Facsimile Illumination Control Patents (Class 358/475)
  • Patent number: 11978180
    Abstract: A system and a method for processing an image. The method includes the steps of: receiving a source image having at least one sensitive portions arranged to present intelligible sensitive information; and processing, with a predetermined redacting method, the at least one sensitive portions of the source image to generate an output image including the intelligible sensitive information being transformed into an unintelligible form; wherein the sensitive information in the unintelligible form is adapted to be restored to an intelligible form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: IQ Works Limited
    Inventors: Rustom Adi Kanga, Lai Chun Li
  • Patent number: 11968343
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first obtaining unit configured to obtain an original image, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a first multiplexed image created by embedding first information in the original image by a first method in which a shape of a pattern is changed, a third obtaining unit configured to obtain a second multiplexed image created by embedding second information in the first multiplexed image by a second method in which a density of a pattern is changed, the second information being a different type of information from the first information, and a control unit configured to perform control of outputting print data for a print original by using the second multiplexed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akitoshi Yamada, Hiroyasu Kunieda, Yoichi Kashibuchi, Jun Nagai
  • Patent number: 11953842
    Abstract: A light guide device has a support member, a light guide member, a first abutting part, and a cover member. The light guide member is supported by the support member and has a light incident surface. The first abutting part has the light guide member and positions the light guide member at the first reference position predetermined in the support member by abutting on the abutted part of the support member. The cover member is attached to the support member and covers the light guide member. The cover member has a first biasing part that biases the light guide member in an abutting direction where the first abutting part abuts the abutting part, with the cover member attached to the support member, and an engaging part that engages with an engaged part of the support member while the first biasing part generates a biasing force in the abutting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Mori Hayato, Ueno Masahiro
  • Patent number: 11942489
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a plurality of light-receiving pixels configured to receive reflected light; a first light-shielding member including a plurality of first openings and disposed between the plurality of light-receiving pixels and a reference surface; a second light-shielding member including a plurality of second openings and disposed between the plurality of first openings and the reference surface; and a plurality of condenser lenses disposed at a distance from the plurality of second openings. The plurality of condenser lenses, the second light-shielding member, the first light-shielding member, and the plurality of light-receiving pixels are disposed at positions at which reflected light sequentially passes through one of the condenser lenses corresponding to each light-receiving pixel, one of the second openings corresponding to the each light-receiving pixel, and one of the first openings corresponding to the each light-receiving pixel and enters the each light-receiving pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawano, Naoki Nakagawa, Takeshi Ono, Shigeru Takushima, Taisuke Makita, Naoyuki Tokida
  • Patent number: 11936829
    Abstract: An illuminating device, an image reading device, and an image forming apparatus. The illuminating device includes a plurality of first light sources arrayed on a circuit board, the first light sources having a plurality of first light emitting surfaces through which light is emitted, and a second light source disposed on an upstream side of the first light sources in an irradiation direction of the light. In the illuminating device, the second light source has a second light emitting surface through which light is emitted, and the second light source has a directivity angle different from a directivity angle of each one of the first light sources. The image reading device includes the illuminating device, and an imaging device to receive the light reflected by a document to capture an image of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sugai, Masamoto Nakazawa, Masahiro Itoh
  • Patent number: 11936827
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light transmitting member provided at a reading position set in a conveyance path and an opposite plate opposed thereto, and a document being conveyed passes between this opposite plate and the light transmitting member. On an opposing surface of the opposite plate to the light transmitting member, a low brightness area, for example, like a gray color and a high brightness area, for example, like a white color, having a higher brightness than the low brightness area are formed adjacent to each other in a conveyance direction of the document. Then, an image reader sets a home position of a scanning unit to a first position or a second position corresponding to either the low brightness area or the high brightness area to read the document passing through the reading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuma Ogawa
  • Patent number: 11921207
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging system arranged to scan a scene is provided. A light source outputs light having a first characteristic. A spatial light modulator receives output light from the light source and outputs spatially-modulated light in accordance with computer-generated holograms represented thereon. A light detector receives light having the first characteristic from the scene and outputs a light response signal. A holographic controller is arranged to output a plurality of computer-generated holograms to the spatial light modulator. Each computer-generated hologram is arranged to form structured light having a corresponding pattern within the scene. The holographic controller is further arranged to change the pattern of the structured light formed by at least one of the plurality of computer-generated holograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Envisics Ltd
    Inventors: Jamieson Christmas, Paul Whiting
  • Patent number: 11863725
    Abstract: An image reading device that efficiently performs shading correction that flexibly responds to changes in the diffusion properties of reflected light on the surface of a reading target efficiently performing same as a result of including: controlling a plurality of light sources so as to cause only a specific light source among the light sources to be lit; obtaining the diffusion state of a first reflected light generated by the specific light source being lit, in a state in which general shading correction data not dependent on the image reading target is generated; obtaining a diffusion state for a second reflected light generated by light being irradiated on to the reading target by the specific light source; and generating dedicated shading correction data that relies on the reading target, based on the first reflected light diffusion state, the second reflected light diffusion state, and the general shading correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: NEC Platforms, Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 11838467
    Abstract: A document placement detecting device includes a document table, a plate, a plurality of invisible light sources, an imaging device, and circuitry. The document table transmits light. The plate is openable and closable relative to the document table, and covers the document table in a closed state of the plate. The plurality of invisible light sources irradiate a placement area with invisible light via the document table. The placement area is an area of the document table on which a document is placed. The imaging device receives reflected light from the document, and outputs read data. The circuitry detects the placement of the document with a change in a read value of the read data output from the imaging device based on the irradiation with the invisible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kohsuke Nambara, Hiroki Shirado
  • Patent number: 11831831
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading module provided with reading elements arranged in a direction of arrangement intersecting a direction of transportation of an original copy, and configured to read an image on the transported original copy. The apparatus also includes a background plate provided with a white background portion for shading correction, and a black background portion for cutting out the original copy and having lower brightness than brightness of the white background portion. An area of the black background portion is larger than an area of the white background portion, and the white background portion and the black background portion are arranged in the direction of arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Miyagawa, Masahiko Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 11825211
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for obtaining high-resolution images of objects such as electrical components. The system includes a monochrome camera and three light sources of different wavelengths (e.g. a red light source, a blue light source and a green light source). The camera successively captures a red light image, a blue light image and a green light image of the object. A processor combines the red light image, the blue light image and the green light image into a single high-resolution true color image. Because each image is obtained from an independent light source, the resolution is not limited by the Bayer (RGB) color model. The system is well suited for materials composed of different materials that may react differently to light sources based on its wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: MIT SEMICONDUCTOR (TIAN JIN) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kok Weng Wong, Albert Archwamety, Jun Kang Ng, Chee Chye Lee
  • Patent number: 11796936
    Abstract: Alight scanning apparatus according to the present invention includes a deflecting unit configured to deflect a light flux to scan a scanned surface in a main scanning direction, and an imaging optical system configured to guide the light flux deflected by the deflecting unit to the scanned surface and to have different partial magnifications in the main scanning direction between an on-axis image height and an outermost off-axis image height. A ratio of a reflectivity at a first outermost off-axis deflection point on one side with respect to an on-axis deflection point on a deflecting surface of the deflecting unit to that at the on-axis deflection point, and a ratio of the reflectivity at a second outermost off-axis deflection point on the other side with respect to the on-axis deflection point on the deflecting surface to that at the on-axis deflection point are each appropriately set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryota Sato, Seiji Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 11792529
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a plurality of pixels each of which includes a photoelectric conversion circuit that generates electric charges in accordance with incident light from an object, a measuring circuit that measures electric charges generated in the photoelectric conversion circuit in a period outside an exposure period of the photoelectric conversion circuit, a specifying circuit that specifies a characteristic of a light source, based on a measurement result by the measuring circuit, and an adjusting circuit that adjusts the exposure period of the photoelectric conversion circuit, based on the characteristic specified by the specifying circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Yamanaka, Satoshi Omodani
  • Patent number: 11765293
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus has a first scanning unit that can scan in a document conveyance direction and determines a document reading position, and a guide plate provided in a position that sandwiches the document being conveyed with the first scanning unit. On a facing surface of the guide plate relative to the first scanning unit, a first color section to which a white sheet is attached and a second color section having a sheet metal color (e.g. gray) of the guide plate are formed in the document conveyance direction. The document reading position corresponds to a position facing the second color section when a document is read in a crop mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shohichi Fukutome, Yasumasa Morimoto, Hisashi Yamanaka, Reishi Aoki
  • Patent number: 11747523
    Abstract: A dot array illuminator includes an illumination source that includes one or more source arrays and a microlens array (MLA). A source array is an array of light emitting components. The source arrays are positioned on a substrate according to a geometric configuration. The MLA includes lens arrays that are arranged in a similar geometric configuration. The microlens array are separated from the source arrays by a distance and are substantially parallel to the source arrays. The microlens array overlaps with the source arrays and is of a dimension such that it can receive substantially all light emitted by the illumination source. The illumination source emits light towards the MLA. The MLA receives the light and outputs structured pattern light by interpolating received light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Zhaoming Zhu
  • Patent number: 11740567
    Abstract: An optical device includes a lens mirror array, in which transparent optical elements are connected to each other along a first direction, and a case, in which the lens mirror array is contained and fixed. The case includes at least three holes through which a manufacturing jig can pass. The jig can be used to press the lens mirror array in a direction intersecting the first direction at three or more positions on the lens mirror array to deform the lens mirror array to correct for possible distortions in the optical device prior to the fixing of the lens mirror array to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 11736636
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a placement section on which a subject is placed, an image capturing unit that is disposed above the placement section and captures an image of the subject, an irradiating unit that is disposed above the placement section and irradiates the subject with light, and a display unit that is disposed between the placement section and the image capturing unit and between the placement section and the irradiating unit, the display unit being located at a position outside an image capturing range of the image capturing unit and an irradiation range of the irradiating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishikura, Takuya Ishikawa, Kei Otagiri
  • Patent number: 11722624
    Abstract: A control board configured to be mountable to a first image forming apparatus and to a second image forming apparatus of a type different from a type of the first image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus including a first load, the second image forming apparatus including a second load having a function different from a function of the first load. The control board comprising a connector to which the first load is to be connected in a case where the control board is mounted to the first image forming apparatus, and to which the second load is to be connected in a case where the control board is mounted to the second image forming apparatus, a common drive circuit configured to drive the first load and the second load via the connector, and one or more processors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Ishikawa, Teruhiko Suzuki, Toshinori Kimura
  • Patent number: 11681130
    Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a lens mirror array includes a plurality of optical elements. An optical element of the plurality of optical elements includes an incident surface on which light is incident, an emitting surface configured to emit the light incident through the incident surface, at least one reflecting surface reflecting the light incident through the incident surface toward the emitting surface, and a light shielding portion configured to block the light. The incident surface includes an effective surface configured to pass effective light emitted from the emitting surface and a directional surface configured to direct unnecessary light to the light shielding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 11683433
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image reading apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a first carriage, a first photoelectric conversion unit, a first lens, and a second carriage. The light emitting unit irradiates a reading object with light. The first carriage includes a first optical member for guiding reflected light from the reading object. The first carriage is movable in a sub-scanning direction along the reading object. The first photoelectric conversion unit receives the reflected light from the reading object guided through the first optical member and outputs an image signal. The first lens is disposed on an optical path of the reflected light between the first optical member and the first photoelectric conversion unit, and images the reflected light from the reading object on the first photoelectric conversion unit. The second carriage is movable in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction along the reading object with respect to the first carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shota Asai
  • Patent number: 11671541
    Abstract: In a case where it is determined that a document is left behind, a display control unit is configured to control display of an icon using a result of detection by a second detection unit without using at least a result of detection by a first detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Chiba
  • Patent number: 11655115
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus including: a recording unit; an accommodation part configured to accommodate therein a plurality of recording media including first and second recording medium and having a support surface on which the plurality of the recording media is supported; a conveying path; a feeder roller contacting the recording medium in the accommodation part from above; a reversing path; a recording medium detection unit located above the support surface and between the feeder roller and a downstream end of the support surface in the conveying direction; and a controller configured to control the feeder roller so as to feed the second recording medium in a manner that a front end portion of the second recording medium overlaps a rear end portion of the first recording medium, when the recording medium detection unit detects the rear end portion of the first recording medium fed by the feeder roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shohei Ichikawa, Tsuyoshi Ito, Masatake Sato, Keisuke Wakakusa, Yoshimitsu Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 11644667
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes first and second light sensors positioned in a laser scanning system of at least one color, such that scanned light is detected by the first light sensor and then by the second light sensor and light sensing surfaces of the first and second light sensors are not parallel, and a control unit connected to the first and second light sensors and configured to determine a time difference in the timing of light detection by the first and second light sensors and to execute a color position shift operation upon determining that the time difference is greater than a first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Masuda
  • Patent number: 11619762
    Abstract: An optical module includes a beam-tilting light source enclosure. The enclosure is coupled to a substrate that includes a light emitter connected thereto. The enclosure has a geometry such that the enclosure has a first surface configured to couple substantially flat to the substrate and a second surface tilted with respect to the first surface and configured to couple substantially flat to a component of an electronic device through which the light is to project. The enclosure is optically transmissive and covers the light source when coupled to the substrate. In this way, the enclosure may be assembled and used in the electronic device by coupling the first surface to the substrate and coupling the second surface to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. McCord, Mehmet Mutlu, Ryan J. Linderman
  • Patent number: 11611674
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reading table, an image reading device, an image forming device with an exposure device, and circuitry. The reading device reads a pattern on a recording medium on the table, and generates image data of the pattern. The exposure device includes a light emitting element to form an electrostatic latent image, based on which the image forming device forms the pattern. Based on first and second correction values, the circuitry calculates a third correction value to correct a light amount of the light emitting element. The exposure device includes a driving device that drives the light emitting element based on the third correction value. The circuitry sets at least two or more determination areas in each of a white area and a pattern area of the medium, and determines whether the medium has a rise based on density data in the determination areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemasa Morimoto, Koichi Murota, Masashi Hommi, Yuki Osato, Yuusuke Tomura
  • Patent number: 11563893
    Abstract: A camera system includes a lens assembly and image processing electronics internal to the camera housing and thermally coupled to the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sensitive to low ambient temperatures and may become damaged if the temperature of the assembly becomes sufficiently low. The camera system comprises a thermal management system that dissipates heat from electronic components of the camera to increase or maintain the temperature of the battery assembly. The thermal management configures the electronic components in different modes to create a step-wise increase of the resistive heat generated in the camera system and thereby increase the temperature of the components in the camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Ihab A. Ali, Todd Gotham
  • Patent number: 11429035
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes: a first light-emitting-element row that includes light emitting elements arranged in a row in a main scanning direction; a second light-emitting-element row that includes light emitting elements arranged in a row in the main scanning direction and that is positioned in such a manner that at least a portion of the second light-emitting-element row overlaps the first light-emitting-element row in a subscanning direction; and a light-emission control unit that switches a light-emitting-element row caused to emit light between the first light-emitting-element row and the second light-emitting-element row at a switching point that is set at a position in an overlapping portion in which the first light-emitting-element row and the second light-emitting-element row overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventor: Kyoji Yagi
  • Patent number: 11375075
    Abstract: In a case where a temperature detected by a detector is greater than a threshold, one or more processors controls a light source not to emit light and stops conveyance of a document by a conveyance unit. In a case where a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from when the one or more processors controls the light source not to emit the light, the one or more processors controls the light source to emit the light and starts conveyance of the document by the conveyance unit, regardless of a detection result of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazunori Togashi
  • Patent number: 11363167
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes an image capturing unit capturing an image in front of the apparatus; a display displaying a screen; and a controller including one or more processors, the controller configured to function as: an acquisition unit acquiring a face image of a user from the image captured by the image capturing unit; an authentication unit authenticating, using the face image of the user acquired by the acquisition unit, the user who is within a first distance from the apparatus; a tracking unit tracking the user authenticated by the authentication unit; and a control unit causing the display to display a screen that is based on information corresponding to the user tracked by the tracking unit when the user has reached a position at a second distance from the apparatus, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasutomo Tanaka, Chiaki Numata
  • Patent number: 11249236
    Abstract: A light guide for luminaires is disclosed. In some embodiments the light guide is oriented to receive light from a point light source at a light receiving surface configured to refract incoming light at angles to enable total internal reflection (TIR) of the light down the body of the light guide without loss of light. A foot at the bottom of the body of the light guide includes a first sloped face wherefrom a portion of the light is extracted downward toward a work plane in a batwing distribution and a second sloped face and a return face wherefrom the remaining light is extracted upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: LMPG INC.
    Inventor: Scott Santoro
  • Patent number: 11102369
    Abstract: An image reading device includes (i) light guides extending in a main scanning direction and configured to emit light from a light source toward a reading target moving relatively in a sub-scanning direction, the light from the light source being projected into end surfaces of the light guides in the main scanning direction, (ii) an optical filter arranged between the light source and the end surfaces of the light guides and configured to block or attenuate light having a specific wavelength from the light from the light source, (iii) a lens body to focus reflected light reflected by the reading target onto a light receiver to convert the reflected light into an electrical signal, and (iv) a lens holder. The lens holder includes a first positioner for positioning the light guides and a second positioner for positioning the optical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Matsunaga, Daisuke Ohama, Yuki Okuhigashi, Masahiko Takashina, Shigeru Matsuo, Masaki Wakisaka
  • Patent number: 11076065
    Abstract: An edge detection unit is arranged in a conveying portion conveying a sheet and detects the edge of the sheet in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. A light source unit is arranged opposite the sheet. A detecting portion holder holds the edge detection unit and the light source unit. A conveying roller pair positions the sheet conveyed toward the edge detection unit. A unit housing houses the detecting portion holder and the conveying roller pair. The edge detection unit has a contact glass making contact with the sheet. The light source unit has a facing glass facing the contact glass. One glass out of the contact glass and the facing glass is inclined downward at a first angle with respect to the tangent line, which passes through the nip portion between the conveying roller pair, toward the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Naoto Miyakoshi
  • Patent number: 11064083
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus including: a detector configured to detect presence of a document on a document tray; a conveyance unit configured to convey the document; a reading unit configured to read the document conveyed by the conveyance unit at a first position; and a reference member. When the detector detects the presence of a document, the reading unit reads the reference member to determine a shading correction value while being moved from a second position to a third position located between the first position and the second position. When the shading correction value is to be determined again in a period from when the shading correction value is determined until when a receiver receives an instruction to start reading, the reading unit reads the reference member while being moved from the second position toward the first position after having been moved from the third position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Ooki, Hidenori Sunada
  • Patent number: 11061346
    Abstract: A lens mirror array includes a plurality of transparent optical elements integrally connected to each other in one direction. Each of the optical elements includes: an incidence side lens surface on which light is incident; an exit side lens surface through which incident light exits; and a flange portion having a surface continuous to the incidence side lens surface. The surface of the flange portion is arranged at an angle at which unnecessary light incident on the flange portion is guided to a position deviating from an slit, the slit allowing transmission of effective light in light that exits through the exit side lens surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 10911632
    Abstract: An image scanning device includes a linear light source to illuminate a linear illumination position of a scan target with light, a lens body, and a sensor. The linear light source includes a light guide, a scatterer, an emitter, a stepped portion, and a light-shielding member. The stepped portion is formed, from the end surface of the transparent body along the main scan direction, on a side of the light guide that is opposite to the illumination position side of the light guide. The light-shielding member covers a portion of the emitter of the light guide, the portion including the end surface of the transparent body, and extends beyond the stepped portion in the main scan direction and has an end portion that is located out of a scan range of the sensor in the main scan direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Taku Matsuzawa, Daisuke Ohama, Akira Daijogo
  • Patent number: 10834282
    Abstract: Provided is an image reading apparatus configured to avoid unnecessarily performing shading correction processing. The image reading apparatus detects whether or not an original is placed on an original tray when detecting an open state of an ADF and then detecting a closed state thereof. In a case where the original is placed on the original tray, the image reading apparatus performs shading correction for flow reading, and in a case where no original is placed on the original tray, the image reading apparatus performs shading correction for platen cover reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Ooki
  • Patent number: 10768022
    Abstract: An improved optical encoder uses an optical pick-up unit that provides for degrees of freedom in the tracking and focus axes that are unavailable in conventional optical encoders thereby improving the encoders' performance. In an embodiment the encoder employs an optical disc marked with pits and lands which may be arranged in a spiral pattern. The optical disc is mounted on the shaft whose motion is to be monitored by the optical encoder. The encoder may be arranged to read the markings on the optical disc using the three-beam pickup method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Naor
  • Patent number: 10748270
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for carrying out a non-destructive inspection on a wooden board (9) or a similar object. The apparatus (1) comprises a movement system (3) comprising at least two chains or belts (32) that are at a distance from one another and substantially parallel to each other. The chains or belts (32) are slidable parallel to a movement path (30) and are and intended to support the wooden board (9). The apparatus (1) also comprises a non-destructive inspection station (2) that is positioned on the movement path (30), for carrying out a non-destructive inspection on the wooden board (9) that is supported by the chains or belts (32). The non-destructive inspection station (2) comprises at least one operating component (22) that is positioned on the same side as the chains or belts (32) and emits or receives a signal or an image, with an emission or reception field (220) that faces towards a region between two chains or belts (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MICROTEC S.R.L.
    Inventors: Egon Eisner, Herbert Zambra, Konrad Tschurtschenthaler, Johann Thaler
  • Patent number: 10728413
    Abstract: An illuminating device capable of stably illuminating an irradiated object such as a document while suppressing light loss with a simply structure is provided. An LED array and a reflective plate are disposed sandwiching a slit (St) through which light reflected by a document MS passes and a light-guiding member is disposed on the side of the LED array. The light-guiding member includes a direct emission unit disposed between an illumination range y centered on a document reading position and the LED array and an indirect emission unit disposed between the reflective plate and the LED array, a light incidence face of the direct emission unit and a light incidence face of the indirect emission unit are disposed at mutually different position around the LED array, and the LED array is disposed on a side of an interior angle formed by the light incidence faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suto, Mitsuharu Yoshimoto, Tomohiko Okada, Hisashi Yamanaka, Shohichi Fukutome, Kenji Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 10666826
    Abstract: A reading module has a light source, an optical system having a mirror array and an aperture stop portion, a sensor in which a plurality of image regions where the image light is converted into an electrical signal are arranged; a housing; and a light-shielding wall shielding stray light striking the image regions. In the mirror array, a plurality of reflective mirrors whose reflection surfaces are aspherical concave surfaces are coupled together in an array in the main scanning direction. The optical system is fixed to on the case housing at one point in the main scanning direction, and the light shielding walls are arranged at a positions displaced deviated by a predetermined amount from boundaries between the image regions in the direction opposite to the fixed side of the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Kei Ouchi, Takaaki Murase
  • Patent number: 10630862
    Abstract: In one example, an apparatus includes a transparent platen to receive a document to be scanned. The transparent platen includes a scan line, an ingress edge positioned prior to the scan line in the document path, and a chamfered egress edge positioned subsequent to the document path. A light source is positioned to illuminate the document with light while the document passes across the scan line, and a focusing mechanism is positioned to focus a portion of the light that is reflected by the document onto a sensor that senses the portion of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Andersen, Ryan M Smith, Shannon Lai, Jennifer Waskow
  • Patent number: 10536593
    Abstract: A setting device sets a print page to be clear-coated. When print data is obtained, the setting device displays a preview of a print page image represented by the print data (step S1040). The setting device further receives a designation for a print page image of which preview is displayed, and sets a print page corresponding to the print page image of which designation has been received as a print page to be clear-coated (step S1050).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukinori Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 10523833
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a housing that is provided with a contact glass, a document cover, an illumination unit that is received in the housing, and a document size detection unit that performs a document size detection operation for detecting a size of a document by using light irradiated toward the document on the contact glass from the illumination unit when the document cover is switched to a closed state. The illumination unit includes a light guide body extending in a front and rear direction of the housing, a first light source that is disposed at a front side of the light guide body and emits incident light to the light guide body toward a rear side, and a second light source that is disposed at a rear side of the light guide body. In the document size detection operation, only the first light source is lighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Minoru Tokonami
  • Patent number: 10503092
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that executes exposure for discharging a photoconductive drum by a light emitting unit by which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a duty ratio of a drive signal for a driving unit that exposes the photoconductive drum for performing discharging of the photoconductive drum is set to be 100%, and it is thereby possible to suppress generation of radiation noise resulting from the drive signal for the discharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazunori Miyake
  • Patent number: 10504239
    Abstract: Methods and systems for describing a camera radiometrically, in terms of camera response function and vignetting, and in terms of color, suitable for non-uniform illumination set-ups. It estimates the camera response function and the camera color mapping from a single image of a generic scene with two albedos. With a second same-pose image with a different intensity of the near-light the vignetting is also estimated. The camera response function calibration involves the segmentation of the two albedos, the definition of the system of equations based on the assumption that can be made about the image formation process, and the actual estimation. For the modelling the vignetting there are three steps: computing the albedo-normalized irradiance, finding points of equal vignetting, when needed, and estimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Universidade de Coimbra
    Inventors: Pedro Miguel Cerveira Rodrigues, João Pedro de Almeida Barreto
  • Patent number: 10484562
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display, a human detection sensor, and a CPU. If the CPU determines that there is a person in a certain area with the display in an off state, the display enters a first on state in accordance with an instruction from the CPU. If the CPU determines that the image forming apparatus has been operated, the display enters a second on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hisashi Kawahara
  • Patent number: 10484556
    Abstract: There is provided an image reading device which has an operation part configured to receive an operation to select one of a first scan function of treating image data of a plurality of originals read by a reader as one file and a second scan function of treating image data of one original read by the reader as one file. When the operation part receives the operation to select the second scan function, the reader is moved toward a waiting position opposite to the reading end position with respect to the reading start position after completion of the reading process. In response to detection of opening of the cover before the reader reaches the waiting position, a determining process is not executed, while the determining process is executed when opening of the cover is not detected before the reader reaches the waiting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Maeda
  • Patent number: 10469697
    Abstract: Provided is a reading module including a light source, an optical system, and a sensor. The optical system images reflected light of light emitted from the light source to the document, as image light. The sensor converts the imaged image light into an electric signal. The optical system includes a mirror array in which a plurality of reflection mirrors are connected, and a plurality of aperture stops. Neighboring reflection mirrors reflect light at different angles viewed from the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Takaaki Murase, Kei Ouchi
  • Patent number: 10455107
    Abstract: Provided is a scanner having sixteen or fewer sensor chips capable of scanning an A4 document; an optical unit that reduces and focuses an image of an A4 document on the sensor chips; and a generator that synthesizes images of the A4 document read by the sensor chips, and generates image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Netsu, Toshifumi Sakai
  • Patent number: 10440212
    Abstract: A reading module has a light source, an optical system imaging, as image light, reflected light of light radiated from the light source to a document, a sensor where a plurality of imaging regions for converting the image light imaged by the optical system into an electrical signal are arranged next to each other in the main scanning direction, and a housing the light source, the optical system, and the sensor. The optical system has a mirror array where a plurality of reflection mirrors whose reflection surfaces are aspherical concave surfaces are coupled together in an array in the main scanning direction, and an aperture stop portion adjusting the amount of the image light reflected from the reflection mirror. The amount of the image light striking the reflection mirror is increasingly small from opposite end parts of the reflection mirror toward its central part in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Takaaki Murase, Kei Ouchi