Abstract: An image processing apparatus to extract a print image to be printed onto a print medium from an original image, the image processing apparatus includes: a detecting unit that detects a specific area, which includes a plurality of pixels having a low degree of variation in pixel values, from the original image, based on a predetermined detection criterion; and an extracting unit that, when an extraction range having a predetermined shape including the print image is set in the original image, extracts the print image so that the specific area is disposed in a non-print area, which is not printed on the print medium, within the extraction range.

Abstract: A scanner for demarcating each media sheet of a multiplicity of media sheets and a method thereof. The scanner includes a platen, a scanlid, an illuminating mechanism and a scanhead. The platen accommodates the multiplicity of media sheets. The scanlid is pivotally coupled to the platen and provides a background for scanning the multiplicity of media sheets. The illuminating mechanism is coupled to the scanlid and is activated for illuminating the background. The scanhead scans the multiplicity of media sheets. A single background image of the multiplicity of media sheets is captured by activating the illuminating mechanism during scanning. A single foreground image of the multiplicity of media sheets is captured by deactivating the illuminating mechanism during scanning. Edges of each media sheet are detected in the background image, and are combined with the foreground image to extract content thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which has a double-side copying function, including: at least either one of an original document detection section that detects a size of an original document, and an original document size setting section that sets a size of the original document as required; an original document top position setting section that sets a top position of the original document as required; a binding direction setting section that sets a binding direction of the original document and a binding direction of an output sheet as required; an output size setting section that sets a size of the output sheet as required; a print magnification ratio setting section that sets a print magnification ratio as required; and a copy region determination section that sets a copy region with reference to a top left corner of the original document, the top left corner being identified when the original document is placed such that the top position thereof is upward.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes a document table; a document pressing unit configured to press a document placed on the document table; a scanning unit including a light source for illuminating the document and configured to optically scan the document; an open/close detection unit configured to detect opening and closing of the document pressing unit; and a control unit configured to cause the scanning unit to move parallel to the document and thereby to detect a size of the document when the closing of the document pressing unit is detected by the open/close detection unit or when a scanning start signal is detected. The control unit detects the size of the document within a document size detection period that is changeable according to a speed of closing the document pressing unit, and turns on and off the light source based on the document size detection period.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus reads image information of an original document to produce image data having different data sizes. An image converting section converts the image information into a plurality of items of image data. A display section displays a plurality of items of information on the plurality of items of image data. A selecting section allows selecting of one of plurality of items of image data.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming portion for forming a transparent image on a sheet by using transparent toner; an obtaining portion for obtaining a size of the sheet on which an image is to be formed; a storing portion for storing image data, for forming the transparent image on an entire image formable area of the sheet with the transparent toner, for each of a plurality of predetermined sheets different in size from each other; and a control portion for controlling the image forming portion so that the transparent image is formed on the sheet on the basis of the image data corresponding to the size of the sheet obtained by the obtaining portion.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading device including a tag information reading unit for reading information recorded in an IC tag by performing radio communication with the IC tag attached or embedded at a predetermined position of a medium that becomes a target of image reading and an image reading unit for creating image data of an image recorded on the medium by scanning the medium. The image reading unit determines an area for the scanning based on area information related to the medium among information read by the tag information reading unit and, and scans the determined area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming images on recording media of different sizes are provided. The image forming procedure may include reading setting information which includes the size of a substitute recording medium for each user from a memory and, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available, executing a print instruction by automatically changing the size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information. Additional computer-readable storage media storing image forming procedures are also provided.

Abstract: A flat display device that can be placed on an image reading apparatus includes: a display surface to display an image; a light detection portion provided on the display surface to detect light; a read region detection portion to, if scanning light emitted by the image reading apparatus is detected by the light detection portion, determine a read region in the display surface based on the detected scanning light; and a display control portion to display an image in the determined read region in the display surface.

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.

Abstract: In a method for reading a document set on a document positioning plate to output image data, an edge area of an image of an entire reading area is extracted to form a first rectangle area including the extracted edge area. If a position of an apex of the first rectangle area farthest from a reading reference position and a size of the first rectangle area satisfy predetermined conditions, image data corresponding to a second rectangle area including the first rectangle area and the reading reference position are output.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus includes a document size detecting unit, a first image data generating unit, a size acquiring unit, a size comparing unit, a second image data generating unit, an image data transmitting unit, and a first transmission result outputting unit. The document size detecting unit detects a first size of a first document. The first image data generating unit generates first image data based on a first image on the first document. The size acquiring unit acquires a second size of a second document that can be received by a reception-side apparatus. The size comparing unit compares the first size with the second size. The second image data generating unit generates second image data for forming a second image on the second document from the first image data based on a comparing result of the size comparing unit. The image data transmitting unit transmits the second image data to the reception-side apparatus.

Abstract: By using a memory capable of storing image data of a document size smaller than a maximum document size, images on both sides of a document of the maximum document size can be simultaneously read.

Abstract: An image-processing system and a method for controlling the same, including an image-scanning device obtaining image data by scanning data written on a document, an image-processing device processing the image-data item and outputting as an output-image data, and a user interface including setting conditions of the scanning and the image processing, setting an item having a limit value, so as to determine whether or not, at least one of (1) the size of the processed image data, and (2) a time period from when the scanning processing is started to the output, should be limited based on an input from the user interface, changing at least one of the conditions based on the item, performing scanning for the document based on the conditions and the changed condition, and processing image data obtained through the scanning based on the conditions and the changed condition, and outputting the output-image data.

Abstract: In order to extract a plurality of items of image data corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of documents from scan data more accurately, an image processing apparatus is provided with a detection unit adapted to detect a plurality of image areas corresponding to the plurality of documents; a setting unit adapted to set a reference area size from sizes of the plurality of image areas; a comparison unit adapted to compare the sizes of the plurality of image areas and the reference area size; and a decision unit adapted to decide that an image area detected by the detection unit has not been detected correctly if result of the comparison by the comparison unit exceeds a preset threshold value.

Abstract: An original size detecting apparatus is capable of carrying out accurate original size detection without erroneous detection of the size of an original due to the influence of external scattered light. A CCD reads reflected light of light irradiated from a light source onto an original placed on an original platen glass. Optical sensors detect two open states of the original presser plate, and a scanner controller performs predetermined control corresponding to each of the open states of the original presser plate detected by the optical sensors, to determine the size of the original based on the result of the reading by the CCD.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a size detector configured to detect a size of an original on a contact glass when an angle of a pressing plate is within a predetermined range, a storage element configured to store information of the detected size of original, a reader configured to read the original on the contact glass, using the information of the stored size of the original, after a log-on, and a storage updater configured to update the stored size of the original, along with a log-off.

Abstract: A document scanner (10) includes an input tray (20) for holding documents (11); an input image capture device (30) for capturing images of documents in the input tray; an image processor for determining characteristics of documents; and the documents are processed based on the characteristics.

Abstract: In a method for reading a document set on a document positioning plate to output image data, an edge area of an image of an entire reading area is extracted to form a first rectangle area including the extracted edge area. If a position of an apex of the first rectangle area farthest from a reading reference position and a size of the first rectangle area satisfy predetermined conditions, image data corresponding to a second rectangle area including the first rectangle area and the reading reference position are output.

Abstract: An image processing method in which the image of a document is extracted from an image including the image of the document on a document positioning table, acquired by a line sensor scanning the document placed on the document positioning table while illuminating the document from the upstream side or the downstream side of the scanning includes extracting the edge of the image on the document positioning table to set a provisional document area based on the edge, detecting a bright area where light incident on the line sensor is excessive, at the illuminated edge on the upstream side or the downstream side in the scanning direction from the image of the provisional area, and determining the area of the document by removing the area where light is excessive from the provisional area.

Abstract: A method for scanning large-format documents by way of a large-format scanner, which is connected to a PC (11) via a standard interface (10), is to be further developed, so as to omit prescans, to optimize the scanning rate, to significantly increase productivity between the application of the document and the storage of the data on the PC, and to obtain cost-efficient scans.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image data input unit, a density variation detection unit and a position/size detection unit. The image data input unit inputs image data containing original image data obtained by reading an original. The density variation detection unit detects density variation from the image data input through the image data input unit. The position/size detection unit detects a position or a size of the original image data in the image data based on the density variation detected by the density variation detection unit.

Abstract: In an image reading device, a reading unit scans first rectangle regions located within a maximum reading area equivalent to a maximum size of a document that can be scanned and acquires image data from the first rectangle regions. A transporting unit moves the reading unit to the first rectangle regions in a direction of movement opposite to a direction of movement in normal document reading. A document size judging unit detects whether a document exists in each first rectangle region based on the image data acquired by the reading unit and a predetermined threshold, so that a size of the document is judged. The reading unit is arranged to scan second rectangle regions located outside the maximum reading area, the second rectangles being different from the first rectangle regions, and acquire image data from the second rectangle regions.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which is capable of performing a stable reading operation and matching a sub-scanning magnification with which an original image is scanned, between the front side of an original and the reverse side of the same. A CCD line sensor reads the front side of an original, and a CIS line sensor reads the reverse side of the same. A lead roller is disposed upstream of the CCD line sensor and conveys the original at a first conveying speed. A discharge roller is disposed downstream of the CCD line sensor and conveys the original at a second conveying speed which is higher than the first conveying speed. A CPU controls one main scanning time period of the CCD line sensor after the original is held by the discharge roller, such that the one main scanning time period becomes shorter than before the original is held by the discharge roller.

Abstract: Provided are a specific image information adding method with enhanced detection accuracy enabling multiple pieces of information to be added, and an image forming apparatus using the method. In the method of adding specific image information about a recorded image onto the recorded image, the specific image information consists of reference information and identification information, the reference information is formed so as to be able to set a reference position for reading of the specific image information, and the identification information is formed from dot images indicative of bit information at predetermined positions on an arc or a circumference around the reference position. The identification information can represent a single information item by a plurality of dot images, which are placed on a plurality of different arcs or circumferences and arranged at predetermined spacings in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading condition receiving unit for receiving a reading condition; an image reading unit for reading the original according to the reading condition to obtain image information; a storage unit for storing the image information; a reading mode selection unit for selecting a first reading mode or a second reading mode according to a result of comparison between an image information amount and a memory capacity of the storage unit; and a data reading unit for reading the image information from the storage unit according to the reading mode. The data reading unit reads the image information per page in the first reading mode. The data reading unit reads the image information per block in the second reading mode.

Abstract: A print controller for making a print device print in such a manner that a grouping for each record included in printed matter can be easily recognized is provided. A print control program stored on computer readable storage media for outputting a business form by sending output form data to a print device includes the steps of inputting form data which indicates a layout of the business form; inputting variable length field data consisting of a plurality of records; setting a print condition for each record included in the input field data; generating output form data of the business form by overlaying the field data set with the print condition on the input form data; and outputting the business form by sending the generated output form data to the print device.

Abstract: Print attributes are set in print type where a plurality of original paper images are arranged on at least one surface of print paper so that useless print can be prevented. A print attribute for defining a specific relationship between an original paper size and a print paper size is provided as one of the print attributes of the print type, one print attribute is selected from a plurality of options so that the specific relationship between the original paper size and the print paper size is set. As a result, a combination of the original paper size and the print paper size intended by a user can be set securely even in the above print type, so that useless print can be prevented securely.

Abstract: An original size detecting apparatus is capable of carrying out accurate original size detection without erroneous detection of the size of an original due to the influence of external scattered light. A CCD reads reflected light of light irradiated from a light source onto an original placed on an original platen glass. Optical sensors detect two open states of the original presser plate, and a scanner controller performs predetermined control corresponding to each of the open states of the original presser plate detected by the optical sensors, to determine the size of the original based on the result of the reading by the CCD.

Abstract: An image scanning device of the present invention includes a platen, an image scanning part that scans an image on the manuscript, a light source that irradiates light from the back side of the platen, a platen cover that is allowed to be positioned in a closed state or in an opened state, a light receiving part that is configured to receive light from the manuscript scanning area on the back side of the platen, a range obtaining part that is configured to obtain range between the amount of received light of the light receiving part in the opened state of the platen cover and the amount of received light of the light receiving part in the closed state of the platen cover, and a manuscript detecting part that is configured to detect existence of the manuscript in a manuscript scanning area of the platen based on the range.

Abstract: There is provided an image formation device including: a receiving section, which receives content information of a printing object from a content recording server via a network; a judgement section, which judges a category of the received content information; a specification section, which specifies a printing method and printing parameter in accordance with the judged category; and a printing section, which prints the printing object with the printing method in accordance with the specified printing parameter.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus receives image data based on multiple document images of various sizes and/or orientations. The apparatus identifies areas that are not yet assigned with document images on a single sheet of paper and identifies whether any document image can be laid out in an identified area. In another aspect of the apparatus, a maximum document image size is detected from multiple document images, and a scale factor is calculated to cause the detected maximum size match with the size of the entire area of the paper or an area obtained by dividing the paper into equal parts. In another aspect of the apparatus, a scaling factor is calculated for each document image to cause the size of the particular document match with the size of an area obtained by dividing the paper into equal parts.

Abstract: A method of capturing an image of a document is provided. First, a notebook computer having a base is provided, wherein an image pickup device is disposed on the notebook computer, and a symbol mark is formed on the base of the notebook computer. Next, a document fixer having a fixer middle mark is provided. The document is fixed by the document fixer, wherein a centerline of a long edge of the document is aligned with the fixer middle mark. Next, the document fixer is moved according to a size of the document until the fixer middle mark is aligned with the symbol mark. After the image of the document is captured, an image processing procedure is performed. By aligning the fixer middle mark with the symbol mark of the notebook computer, the document is precisely positioned and thus a sharp image with no tilted distortion is acquired.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that can move along a scanning direction, and reads primary image data from a medium arranged on a medium arrangement surface by moving the image reading unit from a home position to a sub-scanning direction. The image reading apparatus further includes a determining unit that determines the presence or absence of the medium on the medium arrangement surface based on determination image data that is different from primary image data, and read by the image reading unit at a determination position arranged between the home position and a reading-end position of the primary image data.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an image scanner which can continuously transfer image data of one surface to an external device (image forming apparatus) without performing control such as interruption and resumption of an original scanning operation. The image scanner includes a size detection unit which detects an original size and a determination unit which determines whether or not the image data relating to an original of the size detected by the size detection unit can be stored in a storage unit. The image scanner also includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to set operation in a first mode when the determination unit determines that image data relating to the original can be stored in the storage unit, and the control unit is configured to set operation in a second mode when the determination unit determines that image data relating to the original cannot be stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method of generating an image of a single document includes the steps of: transporting a plurality of documents across a scan position one by one; starting reading the documents at the scan position before a first document of the documents reaches the scan position and reading the documents continuously until a last document of the documents is completely transported across the scan position to generate a multi-document analog image; converting the multi-document analog image into a multi-document digital image; and processing the multi-document digital image to generate a plurality of single-document digital images corresponding to the documents.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of reading images according to a plurality of reading methods, comprising a manuscript table on which manuscripts are placed, a reading section for reading images from the manuscripts placed on the manuscript table, and a plurality of detecting sections for detecting the manuscripts placed on the manuscript table, wherein an image reading method is determined according to the detection states of the respective detecting sections, and the images of the manuscripts are read using the reading section according to the determined reading method.

Abstract: An edge detecting device for detecting a position of an edge of an object includes a measuring circuit for emitting an inspection light to a linear inspecting area including the object, and measuring first light quantity of a reflected light of the inspection light reflected from the inspecting area in a first state and second light quantity of a reflected light of the inspection light reflected from the inspecting area in a second state, a calculation circuit for calculating a difference of the first light quantity and the second light quantity measured by the measuring circuit for each pixel with a first predetermined length, calculating first total differences of reflected lights from pixels with a second predetermined length located adjacent to an objective dot in one direction by totalizing differences between the first and the second light quantity reflected from each of the pixels, and calculating second total differences of reflected lights from the other pixels with the second predetermined length lo

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an image scanner which can continuously transfer image data of one surface to an external device (image forming apparatus) without performing control such as interruption and resumption of an original scanning operation. The image scanner includes a size detection unit which detects an original size and a determination unit which determines whether or not the image data relating to an original of the size detected by the size detection unit can be stored in a storage unit. The image scanner also includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to set operation in a first mode when the determination unit determines that image data relating to the original can be stored in the storage unit, and the control unit is configured to set operation in a second mode when the determination unit determines that image data relating to the original cannot be stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: This invention provides an image generating apparatus including a composite image generating unit that generates a composite image in which an image of an object to be printed onto a medium is combined with an image for coordinate address information for locating a position on the medium and an image for address identification information for identifying the coordinate address information.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium and a program, by which an image can be fetched in a size appropriate to a user. An image of a subject picked up by a camera is displayed in a predetermined first range corresponding to a size designated in advance within a predetermined display region of an LCD unit which corresponds to an image pickup range of the camera, but the image of the subject picked up by the camera is not displayed in a surrounding range of the predetermined display region around the first range. If a shutter button is depressed in this state, then the image displayed in the first range is stored in the designated size into a memory. The present invention can be applied typically to a PDA, a mobile terminal, a portable telephone set, a desk-top personal computer or the like which has a function as a digital camera.

Abstract: An image reading device capable of correctly reading an image on a document is provided without the need to increase the size of an upper cover, etc. of the device. A CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is supported by holders and support shafts to be movable toward the upper cover (rib) and is biased toward the rib by compression springs. In this configuration, the rib for holding the document is not required to be installed as a movable component and there is no need to provide a space for allowing the rib to move or providing the upper cover with a mechanism for allowing the rib to move, which can avoid the need to increase the size of the upper cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods of scanning, enlarging, and printing one or more selected areas of a document are disclosed. The systems and methods include an imaging device that partitions a document into a plurality of grid areas and receives, from a user, a selection for one or more of the grid areas to be enlarged and printed. The imaging device further receives or determines an enlarged output size for the selected grid areas. The imaging device scans the document to form digital images corresponding to the selected grid areas, and adjusts and enlarges the digital images to equate to the enlarged output size. A printer of the imaging device outputs the enlarged digital images on paper of the output size.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus, which is capable of communicating with the electrical paper displaying an image based on image data, is configured to select whether the image displayed on the electrical paper is read based on a size of the electrical paper or a size of the image data, when the image is read, and to instruct the electrical paper to change a display content of the image to be displayed on the electrical paper, in accordance with a result of the selection.

Abstract: In a disclosed image forming apparatus, an original is scanned and image data of the original are obtained. The data size of the image data corresponding to one page of the original is measured. The image data obtained are stored in or deleted from a memory. A storable number of pages of the original that can be stored in the memory is calculated based on the data size measured and available space in the memory. In response to the storable number of pages calculated being less than a total number of pages of the original, the image data of the original is successively stored in and deleted from the memory.

Abstract: An image reading device includes an image reader, which reads an original into image data by scanning the original in the main scanning direction at an image reading width while the original is being fed in a sub scanning direction; and a controller, which inputs reading settings information and set the image reading width to a maximum reading width of the image reader when the reading settings information includes a user instruction for setting the image reading width to the maximum reading width.

Abstract: A scanner enables full productivity and individual image size detection, without user intervention for mixed size originals in both simplex and duplex scanning modes. The scanner provides high-productivity single pass scanning while preserving the image size for each of the document scanned. In addition, the scanner may support duplex scanning by adding a second image sensor, for example, in the document handler. Methods of scanning are also provided.

Abstract: A computer peripheral that may operate as a scanner. The scanner captures image frames as it is moved across an object. The image frames are formed into a composite image based on computations in two processes. In a first process, fast track processing determines a coarse position of each of the image frames based on a relative position between each successive image frame and a respective preceding image determine by matching overlapping portions of the image frames. In a second process, fine position adjustments are computed to reduce inconsistencies from determining positions of image frames based on relative positions to multiple prior image frames. As additional image frames are added to the composite image, the size and format of the composite image may be automatically adjusted to facilitate ease of use.

Abstract: A sheet-size detecting mechanism for an image scanning apparatus detects the width of a sheet before a complete image of a sheet is acquired by the means of varying optical paths and obtaining a partial image of the sheet in advance so as to judge a width of the sheet. The mechanism includes a light source, a reflecting device having at least one reflecting mirror, a path-routing device, a photosensor, and a detecting position defined on a sheet transporting path of the sheet. The path-routing device may be rotatable, movable or fixed and reflects light rays from the detecting position and a scanning position. The path-routing device changes the optical path so that the partial image of the sheet at the detecting position may be acquired and the width of the sheet may be judged precisely. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be decreased because the sheet-size detecting mechanism and an image scan mechanism may have shared components.

Abstract: A wide image scanner which can scan the image of a large scale original using only a regular image sensor is provided. The invention includes a sliding shaft, an image reading device, a number of paper width sensors, a paper edge sensor, and a control module. Whenever the paper edge sensor detects the presence of an end edge of the original, it will send a vertical control signal to the control module to control the rotation direction of the rollers. On the other hand, the paper width sensors detect the width of the original and send the horizontal control signals to the control module. From the horizontal control signals, the control module can determine the number of horizontal displacement positions and control the horizontal displacement each time for the image reading device after the paper edge sensor detects the end edge of the original. The procedure continues until the image reading device has been moved to the final displacement position predetermined by the horizontal control signal.