Abstract: An image reader includes a light source, a light reception element, an optical member, and a hold body. The light source applies light to a document. The light reception element receives reflected light reflected by the document. The optical member introduces the reflected light into the light reception element. The hold body has an entry part which is disposed in a portion not contributing to image formation of the reflected light on the light reception element through the optical member. The hold body holds the optical member.

Abstract: The method to control a light source in an image scanning apparatus includes emitting light onto a reference surface having a predetermined reflectivity from a light source, detecting a shading level representing an intensity of the light reflected from the reference surface, and controlling the light intensity from the light source by using the shading level and the reference level.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes lighting circuits; a light source including light-emitting elements arranged in a line such that the light-emitting elements connected in series to the same lighting circuit are not positioned adjacent to each other; a reflecting part; a photoelectric conversion unit photoelectrically converting reflected light from the reflecting part; a lighting control unit selectively turning on one of the lighting circuits; a memory storing an area information table containing information on main-scanning areas of the photoelectric conversion unit in association with identification information of the lighting circuits; and a failure determining unit identifying the main-scanning areas corresponding to the identification information of the turned-on lighting circuit by referring to the area information table and comparing intensities of the reflected light entering the identified main-scanning areas with a first threshold to determine whether the light-emitting elements connected to the t

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employing the same. The scanner module includes a light source generating light to be irradiated onto an object and a light guide member extending in correspondence with a width of the object to be scanned. The light guide member has a reflective surface for reflecting the light generated from the light source, an exit surface for radiating the light, which is reflected from the reflective surface, toward the object, and a plurality of guide surfaces each guiding the light toward the exit surface by reflecting the light reflected from the reflective surface deviates from the exit surface. The light is effectively guided to be output from the exit surface without substantial light loss.

Abstract: A light scanning unit and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same. The light scanning unit uses a reduced number of optical components by forming an optical unit disposed between a light source and an optical deflector by using only a single lens and ensures optical and mechanical properties by having an appropriate main/sub scanning magnification ratio.

Abstract: A device includes: a first lighting unit that illuminates an object at a first incident angle; a second lighting unit that illuminates an object at a second incident angle, the second incident angle being larger than the first incident angle; an image-input unit that receives light and generates image signals in accordance with the received light; and a guiding unit that guides light diffusely reflected from the object illuminated by either the first lighting unit or the second lighting unit to the image-input unit.

Abstract: An optical scanning device of the invention includes: n-odd (n?2) light sources disposed at different positions at least in a sub scanning direction; a light source driving control part configured to control a light emitting state of the light source; and a sub-scanning pixel position detecting part configured to depict one pixel with m-odd (n?m?2) light sources of the n-odd (n?2) light sources and to detect a deviation in position of the one pixel in a sub scanning direction, wherein the light source driving control part is configured to correct the deviation in position of the one pixel in the sub scanning direction at a resolution equal to or higher than a density of the pixel, depicted with the m-odd light sources, by controlling the light emitting state of the m-odd light sources on the basis of a result of detection with the sub-scanning pixel position detecting part.

Abstract: A scanning device with multiple LED light sources and an application thereof. The scanning device includes a housing, a chassis, a main LED light source and an auxiliary LED light source. A horizontal plane of the housing is connected to a sloped plane of the housing to form a connecting section. The main LED light source has a length extending in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the chassis. The main LED light source provides a main light ray to illuminate the horizontal plane, and includes a first circuit board mounted on the chassis and first LEDs mounted on the first circuit board. The auxiliary LED light source includes a second circuit board mounted on the chassis and a second LED mounted on the second circuit board. The second LED provides an auxiliary light ray to illuminate the connecting section.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of light sources to illuminate a document; an illumination optical system to guide light to a reading target area having a length and a width; a document illuminating device to illuminate the entire document; an image forming optical system to form an image from light reflected from the document; and a sensor provided in an image forming section of the image forming optical system to read the image of the document. The illumination optical system includes a concentration section to control light diffusion, and a reflection section. The reflection section includes at least two integrally configured reflection surfaces, in which a sine value of an angle of reflected light from at least one reflection surface is positive, while a sine value of an angle of reflected light from the rest of at least one reflection surface is negative.

Abstract: A discrimination machine optically senses an object having a surface with a planar structure while scanning the planar structure along the surface. The machine includes a discrimination sensor including optical devices detecting light generated from the planar structure. The optical devices are disposed at an interval in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a scanning direction, to ensure a sufficiently wide sensing area for the object. A deviation detector detects deviation of the planar structure from a plane based on electrical signals output from the respective optical devices detecting the light generated by the object while the discrimination sensor is scanning the object. An optical device selector selects an optical device, from among the optical devices, based on the deviation detected. A determination is made as to whether the electrical signal output from the optical device selected is within an allowable margin.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a clock generator, an image sensor, a plurality of switches having a first switch and a second switch, a reader, a first controller, and a second controller. The clock generator generates a first clock signal having a first cycle and a second clock signal having a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. The image sensor detects an image formed on a document to generate an image signal. The image signal is inputted into the first switch and the second switch by rotation. The first switch and the second switch is capable of switching to simultaneously or alternately output the image signal in synchronization with the first clock. The reader reads the image signal outputted from the first switch and the second switch. The first controller controls the first switch to output the image signal to the reader during a first period and to control the second switch to output the image signal to the reader during a second period.

Abstract: An embodiment of a document processing apparatus that has a function of correcting image scanning resolution according to the present invention includes a first carriage mounted with a first reflector that reflects reflected light from a document fixed on an original placing glass plate in a predetermined direction and a second carriage mounted with a second reflector that changes a direction of incident light from the first reflector by 180°. A correction distance from a default position of the second carriage with which predetermined resolution is obtained in plural scanning positions of the first carriage is calculated. An operation of the second carriage is controlled based on the correction distance obtained.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading device, which comprises an illumination unit configured to diffuse light from light sources in a predetermined scanning direction to illuminate an object with diffused light, a reading unit having photoreceptors aligned in the predetermined scanning direction to receive light reflected from the object, a detection unit configured to detect lighting status of the light sources; and a controller that obtains an image of the object by using a normal one of the light sources as a main light source if at least one of the light sources is in an abnormal state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel system for acquiring digital images of identification documents such as drivers license, passports, or medical insurance records using a digital camera so as to establish a high resolution image and extracting data automatically with machine vision tools so as to acquire accurate data. The present invention teaches also a system that acquires multi-spectral images of both sides of the identification document.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a request signal generating unit that generates a predetermined timing signal and transmits a request signal for a specified number of times for requesting line-by-line image data during a time interval at which the timing signal is generated; and a memory control unit that sequentially saves, in a memory unit, line-by-line image data transmitted in response to the request signal and reads line-by-line image data saved in the memory unit to transmit the line-by-line image data to a drive control unit. Upon receiving a predetermined increase request, the request signal generating unit shifts a generation timing of the timing signal so that, during the time interval, the request signal can be transmitted for an increased number of times than the specified number of times, and gradually shortens the timing signal by a predetermined shortening time period.

Abstract: A scanner has a movable carriage, a platen that is substantially transparent to visible light overlying the carriage, and a light source physically connected to the carriage for moving therewith. The light source is selectively movable between a first position for scanning substantially opaque media positioned on the platen, and overlying the light source, and a second position for scanning media substantially transparent to visible light underlying the light source.

Abstract: An opening method for a double-sided scanner is provided. A light source of one particular color inside a first group of light sources and a light source of a different color (or the same color) inside a second group of light source are lit to scan the front and back surface of a scan document. Optical signals from the front and back surface of the scan document are received and converted into analogue electrical signals. Thereafter, the analogue electrical signals are converted into digital electrical signal. Finally, the digital electrical signals are output to a host computer. This invention utilizes two groups of light sources (for example, light-emitting diodes) to serve as light sources for the double-sided scanner. Because light-emitting diodes require no warm-up period and is quick to switch, double-sided scanning is simplified.

Abstract: An image reader A1 according to the present invention comprises a pair of light source devices 3, a light guide member 4, a first and a second reflectors 7A and 7B, a plurality of light receiving elements 5, and a case 1. The image reader A1 further includes a first fitting contrivance 71 for positioning the first reflector 7A relative to the case 1 by inserting the first reflector 7A into the case 1 in the insertion direction z, a second fitting contrivance 72 for positioning the light guide member 4 relative to the case 1 by inserting the light guide member 4 into the case 1 in the insertion direction z, and a third fitting contrivance 73 for positioning the second reflector 7B relative to the case 1 by inserting the second reflector 7B into the case 1 in the insertion direction z.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a light-path device of an optical scanner that includes a curved-surface optical element and a light-path module. The arrangement between the curved-surface optical element and the light-path module may be designed such that the length of a light-path route through the light-path device may be adjusted to accommodate various sized objects to be scanned and physics characteristics of the photoelectric conversion device included in the scanner to convert the image into an electrical signal.

Abstract: An image-reading apparatus includes: a light dividing unit that divides irradiated light so that a part of the light having a first wavelength is diffracted, and a part of the light having a second wavelength is transmitted; a first light measuring unit that measures an intensity of light entering into a first measuring area, and outputs first measurement information indicating the measured intensity; a second light measuring unit that measures an intensity of light entering into a second measuring area, and outputs second measurement information indicating the measured intensity; an image-forming unit that forms an image of a subject for reading in the first measurement area, and that forms a virtual image in the second measurement area, using light diffracted by the light dividing unit; and a generation unit that corrects the first measurement information on the basis of the second measurement information.

Abstract: A laptop computer is comprised of a base portion, a display portion, and a scanning/illuminating mechanism. The scanning/illuminating mechanism illuminates a display of the display portion of the laptop computer and illuminates a document during scanning of the document.

Abstract: A document surface micro-adjust mechanism for an optical scanner. The optical scanner has an outer casing with a transparent document platform in the upper section. An optical lens is enclosed inside the outer casing. The document surface micro-adjust mechanism uses a carrier chassis to embed the transparent document platform. One end of the carrier chassis is hinged upon the upper wall of the outer casing while the other end of the carrier chassis has a through hole to be engaged to a locking hole on a latching structure attached to the upper section of the outer casing. A locking element passes through the through-hole to engage with the locking hole. An elastic element is positioned between the carrier chassis and the latching structure. Depth of the locking element inside the locking hole may be adjusted to vary optical distance from the document surface of the transparent document platform to the optical lens inside the scanner.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), a heating light source, a timer, a photosensor for detecting light that is emitted from the CCFL and the heating light source, and a controller for controlling operations of the scanning device. The warm-up time period of the CCFL exceeds that of the heating light source. After activation, the heating light source is capable of generating more heat than the CCFL, which induces more rapid heating of the CCFL. When the time period counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time, the controller turns off the heating light source and performs scanning using only the cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: In the so-called sky-shot in which reading is performed with a platen cover (32) open, an output signal of a read image is compared with a white reference value generated from a white reference member (40). Only if a value greater than or equal to the white reference value exists in the output signal of the read image, a reading operation to be performed with a light source unit in an image sensor unit (33) turned off during an original (34) reading operation is added to each scan line reading operation.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading apparatus and a control method therefor, which can suppress the influence of external light, and obtain an appropriate read image. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus executes a Light-on reading processing for turning on an LED and causing a sensor to read an original document on a original platen at the first resolution, and a Light-off reading processing for turning off a light source and causing the sensor to read the original document on the original platen at the second resolution. In accordance with the influence of external light in an Light-off mode image read by the Light-off reading processing, the image reading apparatus removes the influence of external light in a Light-on mode image read by the Light-on reading processing.

Abstract: An optical scanning device is provided which comprises a laser array which emits laser beams including a number of beams (1, 2, . . . , n) writing a swath of rasters having a laser scanning section which, when an interlaced scanning period i, is set to a natural number between beams which are adjacent in a sub-scanning direction, scans the laser beams emitted from the laser array with the interlaced scanning period i. The laser scanning section can scan the laser beams such that the beam number n and the interlaced scanning period i are relatively prime natural numbers, and n>i. In a first scan, data for raster lines (1, 2, . . . , n) can be selectively associated with a respective first exposure. At a second scan, data for raster lines (i+1, i+2, . . . , n) can be selectively associated with a respective second exposure and data for raster lines (n+1, n+2, . . . , n+i) can be selectively associated with a respective first exposure. The first respective exposure for raster lines (i+1, i+2, . . .

Abstract: An image reader includes two rows of image reading element arrays, that is, a first image reading element array and a second image reading element array, and a first rod lens array and a second rod lens array, disposed in correspondence with the first and second image reading element arrays and having different focal positions, in order to read an image on a transmission original in optimal focus with a CIS scanner using the rod lens arrays as when an image on a reflection original is read. The second image reading element array provides higher resolution, and has a shorter reading length. The focal length of the second rod lens array is greater than that of the first rod lens array.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source, an imaging optics system, an image pickup device unit, a memory, and a processor. The imaging optics system condenses scattered light reflected on an object to be imaged to form condensed light as an image. The imaging optics system includes plural cells arranged in a main scanning direction and each of which is an independent imaging optics system. Each of the cells includes a telecentric optics system at the document side. Two rows of cells are arranged in a sub-scanning direction. The cells in the rows are arranged zigzag in the main scanning direction to complement a formed image by the cells in the sub-scanning direction. The image pickup device unit is arranged to correspond to each cell. The processor can form a document image by reconstructing and combining image information stored in the memory into an image.

Abstract: To prevent such a situation that a signal from a pixel in a dark state is output at a level shifted from an originally set level to deteriorate an image quality, and to improve the image quality.

Abstract: The present invention is a changeable apparatus for different total tracks and a corresponding method. The apparatus reflects a light from a light source at least twice toward predetermined directions. The apparatus comprises plural reflection elements, at least one of the plural reflection elements is a rotational reflection element, which has plural reflection surface sets, and each reflection surface set has at least one reflection surface. The rotational reflective element further comprises a pivot axis is for each rotational reflection element for circulating and changing of reflection surface sets and a fixing apparatus, which connects to a rotational reflection element for adjusting and fixing positions of the rotational reflection element.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus having a large depth of focus (DOF) and being compact in size is provided.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an image reading apparatus including: first and second light emitters that emit lights; a light guide unit that guides the lights emitted from the first and second light emitters to irradiate a document with the light; a photoelectric conversion unit that converts reflected light from the document into an image signal; and a control unit that controls the first light emitter to emit light for a first time period in a unit time period and controls the second light emitter to emit light for a second time period misaligned from the first time period in the unit time period.

Abstract: The spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) includes a phase comparator detecting phase difference between input clock and feedback clock; a charge pump supplying current depending on the phase difference; a loop filter converting the current to smoothed voltage; a voltage controlled oscillator generating a spread spectrum clock signal depending on the smoothed voltage; and a modulation signal generator generating modulation signal having amplitude depending on a modulation width set value. The SSCG further includes a modulation width detector detecting modulation width of the spread spectrum clock signal while comparing the modulation width with a modulation width target value to update the modulation width set value to narrow difference between the detected modulation width and the modulation width target value, followed by feeding back the updated modulation width set value to the modulation signal generator.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes an imaging element and a signal processing unit. The imaging element obtains an image of an observation object, and outputs an image signal of the observation object. The signal processing unit alternately repeats obtainment of a partial image signal using a part of a light receiving area of the imaging element and obtainment of a partial image signal using the remaining part of the light receiving area. The signal processing unit also obtains a whole image signal corresponding to an image of the observation object using a partial image signal obtained in the n-th (n is a natural number) obtainment and a partial image signal obtained in the (n+1)th obtainment. Further, a partial component of the n-th partial image signal is extracted by an extraction unit, and the extracted partial component is added to the (n+1)th partial image signal.

Abstract: An image reading method and an image expansion method are provided whereby a low-resolution imaged picture can be expanded to have a high image quality even if an input image sequence is motionless, that is to say, even if a subject is motionless.

Abstract: In an image outputting system, a monitor simultaneously outputs a plurality of input image data. A management server stores a management table including display starting time regarding each piece of image data. A detecting unit detects an event which requests the monitor to display new image data. A determining unit determines whether or not new image data corresponding to the detected event can be output to the monitor based on the output management information regarding each piece of the image data stored in the storing unit. When it is determined that the new image data can be output to the monitor, the monitor outputs the new image data instead of previous image data determined based on the output management information among image data previously output.

Abstract: An image reading device includes: a plurality of light sources that are arranged in a row and emit light; a light guide body that guides the light emitted from the plurality of light sources to a reading portion and transmits light reflected from the reading portion; a carriage having the plurality of light sources and the light guide body; and a reading unit that receives the light reflected from the reading portion and reads an image on the reading portion.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: an image reading unit including a light source and a light receiving unit, and being capable of reading an image of a document sheet with predetermined plural reading conditions; a first light quantity information acquiring unit acquiring first light quantity information on a quantity of light emitted from the light source to a first white reference plate and received by the light receiving unit, for each reading condition; a second light quantity information acquiring unit acquiring second light quantity information on a quantity of light emitted from the light source to a second white reference plate and received by the light receiving unit, for fewer reading conditions than all the plural reading conditions; and a third light quantity information acquiring unit acquiring the second light quantity information for reading conditions other than the fewer reading conditions by using the acquired first light quantity information.

Abstract: An image reading device including: plural point light sources, each point light source being disposed at a placement interval F in a first direction; a light guiding body having an exit surface, incident light from the plural light sources exiting from the exit surface to a surface to be read, and a width S of the exit surface, in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, being smaller than the placement interval F; a light diffusing portion which diffuses light exiting from the exit surface, at an angle that is greater in the first direction than in the second direction; and a reading portion which receives light reflected at the surface to be read, and reads an image at the surface to be read, is provided.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a light emitting element array that includes plural light emitting elements arranged in line in a first scan direction of a document; a guiding unit that guides light entering from the light emitting element array, and that emits the light toward a reading position of the document while diffusing the light; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the reading position irradiated with the light from the light emitting element array through the guiding unit; and a scan unit that moves the reading position of the document in a second scan direction, the reading position being a position read by the light receiving unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image sensor fixed to a main body of the image reading apparatus, a light scanning carriage, a light reflection carriage, a pair of transport modules to move the light scanning carriage and the light reflection carriage in a sub-scanning direction with a predetermined speed ratio, and a wire having both ends fixed to the main body of the image reading apparatus and a portion fixed to the light scanning carriage, the wire wound around carriage pulleys of the light reflection carriage and fixing pulleys of the main body. Therefore, an accuracy of a moving of the carriages is improved, thus preventing a defective reading operation. Manufacturing costs of the image reading apparatus are reduced.

Abstract: Visible and infrared radiation is generated from phosphors within a cold cathode lamp. At least partially transparent media is irradiated with the visible and infrared radiation from the cold cathode lamp. Infrared radiation that passes through the at least partially transparent media is sensed, and an artifact signal is generated from the sensed infrared radiation. The artifact signal corresponds to one or more unwanted artifacts on the at least partially transparent media.

Abstract: In a frame (8) holding a sensor board (7) with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (6k) arranged and mounted and an imaging element (5) for focusing light reflected from an original onto the sensor board (7), the imaging element (5) includes a plurality of rod lens arrays (5) each having at least one cut end in a lengthwise direction, and cut portions of the rod lens arrays (5) are connected to each other to be tailored to a predetermined reading width, the frame (8) includes a holding section (13) for holding the rod lens arrays (5), and the holding section (13) includes a bottom surface (13B) widened at a part where a cut portion and/or a connection portion of the rod lens arrays (5) is located.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit of an image forming apparatus may include: an optical housing configured to include at least one optical part and to have a light-beam emitting aperture through which a light beam can emanate from the optical housing; a shutter configured to cover the light-beam emitting aperture; and a driving unit configured to drive the shutter to and fro, thus opening and closing the light-beam emitting aperture. Such a driving unit further can operate to coordinate at least one of the opening and the closing to occur after activation and before deactivation of a writing operation conducted by the optical scanning unit, respectively.

Abstract: From an amplifier circuit of a plurality of pixels each, a signal is directly output to a signal line. Even if the signal line is longer and the signal line has an increased parasitic capacitance, attenuation of the signal transmitted through the signal line can be prevented. Therefore, the dynamic range of the signal output can be expanded and the information can be output accurately.

Abstract: An image reader includes a lamp that irradiates light onto a document, a first carriage that moves the lamp along the document to optically scan the document, a CCD that receives light reflected from the document and prepares an image data indicative of an image of the document. A size sensor detects a length of the document in an auxiliary scanning direction, and an IPU that detects a length of the document in the main scanning direction from the image data. A CPU monitors whether a size of the document has changed, based on the detected by the size sensor, and controls irradiation of the light by the lamp based on the result of monitoring.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes an illuminator for illuminating a portion of a document to be scanned. The illuminator includes at least one light source and an optical element positioned to redirect light emitted by the light source. A phosphor material is disposed to intercept at least a portion of the light redirected by the optical element. A photosensitive device is positioned to receive light reflected from the document for recording an image of the document.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image scanning module having four reflecting mirrors, the image scanning module comprises at least one source, four reflection mirrors, a pickup lens, an image sensor and a frame, wherein at least one of reflection mirror is multi-reflection along the optical path, satisfies the specific optical conditions. The TTL (total tracking length) can only be adjusted through the arrangement of the distance of the four reflecting mirrors and will not need to adjust through the angle of the four reflecting mirrors. Accordingly, the benefit of present invention not only increases the field of depth by increasing the total length of optical path in the limited space, but also be convenient to assemble respectively to different total tracking length.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a transporting unit that transports an irradiated member having a light transmissive portion including irregularities; a light source that emits light, which irradiates the irradiated member, and the light source is placed on a one side with respect to the irradiated member and inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the irradiated member; a lens that is placed on an another side with respect to the irradiated member and converges scattered light that is scattered by the irregularities; and a sensor that receives the scattered light converged by the lens.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a light-focusing for image-gathering device that receive the light coming from the image of an object being scanned. The light-focusing for image-gathering device is comprised of: at least one reflection mirror, an imaging device and at least one raster (optical grate). The reflection mirror has plural concave surfaces that are arranged appropriately, and the concave surface provides the light being focused and reflected to a predetermined route. The imaging device receives the light reflected from at least one reflection mirror and converts it into electronic signal. The raster has plural pervious holes, of which positions are just respectively corresponded to each concave surface. The raster is located in the light-path route between the imaging device and at least one reflection mirror.