Abstract: A scanner capable of being folded and unfolded, the scanner including a first unit having a first scanning unit which scans a document; a second unit which is rotatably disposed to the first unit, and having a second scanning unit which moves between a folded position in which the second scanning unit faces the first scanning unit, and an unfolded position in which the second scanning unit is unfolded from the folded position; and a moving unit which moves at least one of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit in at least one of a focus adjusting direction and a transverse direction according to a transport direction of the document.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device includes a chassis. Mobile communications circuitry and components are mounted on the chassis. A printer apparatus is mounted on the chassis. The printer apparatus has a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply module arranged on the printhead. A print media feed mechanism is mounted on the chassis to feed print media through the printer apparatus.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a housing including a bottom surface formed with an opening for reading a document, and position detection sections disposed on the bottom surface as a pair while interposing the opening therebetween, thereby detecting a position of the document reading apparatus.

Abstract: A document camera includes a stand and a digital camera attached thereto to be freely detachable, and ensures an electrical connection therebetween at an attaching time. The digital camera is structured to be usable as a single unit. Moreover, a charging circuit is provided in the stand to make it possible to charge the attached digital camera by an external power source. An image obtained by the digital camera or data of the recorded image is transferred to a PC via the stand, and the obtained (recorded) image is projected on a screen by a projector. Moreover, a mode change key, a shutter key, and the like are provided in the stand, making it possible to perform an operation for changing an operation mode, a still image shooting operation and the like in the digital camera and allow an operation from the PC via the stand.

Abstract: The system contains a scanner, an apparatus for scanning receipts into a computer and a unique software program which automatically processes, organizes and saves expense information that can be viewed in various formats, namely, tabular statements, pie-charts, etc. The scanner, which accommodates paper of differing sizes, is used to input bills, receipts, bank statements, etc. The scanner is usually connected to a computer through a Universal Serial Bus or a parallel port for easy installation. The software program creates a text file of the scanned data by inclusion of sorting, categories, etc., and automatically saves the information in Quicken Interchange Format, allowing it to be imported into any financial management software for further processing. Each receipt is treated as an individual transaction. Multiple items in the receipt are used to create a “split” transaction with proper customizable categories added. Further, the software also allows for record keeping, budgeting and budget balancing.

Abstract: A reading device comprises: an irradiating unit that irradiates light onto a medium; an image forming unit that forms an image from irradiated light reflected from the medium; and an adjusting unit that causes an optical axis of irradiated light to be adjusted, under influence of weight of the irradiating unit, with respect to an optical axis of reflected light that occurs when the image forming unit forms an image of the reflected light.

Abstract: An action plan data structure for one or more selected rendered documents is described. The data structure contains information specifying an action to perform automatically in response to a text capture from any of the selected rendered documents.

Abstract: A portable communication device and method of use is provided. In one embodiment, the method of using a handheld mobile telephone includes capturing a plurality of images via an image input device; storing the plurality of images in a memory, receiving a first speech input, identifying command information in said first speech input; retrieving information from memory based, at least in part, on the command information. The method may further include generating a request related to an article of commerce that includes, at least in part, the information retrieved from memory, determining a destination for transmitting the request, and wirelessly transmitting said request through a mobile telephone network to the destination.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for identifying an individual provided with a portable communication device. In a system for identifying an individual using a portable communication device with a display, the display is a sensor-incorporated display, the sensor-incorporated display reads the biological information of a user, and, based on the read information, identifies an individual.

Abstract: In a portable terminal, a character string clipping section clips an image of a character string from image data photographed by a screen image pickup device. A character recognition section recognizes the clipped image of the character string and acquires a character code string corresponding to the clipped character string. A character string tracking section sets the acquired character code string as a tracking object character string when the tracking object character string extends beyond the photographable area as well as tracking the tracking object character string or a marker character string ultimately used as an input character string while repeatedly updating the marker character string. A display section highlights the tracking object character string when the tracking object character string extends beyond the photographable area of the image pickup device and displays an arrow showing the relative direction.

Abstract: A scanning device for scanning an interface surface is disclosed. The scanning device includes a beam generator for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch, and a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The scanning device further includes a processor for determining a description of the interface surface from the sensed interface surface identity and at least one region of the interface surface from the determined description and the position of the sensed tag on the interface surface.

Abstract: A printer architecture and memory card is described. The architecture can include an integrated circuit and a memory card. The memory card can include print swaths and bit-maps of thumbnail images associated with the print swaths. The thumbnail images can be displayed on the hand-held printer. A print swath associated with the selected thumbnail image can be printed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable business card scanner for scanning, storing and displaying an encoded image of a business card. The portable business card scanner includes a casing, a scanner, at least one memory, at least one input device and a display device. The scanner is configured to scan the business card to generate an encoded image thereof. The at least one memory is configured to store the encoded image of the business card. The at least one input device is configured to retrieve the encoded image from the at least one memory and add a labeling data to the encoded image. The display device is configured to display the encoded image of the business card.

Abstract: A system for printing a business card on a print medium that has coded data indicative of a print medium identifier. The system has a mobile telecommunications device and an association between the print medium identifier and a contact detail relevant to the business. The mobile telecommunications device has an inbuilt printer module to print the business card and the contact detail relevant to a business, an interface for connection to a remote server and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A computer acquires the aspect ratio of an image and the aspect ratio of the display of a monitor and compares the aspect ratios with each other. With the aspect ratio of the monitor display taken as a reference, the computer determines which one of the vertical length and the horizontal length of the image is longer. The computer sets the magnification of the image based on the decision result in such a way that one of the vertical size and the horizontal size of the image matches with or becomes slightly smaller than the frame of the monitor display, and enlarges or reduces the image. The computer outputs data of the size-adjusted image to a projector.

Abstract: A scanning device is provided which has a beam emitter for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch on a product item, a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface of the product item, and a processor for determining a description of the interface surface and at least one region of interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the product item, an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The processor determines the description from the sensed interface surface identity and determined the region from the determined description and at least one of the position of the sensed tag and a position of the scanning patch relative to the interface surface.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image capture unit, a communication unit and a switch. The image capture unit captures a digital image using an image sensing device. The communication unit transmits a resume signal to an external computer, the resume signal being used by the external computer to release a suspended state. The switch enables the image sensing apparatus to capture a digital image using the image capture unit and enables the image sensing apparatus to transmit the resume signal to the external computer using the communication unit. Before the resume signal is transmitted to the external computer, the image sensing apparatus determines whether the external computer is in the suspended state. If it is determined that the external computer is in the suspended state, the image sensing apparatus enables the communication unit to transmit the resume signal to the external computer so as to release the suspended state.

Abstract: A method for providing a visual representation pertaining to a resolution of at least one scanned image segment obtained from a portable scanner is disclosed. The method includes associating the scanned image segment with positional coordinates relative to an image on a scanned medium. The method also includes determining the resolution of the scanned image segment and assigning the scanned image segment to a resolution category associated with the resolution. The method also includes displaying the image segment in a format associated with the resolution category, at a location corresponding to the location of the image segment relative to the image on the scanned medium.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment for the inventive portable picture storage device comprises an input for receiving a plurality of pictures, a storage area for storing the plurality of pictures, and a plurality of user interface indicator. Each indicator is associated with a respective meta data of a plurality of meta data, and each meta data indicates at least one disposition of a plurality of dispositions. At least one picture of the plurality of pictures is associated with a meta data and thereby at least one disposition, via activation of an indicator.

Abstract: A mobile phone is provided for capturing and printing images. The phone comprises a phone body defining front and rear faces. The front face has a keypad and display, and the rear face has a removable cover. A camera is fitted to the body and is configured to capture an image. A print media stock container is located approximately centrally within the body and is accessible when the cover is removed. A printer assembly is fitted within the body proximate to a base end of the body. The printer assembly includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the captured image upon print media. The printer assembly further includes feed means provided between the print media stock container and the base end of the body. The feed means is configured to feed print media from the stock container past the printhead during printing.

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: A targeting device suitable for mounting an optical scanner includes a frame, a linkage slidably mounted on the frame, an actuator arm secured to the linkage, which actuator arm has an outer surface configured to slidingly engage the surface of the object to be scanned and a holder mounted on such that the actuator arm moves in tandem with the linkage along the frame when the object to be scanned is inserted between the actuator arm and a support surface below the actuator arm so that an optical scanner in the holder is held at a predetermined scanning distance from the object to be scanned.

Abstract: User configurations are stored on a portable storage device for reuse later on an imaging device. Methods and apparatus contemplate establishing an initial configuration of identity information about the user and then creating imaging preferences, such as duplexing, overlaying, and orienting options, for a to-be-imaged media. The initial configuration and the imaging preferences are stored on the portable storage device, such as a USB flash drive. Upon interfacing of the portable storage device with the imaging device, users are queried as to whether the stored imaging preferences are to be used in imaging the to-be-imaged media (such as by presentation of a dedicated icon). If so, a controller reads the stored imaging preferences from the portable storage device and images the media accordingly. In this manner, users are uniquely outfitted with configuration options to avoid generic settings of an imaging device generally configured at the time of device installation.

Abstract: A handheld Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) capable of scanning includes the operation panel, the control processing unit, and the scanning apparatus. The operation panel is for the user to input a data and a scanning order. The control processing unit is for proceeding logic operation and data processing, and receiving the scanning order. The scanning apparatus includes the scanning channel, the light source, and the photoelectronic imaging device. The scanning channel is the passage for the to-be-scanned document. The light source and the photoelectronic imaging device are equipped in the one side of the scanning channel to provide the light for scanning and capture image of the to-be-scanned document, respectively.

Abstract: A holster for securing a portable handheld UPC bar code scanner, the holster being formed of a rigid elongated tubular receptacle having an insertion opening in one end that communicates with an elongated tubular cavity formed therein, the insertion opening being formed with a bar code scanner head support portion which is canted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle cavity. A rigid lever rotatably mounted on the receptacle under the insertion opening partially occludes a portion of the receptacle cavity when biased relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A data providing device associated with a trajectory sensing system has at least: a) a frame; b) the frame supporting at least two sensing receivers and at least one emitter for the sensing receivers, the sensors sensing movement with respect to a surface; c) the frame supporting a third sensor that senses information from the surface at least in addition to movement; d) a communication link from the two sensing receivers to a data storage device; e) a communication link from the third sensor to a data storage device; and f) a processor that determines position of the system with respect to the surface based at least in part on data from the two sensing receivers. The device may be used to scan text in segments and a processor recombines the segments into a complete text. Even complex text such as musical scores can be scanned.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a display section for displaying image information by being subjected to a voltage and/or an electric field, a writing section for writing the image information into the display section, and a reading section for optically reading the image information displayed on the display section. As the display section, a flexible display section such as an electronic sheet is adopted in the image reading apparatus.

Abstract: A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface; (ii) swiping the scanner across the surface; (iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.

Abstract: A swipe scanner comprising: (a) a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto a surface; (b) an ink supply containing an ink for printing the position-coding pattern; (c) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern printed by the printhead during the swipe; (c) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of a graphic image pre-printed on the surface; and (d) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; using the absolute positions to control an output of the printhead during the swipe; and using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.

Abstract: A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe-scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the graphic image, the position-coding pattern identifying a plurality of absolute positions and an impression identity for the graphic image; (iv) sensing, during the swipe, positions of the scanner; (v) using the sensed positions to control, during the swipe, printing of the position-coding pattern; (vi) using the sensed positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image; and (vii) generating association data indicating an association between the impression identity, the plurality of absolute positions and the scanned graphic image.

Abstract: An optical reader with a single optical assembly that receives images from at least two different environments. For example, one environment may be constructed in a first chamber into which a document or bulk item with a bar code may be placed. The other environment may be constructed in a second chamber with an active drive mechanism that transports a document with optical readable markings to a reading location. The environments may be separated by a baffle that prevents light from leaking between the environments, and the electronics and software are constructed to read and decode information that is found in the images from both environments either sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile phone handset which includes a front cover moulding with user interface buttons and a display. A chassis moulding houses telecommunication components in connection with the buttons and display. The chassis moulding has a cradle and a drive mechanism, as well as a print cartridge operatively received in the cradle. The cartridge has a printhead and an ink storage and distribution assembly. The handset also includes a rear cover molding defining an inlet and an outlet slot. The drive mechanism is configured to feed print media from the inlet slot to the outlet slot past the print cartridge for printing on the media.

Abstract: A laser scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data which includes, at a plurality of locations on the interface surface, a corresponding plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, the product item being provided in a sensing region, the scanning device including: a laser for emitting at least one scanning beam, the scanning beam being directed in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch, the scanning patch being provided in the sensing region such that it exposes at least one coded data portion; a sensor for sensing the at least one exposed coded data portion; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: A mobile image capture and processing system including a digital image capture and processing instrument for capturing digital images of shipping documents associated with shipments to be delivered to an intended destination over a Web-based shipping, tracking, and delivery information network, and automatically processing such images to read a 1D or 2D bar-coded shipment tracking number graphically represented therein, and automatically encode the shipment tracking number within the header of the digital image file and the name or title of the digital image file.

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: A modular mobile telecommunications device has a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module, the sensor module configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller module in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller module configured for controlling the printer. Also included is a media transport to transport the print media through the printer.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile telecommunications device having a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module. The sensor module is configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller being configured for controlling the printer.

Abstract: A scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item, the product item being provided in a sensing region, the scanning device including: a beam generator for emitting at least one beam; first and second acousto-optic deflectors for deflecting the beam in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch; a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data on the interface surface of the product item as the product item passes through the sensing region; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: A mobile phone device includes a chasis. A mobile phone casting is mounted on the chasis. Mobile phone circuitry and components are on the chasis and housed within the casing. A printing assembly is mounted on the chasis and housed within the casing. The casing and the printing assembly define a print media feed path through the casing.

Abstract: There is described a bar code reading device capable of operating in a first image capture operating mode and a second image capture operating mode. The bar code reading device has a faster frame rate when operating in the first image capture operating mode than when operating in the second image capture operating mode.

Abstract: A light source device capable of repressing light surges is fixed in a flatbed scanner to provide a light beam for scanning a document. The light source device includes a bent lamp with bent parts for generating the light beam and compensating for the brightness at two ends of the bent lamp; and a set of obscuring units fixed at the two bent parts to partially obscure the light of the lamp. Hence, the light source device can repress the light surge caused on two ends of the image sensor even if the bent parts at two ends of the lamp are very close to the sides of the scanning window. Therefore, the length of the light source device can be shortened and the width of the flatbed scanner using the light source device can also be narrowed.

Abstract: A free-standing universal scanner driving device includes a small, light-weight, portable, slow-speed, low memory processor with no monitor or keyboard, and programmed only to support a scanner; a memory having only enough capacity to hold a scanner driver; a slot for receiving an external storage medium; input and output ports; means for writing data on the external storage medium; a housing case; optionally an external numeric keypad; and one and only one push-button, touch pad, or touch screen for initiating an external optical scanner to scan a document placed in the scanner and then directly write the scanned electronic data into the external storage medium by pushing the button, without requiring any setup input from the user. The push-button, touch pad, or touch screen being integrally formed on the case.

Abstract: A viewer and method of displaying information with the viewer are provided. The viewer is configured to rest upon a surface that bears coded data and includes memory for storing display information, a sensor for sensing the coded data when the viewer is resting upon the surface, a processor for decoding the sensed coded data, and a display for displaying data to a user. The processor determines the display information based on the sensed coded data and generates and supplies the display data to the display. The generation of the display data includes manipulating a position of the display information based on the sensed coded data so as to take into account the position of the viewer relative to the surface.

Abstract: A hand-held modular camera assembly includes a camera module configured to capture an image. A printer module is configured to print the captured image upon one or more sheets of print media. A dispenser module is configured to be releasably attached to the printer module. The dispenser module is configured to hold a stack of the sheets of print media. Furthermore, the dispenser module includes a manual feed mechanism to feed an outermost sheet of print media from the stack and to the printer module for printing.

Abstract: A fax is sent. A user selects a phone number for a fax destination from a database residing on a handheld device. The phone number is sent from the handheld device to a fax machine via wireless communication. A fax transmission is sent by the fax machine to the fax destination.

Abstract: A document feeding apparatus includes a chassis having a plurality of side surfaces and a substantially level upper surface. A feed mechanism is mounted in the chassis. A document entrance passageway is defined by the chassis and substantially enclosed by the chassis, the document entrance passageway positioned adjacent the feed mechanism and including a document entrance on one of the plurality of side surfaces. A document exit passageway is defined by the chassis and substantially enclosed by the chassis, the document exit passageway positioned adjacent the feed mechanism and including a document exit on one of the plurality of side surfaces.

Abstract: An image reader, detachably attached to an electronic apparatus, for functionally expanding the electronic apparatus and for reading an image on a medium, includes an interface connectible to and disconnectible from the electronic apparatus a housing having an image-reading surface that faces the medium, a medium detecting part, provided on the image-reading surface, for detecting the medium, and an image reading part, provided on the image-reading surface and driven based on a detection result by the medium detecting part, for reading the image on the medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for performing at least a copying function includes an engine board, an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a controller board detachably connected to the engine board to add at least one application function to the copying function of the image forming apparatus, an operation unit, and a parallel bus that connects the controller board to the engine board. When the controller board is connected to the engine board, the operation unit displays information of the copying function and the at least one application function, and when the controller board is detached from the engine board, the operation unit displays the information of the copying function. Each of display layouts of the operation unit for the copying function is substantially identical between when the controller board is connected to the engine board and when the controller board is detached from the engine board.

Abstract: A first light source is adapted to illuminate a first object with first light. A first sensor includes a first light receiving element adapted to detect the first light by way of the first object. A second sensor includes a second light receiving element adapted to detect a second light which is externally inputted by way of a second object. A transparent member is disposed on at least one of a first optical path extending from the first object to the first sensor through a first lens and a second optical path extending from the second object to the second sensor through a second lens.