Abstract: An image recording and playing system includes: an image pickup unit that takes an image; a processing unit that performs an image processing of the image data obtained by the image pickup unit; a display unit that displays an image based on an image processing result; and a memory that stores an image data based on the image processing result, wherein the processing unit includes: a dissimilar image extracting element that determines whether the each extracting objection image data preliminarily read is a dissimilar image data to the image data obtained by the image pickup unit and extracts image data determined as the dissimilar image data; a data storing element that stores the dissimilar image data; and a thumbnail image creating unit that extracts image data similar to a typical-pattern image data extracted from among the dissimilar image data, and creates thumbnail image data.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to enable appropriate interpolation even in a halftone image binarized by error diffusion or the like. While image reading signals from a hand scanner are inputted to an A/D conversion section and converted to multivalued digital signals, the presence or absence of a skip is detected by a skip acknowledgement section, and when a skip is detected, a selector is switched toward a multivalued image line buffer. Multivalued image data of one line is stored in the multivalued image line buffer, and interpolation processing is carried out in a binarization processing section by the use of the stored multivalued image data of one line. When a skip is not detected, the multivalued image data from the A/D conversion section is passed by the selector to the binarization processing section and binarized.

Abstract: A character recognition device recognizing characters with low power consumption includes a data input unit for entering handwriting data representing a character to be recognized, a character recognition dictionary storing character recognition information required for character recognition as well as operating frequency information concerning the operating frequency of the character recognition device that is set in connection with the recognition processing, a character recognition processing unit recognizing the character based on the handwriting data and the character recognition information, a recognition result output unit which outputs the character recognized by the character recognition processing unit, and a power management unit changing the operating frequency of the character recognition processing unit based on the operating frequency information stored in the character recognition dictionary.

Abstract: A handheld device with a digital album to redisplay previously captured physical images and the applications of the same are provided, wherein the handheld device comprises an image-capture unit, an image-compression unit and a memory unit. The image-capture unit is used to garb initial image data by converting the physical image into initial image data. The image-compression unit is used to convert the initial image data into compressed data. The memory unit, used to store the compressed data, whereby the physical image can be redisplayed directly without the aid of an extra device.

Abstract: The image reader according to the present invention comprises a housing having substantially a box-shape and having an image reading surface contacting a document, a document detecting section provided to this image reading surface for detecting a document P, and an image reading section for reading an image on the document when the document P is detected by the document detecting section 105. This image reader enables improvement in convenience for users, operability, and adaptability for handling, and also it is small in size.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a slot formed through an outer surface of the device to receive manually inserted print media to be printed by the printhead; and printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.

Abstract: Provided is a method of performing network scanning that changes a scanning operation according to whether a wireless network printer establishes a link and performs a specific operation, and an apparatus using the method. The method of performing network scanning in the wireless network printer comprises the steps of storing the result of a passive scan for each channel; determining whether a specific operation is performed while the passive scan is performed; and stopping the passive scan when the specific operation is performed. The wireless network printer is able to perform the scanning operation without interrupting basic data communication, thereby efficiently operating the network and preventing degradation or disconnection.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications device comprising a printhead for printing a sheet of media substrate; a drive shaft for feeding the sheet of media substrate past the printhead; wherein during use, the sheet disengages from the drive shaft before completion of its printing such that the trailing edge of the sheet projects past the printhead by momentum to complete its printing.

Abstract: A picture frame scanner has a frame defining a display area. The frame is disposed generally upright. A transparent retention pane is mounted within the frame, spanning the display area. A support back spanning the display area is spaced apart from the retention pane. An image scanning bar is operatively mounted in the frame for moving across the display area and scanning an electronic image of media disposed between the support back and the retention pane into memory storage.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a position of a movable member having a surface is provided. The method includes sensing an image of a portion of the surface of the movable member and identifying a stored image in a memory corresponding to the sensed image. The method further includes identifying a location of the movable member corresponding to the stored image. The stored image is replaced with the sensed image in the memory.

Abstract: A method and system for generating output from an electronic reading device is based on a detected position of the electronic reading device relative to a predefined address pattern on a specially formatted paper. Based on a periodic detection of successive positions of the electronic reading device, a printer on the electronic reading device is activated in a manner such that stored text or graphics are printed on the specially formatted paper. The printing can be accomplished, for example, using a thermo-print head of the electronic reading device in connection with a thermal sensitive paper. Either as an alternative to or in addition to printing, the electronic reading device can also generate an audio output based on the detected location of the electronic reading device.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the printhead; printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.

Abstract: An effects module for a modular camera and printer assembly includes a body that houses processing circuitry. The processing circuitry includes a central processing core. Memory circuitry is connected to the core. User interface circuitry is connected to the core to facilitate operation of the module. Module interface circuitry permits communication between the central processing core and other modules of the camera and printer assembly. A connector is arranged on the body and is connected to the module interface circuitry to permit the effects module to be connected to said other modules.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a slot formed in an outer surface of the device, the slot being configured to receive print media in the form of cards to be printed on by the printing mechanism, wherein the cards have a width between 48 mm and 58 mm, and a length between 80 mm and 90 mm.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics that provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. At least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. Image processing circuitry performs image-based velocity estimation operations on composite 2-D images derived from sequential image capture operations. Velocity data is derived that represents an estimated velocity of the imaging device with respect to at least one target object disposed in the fields of view. The image processing circuitry also performs image transformation operations (or camera control operations) which are based upon the velocity data, to compensate for aspect ratio distortions in captured images that would otherwise result from variations in velocity of the imaging device with respect to the target object(s).

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; audio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; image processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; and a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism, the receptacle including an interface enabling connection of the printing mechanism to the image processing circuitry, thereby enabling images processed by the image processing circuitry to be printed by the printing mechanism when it is operatively positioned within the receptacle.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the printhead; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for electronically capturing an image; image processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to: the image sensor to receive the electronically captured image; and the radio signal processing circuitry; a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism, and a slot for receiving manually inserted print media to be printed on by the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for electronically capturing an image; image processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to: the image sensor to receive the electronically captured image; and the radio signal processing circuitry; a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism; and a dispenser interface for receiving a print media dispenser, the dispenser interface being configured to receive print media from the print media dispenser supplying print media to be printed on by the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional imaging device and method for automated exposure control that implement two distinct modules to control the exposure and gain settings in the imager so that processing can occur in a multi-tasking single CPU environment. The first module, referred to herein as the imager control module, controls the exposure and gain settings in the imager. The first module is typically implemented in a high priority routine, such as an interrupt service routine, to insure that module is executed on every captured frame. The second module, referred to herein as the histogram processing module, calculates a target contrast (the product of the targeted exposure and gain settings) based on feedback data from the first module and image data from memory. The second module is typically implemented in a low priority routine, such as a task level routine, to allow for the routine to be executed systematically in accordance with priority.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a slot formed through an outer surface of the device to receive manually inserted print media to be printed by the printhead; drive means for driving the print media past the printhead during printing; and printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.

Abstract: A hand-held image scanner includes an elongate body, a line sensor extending in the body longitudinally thereof for reading an original document as the body moves along the document, a roller shaft rotatably supported in the body to extend longitudinally of the body, at least one roller supported on the roller shaft for rotating therewith while rolling on the document. The scanner also includes a rotary encoder for detecting the rotation of said at least one roller for determining a scanning distance of the body, and a drive transmission for connecting the roller to the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder includes a rotary disk supported on a disc shaft. The disc shaft extends perpendicularly to the roller shaft.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device includes a support structure. An antenna is mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals. Radio signal processing circuitry is positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals. A speaker and microphone arrangement is positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry. A printheads is positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation. Printing processing circuitry is positioned on the support structure to control operation of the printheads.

Abstract: A compact image processing system comprising a printer module and at least one other module, the other module including at least one of an image processing module, a house keeping module, and an isolated module. The printer module including at least one connector for selective connection to the at least one other module, and a processor, where the processor re-configures the system on connection and disconnection of the other module to the printer module.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; an image capture device for electronically capturing one or more images; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; and printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: process the one or more images to generate dot data; supply the dot data to the printhead; and control operation of the printhead.

Abstract: A portable, compact electronic device is disclosed which is adapted for communication with a personal digital assistant. The electronic device includes a housing having an opening adapted for receiving a medium adapted for printing or scanning and at least one coiled structure formed from a coilable material. At least one guide positions the coilable material as it is extended from the coiled structure. The printing or scanning medium is moved through an opening in the housing by rotating elements. An activation means is utilized to perform printing or scanning of the medium, under the controlled extension and retraction of the coilable material from the coiled structure.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be scanned and saved in an internal memory. The appliance includes a processor for manipulating and exhibiting the images on a built-in display screen. Program code stored in the internal memory includes a help utility module that allows the user to obtain information on operating the various features of the appliance. The help utility module includes code segments for displaying a textual dialog and/or an animation that convey information correlated with the help topics. Advantageously, animation can be used to demonstrate features that would be difficult to explain in words or would require a lengthy dialog. For those topics requiring a more extensive textual explanation or if it is desired to combine a textual discussion with an animation, the help utility module includes a code segment for scrolling the display to communicate multiple screens or pages of information to the user.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; a slot formed through an outer surface of the device to receive manually inserted print media to be printed by the printhead; drive means for driving the print media past the printhead during printing, the slot and drive means being sized and configured to receive and drive print media in the form of cards that are between 80 mm and 90 mm long, and between 48 mm and 58 mm wide; and printing processing circuitry positioned on the support structure, the printing processing circuitry being configured to: generate dot data; supply t

Abstract: A versatile data handling apparatus providing multiple alternatives for inputting data is disclosed. The apparatus includes an array of depressible keys, a screen-based input system that is located distinctly from the depressible keys, an optical information sensing component and a visual display to present visual information to a user. The data input activities are coordinated by a computerized data handling system communicatively coupled with the various components.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge containing at least one ink for supply to the printing mechanism, the receptacle including an interface for interrogating an authentication mechanism of the cartridge; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a slot formed in an outer surface of the device, the slot being configured to receive print media to be printed on by the printing mechanism; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device includes a support structure. An image sensor is positioned on the support structure for sensing an image. A display is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor. A printing mechanism is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor. A remote transmission arrangement is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: There is a problem that the contact-type image sensor, for adoption in an image input/output apparatus to input/output the image of a large-sized document, such as A0 or A1 size, is weak in lengthwise rigidity and readily deflected at its lengthwise center by its own weight. Accordingly, by attaching a deformation rectifier to the image sensor in a lengthwise direction thereof, the contact type image sensor is reinforced in lengthwise rigidity. The deformation rectifier reinforces the rigidity of the contact type image sensor, thereby preventing the contact type image sensor from deflecting vertically relative to its lengthwise direction and keeping constant the focal length between the surface of the document to be read and the sensor IC.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device includes a support structure. Radio signal processing circuitry is positioned on the support structure and is configured to receive and transmit radio signals. Audio signal processing circuitry is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry. Image processing circuitry is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry. A printing mechanism is detachably mountable on the support structure to be operatively connected to the image processing circuitry to print images generated by the image processing circuitry.

Abstract: A modular mobile phone includes a printhead and ink supply module that is received and retained into a support chassis. A battery module cradles the printhead and ink supply module from a rear side of the mobile phone. An external casing locates on a front side of the mobile phone and is configured to mate with the support chassis. In an assembled configuration print media entry and exit slots are provided between a portion of the external casing and a portion of the support chassis. The print media entry and exit slots communicate with an internal transport assembly of the printhead and ink supply module.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, wherein it comprises a conveying unit for conveying an original, a reading unit for optically reading the information recorded in the conveyed original at a predetermined reading location, an original pressing unit for pressing the original to the reading unit, and a color reference member used as a color reference a the time when the information is read by the reading unit, and wherein the color reference member is arranged between the reading unit and the original pressing unit and the pressing location of the original to the reading means by the original pressing unit is disposed at a location within the original conveying region and other than the reading location.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure and configured to receive and transmit radio signals; and a receptacle for receiving a detachable printing mechanism, the receptacle including: an interface for configuration: enable connection of the printing mechanism to the image processing circuitry, thereby enabling images processed by the image processing circuitry to be printed by the printing mechanism when it is operatively positioned within the receptacle; and enable authentication of the detachable printing mechanism.

Abstract: Document processing systems are provided that are capable of facilitating scanning of one or more documents via multiple scanners. In this regard, a preferred document processing system includes a document assembly system. The document assembly system is configured to electrically communicate with a first scanner, which may be assigned to a first group of scanners, and a second scanner, which may be assigned to a second group of scanners. The scanners provide scan information to the document assembly system. The document assembly system is configured to correlate the scan information received from the first scanner with the scan information received from the second scanner. Computer readable media and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A camera-based document scanning system produces electronic versions of documents, based on a plurality of images of discrete portions of the documents. The system compares each pair of consecutive images and derives motion parameters that indicate the relative motion between each pair of consecutive images. The system utilizes the derived motion parameters to align and merge each image with respect to the previous images, thereby building a single, mosaic image of the document. In the illustrative embodiment, the motion parameters are derived by minimizing a sum of squared differences equation on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are provided for capturing and communicating images to other appliances and 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 navigation interface application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons and operational buttons to operate the menu navigation interface in operating the appliance. The menu navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for operating an appliance or other device through reuse of the navigation buttons and operational buttons in menu activation and deactivation as well as menu item selection.

Abstract: A viewer configured to rest upon a surface that bears coded data, the viewer including: sensing means configured to sense at least some of the coded data when the viewer is resting upon the surface; processing means for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data; a transmitter configured to transmit the decoded data to a remote computer system; a receiver configured to receive display information in reply to the transmission of the decoded data; and a display configured to output display data to a user; wherein the processing means is configured to receive the display information and generate the display data based at least partially on the display information, wherein the display information represented by the display data is positioned on the display to at least partially take into account a position of the viewer relative to the surface.

Abstract: A mobile phone device having an image sensor adapted to sense images, a mobile phone processor adapted to transmit sensed images and to receive received images and a printer processor adapted to instruct a printer assembly inside the mobile phone device to print sensed and received images. The mobile phone device also has a print media inlet adapted to receive print media from a print media supply external to the mobile phone device.

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 handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor, the display being moveable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the image sensor and the display are simultaneously visible to a user, and in the second position, the image sensor and the display are not simultaneously visible to a user; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including an image reading section, an amount-of-movement detecting thinning out the transfer data other than particular transfer data, each of successive transfer data pieces at a time, adding the amount of movement, which is contained in the thinned-out transfer data, to the amount of movement, which is contained in the particular transfer data, and generating compressed data composed of the image data in the particular transfer data and the added amount of movement, and a data transferring section for transferring one of the transfer data and the compressed data to a destination. With such image reading apparatus, not only the image is reproduced free from shortage in size in the direction of scanning regardless of the speed of scanning, not only it is possible to reduce an amount of data to be transferred to the destination from the image reading apparatus.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are provided for capturing and communicating 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 an error utility interface which informs the user of an error in operating the appliance. According to another aspect of the invention, the error interface provides a user-friendly interface for learning how to correctly operate the appliance after an error in operation has occurred. Through the use of icons, operational buttons, and animated sequences the present invention presents a novel user interface which makes the error interface and method a solution in devices with limited resources which need to be able to communicate with users correct methods of operating an appliance.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a capping mechanism operable to selectively cap a printhead of the printing mechanism when the printing mechanism is not printing; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for enabling graphic design by means of a computer system. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms capable of interacting with a computer system or network, each form comprising sheet material such as paper which has coded data printed on it and which allows it to interact with the computer system by use of a sensing device operated by a user.

Abstract: The invention provides a scanner for scanning a surface having a one-dimensional optical sensor and no mechanical moving parts for determining the scanning speed. A method is also provided for processing a text image obtained by scanning a text with a scanner, where the text image is distorted due to variability of the instantaneous scanning speed. The method utilizes the mode character height and font ration for each font in the text obtaining a local correction factor at each location in the text image. The correction factor is related to the instantaneous scanning speed at the location and is used to correct the distorted text image.

Abstract: A portable reading machine has a scanner for scanning an image comprising text. The scanner has a scanning area occupying a maximum width and an active width defined by a scanning width limiting mechanism adjustable to a preselected width. A photoreceptive element forms an electronic representation of a portion of the image within the active width. The electronic representation is converted to a digital character string corresponding to the active image text. A speech system outputs the digital character string as ordinary spoken language voiced through a speaker or headset.