Abstract: A solid state imager assembly for use in an insertion tube of a video endoscope that includes a TAB imager package having fine pitch leads extending outwardly to either side of the imager. A transparent window covers the imager. A first hybrid board is attached to one set of leads and a second hybrid circuit board is attached to the second set of leads. The boards are turned downwardly to either side of the imager and placed in opposed parallel alignment beneath the imager. Circuitry is mounted on the opposed inside surfaces of the boards. A block of encapsulating material is placed between the boards to encapsulate the circuitry therein and provide structural support to the package.

Abstract: An image-reading device is provided with a case having an empty section, a scanner for scanning an original so as to output image data derived from the original by reciprocally moving inside the empty section, a transparent reading-use window that faces the reading region of the original with respect to the scanner, and a transparent confirming-use window that is formed in the case so as to face the reading-use window, with the empty section located in between. This device enables visual confirmation of the original through the reading-use window, the empty section and the confirming-use window. Therefore, the device allows the operator to confirm a positional relationship between the reading-use window that forms the image-reading surface for the scanner and the original to be read through visual observation, readily as well as accurately. Thus, the device makes it possible to readily output the image data accurately.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensing apparatus in which it is possible to use an optical system having a large aperture and an image sensing system such as an image sensing element in an image sensing cartridge docked with a portable image device. The image sensing apparatus includes a portable information device and an image sensing cartridge, which has at least an image sensing system, capable of being loaded in and unloaded from the information device. An image sensing operation becomes possible by docking the information device and the image sensing cartridge. The image sensing cartridge has an opening, which is for introducing light to the image sensing system, the aperture of which is designed to be larger than the shortest portion of an insertion port, which is provided in the information device, for inserting the image sensing cartridge.

Abstract: A manual type image scanner rolls on X-direction and Y-direction rollers which support the scanner for translation in X and Y-directions, respectively. The scanner scans a surface while translated in the Y-direction. The X-direction roller is positioned on the scanner so that it is remote from a scanned surface when the scanner is supported on the Y-direction rollers. The position of the X-roller is such that the scanner can be supported on the X-direction rollers by tilting the scanner about one end of the Y-direction rollers until the X-direction roller contacts the surface and further tilting the scanner to lift the Y-direction rollers off the surface. Movements of the X-direction and Y-direction rollers are registered by encoders so that an area wider than an image width of the scanner can be scanned by consecutively scanning adjacent paths by making alternating traversals in the X- and Y-directions.

Abstract: An optical scanner that employs a pulsed light source that is synchronized to the scan position by a position encoder and a pulse control system. Such a scanner has an improved image sharpness and improved image registration. Moreover, a pulsed light source in a scanner of the present invention is more efficient and uses less power, which results in various cost and power savings. Such a scanner is capable of operating off a smaller power source (battery) and is capable of running for longer periods of time off a battery than scanners with a light source that is on during the entire scanning process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical pickup device usable in television cameras,intended in particular for reading documents and comprising a pickup lens system. The optical device according to the invention comprises an aiming window, a selective mirror located substantially vertically above the window, dividing the optical beam from the said window into a transmitted beam and a reflected beam, and a reflecting mirror located in the continuation of the reflected beam from the selective mirror, directing the reflected beam towards the pickup lens system of the device.

Abstract: A picture image input device having the capabilities of a sheet fed scanner with respect to sheet-type original media and realizing the convenience of a hand scanner with respect to original media such as books and the like. The picture image input device includes a light source that emits light for reading an original medium, an image sensor, a projection optical system that composes an image of the original medium on the image sensor, a driving unit that moves the original medium relative to the image sensor and a folding joint unit that changes the usage state between one of an open state and a folded state. In the open state the picture image input device functions as a hand scanner. In the closed state the picture image input device functions as a sheet fed scanner. The reading position of the original medium is the boundary between a reading unit and a driving unit of the picture image input device in the folded state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held scanning device which contacts an object to be scanned only at substantially colinear points, e.g., via a roller. This configuration allows the scanning device to scan very close to the edge of an object to be scanned while remaining fully supported by the object. In order to counteract detrimental effects caused by tilting of the scanning device during a scan, the scan region of the scanning device is located close to the roller, a relatively high f-number lens is used and a widened illumination area is employed. The scanning device is also configured to provide for easy grasping by a user and to allow the user to view the scan region during a scan.

Abstract: A two-line sensor type image input and processing apparatus and method for accurately determining the current scan state, start of scanning and end of scanning events, as well as estimating scanning speed corresponding thereto, and for performing high precision distortion correction on the basis of these estimated scanning speeds.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an imaging lens, an area image sensor having solid-state imaging elements arranged in a planar manner, and an imaging device for converting an image of an imaging object read by the area image sensor into image information. The imaging device is switchable between an electronic camera function mode and image scanner function mode. When the device is switched into the electronic camera function mode, the image information for one frame is outputted, whereas when the imaging device is switched into the image scanner function mode, the image information derived when an object to be read is manually scanned by the area image sensor in response to a moving amount of the manual scanning operation is outputted as continuous image information. Image information may thus be acquired over a wide range by employing a single image information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A housing includes a first portion and second portion. Each of the first and second portions supports a mirror and are connected and prevented from independent movement through a cover glass plate. The connection between the portions of the housing reduces the amount of angular change of mirrors within the housing resulting from a change in temperature, and thereby reduces the amount of displacement of a reading point of an image receiving element during the temperature change. The reading point is projected along an optical path including multiple reflections from the mirrors. A first connection device tightly fits the cover glass plate between the first and second portions of the housing, and a second connection device adheres the cover glass plate to the first and second portions of the housing.

Abstract: A method and device for acquiring data related to topography of a medium includes projecting light, allowably from more than one direction, onto the surface of the medium at an angle of less than sixteen degrees relative to the surface and imaging the surface. For example, the imaging sensor may be an array of sensor elements that is used to determine navigation of a hand-held scanner along an original. By introducing light at an angle of less than sixteen degrees, surface irregularities cast shadows that form a high contrast illumination pattern along the surface of the medium. The navigation sensor detects multi-element variations of intensity of scattered light from the surface with respect to positions along the surface, so that the Nyquist criteria are adequately satisfied. Typically, the light is collimated incoherent light, but this is not critical. The illumination angle can be established by using a prism. The prism may have an antireflective thin film coating on one or more prism faces.

Abstract: When a reading mode selection switch is depressed in a state where a document detection switch detected that a document is set in a facsimile device, a central processing unit sets the document reading mode in the regular scanner mode in which the document is read by being automatically conveyed within the facsimile device. When the reading mode selection switch is depressed in a state where the document detection switch detected that the document is not set in the facsimile device, the central processing unit sets the document reading mode in the hand scanner mode in which a document is read by a hand scanner moved by an operator manually on the document.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an image scanning device mounted to a computer case, which includes a scanner housing having a first portion located inside the computer case and a second portion protruding through a surface of the computer case, a scanning passage essentially located in the second portion of the scanner housing for transmitting therethrough an object to be scanned, and an image sensing and processing device installed in the scanner housing for sensing an image of the object during the transmission of the object through the scanning passage and processing the sensed image. The scanning device according to the present invention is mounted to a computer case so that the extra space for resting thereon or moving therearound a sheetfed-type or a handheld-type scanner will not be needed any more. Moreover, the scanning device according to the present invention occupies relatively small space from the host computer, e.g.

Abstract: A portable image scanner capable of selecting a manual document loading mode in which a cover member is united to a scanner body to feed a cut-sheet document through a document passage defined between the united scanner body and cover member for scanning the document, or a self-propelling mode in which the cover member is separated from the scanner body to move the independent scanner body on a thick document such as a book. The scanner body has a document sensor for detecting the cut-sheet document placed in the document passage in the manual document loading mode, and the thick document in the self-propelling mode to prevent the scanner body moving on the document from falling out of the edge of the thick document.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensing apparatus in which it is possible to use an optical system having a large aperture and an image sensing system such as an image sensing element in an image sensing cartridge docked with a portable image device. The image sensing apparatus includes a portable information device and an image sensing cartridge, which has at least an image sensing system, capable of being loaded in and unloaded from the information device. An image sensing operation becomes possible by docking the information device and the image sensing cartridge. The image sensing cartridge has an opening, which is for introducing light to the image sensing system, the aperture of which is designed to be larger than the shortest portion of an insertion port, which is provided in the information device, for inserting the image sensing cartridge.

Abstract: A hand-held and self contained electronic printing device for printing indicia on a medium includes a housing that can be manually positioned adjacent a surface of the medium and remain stationary against the medium during a printing sequence; the housing having an aperture that generally defines a printing area on the medium when the housing is in position for printing; a printer disposed in the housing for printing indicia in a selectable pattern of dots on the medium within the printing area; an actuator for initiating a printing sequence; and electronic control means disposed in the housing for controlling the printer to print indicia on the medium during a printing sequence. In one embodiment, the print head can be moved to sweep across a printing area by a manual force applied to an actuator.

Abstract: An object oriented database data acquisition device having a housing with at least one substantially planar surface and a video screen positioned thereon. The device includes a digitizer positioned substantially coextensively under the video screen and a pen having a power source for activating the digitizer. Means for controlling the data acquisition device includes controllers comprising a first microprocessor, a second microprocessor connected to said digitizer and first processor for scanning the digitizer, a third microprocessor connected to said video screen for controlling screen images, a power manager connected to the first processor, the power manager including a power source and controller, program storage, and a program stored in the program storage for controlling the microprocessors.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising image reading means for reading image data, a body with control means for subjecting read image data to information processing together with document data, and receiving means for receiving the image reading means, the receiving means being detachably data mounted in the body, wherein which is configured to allow a document, which is to be read by the image reading means, to travel across a surface that includes the reading position of the image reading means, while the image reading means is mounted in the body by being housed in the receiving means.

Abstract: A hand-held and self contained electronic scanning apparatus for scanning information on a document disposed outside the apparatus includes a housing that can be manually positioned adjacent a surface of a document and manually swept across a scanning area on the medium during a scanning sequence; a scanner disposed in the housing and having a scan head with a plurality of scan elements such as light sensitive elements for scanning information as an image of the document within the scanning area; and an electronic control circuit disposed in the housing for controlling the scanner to scan information on the document during a scanning sequence, the control circuit comprising compensation for reducing image distortion based on detecting position of the light sensitive elements during a scanning sequence.

Abstract: A device for scanning patterns from a surface of a pad includes in combination a scanner which is moved over the pad surface to read data stored in those patterns, and calibration marks preferably provided on the surface of the pad outside the region carrying the patterns. The calibration marks are detectable by the scanner for comparison with parameters of a scanning process.

Abstract: A multimedia information capturing apparatus consisting of a hand writing stylus pen and a data processing unit including a write and display tablet operating with the stylus pen. By means of the stylus pen, image and voice data are captured, memorized and transmitted to the data processing unit through a wireless data transmission route, and in the data processing unit, the image and voice data are displayed and sounded on the tablet and from a speaker respectively and text data on the image and voice data is made by operating the stylus pen with the tablet. The data on the captured image and voice and the text data are stored in the data processing unit, and the data stored in the data processing unit can be transfer to the stylus pen through the wireless transmission route and stored in the stylus pen.

Abstract: A recording apparatus of the kind arranged to perform recording by moving a carriage on which a recording head is mounted is provided with a linear encoder which consists of a linear scale part arranged in parallel to a moving route of the carriage to have position information recorded in the longitudinal direction thereof at a predetermined pitch and a detecting head arranged to detect the position information of the scale part. The detecting head includes a protective film thereon and a slider which fittingly engages the scale part and is formed with a polyphenylene sulfide material containing 10 to 50% of a filler.

Abstract: A scanner for reading characters from a string of characters recorded on a substrate. The scanner includes a character scanner that is used with a stroking motion parallel to the string of characters that permits the user to view the line being scanned as the scanner is moved across the page. A line-by-line scanner with a wide area of view may be mounted along the side of the scanner to be used in scanning a page or column on a line-by-line basis. The character scanner may include a lens of variable magnification so as to accommodate variable size print. A microphone mounted on the scanner permits the input of voice sound information. The scanner may be in communication with a computer through a cable or a 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.

Abstract: A hand-held business card image copier is disclosed which includes an image scanner for generating electronic digitized image of a business card. A keypad is provided for assigning identification data to the digitized image. A memory controller is provided for storing the digitized image and assigned identification data. An electronic display is operative to display the digitized image as it is copied, or recalled from memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double function-mode scanner. It includes a scanner body scanning a content of an article to be scanned, and a feeder connected to the scanner body to have the article transmitted through a passage between the scanner body and the feeder so that the content of the article can be scanned and having a light source for allowing the sheet-feed scanner to perform not only a reflection-mode scanning but a penetration-mode scanning.

Abstract: An image scanner comprises an image sensor for inputting image data, a rotary encoder, LED and read out window for reading image data, a buffer D RAM, ROM and S RAM for storing image data, a LCD display for displaying input image data, a power source for supplying electrical power, and a memory card for communicating stored image data to a host, wherein the above elements are formed as a cordless, card-shaped unit.

Abstract: An image information reading device is provided, which includes a scanner for reading image information and a scanner guide for guiding the scanner. The scanner has a light source, a line sensor for receiving beams of light reflected by an object to be read from beams of light emitted by the light source to generate image information as the scanner is moved and the object to be read is scanned in a vertical scanning direction orthogonal to a horizontal scanning direction of the line sensor. The scanner guide is formed with a guide frame portion which abuts the scanner. The guide frame portion has first and second straight portions formed respectively along the horizontal and vertical scanning directions of the scanner in correspondence with the range which can be read by the scanner and comprises a transparent flat plate portion formed between the first and second straight portions.

Abstract: A hand-held image scanner can scan an object larger than the scanner itself. Successive multiple partial images scanned in the Y (or longitudinal) direction) are combined to form a single image by keeping track of the position and motion of the scanner in both the Y direction and the X (or latitudinal) direction. The scanner measures distance moved in either the X or the Y direction, but it cannot measure in both directions at once, nor does it scan when it moves in the X direction.

Abstract: A rigid cylindrical roller for use in portable optical scanners. The roller includes a thinned midsection and a plurality of grooves. A plurality of compressible, surface gripping rings are fitted onto the plurality of grooves. Each surface gripping ring is held relatively immobile with respect to one another as well as to the roller. In one embodiment, the roller, the grooves, and the compressible rings are dimensioned such that in use, the surface-gripping rings are compressed inside the grooves at the points of rolling contact, permitting both the roller and the rings to come into contact with the scanned surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand held scanner with a motorized drive capability. The motorized drive employs a clutchless motor system. In manual operation, the scanner operates as a standard non-motorized scanner in which the user can neither see nor feel any effects of the motor system. In the motorized mode, a worm gear mounted on the motor's drive shaft causes the drive gear/friction wheel assembly to engage the drive rollers.

Abstract: A method for entering data into a computer generated form including field areas of preselected height and width includes the steps of converting handwritten characters of arbitrary height which may be greater than the preselected height formed on the screen to computer generated characters and displaying the computer generated characters within a field area. Additionally, handwritten characters to be entered into several field areas are grouped, converted, and displayed in selected field areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying a printing mechanism over a surface of a substrate as the printing means creates indicia on the surface of the substrate. The present invention further provides a method and apparatus for conveying an optical sensor over the surface of the substrate so as to optically scan an image of indicia present on the surface of the substrate. In the preferred embodiment the invention comprises a compact shuttle assembly including a housing that accommodates a mobility subsystem, a sensor subsystem, a printer subsystem and a communications subsystem, each in cooperative communication with a control processor subsystem. In the preferred embodiment the mobility subsystem includes an electric motor rotationally coupled to a rolling member mounted under the housing. The shuttle assembly is guided over a top surface of substrate by selectively activating the mobility subsystem as the rolling member frictionally engages the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for hand scanners which makes it possible to use such scanners with straight guidance, with uniform applied pressure, with uniform scanning speed and defined overlapping of scanned columns. For this purpose, the device has a device block, comprising a longitudinal guide rail with a longitudinal guide slot, guided in which is a guide frame, on which a carriage is mounted displaceably perpendicularly with respect to the guide slot and has a clamp or similar device for a scanner, and comprising a drive for adjusting the guide frame.

Abstract: An image scanner for a document incorporates 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: A hand scanner support and paper guide apparatus is provided for mechanically scanning a thin sheet using two scanners originally designed to be hand-held. The apparatus includes a base assembly, a top assembly, and a hinge assembly connecting the base assembly and the top assembly together. The base assembly includes a base housing which includes a planar upper wall which serves as a flat surface along which the thin sheet is moved. A base scanner unit is supported by the base assembly a spaced distance below the planar upper wall as the thin sheet is moved past the base scanner unit. A guide assembly is connected to the base housing for guiding the thin sheet in a straight path as the thin sheet is moved along the planar upper wall. A drive assembly, a portion of which is housed within the base housing, is provided for moving the thin sheet past the base scanner unit.

Abstract: A portable optical scanner has a hand-held housing containing an optical sensor, a first memory for storing information representative of the output of the optical sensor, and a fiber optic image guide extending from the lower end of the housing to a position proximate the optical sensor for communicating an image being scanned from a scanned surface to the optical sensor. A lens disposed intermediate the optical sensor and image guide focuses the image upon the optical sensor. The fiber optic image guide has a lower surface formed at an angle of approximately 65 degrees to the longitudinal axis thereof such that the portable optical scanner is held at a conveniently comfortable angle during the scanning process to mitigate fatigue and improve the reliability of the scanning process. A microphone and second memory for storing information representative of the output of the microphone facilitates the recording of voice annotations to the image being scanned.

Abstract: A normal size facsimile machine (81/2inches wide) is to be made for portable applications, with the added feature of being a thermal printer. The design is focused on a slim profile of extremely light weight. All components that can be attached externally only when needed, have been removed from the main body, and built as separate add on modules. Printing speeds are fast due to thermal technology and extremely economical. As far as portable facsimiles are concerned, this is quite a unique machine due to its compact size, 81/2inch wide print capability, and high speed with low power consumption.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus is provided which can enhance the operability and usefulness of portable image reading devices when transmitting documents and which allows effective utilization of the image reading device. The facsimile apparatus includes a main unit and a separable handscanner between which image signals and various control signals are transmitted using an optical communication technique. A document is scanned by a handscanner that generates signals representing the document image. The image signals are temporarily stored in an image memory and transmitted to the main unit when necessary. Depending on the hook state of the telephone, the main unit either transmits the received image signals to a remote station or records the image on recording paper. When the main unit receives image signals over a telephone network, the received image signals are transmitted to the handscanner for storage into the image memory when necessary.

Abstract: A pair of rollers spaced at a predetermined interval are arranged in the bottom part of a facsimile machine. When the facsimile machine is manually moved on an original document while pushed against it, the rollers rotate. Detecting the rotation of the rollers, an encoder performs power on/off operations, i.e., enables/disables the supply of an electric power from a compact power supply unit, in accordance with the start/stop of the roller rotation. Upon the power on, an image sensor starts to read the document. An image signal produced by the image sensor is processed by a signal control unit, and then modulated by a G3 modem. The modulated signal is sent out to a telephone line via a network control board.

Abstract: A printer 1 provided integrally with an image reading unit 2 which comprises a handy scanner 3 for reading a draft and an automatic draft feeder 4 on which the handy scanner 2 is detachably mounted for automatically conveying the draft wherein a draft jammed in the image reading unit 2 can be easily removed and a scanner hopper 31 is provided over the automatic draft feeder 4 to be turnable about a shaft 32 thereof. A tip end portion 31b of the scanner hopper 31 is urged upward by a spring 36 and a rear end 31a of the scanner hopper 31 is positioned close to the shaft 27 of a separating roller 9. The handy scanner 3 is fixedly positioned to the automatic draft feeder 4 by way of latches 23 and 24.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus used for a copying machine and a facsimile device, an image reading scanner is separated from a main device of the apparatus in order to increase the freedom of the scanning direction of the original and increase the operability of the scanner. The hand scanner is moved by a hand of an operator on the original and reads the image data line by line. The image data representing a dot pattern is transmitted to the main device as an on/off modulated optical signal through a modem. The main device receives the optical signal and demodulates the signal using a modem to reproduce the image data obtained by the hand scanner.

Abstract: A facsimile machine for facsimile communication with another facsimile machine comprises a host machine including processor for processing data; at least one handy-scanner provided separately from the host machine, for scanning an original document, the handy-scanner including reader for reading image data from the original document, and first transmitter for transmitting the image data read by the reader; and at least one relay station for relaying data signals between the host machine and the handy-scanner, the relay station including second transmitter for transmitting the data received from the first transmitter of the handy-scanner to the host machine, and a buffer memory for temporarily storing the image data before the second transmitter transmits the image data to the host machine, the host machine processing the image data transmitted by the second transmitter.

Abstract: A hand-held optical scanner comprising a hand-displaceable scanner housing; scanner electrical components mounted within the housing for performing scanner operating functions; a battery disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the electrical components; a generator disposed in the housing and operatively associated with the battery; and a roller assembly mounted in the housing and drivingly linked to the generator.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus comprises a housing constituting the outer surface of the facsimile apparatus, an original reading section for conveying an original between a first opening portion formed in a front portion of the upper surface of the housing and a front surface opening portion formed in the front surface of the housing, and a recording section for inserting a recording sheet through a second opening portion formed in the upper surface of the housing at a position closer to the rear side than the first opening portion and for discharging the recording sheet through the first opening portion. A cut sheet can be inserted/discharged through each opening portion. Since the first opening portion is commonly used for both an original and a recording sheet, the depth of the housing can be reduced. In addition, the housing can be designed to be flat and compact so as to be easily carried.

Abstract: A computer system incorporating a combined computer pointing device (mouse) and hand scanner is disclosed. When used as a hand scanner, the device transmits signals representing image data, position information and rotation information to the computer. The computer assembles from the received signals a unified image from possibly non-aligned and overlapping image data and stores the resulting image.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first unit for scanning an original while exposing the original to light, and a second unit detachably provided to the first unit for receiving light from the first unit and converting an original image into electrical signals. The first unit includes a light source for irradiating the original and an optical member for projecting the original image at a predetermined position. The second unit is provided in the vicinity of the predetermined position and includes an image sensor for reading the original image to generate the electrical signals, a signal processing portion for processing the electrical signals generated from the image sensor, and a storage portion for storing the processed electrical signals.

Abstract: A hand scanner support and paper guide apparatus is disclosed for mechanically scanning a thin sheet, e.g. a sheet of paper, using a scanner designed to be hand-held. The apparatus includes a housing which includes a planar upper wall which serves as a flat surface along which the thin sheet is moved. A support assembly is connected to the housing and supports the scanner a spaced distance above the planar upper wall as the thin sheet is moved past the scanner. A guide assembly is connected to the housing and guides the thin sheet in a straight path as the thin sheet is moved along the planar upper wall. A drive assembly is housed within the housing and moved the thin sheet past the scanner. The drive assembly includes a driven, thin-sheet-contacting element such as a cylindrical roller; and a slot, in the planar upper wall, permits the cylindrical roller to contact and move the thin sheet as it lies on the planar upper wall.

Abstract: An electronic input/output apparatus for a computer system which includes a computer and a computer screen, includes a mechanical mouse and a printhead integral with the mouse, both being attached to the computer through an electrical interconnection means. The mouse is represented by a cursor on the computer screen based on movement of the mouse. The electrical interconnection means provides data signals between the computer and the electronic input/output apparatus for the mouse and additionally for the printhead which is capable of printing data displayed on the computer screen which has been passed over by the cursor. The printhead, upon activation by a print button or the like, prints onto a substrate as the I/O apparatus is moved across the substrate. Control of the printing operation is done by monitoring and controlling the data sent to the printhead based on positional and velocity values obtainable by a tracking mechanism within the mouse.

Abstract: A hand-held optical scanner comprising an optical sensor for generating a data signal representative of a scanned object; a housing for hand-displaceably supporting the optical sensor; a roller mounted on the housing for enabling rolling displacement of the housing over a scanned object in a predetermined scan direction; a displacement sensing device for sensing the angular displacement of the roller and generating a displacement signal representative thereof; a motor drivingly linked to the roller for applying a driving torque thereto; a controller for actuating the motor responsive to the displacement signal for angularly accelerating and decelerating the roller for urging an operator to hand displace the housing across a scanned object within a predetermined speed range which is optimal for scanning.