Scanning Patents (Class 358/474)
  • Patent number: 10880441
    Abstract: The image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a reading region in which a first region in which a member that suppresses entry of external light is disposed and a second region other than the first region are arranged in a main scanning direction of the reading unit, and a controller, wherein the controller calculates intensity of external light in the second region based on a reading value in the reading region, wherein the reading value is obtained by the reading unit, determines whether the intensity of the external light exceeds a threshold value, performs a first shading correction on a reading value of a document transported to the reading region when the intensity of the external light exceeds the threshold value, and performs a second shading correction on the reading value of the document when the intensity of the external light does not exceed the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Mizoguchi, Daisuke Honda
  • Patent number: 10868931
    Abstract: In an example, a scanning system includes a scanner device, a first bias member, and a second bias member. The example first bias member is able to apply pressure on a medium towards a scan surface of the scanner device (e.g., apply pressure at a scan zone defined by the boundaries of the scanner device) and the example second bias member is able to orient the medium towards the scan surface before the medium reaches the first bias member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John Andrew Bryson, Justin M. Roman
  • Patent number: 10863046
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transport unit which transports a document, and reading units which read an image of the document which is transported. It is assumed that an operation of reading an image when specific setting information is not input to a control device of the image reading apparatus is set to a first reading mode, and an operation of reading an image when specific setting information is input to the control device is set to a second reading mode. In this case, in the second reading mode, image data of an image with a resolution which is equal to that in the first reading mode is generated, while causing the reading units to read an image from a document which is transported by the transport device at a lower speed than that in the first reading mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Koyanagi, Tokujiro Okuno
  • Patent number: 10855876
    Abstract: In response to a position information request, a controller in a management system transmits original image position information to an image processing device such that the controller transmits first and second original image position information, respectively, in response to first and second position information requests that are different from each other, first and second original image storage positions indicated by the first and second original image position information being different from each other. The controller receives original image data from the image processing device that has accessed by using the original image position information, stores the original image data at an original image storage position, and transmits code data to the image processing device. In response to a target image data request from a terminal device that has acquired target image position information by reading a code image, the controller transmits target image data to the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ken Saito
  • Patent number: 10855862
    Abstract: A reading device (100) includes a reading section (143), a casing (160), a cover section (110), a conveyance section (130), an interposed member (170), a controller (153), a cable (180), and a linking member (190). The casing (160) houses the reading section (143) therein. It is possible to place the cover section (110) on the casing (160). The conveyance section (130) is housed in the cover section (110) and conveys a sheet. The interposed member (170) is interposed between the cover section (110) and the casing (160). The controller (153) is housed in the casing (160) and controls the conveyance section (130). The cable (180) is connected to the controller (153), is also connected to the conveyance section (130), and transfers a control signal output by the controller (153) to the conveyance section (130). The linking member (190) is linked to the cover section (110) and is also linked to the casing (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Harada
  • Patent number: 10841441
    Abstract: A scanning device includes an outer shell, a glass platform, a contact image sensor, a paper feeding unit and an upper cover. An inside of the outer shell has an accommodating space. The glass platform is disposed to the outer shell. The glass platform includes an automatic paper fed and scanned area, and a static paper scan area. The contact image sensor is disposed in the accommodating space. The paper feeding unit is disposed to a top surface of the automatic paper fed and scanned area. The upper cover is pivotally disposed to a top surface of the static paper scan area. A top surface of the upper cover is recessed downward to form a paper loading groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Wen Chen, Wei Xiang Tsai, Hsing Hung Lee, Yi Hsuan Lin
  • Patent number: 10819871
    Abstract: On a touch-panel display of an image forming apparatus, which is divided to five areas, that is, a system area, a function selection area, a preview area, an action panel area and a task trigger area, pieces of information are displayed. Even if an operational mode is switched, the same or similar information is always displayed in the area arranged at the same position. In the task trigger area, software buttons operated by the user for actually operating the image forming apparatus are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Tani, Minami Sensu
  • Patent number: 10810395
    Abstract: An electronic device and an image capture method are provided. The electronic device includes an image sensor, a ramp analog to digital converter, and a memory. The image sensor includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array, and the pixel units output a plurality of first image capturing signals and a plurality of second image capturing signals in an image capturing operation. The ramp analog to digital converter generates a plurality of most significant bit data corresponding to a plurality of pixels according to a first nonlinear ramp signal and the first image capturing signals, and generates a plurality of least significant bit data corresponding to the plurality of pixels according to a second nonlinear ramp signal and the second image capturing signals. The memory stores the most significant bit data of these pixels and the least significant bit data of these pixels together to generate frame data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Guangzhou Tyrafos Semiconductor Technologies Co., LTD
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Yin, Jia-Shyang Wang
  • Patent number: 10813261
    Abstract: A mounting device provided with: a collecting section configured to move a component for which imaging conditions are defined as a range including multiple values to an arrangement position in a state with multiple of the components collected; an imaging section configured to image the multiple components held by the collecting section; and a control section configured to, when the collecting section is holding the multiple components that include imaging conditions with ranges that are not the same, cause the imaging section to image the multiple components using imaging conditions with a shared value among the ranges defined for the multiple components held by the collecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oike, Shuichiro Kito, Kenji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 10802147
    Abstract: An electronic device tracks its motion in an environment while building a three-dimensional visual representation of the environment that is used to correct drift in the tracked motion. A motion tracking module estimates poses of the electronic device based on feature descriptors corresponding to the visual appearance of spatial features of objects in the environment. A mapping module builds a three-dimensional visual representation of the environment based on a stored plurality of maps, and feature descriptors and estimated device poses received from the motion tracking module. The mapping module provides the three-dimensional visual representation of the environment to a localization module, which identifies correspondences between stored and observed feature descriptors. The localization module performs a loop closure by minimizing the discrepancies between matching feature descriptors to compute a localized pose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Esha Nerurkar, Simon Lynen, Sheng Zhao
  • Patent number: 10788660
    Abstract: An optical scanning device includes an optical scanner including a mirror that includes a light reflection surface, a driving source that causes the mirror to rotate around a rotation axis passing through the center of the light reflection surface in response to a driving signal, and a piezoelectric sensor that outputs a sensor signal corresponding to a rotational angle of the mirror around the rotation axis; and an impedance conversion circuit that receives the sensor signal from the piezoelectric sensor, performs impedance conversion on the received sensor signal, and outputs the impedance-converted sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi Sakaue, Takahiko Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 10778856
    Abstract: A multi-function/multi-purpose portable electronic device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device may include a display monitor configured to display an image and a scanner disposed below the display monitor and extending to cross the display monitor, the scanner not directly contacting the display monitor. The device may also include a base configured to support the scanner, the base including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the first portion at least partially vertically overlapping the display monitor and the scanner. The device may further include a speaker disposed only in the second portion of the base. The device may also include a connector physically interconnecting the base and the display monitor to support the display monitor, at least a portion of the connector vertically overlapping the second portion of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Seeminex.com, Inc.
    Inventor: Sukjoo Shin
  • Patent number: 10771644
    Abstract: An image reading device includes an image reading section, a document table, a document pressing member, and a document size indication section. The image reading section reads an image of a document. The document table is located above the image reading section. The document is loaded on the document table. The document pressing member is provided over the document table in an openable and closable manner to press the document. The document size indication section is located on the document table and indicates a plurality of document sizes. The document size indication section is constituted by a semitransparent resin plate and includes a letter presenting portion. A part of the semitransparent resin plate of the document size indication section corresponding to the letter presenting portion has a smaller thickness than a part of the document size indication section other than the part thereof corresponding to the letter presenting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Kurotsu
  • Patent number: 10764460
    Abstract: An image sensor unit includes: a light source that illuminates a document; a rod-shaped light guide including a reflection surface that reflects light from the light source and an emission surface provided on a side opposite to the reflection surface that emits light reflected by the reflection surface to the document; a thermal conductor provided so as to cover the reflection surface of the light guide; an image forming element that forms an image of reflected light from the document on a photoelectric conversion element; a sensor substrate on which the photoelectric conversion element is mounted; and a frame including a locator for mounting the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uga
  • Patent number: 10747865
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for controlling a flexible screen and an electronic device. The electronic device is provided with the flexible screen and a fingerprint sensor. The method includes: obtaining fingerprint data when the fingerprint sensor is pressed; matching the fingerprint data with preset fingerprint data; and unfolding the flexible screen when the fingerprint data matches the preset fingerprint data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yugui Lin
  • Patent number: 10750040
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a line image sensor receiving a light reflected from an original illuminated by a light source to generate image data, an original size detector disposed away from an original positioning portion by a predetermined distance in a sub-scanning direction, an original image reading start instructing unit outputting an image reading start instruction for starting an image reading operation when being depressed by a user, and a controller determining a size of the original based on detection results of the line image sensor and the original size detector when the size of the original is not stored in a memory in a case in which the controller receives the image reading start instruction in a state in which it is detected that an angle of a pressure plate is greater than a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yushi Oka, Asahiro Nakayoshi, Akiko Kanno
  • Patent number: 10742908
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for acquiring an image having two-dimensional spatial resolution and spectral resolution. An example method comprises: acquiring a frame using rows of photo-sensitive areas on a sensor surface detecting incident light from an object imaged by an optical system onto an image plane, wherein rows of photo-sensitive areas are arranged to receive different wavelengths; moving the sensor surface in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the rows; repeating the acquiring and moving for acquiring a plurality of frames recording different spectral information for respective positions on the object; and combining information from the plurality of frames to form multiple channels of an image, wherein each channel is formed based on detected light in respective rows and represent a two-dimensional image of the object for a different wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Imec VZW
    Inventors: Julien Pichette, Wouter Charle
  • Patent number: 10728415
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes: an image reading device and a controller. The controller assigns a variable character string to a file identifier for each page of image files generated by the image reading device, and repeatedly assigns the same character string to the file identifier for each number of unit pages. Further, the controller determines a file name of each of the image files by using the file identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mutsumi Nochi
  • Patent number: 10725420
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a fixing device, and circuitry is provided. The image forming unit is configured to perform a special image forming operation that forms a color toner image and a special toner image with a color toner and a special toner, respectively, on a recording medium and a normal image forming operation that forms the color toner image without forming the special toner image on the recording medium. The fixing device is configured to fix the color toner image and the special toner image on the recording medium. The circuitry is configured to perform, in the special image forming operation, a toner amount suppression control that makes an amount of the color toner on the recording medium per unit area smaller than that in the normal image forming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Tanaka, Keiji Kunimi, Masaki Yoshino, Kazumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10717623
    Abstract: A printer tray extension kit which allows a printer to hold and receive longer pieces of paper is provided. The printer tray extension kit includes a base, an extension arm, a support stand, and a crossbar. The base provides a structural platform in order for the printer tray extension kit to hold pieces of paper. The extension arm provides a lengthening element in order for the print tray extension kit to hold longer pieces of paper if the base is not long enough. The support stand provides a structural reinforcement which maintains the printer tray extension kit in a raised position from a table surface or similar. The crossbar provides a structural reference bar which is used to attach the support stand to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: John Latsko
  • Patent number: 10710828
    Abstract: The sheet feeding apparatus includes a stacking device on which a sheet is stacked, a feeding device, which is configured to feed the stacked sheet, a contact portion arranged at a position at which the stacked sheet is brought into contact with the contact portion, and a moving member, which is movable in a direction in which a protruding amount of the stacked sheet changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daigo Yamauchi, Fumiya Sawashima
  • Patent number: 10708456
    Abstract: The image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a cover portion which is openable and closable and in which a first surface forms an upper surface of the apparatus in a closed state and a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface supports a document in an opened state, and a document support tray which is displaceable between a storage position where the document support tray is stored in a state along the second surface in a state where the cover portion is closed and a withdrawn position where the document support tray is withdrawn from the storage position to the upstream side in the feeding direction of the document in a state where the cover portion is opened, and which supports at least a portion of a document supported by the cover portion in a state where the cover portion is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 10694059
    Abstract: It is possible to read a document at an optimal speed according to an operation mode selected by a user while improving productivity at a low cost, without forcing the user to perform a complicated operation for changing a document reading speed. A method for controlling a reading unit to read a document with a first reading resolution in a case where a reading resolution is the first reading resolution, to read a document with a second reading resolution in a case where the reading resolution is the second reading resolution smaller than the first reading resolution and a predetermined mode is not set, and to read a document with the first reading resolution in a case where the reading resolution is the second reading resolution smaller than the first reading resolution and the predetermined mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Unno
  • Patent number: 10686950
    Abstract: A scanning network includes a central server configured to distribute a scan task. The scan task is associated with a scanning of an identified document. The scanning network further includes a plurality of imaging devices configured to receive and execute a scan task and a storage database configured to receive a document image created from execution of a scan task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Wouter Koelewijn, Ond{hacek over (r)}ej Krají{hacek over (c)}ek, Miroslav Sova, Jakub {hacek over (S)}lesarik
  • Patent number: 10666829
    Abstract: An image scanning device includes a platen, an image scanning unit that scans at a single time documents placed on the platen and generates pieces of image data, and an image data processing unit that performs processing of the pieces of image data. When the image scanning unit generates pieces of first image data by scanning first surfaces of the documents, each of which is placed in one of predetermined areas on the platen, and generates pieces of second image data by scanning surfaces opposite to the first surfaces of the documents, each of which is turned over and placed again in the one of the predetermined areas, the image data processing unit associates one of the pieces of the first image data with a corresponding one of the pieces of the second image data for each of the predetermined areas, as image data of the front and back surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Asakawa, Yohichi Tomota, Yuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10666815
    Abstract: An image reading device can perform fixed-reading processing where image data is read by a fixed-document method and conveyed-reading processing where image data is read by a sheet-through method while a reading module is kept staying at any of a plurality of image reading positions including a reference reading position. A control portion, when a reference second adjustment value for the reference reading position used for shading correction in the conveyed-reading processing is acquired, calculates a second adjustment values for a plurality of image reading positions based on the reference second adjustment value, and when the reference second adjustment value is not acquired and a first adjustment value used for shading correction in the fixed-reading processing is acquired, calculates the second adjustment values for the plurality of image reading positions based on the first adjustment value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 10659736
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus performs alignment of a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a stage that moves while holding a substrate, an imaging device that captures an image of a mark on the substrate, and a processor that obtains a position of the mark based on the image of the mark. The imaging device includes an image sensor and a storage device that stores image data obtained by the image sensor. The imaging device performs next image capturing after the image sensor performs accumulation of charge and transfer of image data to the storage device is completed. The apparatus moves the stage for next image capturing concurrently with transfer of the image data to the storage device when capturing an image of the mark using the imaging device at a plurality of positions while moving the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadaki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 10654307
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the filed of optically variable security elements comprising a region based on a single cured ink comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer, said region having at least two, preferably at least three, patterns exhibiting, at at least one viewing angle, a different CIE (1976) color index parameter and/or a different position of the selective reflection band for protecting security documents against counterfeiting and/or illegal reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SA
    Inventors: Christophe Garnier, Lucien Vuilleumier, Cecile Pasquier
  • Patent number: 10642049
    Abstract: A pass-through camera in a head-mounted device may capture image data for displaying on a display in the head-mounted device. However, only low-resolution image data may be needed to display low-resolution images in the periphery of the user's field of view on the display. Therefore, the pass-through camera may only capture high-resolution images that correspond to the portion of the user's field-of-view that is being directly viewed and may capture lower resolution image data that corresponds to the real-world objects in the user's peripheral vision. To enable the camera module to selectively capture high-resolution images, the pass-through camera may include an image sensor with two or more pixel densities, a distortion lens, and/or one or more planar or curved mirrors. Any of the components in the camera module may be adjusted to change which portion of a scene is captured with high-resolution image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Edward S. Huo, David A. Schmuck, Jason C. Sauers, Kevin A. Gross
  • Patent number: 10644548
    Abstract: Scanning apparatus includes a rotor, including a permanent magnet, which is configured to rotate about an axis. A stator includes a magnetic core, which is configured to generate a static magnetic field in a vicinity of the rotor and defines an equilibrium angle of rotation of the rotor, at which the permanent magnet is aligned with the static component of the magnetic field. At least one coil is wound on the magnetic core so that when the coil driven with an AC electrical current at a selected frequency, the stator generate a time-alternating magnetic field, which causes the rotor to oscillate on the axis at the selected frequency about the equilibrium angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Noel Axelrod, Rashed Mahameed, Raviv Erlich, Yuval Gerson
  • Patent number: 10645249
    Abstract: A three dimensional scanner assembly for producing a two dimensional print of a three dimensional object includes a scanning panel that is positioned on a copying machine. The scanning panel is comprised of a resiliently flexible material. In this way the scanning panel can conform to the curvature of a rounded or otherwise bulky object thereby facilitating the copying machine to scan a majority of an outer surface of the rounded or otherwise bulky object. Thus, the copying machine is facilitated to reproduce a two dimensional print of a three dimensional object in a single scan. A lid panel is positioned on a scanning lid of the copying machine and the lid panel is positioned on top of the object that is placed on the scanning panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: David Brodish
  • Patent number: 10630860
    Abstract: An image sensor in an image reading device reads a document based on light from a lamp while a carriage is moving from one to the other side. An image data generation circuit generates read image data based on an analog image signal fed out from the image sensor. A controller senses the edge of the document in the read image data generated while the carriage is moving. On recognizing once or a plurality of times, while the carriage is moving, based on the result of sensing of the edge, that the reading of one placed sheet of the document is completed, the controller makes a moving mechanism stop the movement of the carriage and turns off the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Jennybelle Sillador
  • Patent number: 10630823
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a portable terminal which can achieve reduction in thickness of the portable terminal even in a case where the portable terminal includes a display tray that displays identification information. A mobile phone (1A) includes a display sheet (20) displaying a bar code (21), the display sheet (20) being incorporated in a sub-antenna (5). The bar code (21) is viewable to a user when the display sheet (20) is pulled out from the sub-antenna (5). The display sheet (20) is made of a flexible band-shaped sheet member. Further, the mobile phone (1A) includes a sheet guide member (10) for guiding the display sheet (20) along a direction in which the display tray is pulled out, the sheet guide member (10) guiding the display sheet (20) so as to allow the display sheet (20) to be pulled out from the sub-antenna (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuro Sakamaki, Yuta Ito
  • Patent number: 10616431
    Abstract: A document scanning apparatus reading an image of a document includes a signal output unit configured to output a pulse signal at predetermined intervals, a sensor configured to detect a document set on a platen glass, the sensor having a light emitting unit configured to emit light in response to a pulse signal output from the signal output unit and a light receiving unit configured to output a detection signal in accordance with light output from the light emitting unit, and a control unit configured to receive the detection signal output from the light receiving unit. In this case, the signal output unit outputs the pulse signal at a different time point from the predetermined intervals in response to a request from an external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Sato
  • Patent number: 10609253
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus that is capable of improving operability when inputting authentication information. An authentication unit accepts authentication information inputted when a user logs in to the data communication apparatus and authenticates the user based on the accepted authentication information. A designation unit designates a file transmission destination that is inputted by the authenticated user. A transmission unit transmits a file to the transmission destination inputted. A registration unit registers the transmission destination of the file. A control unit prohibits registration of the authentication information at the time of registration of the transmission destination of the file when the accepted authentication information is used for file transmission, and permits registration of the authentication information at the time of registration of the transmission destination of the file when the inputted authentication information is not used for file transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Morita
  • Patent number: 10609235
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image former forming a toner image on a long sheet; a main conveyance path conveying the long sheet to the image former; and a double-side conveyance path which branches off from a first side, in the main conveyance path, downstream of the image former in a conveyance direction of the long sheet, and which conveys the long sheet to a second side upstream of the image former by reversing the conveyance direction at a point of switching back to invert the long sheet. The double-side conveyance path includes, in a downstream side in the conveyance direction before the switching back, a merging pathway connected to the second side upstream of the image former in the main conveyance path, and a first introducer introducing into the merging pathway a head of the long sheet in the conveyance direction before the switching back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Yasuo Shiokawa, Yoshiteru Kawakami, Takahiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 10594886
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light-guide member that extends in one direction, a light emitting element that radiates light onto an end surface of the light-guide member, a reflective member that extends in the one direction and reflects, while holding the light-guide member, light that is emitted from a surface of the light-guide member, and a housing that accommodates the reflective member and includes a holding unit, the holding unit being configured to hold the reflective member at an accommodating position of the reflective member and configured to allow the reflective member to be released from a state of being held when the reflective member is bent in a crossing direction that crosses the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masao Nakahara
  • Patent number: 10594895
    Abstract: A controller 70 of an image reading device 1 acquires first black reference data at a first time point with a light source 31 off, and stores the first black reference data in a reference data storage 41, and at a second time point after the first time point, acquires with the light source 31 off and stores second black reference data in the reference data storage 41. The controller 70 stores in a scanning data storage 42, without applying shading correction, scanning data read from a document between the first time point and second time point with the light source 31 on. A shading corrector 51 applies shading correction using the first black reference data and second black reference data to the scanning data stored in the scanning data storage 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Motoki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 10578992
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: an image signal generating portion configured to generate an image signal based on image data; a light source configured to emit a light beam based on the image signal; and a deflection device configured to deflect the light beam in a main scanning direction, wherein the image signal generating portion includes: a mode setting portion configured to set a plurality of modes including a mode in which a value of a pixel of the image data is not converted and a mode in which the value of the pixel in one or more lines is converted, to a plurality of areas into which a scanning area is divided in the main scanning direction, respectively; and a pixel value conversion portion configured to convert the value of the pixel in each mode in accordance with a position of the pixel in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Oyama
  • Patent number: 10571246
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors are electrically connected to the memory, and calculate blur correction information to make a blur of a first shape of an object approach a blur of a second shape of the object. The first shape of the object is contained in a first component image of one image. The second shape of the object is contained in a second component image of the one image. The one or more processors calculate a distance between an imaging device and the object based on an image distance when the one image is captured and the blur correction information. The image distance is a distance from a lens up to an image forming surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Jun Yamaguchi, Yusuke Moriuchi, Nao Mishima, Takayuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10574850
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an illumination unit that illuminates light on an image surface of a sheet, and a photoelectric conversion element that converts reflected light from the sheet illuminated by the illumination unit into an electric signal. The illumination unit includes a circuit board including a light emitting element, and a light guide that guides light, emitted from the light emitting element, to a sheet read surface. In the image reading apparatus, the light guide includes a positioning surface that abuts against a first surface of the circuit board and that performs positioning of the light guide and the circuit board, and a pressing portion that abuts against a second surface of the circuit board on an opposite side of the first surface and that presses the circuit board against the positioning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Suga
  • Patent number: 10567609
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a light guide member having a bar-like shape and a light source disposed so as to face an end surface of the light guide member. The illumination device guides light from the light source in the light guide member and emits the light from a light emission surface of the light guide member formed in a longitudinal direction of the light guide member. The light emission surface includes a first light diffusing portion that is formed in a first portion near the light source and that has a protruding/recessed shape, and a second light diffusing portion that is formed in a second portion adjacent to an end of the first light diffusing portion, the end being away from the light source. The second light diffusing portion has a protruding/recessed shape and has lower light diffusivity than the first light diffusing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sutoh, Shohichi Fukutome, Kenji Nakanishi, Yuuya Iwai
  • Patent number: 10564907
    Abstract: A display control method for an image forming apparatus includes detecting that a document is placed on a document reading unit, determining, when it is detected that the document is placed on the document reading unit, whether the size of the document is a predetermined size, displaying a first function screen on a display when a first function capable of performing one of a plurality of functions accompanying a reading operation for a document placed on the document reading unit is performed, and displaying a second function screen to which a screen is switched from the first function screen and that is displayed when a second function created by modifying the first function based on a specific setting is performed, in a case where, while the first function screen is displayed, it is determined that the size of the detected document is not the predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuya Hasegawa, Takayuki Iikura, Shinya Ikeda, Satoru Ikeda, Toru Ikeda, Tomoya Sato, Kanta Kumagai
  • Patent number: 10554834
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a supply tray; a discharge tray, which is positioned below the supply tray to support the sheet; a conveyance guide, which conveys the sheet from the supply tray to the discharge tray; a reading sensor, which reads an image on the sheet conveyed on the conveyance guide; a discharge unit, which includes a discharge port to discharge the sheet conveyed by the conveyance guide to the discharge tray and is configured to move from a third position to a fourth position, the fourth position being higher than the third position; a first drive source, which generates a drive force; and a second drive source, which generates a drive force, wherein the movable plate is moved by the drive force from the first drive source, and the discharge unit is moved by the drive force from the second drive source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Oyama
  • Patent number: 10554848
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a plate with light transparency on which a sheet is to be placed, the plate including light-responsive display elements, a scanner including a first light source and a light sensor and configured to read image information of a sheet placed on the plate according to light detected by the light sensor in response to light irradiated by the first light source, and a second light source that is controlled to irradiate light on a portion of the light-responsive display elements in the plate to produce a visible image on the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sueo Ueno
  • Patent number: 10547758
    Abstract: A platen assembly in an image-forming device is designed to assist visually impaired users in situating a document into the home corner of the platen. The platen assembly has a pair of placement-assisting thermal strips disposed extending along intersecting sides of the platen. A temperature gradient is established in the thermal strips, by a warming source provided at common ends of the thermal strips, by the thermal strips being an electrical-resistance heating material and a cooling structure or device being provided at common ends of the strips, or by the thermal strips substantially consisting of a thermoelectric material. To further assist a user in situating a document on the platen, the assembly may feature a raised edge extending from the home corner of the platen, along where the pair of placement-assisting thermal strips meet, as well as Braille written strategically on the thermal strips to direct toward the document-orienting corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Gin Yoshidome
  • Patent number: 10527780
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus, comprising a light source unit, a rod-shaped light guide configured to guide light from the light source unit and emit the light from a light emitting surface, a covering member configured to contain the light guide, and a housing configured to contain the light source unit, the light guide, and the covering member, the light guide including a protruded portion configured to suppress a shift in a longitudinal direction, the covering member including an opening, and the housing including a receiving portion configured to receive the protruded portion of the light guide, wherein the protruded portion of the light guide is engaged with the receiving portion of the housing via the opening of the covering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: CANON COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryoki Matsui, Suguru Tashiro, Hidemasa Yosida
  • Patent number: 10530955
    Abstract: A light sensing apparatus includes a sheet passage, a first sensing assembly and a first background sheet. The sheet passage has a scan window. The first sensing assembly disposed on a first side of the scan window outputs first scan light to the scan window. The first background sheet disposed on a second side of the scan window has a first reflective surface reflecting the first scan light, passing through the scan window, back to the first sensing assembly through the scan window. The first reflective surface of the first background sheet and the scan window are disposed in a non-parallel manner. Therefore, a light sensing method is also provided to achieve the effects of brightness calibration and boundary detection of the first sensing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: AVISION INC.
    Inventors: Shao-Lan Sheng, Chi-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 10529208
    Abstract: A device tracking system of the present disclosure has a theft tracking device that permanently secures to an item that has the propensity to be stolen, the theft tracking device has a theft tracking processor and a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) module, and the theft tracking processor receives ping data and in response transmits response data via the Wi-Fi module. The system also has a remote locator device that has a case and that has a plug for securing the remote locator device to a power receptacle. The remote locator device also has a remote locator processor and a Wi-Fi module, and the remote locator processor periodically transmits a ping to the theft tracking device and receives the response data from the theft tracking device. The processor further transmits data indicating that the theft tracking device is not responding via a network when a response is not received from the tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Swaywin LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Lynn Baldwin Swayne, Jeffrey Scott Swayne, Donathan Eugene Hutchings
  • Patent number: 10521803
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods for service representative and remote location document communication. One or more embodiments include a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to identify a remote location of a customer, identify a type of device available to be utilized at the remote location, and provide to the device at the remote location instructions for capturing information from a document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: David P. Dixon, Robert J. Haines, John P. Hyltin, Peter H. McKenna, Bharat Prasad, Brady Carl Stephenson