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 reading pen for reading text has an elongate casing with a reading opening (3) formed in one end thereof, a printed circuit board (5) which is arranged inside the casing, light-emitting diodes (7a, 7b)) arranged inside the reading opening and adapted to illuminate the text that is to be read, and a light-sensitive sensor (9) arranged inside the reading opening and adapted to read the illuminated text. The printed circuit board (5) has an end portion at said one end of the casing. The end portion essentially corresponds to the form of the casing. The light-emitting diodes (7a, 7b) and the light-sensitive sensor (9) are arranged on said end portion.

Abstract: A miniature wire connector for connecting a transmission cable, defined by a plurality of coaxial cables, to an electronic imager assembly. The connector includes a substantially non-conductive supporting body, and a plurality of grooves formed in the outer surface of the body. At least a portion of each of the grooves includes a layer of conductive plating formed thereon, the grooves retaining at least an axial portion of at least one coaxial cable.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be captured 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 and executed by the processor includes a delete page module for purging the memory of captured images when they are no longer needed. The delete page module includes a code segment for displaying an animation, which, in the preferred embodiment, is designed to convey the concept to the user that a delete operation is irreversible. One implementation of the animation shows the deleted page or group of pages turn into ashes, which is a metaphor for the permanence of the delete operation. A confirmation prompt is provided prior to carrying out the delete operation to inform the user how many pages or images will be deleted and what percentage of memory will be freed.

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 portable dual-mode scanner device capable of being powered through a universal serial bus connection where the individual components of the portable scanner are selectively and controllably powered so as to function within the power limitations of the usb port (i.e., 5 Volts, 2.2 watts) without appreciable degradation of a captured image whether that image resides on a transparent media (i.e., a negative) or an opaque media (i.e., paper) is described.

Abstract: A scanner for reading characters from a string of characters recorded on a surface as well as reading bar code information encoded in bar codes. Upon obtaining either the text or the bar code information, the information is transferred to a remote location via impulse radio wireless techniques. The character or bar code scanner may include a lens of variable magnification so as to accommodate variable size print. The scanner is in communication with an external information processing apparatus such as a computer through an impulse radio wireless transmitter/receiver. The value of each pixel detected by the scanner is determined by comparing the light reflection value with a threshold that is adjusted in accordance with the values of pixels detected and averaged over previous frames. The hand-held scanner and impulse radio transceiver and impulse radio antenna may be housed in any elongate housing for pen-like use or in a palm-held housing such as a typical mouse.

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: The system of the present invention includes a form design component, a form description repository, and a forms processing component Each form used with the system has a layout including a form identifier field with a common location space for each given form of the plurality of different types of forms.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be captured 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 and executed by the processor includes a delete page module for purging the memory of captured images when they are no longer needed. The delete page module includes a code segment for displaying an animation, which, in the preferred embodiment, is designed to convey the concept to the user that a delete operation is irreversible. One implementation of the animation shows the deleted page or group of pages turn into ashes, which is a metaphor for the permanence of the delete operation. A confirmation prompt is provided prior to carrying out the delete operation to inform the user how many pages or images will be deleted and what percentage of memory will be freed.

Abstract: An appliance and method are provided for capturing and viewing images. The capturing and viewing appliance is an instrument used to capture and communicate 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 viewing application program which allows the user to view stored images in a variety of pixel resolutions. According to another aspect of the invention, the viewing system provides a user-friendly interface for effective graphical communication of the functioning of the appliance or other device to the user through use of animated transitions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held scanner that comprises contact image scanning technology. A waveguide formed in a substrate is comprised of an elongate light pipe. The light pipe includes a reflective layer, preferably having an elliptical shape, deposited on an inside lateral surface. Light sources disposed at each end of the light pipe emit rays of light through the light pipe. The rays of light propagate in the light pipe until striking an area of a reflective surface. The reflective surface directs the ray of light away from the lateral surface and onto the scan line of a document to be scanned. The light of the illuminated scan line is reflected back through the waveguide array, through a slit not covered by the reflective layer, and onto an optical lens array. The optical lens array focuses the light onto an optical sensor array that converts the image into a digital image, to be saved in an internal memory.

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 portable scanner for document imaging includes at least one position detector. The position detector has an optical detector and an aperture assembly adjacent the optical detector. The aperture assembly has a first aperture size and a second aperture size. The aperture assembly is adjustable between the first aperture size and the second aperture size.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus including numeric keys for entering dial numbers or abbreviated dial numbers, a transmission instruction key for instructing the processing for transmission, a storage unit for storing dial information and received information, a scanner which is removable from a main body of the apparatus having a reading and storing units, a scanner connecting unit for connecting said scanner to the main body of the apparatus and a printing unit for visually outputting an image data which is stored in said storing unit, the image data which is stored in the storing unit of the scanner is output only by mounting said scanner on a main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: In an image scanner, rectification of sensor data is computed in real time, so that sensor data do not need to be stored into an image memory. As a result, performance is improved because firmware for sensor data storage and retrieval is eliminated, and fewer devices are arbitrating for access to the image memory. The rectification system is extendable to color scanning by providing one rectification module for each color. In various example embodiments, sensor data are entered into a data buffer configured as a first-in-first-out buffer. The buffer is sufficiently long to hold a little more than one scan-line of data. In a first example embodiment, an interpolator module receives sensor data from fixed locations within the buffer. As new values are entered, old unneeded values are simply discarded. Some special conditions require a distinctive (for example, blank or null) value to be inserted to maintain proper data alignment within the buffer.

Abstract: A scanner system is provided with a scanner provided with an image sensor, and a sheet feed adapter detachably coupled to the scanner. A predetermined surface of the sheet feed adapter faces the image sensor when the sheet feed adapter is coupled to the scanner. The scanner is operable in a hand scan mode when the sheet feed adapter is detached from the scanner, and in a sheet through mode when the sheet feed adapter is coupled to the scanner. In the sheet through mode, an original to be scanned is automatically fed between the predetermined surface and the image sensor. A predetermined image is formed on the predetermined surface of the sheet feed adapter, and the scanner comprises a judging system that judges that the sheet feed adapter is coupled to the scanner only when the image sensor scans the predetermined image on the predetermined surface of the sheet feed adapter.

Abstract: An ergonomic “press-on-press-off” capture mode is added to an existing “press-and-hold” capture mode in a portable hand-held scanning device without adding additional control buttons or requiring the user to make a selection between which capture mode to use. Supporting both capture modes simultaneously is accomplished through monitoring the capture button and distance traveled by the device. When the capture button is pressed and released, a check is made to see if the device was moved a predetermined distance while the capture button was depressed. If yes, then the press-and-hold capture mode is confirmed, and image data capture ends. If no, then the press-on-press-off capture mode is confirmed, and image data capture continues, even though the capture button is not depressed, until a second press of the capture button or lift off. The second press of the capture button or lift off terminates the image data capture for the press-on-press-off capture mode.

Abstract: A position sensing device for determining the position of an object to which the position sensing device is attached is disclosed herein. The position sensing device may comprise a substrate, an actuator and a two-dimensional photosensor array wherein the substrate is attached to the object. The actuator may have a first portion and a second portion wherein the actuator first portion is attached to the substrate and wherein the actuator second portion is movably mounted to the actuator first portion along a first axis. The two-dimensional photosensor array may be attached to the actuator second portion. The position sensing device determines the position of the object by electronically and mechanically tracking distinct features on the surface. The electronic component of the tracking involves determining the position of the distinct features relative to the two-dimensional photosensor array.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrogenated copolymer of a vinyl aromatic and isoprene monomer which produces optical media discs having extremely low birefringence.

Abstract: A data inputting device for inputting data to a computer, word processor or data image processor is disclosed. The device has a single inputting unit capable of selectively inputting coordinates or an image. Further, the inputting unit is capable of inputting an image on the basis of absolute coordinates representative of positions on a document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading device for reading data on a document. It is substantially rectangular, and the length is approximately equal to the width of a standard sheet of paper. The device is readily portable because it is equipped with a clip, therefore it may be secured onto a shirt pocket, and as well it is equipped with a hinge assembly, therefore it may be folded, and easily carried inside a pocket or a wallet. The invention provides a user with numerous scanning options because the device may be used in its fully open position or in its folded position.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes an imaging sensor that receives light and defines digital data based on the received light. A data manager stores this digital data into a storage device associated with the optical scanning device. The imaging sensor is coupled to a housing unit, which is also detachably coupled to a member that has a surface exposed to the imaging sensor. A movable device is disposed between the imaging sensor and the surface of the member, and a user moves the movable device into a position that corresponds with a particular character. Then, the imaging sensor produces a set of digital data defining an image of the movable device. An image analyzer analyzes the set of digital data and identifies a character based on a position of the movable device within the image.

Abstract: In order to use plain paper without increasing the total size of the apparatus, the facsimile apparatus in the present invention houses hand scanner 300 in scanner section 3 which is provided at the front of facsimile apparatus main unit 1 via support 305 with the scanning side facing upward.

Abstract: A data input system is provided with an input pen. A sequence of characters are traced with the input pen, and image data on them are read from the image scanner incorporated in the input pen. Each character is recognized on the basis of the image data. If a recognition error occurs during the input processing, a correct character is written with the input pen. A locus of movement is traced on the basis of moving distance data, which is obtained by a moving distance sensor and includes a moving distance and a moving direction. A character represented by the traced locus is recognized.

Abstract: A converter for an optical scanner of the type having a scanner linear photosensor array, a scanner imaging assembly which normally images a moving scan line portion of a closely adjacently positioned object onto the linear photosensor array including a converter imaging assembly having at least one optical element which cooperates with the scanner imaging assembly to image a scan line portion of a scene remote from said optical scanner onto said scanner linear photosensor array.

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: An image scanner of a document incorporated a transparent member on a lower surface for passing reading and reflecting light while preventing entry of dust and foreign matter into the scanner housing. The transparent member is disposed so that at least the area which passes reflected light is located outside of the depth of field of the scanner optical system.

Abstract: An image processing system has an image acquisition unit, a document inclination acquisition unit and a correction unit. The image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of segment images by segment image sensing on a plurality of image sensing directions of a surface of an image sensing target while an image sensing device is stationary in a fixed standard direction. The document inclination acquisition unit acquires the inclination of the surface of the image sensing target relative to the standard direction. The correction unit corrects the plurality of obtained segment images in accordance with the inclination of the surface of the image sensing target and the inclination in the image sensing direction relative to the standard direction.

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: An integrated optical imaging assembly for scanning an object may comprise a printed circuit board having an upper end and a lower end. An optical detector is mounted to the upper end of the printed circuit board at an end of an image light path, and a lens system is mounted to the printed circuit board below the optical detector to be interposed in the image light path. A reflector is mounted to the lens in the image light path between the lens and the optical detector to direct the image light path between the lens and the optical detector. An illumination source is mounted to the lower end of the circuit board to illuminate a second end of the image light path below the lens, and an illumination reflector is mounted to the lens opposite the illumination source to direct an illumination light path from the illumination source toward the image light path below the lens.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image input unit is disposed on one surface, and data processed by an image processing circuit for processing an image input by the image input unit can be displayed on a two-dimensional image output unit disposed on the other surface as a rear surface with respect to the one surface. Size and cost reductions of the entire apparatus are attained, and read image information can be displayed on the image output surface as the upper surface in real time.

Abstract: Hand-held image scanner apparatus may comprise a body having first and second side walls positioned in spaced-apart relation so that the second side wall is located a spaced distance from the first side wall. The body also includes a convex face portion that extends between the first and second side walls and defines a contact axis that extends along a lateral direction and that is located longitudinally between the first and second side walls. The convex face portion allows the body to be tilted about the contact axis when the convex face portion is in contact with an object to be scanned. An image sensing system mounted within the body is responsive to image light reflected by the object being scanned and produces an image signal based on the image light. The image sensing system is optically coupled to an image light opening in the convex face portion of the body so that image light passing through the image light opening is received by the image sensing system.

Abstract: A hand-held image capture and communication appliance and method of using same are provided wherein images may be captured 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 and executed by the processor includes a delete page module for purging the memory of captured images when they are no longer needed. The delete page module includes a code segment for displaying an animation, which, in the preferred embodiment, is designed to convey the concept to the user that a delete operation is irreversible. One implementation of the animation shows the deleted page or group of pages turn into ashes, which is a metaphor for the permanence of the delete operation. A confirmation prompt is provided prior to carrying out the delete operation to inform the user how many pages or images will be deleted and what percentage of memory will be freed.

Abstract: A portable hand-held image recording device for generating and storing information representative of a two dimensional image includes a compact image scanning apparatus, a microprocessor, memory, and associated control software. The compact image scanning apparatus includes a light emitting diode array to provide a source of light, a focusing element to create a scan line on the image, a lens array to transmit light reflected off of the image, and an image sensor to convert the light reflected off of the image into electronic information. A scanning subassembly is provided to accurately track movement of the recording device across the image and to incrementally scan discrete portions of the image by controlling energization of the light emitting diode array.

Abstract: In an apparatus (1) having a scanning device (30) for scanning a record carrier (11) to be scanned the scanning device (30) is accommodated in a separate housing (31) and the scanning device (30) is detachable from the apparatus (1), by means of which scanning device (30) a record carrier (11) can be scanned both in a first mode of operation, in which said device (30) is attached to the apparatus (1), and in a second mode of operation, in which said device (30) is detached from the apparatus (1), and withdrawal means (33) have been provided, for withdrawing each time one record carrier (11) to be scanned from a stack (5) of record carriers to be scanned, and drive means (40, 41) have been provided, for driving a withdrawn record carrier (11) to be scanned in the apparatus (1), the withdrawal means (33) and the drive means (40, 41) being accommodated in the separate housing (31) of the scanning device (30), which drive means (40, 41) can be placed onto the stationary record carrier (11) to be scanned and can b

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: An improved flatbed scanner comprises a frame transparent scanner and a cradle having a lid. The frame transparent scanner is a stand-alone portable scanner that can scan both transparent and opaque scanning objects. When the frame transparent scanner is rested in the cradle, a flatbed scanner, appearing as a regular flatbed scanner, is structured. The operations are no different from that of the regular flatbed scanner. One of the advantages and benefits of the disclosed flatbed scanner is that a user no longer has to have two scanners, typically one for mobile applications and one for stationary applications. With the current disclosed flatbed scanner, the user can take the frame transparent scanner off the cradle for the mobile applications and rest the frame transparent scanner in the cradle for office uses.

Abstract: A portable scanner may comprise a first image detector and a second image detector placed in spaced apart relation to the first image detector. A plurality of position detectors is located between the first image detector and the second image detector for detecting a position of the portable scanner. A portable scanner may also comprise an image detector having a first side and a second side opposite said first side. A first plurality of position detectors is located adjacent the first side of the image detector. A second plurality of position detectors is located adjacent the second side of the image detector.

Abstract: An image-scanning device which includes an image input unit possessing an image sensor unit that reads images such as characters and graphics on a manuscript illuminated by a light source, transfers the image data corresponding to the read data in a specified size after issuing an image data transfer interrupt request; and an image processing unit possessing a ring buffer that stores the image data being sent from the image input unit on a specified data size basis in specified areas, and which performs image correction on the image data stored in this ring buffer between image data transfer interrupt requests from the image input unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reconstructing an image from data captured by a sensor, and is particularly applicable to the case of sequential capture in relative movement between a scanning device and the original image. The seanning device comprises navigation means for detecting the position of the sensor relative to the original image. A pixel grid for the reconstructed image is determined, and correspondence between the pixel grid and the sensor data is identified using sensor position detection data. The intensity of pixels is determined from sensor data selected as relevant to the pixel under consideration.

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: An integrated optical imaging assembly for scanning an object may comprise a printed circuit board having an upper end and a lower end. An optical detector is mounted to the upper end of the printed circuit board at an end of an image light path, and a lens system is mounted to the printed circuit board below the optical detector to be interposed in the image light path. A reflector is mounted to the lens in the image light path between the lens and the optical detector to direct the image light path between the lens and the optical detector. An illumination source is mounted to the lower end of the circuit board to illuminate a second end of the image light path below the lens, and an illumination reflector is mounted to the lens opposite the illumination source to direct an illumination light path from the illumination source toward the image light path below the lens.

Abstract: A handheld scanning dictionary is provided. It includes a relatively small housing adapted in size to be held in one hand by a user during use. A scanning input is carried by the housing preferably at a tapered distal end of the housing, which allows text to be scanned as input during a wanding movement of a scanning input mode of operation, with a scanning input in contact with the text, and with the elongated housing held in one hand by the user and oriented generally transverse to a surface which carries such text. The elongated housing is maintained out of contact with the surface which carries the text. A display is carried by the housing in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The controller is disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the scanning input and the display. A program is provided which is composed of instructions which are executable by the controller.

Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed wherein the imaging portion of the imaging device is integrated into an optical positioning system. The imaging device has a linear array of photodetector elements that are used to generate machine-readable image data representing an object being imaged. At least one two-dimensional photodetector segment comprising a two-dimensional array of photodetector elements is integrated into the linear array of photodetector elements. The two-dimensional photodetector segments serve the dual function of providing image data and positioning data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending a facsimile of a message is disclosed. The present invention provides for recording pen strokes that set forth a message and sending the recorded pen strokes as part of a facsimile.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading an image of the obverse side of a thin sheet includes a light source for emitting a light for illuminating the obverse side of the thin sheet. The light contains two fractions having different wave lengths from each other. When the light has been reflected on the thin sheet, first and second image pickup means receive one and the other of the aforesaid two fractions respectively. In order to be free of the adverse effect of characters, etc. printed on the reverse side of the thin sheet and seen therethrough on the obverse side, an signal processing system is operable such that image information on the obverse side of the thin sheet alone is extracted from image data outputted from the first and second image pickup means respectively.

Abstract: An image processing device comprises an image reader section, an A/D converter section, a speed detection roller, an encoder, and an image information precision control section. The image reader section detects the intensity of one or more colors on a subject on which the image reader section moves, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity. The A/D converter section quantizes the electric signal to a digital signal. The movement speed of the image reader section which is moving on the subject is detected by the speed detection roller and the encoder. The image information precision control section controls quantization precision of the digital signal according to the movement speed detected by the speed detection roller and the encoder.

Abstract: Expandable scanner apparatus may comprise a main body with a detector mounted therein. A contact head mounted to the main body can be moved toward and away from the main body between a retracted position and an extended position. An optical system operatively associated with the main body and the contact head focuses on the detector image light from an object being scanned when the contact head is in the extended position.

Abstract: The claimed integrated scan-to-store apparatus comprises of a single housing unit wherein a flatbed scanner, CPU, monitor, and storing means are disposed within. The apparatus allows images to be scanned and stored on a removable data/storage device.