Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method for a single-pass, duplex-capable scanner having increased simplex scanning speed. The imaging apparatus has a first image reading element, a first image processing component, and a second image processing component. When the imaging apparatus is in a simplex mode, a data switch is configured to alternately pass image data acquired through the first image reading element to the first image processing component and the second image processing component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image scanning device having an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper hosing includes at least a scanning module for outputting digitalized image signals. Thus, a user can place a document facing up on a document plate and therefore be able to examine the wrinkles, alignment and inclination.

Abstract: A virtual photo album is created in conformity with a title given to a large number of images such as the images of flowers, the images of animals and the images of a journey. These images are recorded on film and a title is selected for a set of these images that have a subject in common. Data representing the image of a mount, an ornamental image and background music corresponding to the selected tire are stored on a large-scale storage medium such as an optical disk together with the image data. At playback, images belonging to the same title are pasted on a mount specified by the title. An album of images having a common title can thus be produced. In another aspect, images produced by a user are printed by a photo processing laboratory system at a comparatively high speed.

Abstract: In an image reading device having the reading function of a moving original exposure type to read an original document which is moving on the surface of a glass plate for slit exposure by an exposure unit standing still at a specified position under the glass plate for slit exposure, and the reading function of a moving optical system exposure type to read an image of an original document placed on a document base glass plate by moving the exposure unit under the document base glass plate, there is provided a cleaning device for cleaning the rear side of the glass plate for slit exposure.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are used for capturing and communicating images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate images to other devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu/image navigation application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons to view multiple images as well as navigate menus. According to another aspect of the invention, the menu/image navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for effective communication of functionality of an appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for replicating images is disclosed. The portable apparatus includes an indicia-detecting component positioned within a housing which generates a light beam directed along a light path toward the images. The indicia-detecting component also receives reflected light from the images to produce electric signals representative of the images. An atomic resolution storage device positioned within the housing is electrically coupled to the indicia-detecting component and is capable of receiving the electrical signals representative of the image and storing information regarding the images.

Abstract: This invention provides an image input system capable of setting an arbitrary imaging inhibited area. This system displays a map showing the positions of cameras arranged in an office and the directions in which these cameras can be aimed, or displays the view angles of the cameras. An operator designates an imaging inhibited area on the map. In accordance with the designated imaging inhibited area, a limiting direction is calculated for each camera, and each camera is so controlled as not to point in that direction. Even when cameras are fixed, the system controls display so that an imaging inhibited area is not displayed.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an image reader including a transparent substrate, which can be used effectively for an extended lifetime. The image reader comprises a transparent substrate and a stationary image pickup opposed to the transparent substrate for reading an image of an original document while the document is being transported between the transparent substrate and the stationary image pickup. The transparent substrate can be turned around and/or upside down relative to the image pickup in order to use the transparent substrate for an extended its service time. Also, the transparent substrate includes at least one first indicator showing an arrangement order how the transparent substrate has been turned around relative to the image pickup.

Abstract: When an image reading apparatus (1) shifts from a standby condition to a power economizing state, a buffer (15) electrically disconnects a connection path 14. Subsequently, a switch 13 electrically disconnects a power supply path 12. When the image reading apparatus 1 shifts from a power economizing state to a standby condition, the switch 13 electrically connects the power supply path 12, thereby commencing the supply of power to an image pickup section 20. Subsequently, the buffer 15 electrically connects the connection path 14. Consequently, even in a case where the supply of power to the image pickup section 20 is stopped, an electric current will not flow from the image processing section 6 to an analog-to-digital converter 22. Thus, breakage of elements included in the analog-to-digital converter 22 can be prevented. Further, when the image reading apparatus 1 is in a power economizing state, the supply of power to the image pickup section 20 and the fan 10 as well as to a light source 51 is stopped.

Abstract: The junction temperature of an LED is determined. This result is used to determine an initial brightness value of the LED. The initial brightness value is derated by a long-term degradation amount that is determined using a stored indication of the lifetime total on time. The derated brightness value is used to determine an exposure for a capture system. The junction temperature is determined by measuring the ambient temperature and then keeping a running junction temperature determined from the on and off times.

Abstract: An optical scanning device has an electric motor and a rotary polygon mirror driven by the electric motor which are received in a dust proof chamber equipped with a cooling fin arrangement which

Abstract: Since an apparatus has a linear image sensor for scanning an image at the stop position of a mirror table from a document that moves at a constant speed, a black stripe image detection circuit for detecting the presence/absence of generation of a black stripe image on the basis of an image signal, and a CPU for determining that dust or soil is attached to the surface of the platen glass upon detection of generation of the black stripe image, and making control for changing the stop position of the mirror table and control for displaying a warning message, any black stripe generated due to dust or soil on the platen glass surface is detected in the sheetfed scanning mode, and the control for changing the sheetfed scan position or the control for displaying a warning message indicating that dust or soil is attached to the platen glass surface is done in accordance with the detection result, thus reducing the frequency of occurrence of generation of a black stripe compared to a conventional apparatus.

Abstract: There is described an image-processing system, which make it possible to effectively utilize the network environment, and in which the efficiency and the flexibility of the whole system are improved. The system is provided with an image-processing apparatus, which includes an image-reading section to read an image on a document, a first network interface to couple the image-processing apparatus to the network, and a general-purpose image format converting section to convert scanner data, acquired by reading the image on the document by means of a scanner included in the image-reading section, or PDL data, inputted through the network interface coupled to the network, to data of a same general-purpose image format, and an information-processing apparatus, which includes a second network interface to couple the information-processing apparatus to the network, and a display section to display a reproduced image based on the data of the general-purpose image format.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image forming system including an image reader, a printer, and a processor and a control method therefore. In this image forming system, the image reader reads an image from an original, and the printer prints the read image onto a print medium. If a “no print medium” error occurs during the printing operation by the printer, the read operation by the image reader is terminated.

Abstract: The present invention enables helical scanning of an image and results in a rectangular image, centered on the imaging media with its boundaries parallel to the media edges and/or to the gripper line.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for exposing a digital image onto light-sensitive material. The device includes an image generation device that is controlled by a control device according to image data. In addition, the device has an optical system for reproducing the image onto light-sensitive material that is supported by a stage. A beam splitter, located in the exposure beam path, directs a portion of the light emitted by the image generation device onto a light sensor that has at least one sensor line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning device. The scanning device comprises a document plate for placing a document, at least a sliding guide placed at one side of the document plate, a scanning module which is in front of the document plate for scanning the document along the direction of the sliding guide, a first light source assembled in the scanning module for providing light to scan documents, and a driving module electrically connected to the scanning module for driving the scanning module to perform scanning procedure to the document.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a scanning member movable along an original mounting table, the scanning member having a reading element for reading the image of an original, and a drive source for moving the scanning member, a frame containing the scanning member therein, and a cable for electrically connecting the scanning member and the frame side together, the cable having a first electrical signal path connected to the reading element, and a second electrical signal path connected to the drive source.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating an image reading region extending in the primary scanning direction, and a plurality of lenses for focusing light reflected on the image reading region and for producing reduced images. Each of the lenses has an optical axis which intersects a predetermined portion of the image reading region. The image reading apparatus further includes a plurality of light receiving elements for output of image signals based on the light focused by the lenses and a light conductor for leading the light emitted by the light source toward the image reading region. The light conductor leads the emitted light so that the predetermined portion of the image reading region is illuminated more brightly than the adjacent portions.

Abstract: 7A modular scanner has a housing with a transparent platform upon which a document may be placed. A first control board for controlling operations of the scanner is disposed within the housing. A scanning module is also installed inside the housing and is electrically connected to the first control board. The scanning module is used to scan a document placed on the transparent platform to generate corresponding image data. A first input device is disposed on the housing to provide an input interface. The first control board is removably installed inside the housing, and the first input device is removably connected to the housing. The first control board and the first input device are capable of being replaced, respectively, with a second control board and a second input device.

Abstract: The surface of the glass window of a scanner is coplanar with flanges on top of the scanner frame. The light path between the scan window and the light sensor mounted on the frame is prevented from varying regardless of any interface tolerance in mechanical dimension of the optical components in the light path between the scan window and the light sensor.

Abstract: A parallel driving mechanism for an optical chassis in a scanner includes a casing, an optical chassis, a linkage member, a screw bar and a driving member. The casing has two parallel guide rails. The optical chassis has two rollers at two ends movably resting on the guide rails and two pivotal joints. The linkage member has two symmetrical upper links pivotally engaging with two symmetrical lower links on two sleeves which have opposite internal screw threads formed therein. The driving member may rotate the screw bar which moves the sleeves to move toward or against each other so that the upper and lower links may be extended or withdrawn to more the optical chassis moving reciprocally on the guide rails to perform scanning operation.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a scanner, including a transparent plate installable in the scanner, for supporting a document containing indicia to be transferred, and an elongated calibration label fixed to the plate adjacent to, and parallel, with an edge thereof. The label includes an opaque white substrate having a bottom surface which includes a first zone containing white calibration ink and a second zone containing black calibration ink. The white ink contains machine readable information comprising data for controlling skew, magnification, and document reference while the black ink contains data for controlling black calibration. The top surface of the calibration label includes reference indicia for aiding a user in operating the scanner. The first and second zones are surrounded by an adhesive zone for adhering the label to the plate and for isolating the zones from environmental contaminants. A method is provided for fixing the label to a scanner plate for installation in a scanner bezel.

Abstract: A multi-direction opening lid structure for scanner includes a lid which has a plurality of novel hooks located at the side rims under the bottom surface thereof. The scanner body has a plurality of troughs formed therein to engage with the hooks for the lid to lay horizontally on the scanner body. Any one side of any two parallel sides of the lid may be lifted and opened for the hooks at the opposite side to turn and engage with the body. From the horizontal position laid on the body, the lid may be lifted and opened at any side desired.

Abstract: A changeable resolution apparatus and method for scanner includes two rotational disks which have respectively a plurality of lenses of different focuses and a plurality of charge-coupled devices (CCD) of different resolutions located therein. A motor is provided to drive a transmission shaft to rotate in a positive or a reverse direction. Two one-way shaft bearings are engaged with the transmission shaft to drive the rotational disks one-way in opposite directions for changing lens and CCD combination to reach different resolutions. The apparatus is located in the scanner for users to adjust scanner resolution based on scanning requirements to get optimum resolution result.

Abstract: A scanner including first and second light monitor elements and a light redirection system operable in a first mode to focus light reflected from a scanned object and the first light monitor element onto a sensor and operable in a second mode to focus light reflected from the object and the second light monitor element onto the sensor. The light monitor elements are arranged such that the first light monitor element will not interfere with scans in the second mode, which may be a high resolution scan mode, and the second light monitor element will not interfere with scans in the first mode, which may be a normal resolution scan mode.

Abstract: A light exposure control device and method that allows three excitation signals to be generated by a counter and sent to a CCD module after the CCD module has been exposed to an image. Inside the CCD module, a red photodetector, a green photodetector and a blue photodetector can be separately triggered to capture the necessary image signals. The excitation signals sent to each CCD photodetector are independent from each other. Furthermore, each CCD photodetector reacts only to a specific excitation signal. Therefore, constraints caused by unrelated excitation signals are avoided, and so exposure time can increase considerably.

Abstract: When sequentially reading a plurality of documents in an image reading apparatus using, for example, an automatic document feeder, the temperature inside the apparatus rises and the refractive index of a lens or the like in an optical system changes, causing focus and magnification errors. To address this, focus and magnification adjustments are made by reading a chart when a document reading operation is not being performed. On the other hand, during a document reading operation, the temperature inside the apparatus, especially, the temperature of the lens, is measured, and the focus and magnification are adjusted based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A display and scanning assembly wherein light reflected from an image being scanned is transmitted to an optical sensor through an optical shutter assembly via a light guide assembly is disclosed. The optical shutter assembly is made substantially opaque except for one or more selected optical shutter elements that are made substantially transparent or opened. Light is then reflected from the medium containing the image to be scanned through substantially transparent shutter element or elements and transmitted to the optical sensor via a light guide assembly. The image may then be scanned by advancing selection of shutter element or elements that are opened across the medium. The optical scanning assembly may further be capable of functioning as a display assembly wherein color components for each display element or pixel of the display assembly are premixed so that the display elements provide a true color instead of separate red, green and blue components of that color.

Abstract: A controlling unit of an image inputting apparatus increments a counter each time an instruction to start an image input is externally provided. An image compressing unit waits for the completion of the storage of an entire image in a buffer memory, and issues an instruction to detect the state of the image to an image state detecting unit. The image state detecting unit detects the rotation direction and the presence/absence of mirror-reversing of the image stored in the buffer memory, and notifies the detection result to an image compressing unit. The image compressing unit switches a scanning order of pixels to be read from the buffer memory based on the notification, compresses the image data while reading the image data in the switched scanning order, and stores the compressed image data in a data storing unit.

Abstract: An optically-based and image processing-based scanner including a lens array, an imager, and an array of baffles to define paths of light between the lenses and the imager. Each of the lenses produces an inverted image of a portion of the object to be imaged. Components in the imager transpose and filter the individual images, or vice-versa, and assemble a composite image of the entire object. An array of plano-convex lenses is preferred.

Abstract: A dust tolerant scanner without a transparent plate to support objects scanned by its media scan assembly. Other dust or debris collecting surfaces in the optical path of the scanner are positioned as far away as possible from an object focal plane of the media scan assembly. The media scan assembly includes upper and lower document feeder portions which define a media path adjacent to a reference surface of the upper portion. The lower document feeder portion includes a media conformance member which positions pieces of media against the reference surface as the pieces of media are advanced along the media path. The media conformance member includes ramp portions and an aperture which provides an optical path between the object focal plane and a sensor focal plane within the scanner.

Abstract: The separation between the light source module for a film scanner and the protection window for pressing against the film document is minimized to increase light intensity by inserting low friction material between the scanning light source module and the protection window. The pressure is exerted by means of a spring or gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an original image scanning apparatus, a method of controlling the original image scanning apparatus, and a storage medium storing a control program for carrying out the method of controlling the original image scanning apparatus. The original image scanning apparatus includes an image sensor for converting a scanned original image into an electrical image signal, an A/D converter for converting the image signal into a digital signal, a unit adapted to transfer the digital image signal to an external apparatus, and a switch for starting a scan of the original is disclosed. The number of times the switch for starting is pressed per unit time is detected. A function of the original image scanning apparatus is changed in accordance with the detected number of times the switch is pressed per unit time.

Abstract: A registration detection system for determining a registration problem in an apparatus having an optical reader adapted to scan a document. The system comprising a test pattern generator and a mixer for combining an output of the test pattern generator with an output of the optical reader.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus with divers resolution includes a light source, a reflection lens set, a major lens and an image-capture unit. The light source is used to illuminate a document for further generating a document image. The reflection lens set includes a plurality of reflection lenses for forwarding the document image consecutively to the major lens. The major lens is used to receive the document image transported by the reflection lens set and to form the document image at a focal point thereof. The image-capture unit includes a plurality of image-capture elements with various resolution for meeting divers usage requirements. While in usage, a suitable image-capture element with particular resolution can be shifted to the focal point of the major lens for performing the imaging.

Abstract: A personal computer scanner for scanning the three-dimensional (3D) objects has a frame with an axis, and a front plate. The front plate has a large array of axial pinholes that each contain a slidably movable pin to form a bed of pins. A detection device is slidably mounted near the rear of the frame. A stepper motor is used to move the detection device relative to frame. The detection device has a sensor plate on its front surface with an array of sensors that correspond one-to-one with the pins. The user selects an object to be scanned and inserts it into the bed of pins to form an impression. The pins readily move and comply to the contours of the object. After the impression is made, the detection device is slowly incremented by the stepper motor toward the pins. The individual sensors are monitored by a host computer until they have been contacted by their respective pins. When a sensor has been touched by its pin, the sensor is scanned by the computer to record the displacement of the pin.

Abstract: A scanning system enables efficient and selective downloading of files. A scanning mechanism associated with the scanning system captures images of documents. Then, a translator analyzes the captured images to produce data files. When desired, a system controller of the scanning system transmits sufficient data from the data files such that thumbnail images of the data files can be produced. After viewing the thumbnail images, a user selects one of the data files, and the system controller transmits or downloads the selected data file in response. The selected data file can be transmitted to a computer system, which renders the selected data file to a user, or the selected data file can be transmitted directly to a printer, which prints an image of the selected data file.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with a variable aperture lens system. High resolution scans use a relatively small aperture size, and scanning speed is relatively slow. Low resolution scans use a relatively large aperture size, and scanning speed is increased. Fast scans are limited to lower sampling rates, which in turn permit more optical blurring relative to high sampling rates. Accordingly, the incremental cost of the larger aperture is minimized by permitting the lens aberrations specifications to be relaxed at larger apertures. Preferably, an electronic variable aperture is provided, for example, by use of electronically controlled polarization plates or by use of electrochromic substances.

Abstract: A camera assembly for use in scanning a paper substrate of a printing press including a housing, a camera mounted within the housing, a light source, and at least one mirror.

Abstract: The invention provides a photoconductive switching element used for light switching of a functional element driven by an AC electric field or AC current which are highly functional and inexpensive and provides a device in which such a photoconductive switching element and a functional element such as a liquid display element are combined and incorporated, and an apparatus, a recording apparatus, and a recording method which are provided with the above-mentioned device. The photoconductive switching element has at least a light transmissible electrode layer, a charge generation layer, a charge transfer layer, and a charge generation layer laminated in this order on a light transmissible substrate. The photoconductive switching element is combined with a functional element to form a device of the present invention, and the device is incorporated in an apparatus or a recording apparatus to fabricate an apparatus or a recording apparatus respectively of the present invention.

Abstract: A digital imaging system uses an analog/multi-level memory to store image data. The stored analog/multi-level data can then be accessed directly by an analog device or the data can be accessed by an A/D converter for conversion to a digital format. The digital data is then routed to any number of desired digital devices. By using an analog/multi-level memory instead of a digital memory to store image data, problems associated with storing large amounts of digital data are minimized or eliminated, such as loss of information from image compression and high costs of large digital memories and signal processing and compression circuits.

Abstract: A thermal transfer facsimile apparatus of the type having a transmitting system disposed above a recording system, which construction is compact and allows a user to open a body cover to remove a document jammed in the apparatus with no fear of damaging the document. In the apparatus, a part of an ink-ribbon cartridge serves as a lower guide for supporting a document to be transported, while a part of the body cover, to which a platen and rollers for feeding and delivering recording paper are attached, also serves as a lower guide for the document. When a body cover is opened to replace an ink ribbon with new one or remove a document jammed in the apparatus, a distance formed between a document feeding roller fixed to the body and a lower free end of the body cover is so elongated by virtue of the existence of the guiding part of the cartridge that document may be gently curved and stretched therebetween without being damaged. This can also assure a compact design of the apparatus.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprises a transparent housing, a driving means arranged within the transparent housing, and an image sensor arranged within the transparent housing and driven by the driving means. The upper surface and the lower surface of the transparent housing are marked to define a transparent upper window and a transparent lower window. The image sensor comprises a contact image sensor and a supporting box for housing the contact image sensor. The small article to be scanned is facedown placed on the transparent upper window of the scanning apparatus when the scanning apparatus is in erect arrangement. The large article to be scanned is faced up placed and the user can align the scanning region through the transparent upper window and lower window. Therefore, the inventive scanning apparatus is applicable to scan article of both large and small size, and the transparent upper window and lower window facilitate the alignment of scanner for user for entire scanning or partial scanning of an article.

Abstract: A device and process which eliminates potential moiré patterns in digitized images by employing a one-dimensional sensor array and a sampling method of the sensor signals which produces a data set of non-uniformly spaced sensor positions. This allows the spacing of the sensors to avoid having a strong “harmonic” which may interfere with details or harmonics present in the image source, which eliminates the occurrence of moiré patterns and the need for application of image processing to remove moiré patterns. Sensors are non-uniformly spaced along a first axis according to a predetermined scheme or function. Sensors are sampled during scanning according a non-uniform function in order to realize a non-uniform sampling scheme in a second dimension. Linear interpolation is applied to the non-uniformly spaced data set, synthesizing a uniformly-spaced data set for use in common imaging formats and processing.

Abstract: A printer (100) able to print in a plurality of output formats depending on width of media (160) loaded in the printer (100) is disclosed. The printer (100) provides high resolution and grayscale imaging capability for monochromatic applications. Illumination optics (11) receive a source light beam, from one or more LEDs, uniformize and polarize the beam and direct the beam through a polarization beamsplitter (50). The polarization beamsplitter (50) directs one polarization state of light to one or more LCD spatial light modulators (52), which modulate the polarization of the polarized beam to provide output exposure energy suitable for image marking on media (160). An optional sensor (234) allows printer (100) to automatically detect the width of a given type of media (160) in order to select from a set of compatible output format. Multiple segments of media (160) at the image plane (150) simultaneously.

Abstract: A reading scan controlling unit drives a scanning motor in accordance with a signal from a reading instructing unit and a line synchronous generating unit for scanning a document plural times in a slow-scanning direction, as well as controls a sensor driver to read a document image. At this time, an optical flat plate driving unit is controlled in the second and following scans to incline an optical flat plate provided in an imaging optical path at a predetermined angle in a fast-scanning direction, so that the imaging position on a CCD sensor in a fast-scanning direction is slightly changed. Further, the scanning speed is determined in accordance with the scanning times. An image reading device having such a construction can perform high-speed reading with high precision by using an image shift method.

Abstract: A digital image signal is read out at a predetermined picture element density by causing a light beam to repeatedly scan a recording medium bearing thereon an image in a main scanning direction at a predetermined main scanning speed while moving the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction at a predetermined sub-scanning speed, thereby two-dimensionally scanning the recording medium with the light beam, photoelectrically detecting signal light emitted from the recording medium upon exposure to the light beam to obtain an analog image signal, sampling the analog image signal at a predetermined intervals, and quantizing the sampled values.

Abstract: The pages of a book being held at least partially open may be sequentially automatically turned over from one side of the book to the other by pivoting an elongated arm from one side of the book toward the other and turning over individual pages with a vacuum head pivoting relative to the elongated pivoted arm about a different pivot axis as the elongated arm moves to reduce undesirable forces on the individual book pages being turned over. The vacuum head may initially pivot to bend the edge of an individual page up away from the book, to aid in page separation, and then subsequently differently pivot to help peel the same page gently away from the vacuum head and flip it over onto the opposite side of the book. This may be assisted by moving frictional belts on the vacuum head.

Abstract: A locating structure for a dual-mode optical scanning device including a transparency scanning mode and a reflective scanning mode is disclosed. The locating structure includes at least one locating posts formed on a bottom surface of the transparency illumination module and at least one locating holes formed on an object focal plane of the scanner frame corresponding to the locating posts. When the transparency illumination module is closed onto the scanner frame, by means of the locating structure, the deflection between the transparency illumination module and the scanner frame can be limited, so as to accurately locate the transparency illumination module on the scanner frame and enhance the quality of scanned image.