of the platen, has a line light source for applying light to the original document, a carriage installed with the line light source to travel in a sub-scanning direction of the document, a stepping motor for driving the carriage, a line sensor for receiving the reflected light of the document guided by the optical means to convert into image data, and control means for performing traveling control of the carriage, blinking control of the line light source, and control for capturing the image data from the line sensor, and captures the image data from the line sensor while varying a period of a motor clock signal to drive the stepping motor for a duration of acceleration control
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Ogino
  • Patent number: 8422088
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a storage unit which stores both image data input from a reading unit and relevant information of the image data, a first image-data-processing unit which processes both the image data input from the reading unit and image data output to a writing unit, and a second image-data-processing unit which is detachably attached to the first image-data-processing unit, has an image recognition function, and processes the image data input from the reading unit. The first image-data-processing unit includes a recognition unit recognizing the input image data, an image processing unit performing image processing based on a result of the recognition by the recognition unit, and a determining unit determining whether operation of the second image-data-processing unit is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Patent number: 8416474
    Abstract: In a paper feed port configured to feed a sheet-like medium to a conveyance path, an inclined surface is provided at both ends of an opening into which the medium to be fed is inserted, with respect to a width direction crossing a paper feed direction of the medium, such that an abutting angle between the inclined surface and a leading end of the medium on a downstream side in the paper feed direction is an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Shogo Miyano, Keisuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 8411988
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus partitions entered image data into first partitioned image data and appends margin data to the first partitioned image data. The image processing apparatus corrects the first partitioned image data other than the margin data to second partitioned image data and processes the second partitioned image data and the margin data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Nakagawa, Hisashi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8405889
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an automatic document feeder having a media feeding section, a media collecting section and a media conveying path extending from the media feeding section to the media collecting section. The imaging apparatus includes a scan head adjacent to the automatic document feeder. The scan head is moveable to a raised position aligned with a portion of the media conveying path for scanning a media sheet in the portion of the media conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Charles Brandon Langrel
  • Patent number: 8368975
    Abstract: A multifunctional printer comprises a CCD for reading an image on one side of a document, a CIS for reading an image on the other side of the document, an image processing unit for processing the image of the side read by the CCD or the CIS, and a determining unit (S12) for determining which of the images of the sides read by the CCD and the CIS is to be processed first by the image processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Baba
  • Patent number: 8363287
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a memory to store therein image data acquired by reading an original is provided. In a regular reading mode, the memory is divided into a first buffer that stores therein first image data of an image of a first side of the original and a second buffer that stores therein second image data of an image of a second side of the original. In a ring buffer mode, only the first image data is stored in the first buffer and the second buffer in a seamless manner, and the first image data stored in the buffers is output from the buffers to an image processing unit through an output path in a parallel manner. When a size of an original to be read is larger than a predetermined size, reading is performed in the ring buffer mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Umezawa
  • Patent number: 8358451
    Abstract: A conveying device, comprising: a linear conveyance route on which a sheet-like medium is linearly conveyable; a bent conveyance route that is branched from the linear conveyance route and on which the medium is conveyable in a bent manner; a switching member provided at the branched portion and movable into a bent conveyance position for guiding the medium to the bent conveyance route and into a linear conveyance position for guiding the medium to the linear conveyance route, according to a force acting from the medium at a time of coming in contact with the medium; and a variable pressurizing unit configured to make a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the linear conveyance position smaller than a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the bent conveyance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Keisuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 8305659
    Abstract: A sheet-fed double-sided document scanner is disclosed and includes a first image-capturing assembly, a second image-capturing assembly, a sheet-transporting mechanism, a power receiving interface, and a control circuit. The scanner switches scanning modes according to a power input. The sheet-transporting mechanism transports a document past the first image-capturing assembly and the second image-capturing assembly. The power receiving interface receives power. When a power level of the received power is less than a default threshold level, the control circuit controls the scanner to scan a first side and a second side of the document in a first mode. When the power level of the received power reaches the default threshold level, the control circuit controls the scanner to scan the first side and the second side of the document in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Yen-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8284464
    Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a plurality of scanning units scanning on both sides of a document in parallel and an image processing unit executing image processing on image data obtained by scanning of the scanning units. The first side image data obtained by the first scanning unit scanning on a first side of the document is transferred in real-time to the image processing unit in synchronous with a synchronous signal. On the other hand, the second side image data obtained by the second scanning unit scanning on a second side of the document is stored in a memory and after the transfer of the first side image data, transferred to the image processing unit in synchronous with the synchronous signal, a cycle time of which is changed in accordance with the processing contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsunahito Nakashita
  • Patent number: 8279504
    Abstract: Pieces of reading frequency information representing the use frequencies of first and second reading units are acquired. Read color information of a color on a document that is read by the first or second reading unit is acquired. Based on the acquired pieces of reading frequency information and the acquired read color information, one of the first and second reading units is decided as a reference reading unit serving as a reference when performing correction to make the reading characteristics of the first and second reading units relatively coincide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Asako Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8264715
    Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing locked printing on a printing device with remote unlock. The printing device includes a locked print process that is configured to examine print data received by the printing device and determine whether locked printing is to be used for the print data. Print data designated for locked printing is stored on the printing device. The printing device also includes a Web application configured to generate Web pages that define a Web-based graphical user interface. When processed at a client device, the Web pages allow a user to enter authorization data that is transmitted to the Web application on the printing device. The locked print process verifies the authorization data and if the authorization data is successfully verified, allows the user access to locked print data on the printing device. The approach may also be implemented using a common repository to store print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jayasimha Nuggehalli
  • Patent number: 8249481
    Abstract: The change in an output voltage when a control voltage is changed is calculated, and the change in the control voltage divided by the calculated change in the output voltage is defined as a sensitivity coefficient. The sensitivity coefficient is recalculated for each predetermined time interval or whenever a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the control voltage is corrected based on the recalculated sensitivity coefficient. Example of the predetermined condition include the time of start-up of the apparatus, the time at which the accumulated number of printed sheets reaches a predetermined number, and the time of carrying out process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Takenouchi, Mitsuru Tokuyama, Kiyofumi Morimoto, Hiroo Naoi, Kazuma Hinoue
  • Patent number: 8233195
    Abstract: A method for reducing image noise is provided. The procedure of the method is provided in the following steps. First, the color level scale of a scanned image of a document is reduced by a plurality of bits in order to subtract a noise level from the scanned image. Then the color level scales of all pixels of the image are recombined by a halftone pattern method in order to recover the color level scales. Finally the missing codes of the image are filled out by bit enhance method. Because of the color level scales of the proceeding image are not reduced, the scanned image quality does not be blurred by the method. Because the method does not minimize the color level of the proceeding image, the image noise can be reduced without blurring the scanned image and the quality of the image can be increased after the process thereof. And because each color level of the pixel in the image is subtracted by a noise level, some of the bits are removed and the capacity of the image file is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Yin-Chun Huang, Chung-Wei Cheng
  • Patent number: 8228565
    Abstract: An image reader includes a platen, a display section and a reading section. The platen holds a document thereon. The display section displays a display image and is located on the platen. The reading section reads a document image of the document placed on the platen and is provided in opposition to the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Yukio Ito
  • Patent number: 8228517
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus including: an image processing section that processes an original image, and outputs the processed original image; an operating section that a user operates; a reading-and-displaying section disposed in the operating section, and has a function of reading control information as an image and has a function of displaying the read control information; an instruction input section disposed in the operating section, and receives an instruction regarding an original image; and a controller that controls operations of the image processing section, the reading-and-displaying section, and the instruction input section, wherein the controller instructs the reading-and-displaying section to read the control information, acquires the control information from a result read by the reading-and-displaying section, and instructs the image processing section to process the original image and to output the processed original image, based on the acquired control information and/or the instruction re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Yamada, Yuji Okamoto, Shuhji Fujii, Kaoru Ishikura, Nobuyuki Ueda, Atsushi Ogo, Kenji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8223406
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image reading portion that moves in a predetermined direction. The image reading portion includes an image reading sensor that reads an image on a sheet. The image reading apparatus also includes a sheet feeder that feeds the sheet, a first transparent member with a reference surface that supports the sheet thereon, and a second transparent member that contacts the sheet fed by the sheet feeder. The second transparent member is positioned in an inclined position with respect to the reference surface of the first transparent member. The image reading portion moves along a lower surface of the first transparent member and a lower surface of the second transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Osakabe
  • Patent number: 8218202
    Abstract: Multiple images are combined where the images exhibit variations in illumination between one another. The images are of the same portion of an object, and each image is represented by a set of image data. A comparative data transform is applied to each set of image data, such that the transformed comparative image data isolates and preserves first variations in the illumination between the images but suppresses second differences in illumination between the images. At least one normalization transform is determined from the transformed comparative image data sets. When applied to at least one of the image data sets, the at least one normalization transform minimizes the variation in illumination between the image data sets. Each determined normalization transform is applied to the at least one of the image data sets. The normalized sets of image data are transformed to a single image of the portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Hunter, Stephen Pollard
  • Patent number: 8218913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying front pages from images representing media. In an embodiment, a system for identifying at least one front page within an image representing media is provided. The system includes a matcher, an aggregator and a reviewer. In another embodiment, a method for identifying at least one front page within an image representing media is provided. The method includes comparing each page to matching criteria to produce a matching confidence score. The method also includes aggregating, as front page candidates, each page having a matching confidence score that exceeds a matching confidence score threshold. The method further includes receiving decision information and identifying front pages from front page candidates based upon the decision information. According to another embodiment, the matching criteria may comprise at least one local, affine invariant feature point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Sriram Thirthala, Krishnendu Chaudhury
  • Patent number: 8218014
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner for a scanned beam display may comprise a scanning platform having a mirror disposed thereon to reflect a beam of light impinging on the mirror, a drive coil disposed on the scanning platform to scan the reflected beam of light in response to a drive current applied to the drive coil. The drive coil has coil winding segments having a narrower width in one or more regions of the drive coil, and has coil winding segments having a greater width in one or more other regions of the drive coil to provide a the drive coil with a reduced electrical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason B. Tauscher, Dean R. Brown, Matthew Ellis, Wyatt O. Davis, Mark P. Helsel
  • Patent number: 8208182
    Abstract: An image reading device and an image forming apparatus having the same that can increase a scan quality by improving mounting positions of units to read information recorded on a document and a mounting structure of a light shielding member. The image reading device may include a first reading unit to read image information recorded on a first surface of a document, a second reading unit disposed at a predetermined distance from the first reading unit along a document feeding direction to read image information recorded on a second surface of the document, and at least one light shielding member mounted between the first reading unit and the second reading unit along the document feeding direction. The light shielding member may extend in a direction different from the document feeding direction such that one end portion is located in a document feeding path. The light shielding member may be provided with a document guide portion to guide the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Hun Han
  • Patent number: 8203767
    Abstract: An auto document feeding device causes an original document passing through an OUT path and an original document passing through an IN path to flow together with overlap a trailing edge of a preceding original document and a leading edge of a following original document. Before the original documents reach to a READ document glass, the auto document feeding device comprises a separating unit configured to separate an overlapping portion of the original documents. The auto document feeding device reduces a distance between the preceding original document and the following original document passing on the READ document glass to nearly 0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Kitazawa, Masakazu Iwamoto, Seiji Iino, Akihito Tokutsu, Shinichi Miyakawa, Mitsunori Ishii
  • Patent number: 8199383
    Abstract: The lengths of an OUT path and an IN path are made longer than the length of a document of a main size in a traveling direction. The document of the main size stands by for conveyance in a direction of a READ document glass in a state where the entire document is contained in the OUT path or the IN path. The entrance speed of the document into the OUT path or the IN path is equal to the read speed of a scanner. The leading edge of a subsequent document is overlapped on the trailing edge of a preceding document, and the document is conveyed to the READ document glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Tokutsu, Seiji Iino, Mitsunori Ishii, Masakazu Iwamoto, Shinichi Miyakawa, Osamu Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 8194290
    Abstract: An image compensating method. First, multiple scanning lines are used to scan a document and a longitudinal black and white pattern, in order to produce the actual gray level value for multiple pixels with respect to each of the scanning lines and the document, as well as a correctional gray level value for complete black and a correctional gray level value for complete white with respect to the longitudinal black and white pattern. Then, the compensational gray level value with respect to the actual gray level value for each of the pixels is obtained according to the correctional gray level value for complete black, the correctional gray level value for complete white, the theoretical gray level value for complete black, the theoretical gray level value for complete white, and the actual gray level value for each of the pixels. Then, the procedure is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Shih-Zheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 8194295
    Abstract: A duplex scanning apparatus includes an automatic document feeder and a flatbed image scanner. The automatic document feeder includes a document feeder case, a scanning glass plate and a first light source. The flatbed image scanner includes a scanner case, a glass platform, a second light source and a scanning module. The scanning glass plate and the first light source are included in the automatic document feeder of the duplex scanning apparatus, so that the scanning operation is performed in the automatic document feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chao Liao
  • Patent number: 8194292
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system, and a controller communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacent the scanner opening. An LCD document glass is adjacent to the scanner opening. The LCD document glass is communicatively coupled to the controller. The LCD document glass is controlled to be in a transparent state wherein the LCD document glass is clear and a translucent state wherein the LCD document glass is darkened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Dale Cook, Brian Keith Owens, Michael R. Wedding, John Thomas Writt
  • Patent number: 8164808
    Abstract: An image reading device for reading front and back sides of an original using different reading units has a simple configuration and is capable of matching the input-output characteristic of the front side and the input-output characteristic of the back side and reducing a difference between color on the front side and color on the back side. Based on image data of a color chart read by a front-side reading unit and image data of the color chart read by a back-side reading unit, the image reading device calculates and sets adjustment values for the front and back sides for individual hues of color patches of the color chart and performs adjustment for the front and back sides in accordance with adjustment values corresponding to hue of an original image when the original is read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Morikawa
  • Patent number: 8159727
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is disclosed that includes a contact glass on which a document is placed; an imaging device configured to image a document image based on light reflected from the document through the contact glass; plural line image sensors arranged along a main scanning direction at positions where the document image is imaged and configured so that end portions of the line image sensors adjacent to each other similarly read same image data imaged at an overlapping area; a transmitted light quantity reduction unit disposed in the overlapping area on the contact glass and configured to reduce transmitted light quantity of a light transmitted through the contact glass; and a signal correction device configured to correct the signal intensity of the image data similarly read by the line image sensors adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akito Yoshimaru, Nobuyuki Satoh, Yasuo Sakurai, Hiroshi Takahashi, Masato Kobayashi, Yuichi Sakurada
  • Patent number: 8159714
    Abstract: A selection method, in an information processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image reading apparatuses, for making a selection from the plurality of image reading apparatuses, includes the steps of searching for the connected image reading apparatuses, performing a first displaying process to display the image reading apparatuses detected in the searching step, performing pre-scanning to acquire preview images from the respective image reading apparatuses detected in the searching step by controlling the image reading apparatuses, performing a second displaying process to display the preview images acquired in the pre-scanning step in such a manner that the preview images are correlated with the image reading apparatuses displayed in the first displaying process, and selecting an image reading apparatus based on the preview images displayed in the second displaying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoya Ishida
  • Patent number: 8149474
    Abstract: A control unit inputs a control signal depending on whether reading at a high resolution is selected or reading at a low resolution is selected in an image reading unit. A first delay circuit and a second delay circuit output image data that is captured by a first CCD line sensor and a second CCD line sensor to an adder after retaining the image data for a time in accordance with the input control signal. The adder generates color image data by adding the image data that is captured by the first CCD line sensor to the image data that is captured by the second CCD line sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Okada, Takao Horiuchi, Yoshitaka Okahashi, Yukihito Nishio, Takeshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8149473
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided that can prevent image streaks due to dirt, stain or the like from being produced in an image of an original that is read while being conveyed. The image reading apparatus (A) includes an ADF (40) having a scanner unit (59) incorporated therein and comprised of a cylinder (60) having an outer peripheral surface thereof on which a plurality of read pixels (61) are arranged in a matrix. In reading an original (D), the scanner unit is rotatably driven in an original conveying direction at a circumferential speed approximately equal to an original conveying speed, and reads image information on the original passing through an image reading position (P1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruhisa Oshida, Yuichi Yamamoto, Ayumu Murakami, Takuma Koizumi, Kiyoshi Oyama, Toshifumi Itabashi, Yusuke Imai
  • Patent number: 8107135
    Abstract: A document scanner, such as a check scanner, is disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface, the document positioning surface arranged to receive a document placed thereon. The document scanner further includes a scanning module slidably movable across the document positioning surface, the scanning module including one or more data capture devices arranged to contact a document during a scanning process. The document scanner also includes a motor operatively connected to the scanning module, the motor configured to move the scanning module across the document positioning surface during the scanning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Moore, John Gudenburr, Sammy C. Hutson
  • Patent number: 8107137
    Abstract: A 4-line CCD sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention has a monochromic reading line sensor section and a color reading line sensor section. This 4-line CCD sensor is characterized in that amplification factors for amplifiers 1 to 4 are set so that the amplitude of an output signal from the monochromic reading line sensor section is the same as that of each output signal from the color reading line sensor section. This 4-line CCD sensor is characterized in that the amplification factors for the amplifiers 1 to 4 are set so that the amplitude of each output signal from the color reading line sensor section is smaller than that of an output signal from the monochromic reading line sensor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Sakakibara, Koji Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 8103186
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming section; an upper unit located over the image forming section with a space therebetween and slidable in a direction of from the front side to the rear side of the apparatus and the opposite direction; a sheet discharger configured to discharge a sheet bearing an image in the first or opposite direction; a sheet stacker receiving the sheet from the sheet discharger; a support arranged outside of both side ends of the sheet stacker in the first direction and slidably supporting the upper unit; and at least one of a release preventing member for preventing releasing of the upper unit from the support, and a covering member movable from a first position to a second position in conjunction with sliding of the upper unit and covering an opening formed at an end portion of the support when acquiring the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Andoh, Takuji Takahashi, Takamasa Shiraki, Yoshihide Ohta, Kohji Hatayama
  • Patent number: 8072657
    Abstract: It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a scanning device that includes a first imaging device adapted to convert contents of a first surface of a medium to a digital representation of the contents of the first surface of the medium, a scanning path adapted to guide the medium adjacent to the first imaging device, a first output path for guiding the medium to a first output tray, the first output path connected to the scanning path, a second output path for guiding the medium to a second output tray, the second output path connected to the scanning path, and a diverter guide adapted to direct the medium from the scanning path to one of the first output path and the second output path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Brandon Langrel, Allen Wayne Waugerman, Stephen Ray Wilson
  • Patent number: 8072652
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a first image reader for reading the front side of document, and a second image reader configured to read the reverse side of document. The apparatus also includes a storage device to store first image data read by the first image reader and second image data read by the second image reader, and a writing controller for writing the first image data and the second image data in parallel to the storage device. A reading controller then reads the first image data and the second image data sequentially from the storage device, and an image processor processes the first and second image data. An image converter then converts the format of the first image data and/or the second image data to be the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Yamada
  • Patent number: 8064105
    Abstract: An image scanning device including: a conveyance path which conveys originals; a first scanning means and a second scanning means which are placed such that they sandwich the conveyance path; and a white reference member used for adjusting the white levels of the scanning means; wherein at least one of the first scanning means, the second scanning means and the white reference member is movable; the first scanning means and the second scanning means can scan the same surface of said white reference member since the first scanning means or the second scanning means is moved or the white reference member is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ayumu Murakami, Shoko Magata, Takeshi Aoyama, Yuichi Yamamoto, Takayuki Suga, Haruhisa Oshida
  • Patent number: 8054511
    Abstract: An image reading device to read an image carried on a document, including: an image reading section to read an image carried on a document; a polygonal member, mounted to face the image reading section, and spaced from the image reading section at a predetermined distance, the polygonal member includes a document feeding flat surface which faces the image reading section when the document is fed thereon, a white flat surface, and a black flat surface; a light source to emit light rays onto the image carried on the document, and onto the polygonal member when the document is not fed; and a control section to control an amount of the light rays emitted from the light source; wherein the control section corrects an amount of light rays concerning the white color and the black color, based on the amount of the light rays read by the image reading section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Aoki, Hideyuki Umeno
  • Patent number: 8045240
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system. A controller is communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacent the scanner opening. A document planar member is positioned across the scanner opening. The document planar member is communicatively coupled to the controller. The document planar member has a transparent state wherein the document planar member is clear and having a translucent state wherein the document planar member is translucent. The controller executes program instructions to control the document planar member to display scan operation related indicia formed by controlling a first portion of the document planar member to be in the transparent state and controlling a second portion of the document planar member to be in the translucent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Dale Cook, Mark Joseph Edwards, Michael R. Wedding, Ricky Earl Robbins
  • Publication number: 20110249301
    Abstract: A contact-type image reading apparatus includes two image reading units each of which has light-receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally for reading an image on an original in two-dimensional directions, a first body unit which includes one of the two image reading units as a first image reading unit, and a second body unit which includes the other image reading unit as a second image reading unit disposed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the first body unit for sandwiching the original therebetween when the second body unit is closed. When the second body unit is closed, the second body unit is closed with respect to a surface where the first image reading unit is provided in the first body unit, and the second image reading unit is disposed to face the first image reading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Masanari TAKABATAKE
  • Patent number: 8031980
    Abstract: A disclosed image processing apparatus includes process components configured to input, process, or output image data; and a registration unit configured to obtain a list of the process components available in the image processing apparatus, to display on a display unit a screen for selecting one or more of the process components from the list and thereby defining a combination of the process components which combination implements an application program for performing an image processing task, and to register the combination with an identifier in the image processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hattori, Yukinori Ishii, Satoru Sugishita, Yoshiko Aono
  • Patent number: 7982926
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of a streak and reading a quality image from the leading edge to the trailing edge of a original. An original is conveyed along a convey pass. The original being conveyed is guided by a guide member, at least part of the guide member being transparent. An image of the original being conveyed is read by an image sensor through the guide member. Airflow is generated, the airflow being blown into the convey pass from a location upstream in a conveying direction compared to a location of the image sensor. The guide member has a convex portion disposed at a location upstream in the conveying direction compared to the location of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsurou Ishikawa, Tatsuya Nishi, Kazuhide Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20110170147
    Abstract: An optical reader is provided. A transport section is capable of transporting a medium which is a reading target in forward and backward directions along a transport path. An optical reading section is installed in the transporting path. The optical reading section optically reads the medium which is transported by the transport section. A control section sets a transport direction of the medium at the time of reading of the medium on the basis of a position of the medium before or when the reading of the medium is started and a reading position of the optical reading section such that a transport distance of the medium until the reading of the medium is completed is shortened, and controls the transport section and the optical reading section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Motoyama
  • Patent number: 7973985
    Abstract: A scanning device scans both sides of a document. The document is fed between a first image sensor module and a second image sensor module. The second image sensor module is moved with respect to the first image sensor module so that a separation distance between the second image sensor module and the first image sensor module is based on a thickness of the document. A first side of the document is scanned using a first scan line located in the first image sensor module. A second side of the document is scanned using a second scan line located in the second image sensor module. When the document is fed between the first image sensor module and the second image sensor module, the document does not reach the first scan line and the second scan line simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Electronic Document Technology Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hin Leong Tan, Chang-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: RE42618
    Abstract: A multiple-field sensor for a scanner suitable for scanning a document. The scanner includes a multiple-field sensor, an average accumulator, and a block of memory. The multiple-field sensor has a plurality of sensing lines for each color channel. Each sensing line picks up a portion of image signal from the document during scanning. The sensing lines scan the same portion of the document to produce corresponding image signals. The average accumulator averages the image signals obtained from the sensing lines of the same color channel to produce an average image signal. The block of memory is used as a storage area for image signals in general and the average image signal in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Shih-Zheng Kuo