Abstract: A printed circuit board structure for a scope unit of an electronic endoscope system, which is provided with a first printed circuit board formed with a first circuit section, and a second printed circuit board formed with a second circuit section. The first printed circuit board is piled on the second printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board having an area covered with the first printed circuit board and at least one area which is not covered with the first circuit board. The at least one area is used for electrically connecting the second circuit section with an electrical unit other than the second circuit section.

Abstract: A hand-held control device (10) for controlling a terminal (30) connectable by a communications network to an addressed resource. The device (10) comprises address input means for scanning and recognizing a text address (26) of the resource, such as a URL, e-mail address or telephone number, and command output means for uploading address information from the device (10) to the terminal (30) whereupon the terminal (30) is caused to connect to the addressed resource.

Abstract: To provide an communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus that allows radio communication in different modes to be used so that efficient communication can be implemented. For instance, even in a state where the image reading section (hand scanner) is removed, it allows an image read by the facsimile apparatus to be sent to another first terminal and simultaneously radio-communicated to a public switched line by a second terminal by way of the facsimile apparatus. Also, it allows a quality cordless telephone function to be implemented by a TDMA radio line and simultaneously high-speed transmission of image data and so on to be implemented by a frequency hopping radio line.

Abstract: A CCD and CMOS image pickup module including a circuit main board on which an image sensor (CMOS, CCD) and relevant electronic elements are laid. A lens seat is disposed on an upper edge of a package of the image sensor. The lens seat has an image pickup cylinder correspondingly positioned above a coupling transistor of the image sensor. The lens seat covers and encloses the image sensor with the connecting section of the bottom of the image pickup cylinder sealedly attaching to the periphery of the top face of the package of the image sensor. With the profile of the outer periphery of the package of the image sensor serving as a normal standard for the axis of the lens, the axis of the lens being projected onto the sensor center of the coupling transistor.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for facilitating the input of information into a computing device by a scanning means. A pocket scanner that has only the minimum components/parts therein and will not operate without being connected to the computing device that subsequently receives scanning signals therefrom. In particular, the disclosed scanner does not have a separate power supply to energize the components/parts to work.

Abstract: A tactile kinesthetic assistant is a device that allows a person to use the senses of sight, touch and hearing to gather information. Tactile kinesthetic assistants can be used, for example, to help a person retrieve information related to a specific word or phrase (e.g., a student learning to read), to allow a person to determine the status of a person or thing (e.g., a nurse retrieving medical records), to allow a person to obtain current information (e.g., a stock broker retrieving stock prices). In one embodiment, a tactile kinesthetic assistant includes a thimble and an ear piece. The thimble includes a scanner that allows the user to scan one or more words. The representations of the one or more words are used to retrieve information via a network and the retrieved information is provided to the user through an ear piece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for capturing information from a document to be input to an information handling system (“IHS”) includes a housing that a user may selectively place to reveal a first portion of the document. That is, the housing defines a viewing area, such as by defining an opening through which the first portion of the document may be viewed. The housing has a shutter for selecting a subportion of the first revealed portion of the document by shutting off a portion of the viewing area, thereby hiding a portion of the first revealed portion of the document and revealing only the selected subportion. A scanner for capturing an image of the revealed subportion of the document is movably attached to the housing. In another aspect, the input device includes a magnifying lens for displaying an enlarged view of the portion of the document revealed in the viewing area, so that a user of the input device may more precisely select the subportion of the document.

Abstract: A mail server includes a forwarding confirmation section which notifies a mobile phone of receipt of an e-mail, and mail and address forwarding sections which send attached data separated and a user ID to a print server, respectively. Each printer is managed by the print server that includes data holding and stored data search sections for storing the attached data and user ID. The printer has an input section from which the user ID is inputted. The print server is notified of the user ID inputted from the printer so as to search for attached data corresponding to the notified user ID and transfer it to the printer for print. It is thus possible to provide a print service system capable of printing out attached data when not recognized by some mobile devices including a mobile phone, by a nearest printer connected with a broadband network, without increasing communications costs.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading device, comprises a reading section detachably attached to a device body for reading an image of document by manual scanning when detached from the device body, a recording section for recording the image on a sheet, a document conveying path for conveying the document to the reading section and a sheet conveying path for conveying the sheet to the recording section. The conveying directions of the document and the sheet are set to be the same, and the sheet conveying path is disposed below the document conveying path. Similar paper handling can be performed on the document and the sheet, defects such as the mistaking of the discharge port of the document for that of the sheet and the difficulty in handling the document and sheet are eliminated, and the operating property of the device is enhanced. Additionally, the reading section can easily be detached from the device body.

Abstract: Upon depression of a copy execution button 8, an image recording apparatus 1 executes a copy processing by causing an ink jet printer 37 to record the image data read by an image reading part 21 on recording paper. Alternatively, upon depression of the copy execution button 8, the image recording apparatus 1 causes the ink jet printer 37 to record the image data transmitted from a hand-scanner 2 through a transmission cable K1 connecting the image recording apparatus 1 and the hand-scanner 2 which is capable of reading image information on an original.

Abstract: A portable scanning apparatus comprising a scanner and a feeder. The scanner is connected to a host by a USB line through which the power of the scanner is provided. The scanner includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an image sensing module for controlling the scanning apparatus. The image sensing module is used for receiving image signals from the document which are further outputted to the ASIC. The scanner can be selectively combined with a feeder as a sheet-fed scanner or detached from the feeder as a hand-held one. The feeder includes a motor for controlling the rolling wheel of the feeder and battery for supplying the power of the feeder.

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: The present invention is directed to enhancing a user's interaction with a physical document, such as a page of a book, by supplying the user with additional information related to the physical document in a simple, easy to use fashion. Exemplary embodiments provide this additional information as digital content that is displayed as an overlay upon the document. The overlay can be in the form of a flat digital display that can be moved about a surface of the physical document. The absolute position of the movable display is tracked, so that digital content presented on the display is related to a particular position of the display over the document. This capability can be exploited to, for example, provide an on-the-fly translation of a particular document, with the translation being provided as the movable display is scanned over the words printed on a document to be translated.

Abstract: A portable image analysis system including a hand held head assembly with an imaging window in the bottom of a housing, at least one light source in the housing directed at the imaging window, and an imaging device in the housing optically coupled to the imaging window. A computer, coupled to the hand held head assembly includes an imaging quality analysis program and a monitor for displaying images in the imaging window of the housing captured by the imaging device of the hand held head assembly for performing in situ image quality measurements.

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: A method and system for position-aware freeform printing in which a source image space in a source medium and a target image space in a target medium are specified. A selected image in the source image space is copied and/or optionally processed and transferred to the target image space. A controller captures the selected source image and stores the image in a memory. The image is optionally processed and the processed and optionally formatted image is output. The controller may format the processed image to fit into the target image space by controlling the rendering of the processed image onto the target medium as the printing device is moved over the target image space in a freeform direction. The controller predicts the freeform direction that the print head will travel by detecting the motion previously traveled and adjusting the image to compensate for the predicted freeform direction.

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: 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: An apparatus for scanning printed or graphical information is providing having an optical reader and an integral marking device such as an ink containing highlighter. The apparatus also has at least one output transmission device as well as an internal light source, a pressure sensitive switch for activating the light source and an ink shield/light tube for protecting the reader from the highlighter's ink. The apparatus can be of a single, integral construction.

Abstract: When images recorded in a memory card are read and reduced images of image files are displayed on a liquid crystal monitor in order, printing information of the image files is referred to. An image of which two or more prints have been designated is enclosed by a predetermined-colored (for example, yellow) frame, and a figure is displayed according the number of the prints that have been designated. An image of which any prints have not been designated is not enclosed by the frame. An image that has been printed is enclosed by an another-colored (for example, blue) frame.

Abstract: An input device functions as both a pointing device and a scanning device. The input device can have a switch with a first position in which the input device functions as a pointing device and a second position in which the input device functions as a scanning device. When operating as a scanning device, the input device can have two modes of scanning operation: a document scan mode and a virtual scan mode. In the document scan mode, the input device can scan an image on a document page. In the virtual scan mode, the input device can scan an image on an electronic page. The input device can include a multi-functional scanning system that can scan an image horizontally, vertically, or any angle diagonally relative to a document or electronic page.

Abstract: A handheld device scans a line of information in the form of Internet URL's, Internet protocol addresses, Internet e-mail addresses, FTP sites, USENET news group addresses, DNS addresses and bar codes as they occur in print advertising and printed media. The scanned information is decoded and displayed for user verification. The device utilizes onboard information retrieval software that establishes a connection to the Internet to retrieve HTML, XML, WML, and VRML documents, e-mail messages, USENET news, Java applets, ActiveX documents, Active Server Pages, or file transfers from the Internet locations interpreted by the handheld scanner.

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 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: A handheld mobile image sensing and printing device includes a support structure. A color image sensor is positioned on the support structure for sensing a color image. A color 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 communications arrangement is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image and to receive data representing images to be printed by the printing mechanism.

Abstract: It is disclosed that a mobile scanner includes only the minimum components to operate as a scanner. The disclosed scanner does not have a separate power supply to energize the components to work. Further, unlike many scanners in the market, there is not a single microcontroller in the disclosed mobile scanner while the performance thereof could outperform those scanners commanded traditionally by a microcontroller in the scanners. The disclosed scanner is coupled by an interface engine to a computing device that provides system control signals and power supply. The interface engine comprises a control circuit providing logic control signals to the scanner to operate in response to the system control signals. As such, the scanner is of high performance and low cost and so lightweight that it can be used in any conditions.

Abstract: A compact image processing system comprising a printer module and at least one other module selected from a group including at least one image processing module; at least one house keeping module; and at least one isolated module. The printer module including at least one connector for selective connection to the at least one other module; a bus for providing power and data between said printer module and at least one other module; and a processor that re-configures the system on connection and disconnection of the at least one other module.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising an actuation element externally disposed on the imaging device and a first alignment element communicatively coupled with the actuation element and operable to emit an alignment light upon actuation of the actuation element, the alignment light emitted substantially in parallel with a surface of the imaging device is provided. A method of aligning a portable imaging device with an object comprising actuating an input element operatively coupled to an alignment element and emitting at least one alignment light from the alignment element is provided.

Abstract: When a detachable image reader can scan both color and monochrome images, the read images are transferred and printed in the scanning order. A printing output is undesirably limited depending on the type of printing agent cartridge of a main body printer. An object of this invention is to solve this problem. When a hand scanner unit scans and stores color and monochrome images, and mounted on a main body reader, a printing agent cartridge in the printer is identified. If the cartridge is a color one, color images in the hand scanner unit are preferentially transferred and printed out by the printer. Then, a change to a monochrome cartridge is displayed on a display. After the cartridge is changed, monochrome images in the hand scanner unit are transferred and printed out by the printer.

Abstract: A mouse for navigating upon grainy surfaces is equipped with at least two optical navigation circuits having different views of the work surface and whose axes may be non-parallel. For each navigation circuit an indication of navigation impairment owing to grain is detected. A suitable algorithm chooses from among the various navigation circuits which one's output to use. The multiple optical navigation circuits can each be separate self-contained mechanisms on separate dies or they can be separate sections of a single integrated circuit. The various metrics used within a navigation circuit for spatial filter selection can be further used by the navigation circuit selection algorithm. Each optical navigation circuit can have its own light source, or they can share a common one. They may also share any imaging optics, although each navigation sensor sees a different image.

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: System for reproducing images and method thereof. An image acquisition device belonging to the system acquires the image and converts the image into indicia, which is defined by a digitally encoded compressed representation of the image in the form of one or more data image files. The image files are downloaded to a first printer which prints the indicia onto a first recording medium. The indicia printed on the first recording medium may overlay the image without interfering with enjoyment of the image because the indicia is printed in an invisible dye. In order to produce a quality reproduction of the original image, a sensor, which is disposed in sensing relationship to the indicia on the first recording medium, senses the indicia and generates a digital output signal in response to the indicia sensed thereby.

Abstract: A device including a housing, a writing tip connected to the housing, a writing surface position indicator, a processor in the housing, a memory device in the housing connected to the processor, and a sensor in the housing and cooperative with the writing surface position indicator. The device may be used to record writings and drawings applied to a surface by a user, to transmit that data to a remote device, to download data from remote devices, and to otherwise communicate with remote devices.

Abstract: A modular scanning system (5) consisting of a first scanning unit (32) and a detachable platen element (10) provides for both sheet fed and platen scanning of documents. The first scanning unit (32) includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet fed scanning of documents using a stationary image forming subsystem (40). The platen element (10) provides a second scanning unit (110) which is capable of accepting a second image forming subsystem (70) from the first scanning unit (32) via a docking interface (16). The second image forming subsystem (70) can perform platen scanning of documents placed on a glass piece (26) of the platen element (10). Since the platen element (10) is detachable, the user has the option to select the platen scanning functionality but with the additional flexibility of selectively mounting or storing the platen element (10).

Abstract: A hand held mobile phone device with integral internal print apparatus, the device including a mobile telephone unit for transmitting and receiving signals, processing means for processing the received and transmitted signals into a printable form, a printhead and ink distribution unit assembly attached to the processing means for printing out the processed signals onto a print media, and print media feed means to feed print media received from a supply external of the phone device to the printhead for printing of the processed signal information thereon. Preferably, the printhead is a page width ink jet printhead formed as a printhead chip using MEMS processing techniques. In a preferred form, the printer phone may be used with a separate print media dispensing device that includes a print media storage region having a dispensing outlet and a printer phone cradle to support the printer phone and align its print media inlet with the dispensing outlet of the print media storage region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color image reader installed on an image reader such as a hand scanner whose reading speed may change during reading. A hand scanner has an encoder sensor which outputs movement amount data to a relative speed monitoring unit.

Abstract: A handwritten data capture apparatus is disclosed. The handwritten data capture apparatus can include a user-supported portable data capture unit and a handgrip region. The apparatus includes a handwritten data capture component having a receiving surface. A method for using a data collector to receive, compare and evaluate inputted signatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for managing network devices by providing status and configuration information for the networked devices via a handheld device. The system includes a means for identifying and categorizing managed network devices using a handheld device. Once discovered and identified the networked device is monitored for alerts based on a specific category. The networked device also provides basic configuration information that is viewed via the handheld device display.

Abstract: A single CPU executes three tasks, a communication task, an image production task, and a print task. A block managing section has plural reception blocks of plural sizes, and determines a reception block which is to be given to the communication task, in accordance with the use states of the reception blocks. When the rate of receiving data from a network is higher than the data processing rate in a printer, a block of a size which is larger than that of the previous block is given to the communication task. When the data receiving rate is lower, a block of a size which is smaller than that of the previous block is given to the communication task. According to this configuration, even when the traffic congestion of the network, or the like is changed, it is possible to suitably allocate the CPU execution time period to the tasks.

Abstract: Distinct designs are provided to reduce dimensions of an image sensing module without affecting the sizes of the original individual components in the image sensing module. According to one embodiment, a mirror is mounted before an optical focus system and used to collect and redirect reflected light from a scanning object being illuminated by an illumination source in the image sensing module, wherein the scanning object is parallel to the optical focus system.

Abstract: A method of capturing data having the steps of writing on a form with a pen to leave an image on the form, scanning the written image as the written image is being written, and storing the scanned written image in a specific data field. A method of capturing an input, including written information, sounds and images includes the steps of specifying a data field by touching a pen tip to a data-field-specific area on a form; supplying the input; electronically capturing the input and associating the input with the specified data field. An information capturing system, includes a pen, the pen including a writing tip and a position transducer to determine the position of the writing tip relative to a form.

Abstract: A bi-directional transmission mechanism is provided for an image scanner to increase the scanning speed. The bidirectional transmission mechanism provides a first transmission device for driving a sheet table in a first direction, and a second transmission device disposed below the sheet table for driving an image reading device in a second direction. The two transmission devices are moving towards opposite directions and at the same time when the scanning operation is enabled. The present invention mainly encompasses a sheet table for placing a document sheet. A first transmission device is provided for supporting and connecting to the sheet table for driving the sheet table from a first direction to a second direction. An image reading device disposed under the sheet table reads the image information of the document sheet.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus such as copying apparatus, image scanner, or the like using a contact type image sensor, a frame of the contact type image sensor is made of a resin material and a cross sectional shape of an original plate glass in the sensor longitudinal direction of the contact type sensor is formed in almost the same curve shape as a warp shape in the vertical direction of an original of the contact type image sensor, thereby constructing such that the distance is substantially equal at all positions and solving a problem that an out-of-focus partially occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image reading method and apparatus for regenerating on the image data storage image data read by an image reading apparatus such as a hand scanner. The object of the invention is to perform the mapping with high quality in a high speed without using a scanning flag representing whether the mapping has been already performed or not by using an image data reading apparatus able to perform the scanning freely in any direction. The invention is carried out by the following steps: first the position information generating device 2 generates position information of the image reading sensor 51 in accordance with the moving amount detected by the moving amount detecting unit 1, the scanning direction detecting unit 3 detects a scanning direction in accordance with the position information thus obtained, and the boundary detecting unit 4 generating a boundary within the mapping area in accordance with the scanning direction and the position information.

Abstract: At least one longitudinal end portion of a portable scanner is formed such that, a thickness, along a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface of the housing, is smaller at a position closer to the end of the housing, and is larger at a position farther from the end of the housing. In particular, a side end surface at the longitudinal end portion is formed inclined with respect to the bottom surface at an acute angle.

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 method for composition and transmission of an electronic mail message including: printing a document to facilitate composition and transmission of the electronic mail message; composing the electronic mail message on the document utilizing a sensing device adapted to read coded data in the document; transmitting interaction data from the sensing device to a computer system, the interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data to allow the message to be electronically captured in the computer system; and transmitting the message to at least one recipient address.

Abstract: An optical assembly with having a dust seal incorporated therein is disclosed. The optical assembly has a first portion and a second portion separated by a space wherein at least one optical component is located in the space. The dust seal may be a section of polyolefin tubing or heat shrink tubing that encompasses the space. The dust seal is placed adjacent a section of the first portion and a section of the second portion. Heat is then applied to the dust seal, which causes it to shrink and, thus, conform to the first portion and the second portion. The conforming dust seal seals the optical assembly and prevents contaminants from interfering with the optical components located in the space.

Abstract: A segmented photosensor array for an image scanner has segments with imperfect alignment. During scanner manufacturing, photosensor segment alignment data, such as segment position offset and segment angle, is measured. The offset and angle are stored in non-volatile memory within the scanner. A position correction system uses the stored alignment data to correct position and angle values before being processed by a rectification system. Most pixels require simple geometry calculations. However, a more complex state machine is needed to handle the transition from one photosensor segment to the next. Correcting for segment position offset and angle errors enables a cost reduction for the sensor array and, in particular, reduces costs associated with scrap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.