Abstract: A system and method for generating dynamically modifiable timing control signals. Timing waveforms can be changed, for each phase of control, by changing the contents of memory locations and start/stop indices. Parallel signals are generated from the output of the memory locations. The memory locations are accessed in a user-selected order by an index value. This technique of generating timing waveforms, and thus control signals, can be applied to, for example, pixel array development.

Abstract: An image scanning device is provided including a sensor unit which carries an image sensor. The sensor unit is installed within a scanner body and is capable of reciprocating underneath a flat glass plate. The sensor unit has an image sensor and a cleaning unit arranged on a moving route of the sensor unit to remove static electricity as well as contaminants remaining on the image sensor when the cleaning unit contacts the image sensor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with a line pair identification unit that includes: a binarization portion that binarizes image data generated by a reading unit reading a document; a detection portion that detects, in an image based on the binarized image data, a line screen pattern in a first direction and a line screen pattern in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction; a determination portion that determines the periodicity of the line screen pattern in the first direction; and an identification portion that identifies whether or not a line pair pattern is present in the image data based on the difference in the number between the two line screen patterns as detected by the detection portion and the results of the determination performed by the determination portion.

Abstract: A scanner image-processing unit includes a scanner-property adjusting unit that converts image data from a scanner unit into normalized image data and a first image processing unit that performs a first image processing on the normalized image data to generate output image data. If a controller image-processing unit that performs a second image processing on the image data from the scanner unit is connected, a configuration control unit disables an operation of the first image processing unit and controls the controller image-processing unit to perform the second image processing on the normalized image data to generate the output image data.

Abstract: A slip-resistant and portable scanner for scanning a document placed on a document platen includes a housing, a scan window, and a scanning module and a slip-resistant structure. The scan window is mounted on the housing to closely face the document. The scanning module is disposed in the housing to scan the document through the scan window. The slip-resistant structure is disposed on and attached to a surface of the scan window facing the document and in contact with the document or the document platen. Thus, it is possible to prevent the scan window from slipping relatively to the document and enhance the scan quality and convenience.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus configured to read a document at a second resolution based on a result of reading the document at a first resolution generates image data with low data amount having small data amount from image data-for-save that has been read at the second resolution and transfers the image data with low data amount taking priority over the image data-for-save to an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus is configured to notify a user that next reading processing is acceptable when receiving of the image data with low data amount is completed. The image processing apparatus is configured to receive and store the image data-for-save according to the next reading processing instructed by the user.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided with a first image reading unit and a second image reading unit. The first image reading unit reads an image on a first side of a document that is transported in a predetermined direction on a document transport path, at a first image reading position. The second image reading unit reads an image on a second side of the document that is transported in the predetermined direction on the document transport path, at a second image reading position. A transport roller and a bent portion of the document transport path are arranged in this order along the document transport direction upstream of each of the first image reading position and the second image reading position in the document transport direction.

Abstract: A printing device includes a used media holder. A scan module is operable to receive a piece of used media from the used media holder and determine whether the piece of used media includes a printable side. A print module is operable to receive the piece of used media from the scan module and, in response to the scan module determining that the piece of used media comprises a printable side, the print module is operable to print on the printable side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlling apparatus and method for an image scanning system that includes a direct current (DC) motor and an image sensor driven by the DC motor to move. A position signal representative of the position associated of the image sensor is generated and the controlling apparatus and method is performed according to the position signal.

Abstract: An image reader (A) includes a conductive case (1), a substrate (3) and a plurality of light receiving elements. The image reader (A) further includes a first electrode (10) formed at the case (1) and a second electrode (11) formed on the substrate (3). The case (1) is formed with an accommodation recess (1g), in which a conductive contact member (20) is provided. The conductive contact member (20) is held in contact with the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (11) to electrically connect the two electrodes to each other while separating the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (11) from each other.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus has a slit along one side of a document support platen of a glass plate to insert one part of an opened book as a document to be read. An insertion pocket forming a recessed space contiguous with the slit and inclined diagonally is provided in the apparatus. A lid is operable between open and closed positions exposing and covering the slit. In the open position, one part of a book can be inserted into the slit with a page in the other part of the book being in intimate contact with the platen, while in the closed position, a sheet as a document can be placed at a proper position on the platen by contacting one side of the sheet to a rim of the lid. This apparatus prevents a problem of image deformation and black image in print output when reading the book.

Abstract: A scanner includes an illuminator and a platen adapted to support a document to be scanned. A light source directs light into the platen and the light is reflected internally within the platen. A movable light sensor is positioned adjacent the platen. Liquid crystal sections between the document and the light sensor cause a zone of light to pass from the platen to the document, thereby illuminating only a portion of the document.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image reading apparatus including: a document feeding unit that feeds a document along a feeding path; a read-out sensor that reads out an image from the document fed by the document feeding unit without stopping the feed; a control unit that causes the read-out sensor to stay on standby in a predetermined retracted position at a distance from the feeding path when it is not necessary to read out the image of the document, and causes the read-out sensor, when it is necessary to read out the image of the document, to move to a predetermined document reading position and to read out the image from the fed document; and an output unit that outputs the image data read out by the read-out sensor.

Abstract: A screen image displaying image-data items in list form is displayed over a predetermined time period. Then, the display color of an image-data item of the image-data items, the image-data item corresponding to predetermined classification information, is changed so that the image-data item can be differentiated from other image-data items. Consequently, a user can clearly identify the classification of the image-data items and easily find an image-data item satisfying a condition without performing a complicated operation.

Abstract: A method of scanning a portion of a document using an electronic device includes activating a data input to a picture element of the display to illuminate the portion of the document, in which the document is located proximate to the display. The method also includes deactivating the data input and measuring, by way of the data input, a signal from a photosensitive device, the signal being indicative of the light reflected from the illuminated portion of the document.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a scanner which has a document table for loading a document on the upper part of a main body, detects optical image information reflected from the document, and reads the document image, a support member for surrounding the main body, a plurality of cushioning members installed between the main body and the support member at the position for supporting the load of the main body for preventing transfer of vibration from the support member to the main body, and at least one adjustable bracket which is mounted on the main body, can adjust the support height of the main body to the support member, and supports the cushioning members.

Abstract: In an image processing/transmitting apparatus and method, graininess is suppressed while remarkably the appearance in the image area with a smooth gradation and the flat image area, the number of bit planes is reduced and then increased. The second image processing module includes a bit adding module executing bit adding based on the two-dimensional dither matrix for compressed data read from memory and obtaining decompressed data, an LPF processing threshold value generator obtaining a threshold value from decompressed data, and an LPF processing module attaining a difference between decompressed data of a pixel and decompressed data of a peripheral pixel, which sets a result of weighted mean processing for decompressed data of the pertinent and peripheral pixels to the output image data if the difference is within the threshold, and which sets the decompressed data of an arbitrary pixel to the output image data if the difference value>threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image storing section to store input image data; an image outputting section to form and output an image onto a recording medium based on the image data stored in the image storing section; a termination instructing section to instruct a termination of an operation; a display section to display a selection screen for selecting any one of operation items including at least “forcible termination” and “save the current state and termination” when the termination of the operation is instructed on the termination instructing section during an image forming operation in the image outputting section or during a standby state for the image forming operation; an operation section to select any one of the operation items displayed on the selection screen; and a control section to control the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the operation item selected on the operation section.

Abstract: The image output apparatus of the invention includes a main unit group of multiple main units connected in series to perform preset series of image processing and a pass unit group of multiple pass units connected in series to be parallel with the multiple main units. The averaged data of the tone values of four pixels generated by a black/white edge processing unit are sequentially transferred through the main unit group. The standard edge data and the noise data generated by a color conversion unit are sequentially transferred through the pass unit group, synchronously with the transfer of the averaged data through the main unit group. The data transferred through the pass unit group enters an inner-block smoothing unit to go through the smoothing process. The image output apparatus of the invention has the hardware configuration that allows flexible design change according to the required series of image processing.

Abstract: The preset invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising; an original loading member on which an original is loaded, image reading means for scanning the loaded original to read image information, recording material conveying unit which conveys a recording material in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the image reading means reads the image information, image forming means for forming an image on the conveyed recording material and an image forming electric board which is arranged in a space on a side of a lengthwise direction of said original relative to said recording material conveying unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus enables designs of such apparatus without regard to a grounding location for a guide shaft and reduces the number of assembly hours and fastening members to fasten a ground member of a guide shaft to a frame. An apparatus includes a scanning unit for scanning and reading images on originals placed on a platen; a guide shaft supporting and guiding the scanning unit in a sub-scanning direction; a shaft support unit supporting an end of the guide shaft; and a plastic frame housing the scanning unit and guide shaft and formed with the shaft support unit, wherein the guide shaft is grounded via the shaft support unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transport path through which a medium to be read is transported, an image reading section disposed in a middle of the transport path and reading an image formed on the medium to be read that is transported along the transport path, a cover member that covers the image reading section and the transport path, a pressing member in which another end is supported by the cover member to cause one end to be swingable, thereby pressing the transported medium to be read against the image reading section, a circuit board member which is disposed on the cover member, and on which a grounded electric circuit is formed, and a conductive member which electrically connects the pressing member to the electric circuit formed on the circuit board member to ground the pressing member through the electric circuit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prism for use in scanning applications such as total internal reflection microscopy in which the prism is translated relative to an incident light beam. A geometry is disclosed which cancels walk of the beam footprint at the base of the prism. Walk of the beam footprint due to irregularities in a largely planar sample surface located at the prism base are cancelled by coupling movement of the incident light beam to movement of the sample in the field of view of an objective lens, for example as part of an autofocus arrangement.

Abstract: A support structure which can hold an image reading apparatus in a vertically placed condition is provided. On a bottom portion of an apparatus main body 1 in such a horizontally placed condition that a document table glass 2 is installed nearly horizontally, a storage portion 1c for storing the support structure is provided, and support structures 31, 32, 33 are released from the storage portion and get into around the side of a document cover 6 and a hinge 7, from the bottom portion, and holds the apparatus main body 1 in a vertically placed condition.

Abstract: A line head includes a plurality of the light emitting element columns which has a main light emitting element column exposing a light amount necessary for exposure to an image carrier and an auxiliary light emitting element column exposing the image carrier so as to obtain the light amount necessary for exposure even when a light emitting element having a pixel defect is existed in the main light emitting element column. Also, a line head includes a plurality of the light emitting element columns. The light emitting element columns includes a main light emitting element column exposing an image carrier and an auxiliary light emitting element column exposing the image carrier when a light emitting element having a pixel defect is existed in the main light emitting element column.

Abstract: An image data display apparatus includes a display section configured to display images to be printed in the form of thumbnails; a reception section configured to receive image data and print data for the image data; a memory configured to store the image data and the print data; and a controller configured to determine a display order of the display in the form of thumbnails performed by the display section. The controller extracts from the memory image data items to which the print data is attached, and displays in the form of thumbnails on the display section the image data items to which the print data is attached.

Abstract: An image displaying apparatus for two-dimensionally scanning a light beam from a light source optically modulated on the basis of image information on a surface to be scanned by a mechanical resonance type rocking operation scanning device, and observing an image formed on the surface to be scanned through an optical system, has a scanning means controlling circuit for controlling the basic state of the repetition cycle of the surface to be scanned to a plurality. It is possible to provide an image displaying apparatus which can make the frame rate of image display variable depending on a subject, can always display a good quality image on a predetermined surface, and enables the image on the predetermined surface to be observed.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus, which includes an image-forming section to form a multicolor image on a recording medium by recording the unicolor images in such a manner that the unicolor images overlap each other, based on printing image data sets of them, and a controlling section that determines at least a sub-scanning velocity in a sub-scanning direction relative to the recording medium, corresponding to a printing magnification factor, so as to adjust an output-start timing in the sub-scanning direction for every printing image data set, in response to the sub-scanning velocity determined in advance. Further, the controlling section also determines a main-scanning velocity in a main-scanning direction, corresponding to the printing magnification factor, so as to adjust output-start timings in both the main-scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for every printing image data set, in response to the main-scanning velocity and the sub-scanning velocity, both determined in advance.

Abstract: An image processing device, which processes an image, includes a first key, a second key, a parameter setting unit which selects a processing object image on the basis of manipulation of the first key from a plurality of images of image data recorded in different formats and belonging to a single group and which sets processing parameters on the basis of manipulation of the second key for the selected processing object image, and a processing unit which processes the plurality of images of the image data according to the processing parameters set with respect to each of the plurality of images of the image data.

Abstract: An MFP includes a selection receiving unit that receives selection by a user of a desired one of higher setting items displayed on an operation panel, and a display processing unit that displays, when the selection of the higher setting item is received, intermediate setting items corresponding to the selected higher setting item and overview information indicating overviews of lower setting items corresponding to the intermediate setting items, being associated with each other, on the operation panel.

Abstract: A storing unit stores therein correspondence information between a pixel value of a pixel and a layout and pixel values of a plurality of pixels obtained by increasing a resolution of the pixel for each main scanning direction. A replacing unit replaces each pixel of image data input from an input unit with a layout and pixel values of a plurality of pixels based on the correspondence information for each main scanning direction. Each of a plurality of writing units having different main scanning directions performs a writing process using the layout and the pixel values of the pixels replaced by the replacing unit following each main scanning direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to initiating preconditioning of a printhead with a trigger prior to receipt of a print command are disclosed.

Abstract: A linear guiding apparatus at least has a shaft and a shaft holding apparatus. The shaft holding apparatus is adapted to slide along the shaft. The shaft holding apparatus includes a body, an elastic member and an adjusting member. The body has a V-shape supporting surface, wherein the V-shape supporting surface is along the axis direction of the shaft and supports on outer edge of the shaft. The elastic member is mounted on the body, wherein the elastic member is elastically contacted the outer edge of the shaft, and the shaft is clipped between the elastic member and the V-shape supporting surface. The adjusting member is mounted on the body and contacted the elastic member, wherein the adjusting member is utilized to adjust the position of the elastic member. Therefore, a shaft of any diameter can be clipped between the elastic member and the V-shape supporting surface.

Abstract: By combining a sensing module having a lens and an image sensor with a carriage module having a mirror set, a reading device of a scanning apparatus is assembled. The sensing module further includes two channels at bilateral sides of the lens and two guiding slots disposed on external sides of the channels. The carriage module further includes two linear tracks corresponding to the channels and two bolt hole pedestals corresponding to the guiding slots. The sensing module is glided on the carriage module when the linear tracks are embedded in corresponding channels, thereby correcting the desired magnification.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that detects failure in the white LEDs constituting a white LED array. Failure in the white LEDs is detected by comparison between a prescribed current threshold and the current running in the LED array detected by an image reading apparatus controller when the white LED array composed of plural LED blocks connected in parallel, each LED block being composed of plural LEDs connected in series, is powered for failure detection. This failure check is conducted by checking LEDs for failure in each of the LED blocks constituting the LED array. Image reading is not permitted when faulty LEDs are detected in two neighboring LED blocks.

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral includes a casing, a scanning module and a printing module. The casing has a recording media path. The scanning module is located on the recording media path for selectively scanning recording media fed into the casing from the recording media path. The printing module also is located on the recording media path for selectively printing the recording media. The recording media are then discharged out of the casing through the recording media path. Thus the multi-function peripheral can reduce the number of elements, simplify replacement of the inkjet cartridge of the printing module, reduce the dimensions, lower the element cost and diminish the complexity of the mechanisms.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a plurality of processing parts configured to execute different processes with respect to image data, and an executing sequence determination part configured to determine an executing sequence of the processing parts based on conditions related to a requested image processing. The processing parts execute the processes according to the executing sequence.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device and image pickup method eliminate a dark-current component by adjusting the black level appropriately even if the dark-current component varies among horizontal lines. A pixel array includes light-receiving pixel elements and light-blocking pixel elements disposed such that horizontal lines include the light-blocking pixel elements individually. A readout circuit block reads pixel signals of each of the horizontal lines from the pixel array, inputs the pixel signals to ADC circuits (column ADC circuit block), and outputs the pixel signals of the light-blocking pixel elements. A ramp signal generation circuit obtains the pixel signals of the light-blocking pixel elements output from the readout circuit block, generates a ramp signal by using a reference level of AD conversion adjusted for each of the horizontal lines in accordance with the obtained pixel signals of the light-blocking pixel elements, and inputs the ramp signal to the ADC circuits.

Abstract: A vertically oriented image scanning device includes a chassis with a vertically oriented scanning window and a flap cover pivoted to the chassis. A document support flange is formed along a lower edge of the scanning window for aligning a document with respect to the scanning window. A thin metal plate has opposite edges attached to an inner face of the flap cover and forms a convex configuration for elastic deformation and thus applies a force to retain the document against the scanning window. The convex configuration also helps guide the document into position. Alternatively, a resilient pad replaces the thin metal plate for applying a force to the document.

Abstract: A focus adjusting device (50) for an image sensor (1) is provided for ensuring precise focusing of the image sensor. The focus adjusting device includes a contact element (51) in direct contact with the bottom of a scanner cover plate, a focus varying element (53) engaging with the contact element, and a focus fine adjusting element (55) movably mounted on a housing of the image sensor. The focus varying element and the contact element are driven to correspondingly move vertically together with the vertical movement of the focus fine adjusting element, whereby the distance between an upper surface of the housing and the bottom of the cover plate is thus changed for precise focusing.

Abstract: A reader apparatus is provided that includes a reading part configured to read the image of an original material; a coding part configured to code the data of the read image; an image memory configured to contain the coded image data; and a controller configured to control the image reading and the image data coding. The coding part includes a part configured to count the number of lines of the image indicating its size in the original material feed direction; a part configured to code the image data with a provisional number of lines in response to the image size in the original material feed direction being unknown; and a part configured to determine the number of lines at the end of the image reading. The controller includes a part configured to replace the provisional number of lines in the coded data with the determined number of lines.

Abstract: A document holding fixture for a vertical optical scanner. The fixture has a main body, a transparent panel, four linking bars, a document cover panel, and a document backing plate. The document holding fixture uses a simple four linking bar system to maintain a constant parallelism between the document cover panel and the surface of the transparent panel. Weight of the document cover panel provides necessary pressure to press a scan document firmly onto the glass surface of the transparent panel. To facilitate single hand document insertion, a stationing device is used to freeze the document cover panel when the panel reaches a horizontal position.

Abstract: The adjustment method is disclosed in that a predetermined reference interval in a main scanning direction is compared with each interval in the main scanning direction obtained by reading a sheet so that each joint of image is located between two parallel lines, a start pixel and an end pixel to read image data at each joint are determined and adjusted by calculating each interval difference, a reference straight line extending along the main scanning direction is compared with each of the plurality of straight line images extending along the main scanning direction at joints of images, and a delay time for reading sensors is adjusted by calculating an average value of relative displacement amounts.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing scanned documents by digitizing the scanned documents, converting the digitized documents to a JPEG2000 file, encoding content information corresponding to the digitized documents using spatial capabilities of JPEG2000's Region of Interest feature, and creating an image file having the digitized documents and the region of interest information for forwarding to a computing device, such as a handheld computing device, for display. The system and method are especially useful in Digital Mail applications which entail digitizing and delivering mail documents to recipients.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to this invention includes a document conveyance unit mounted movably from a position facing an upper surface of a document table to an upper position for conveying a document medium to place the document medium on the document table, a reading unit having an aperture for optically reading information from the document medium, a shielding member arranged to be slidable in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the document table for shielding the aperture, a detection unit for detecting whether the document conveyance unit covers the upper surface of the document table, and a control unit for controlling movement of the shielding member. With the image forming apparatus having such the structure, a document reading time can be shortened where successively reading document media of plural sheets while preventing foreign materials from attaching to the reading unit.

Abstract: A lightweight, battery operated, portable, personal electronic device capable of faxing, scanning, printing and copying media as a standalone device or in cooperation with other electronic devices including PCs, mobile telephones, PDAs, etc. is provided. The device automatically detects the presence of fax-capable devices and reconfigures the software for compatibility with the fax-capable device eliminating the need for user programming. The device's ergonomic design, intrinsic physical stability, and same side paper feeds and user interface provide use in work areas having limited space. The device includes unidirectional, independent pathways for original and recording media such that paper jams are minimized. Portability is maximized through innovative power management software and hardware.

Abstract: An image reading device includes: a solid-state image sensor for converting image information into an electric signal; an analog processing section for generating an analog processing signal by sampling and amplifying the electric signal at a sampling position; an A/D converting section for converting the analog processing signal into a digital signal; a pulse generating section for generating a control pulse to the solid-state image sensor, the analog processing section and the A/D converting section; and a control section for controlling a pulse generating timing of the pulse generating section, wherein the analog processing section comprises an amplification processing section for amplifying the electric signal so as to set an output voltage to a set voltage, the pulse generating section includes a varying section for varying the sampling position, and the control section includes an optimizing section for optimizing the sampling position based on variance of amplification gain values.

Abstract: An image reading system which, even if a user sets a transparent original of a wrong type in order to obtain a preview image, is capable of displaying the preview image which is suited to the type of the transparent original without executing pre-scanning again. When a film original is set on a scanner and an image is read therefrom to display a preview image, reading of the image is carried out by the same reading method irrespective of whether the film original is negative or positive. Image processing for displaying the preview image is changed according to the type of the film selected by the user.

Abstract: The invention provides an axle sleeve apparatus for optical chassis. By the guidance of a guiding rod, the optical chassis making a linear displacement motion along the extension direction of the guiding rod. The axle sleeve apparatus for optical chassis includes an axle sleeve main body and at least one anchoring mechanism. The axle sleeve main body has a fastening mechanism capable of proceeding connection with the optical chassis. The anchoring mechanism is arranged at one side of the axle sleeve main body and capable of proceeding connection with the guiding rod. It is arranged with: a convex arm extending out one side of the axle main body and an elastic body corresponding to the convex arm. By elastic force, the elastic body may move between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus and method for use with at least two transmission paths having different transmission rates from one another. The image transmission apparatus comprises an image input for receiving an image signal, a coding processing unit for encoding the image signal, a protocol control unit for packetizing the data encoded by the coding processing unit to generate data packets for transmission, and a transmission unit for transmitting the data packets. The protocol control unit has at least one timer processing unit which controls a data packet transmission interval individually corresponding to the transmission rates of the respective transmission paths based on data packet discard ratio information from the transmission paths.