Abstract: An image reading imaging optical system for imaging image information on a line sensor and reading the image information has an imaging optical element including a plurality of off-axial reflecting surfaces differing in the direction of incidence and the direction of emergence of a reference axis ray from one another and having curvatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for fast finding the best resolution of an optical scanning device during assembling steps. The present invention improves the graphics of the calibration device. Accompanying with calculation of an adjustment device, the present invention generates a referencing parameters. The parameters represent the resolution of the optical scanning device; and further is able to show the balance of horizontal resolution and the balance of vertical resolution. In this case, technicians can optimize the best position of the lens in order to build an optical scanning with precision and narrow the misalignment during assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital camera which provides high resolution at low cost by using a charge coupled device (CCD) with a high concentration of pixels in one dimension and rapidly scanning an image plane in the camera to provide high resolution in a second dimension. High resolution can thereby be achieved in both dimensions of the image plane without the need for an expensive CCD which employs a two dimensional array of pixels numbering in the thousands in both dimensions. For additional cost savings, the moveable one dimensional CCD concept can be retrofitted into an existing camera assembly thereby replacing the film and film handling equipment in the existing camera.

Abstract: A document scanner for producing any combination of color or grayscale or bi-tonal document images having a selectable range of resolutions is provided that maximizes image production speed by minimizing the processing required to produce the particular type of images selected. The scanner includes an imaging camera including a high-resolution grayscale CCD sensor in combination with lower resolution red, green, and blue CCD sensors. The scanner further includes an image processing circuit for processing data generated by the grayscale and color CCD sensors into any combination of color, grayscale, or bi-tonal document images having high or low resolution. High-resolution color images are produced by superimposing the high-resolution grayscale image generated by the grayscale sensor with the lower resolution color images generated by the color CCD sensors. The image processing circuit may also produce high or low resolution, color, grayscale or bi-tonal images when selected at respectively lower bandwidths.

Abstract: A glass supporting device of a scanner comprises an upper cover, a lower cover, a front cover, and a glass sheet. The upper and lower covers, and the front cover can be integrated. The lateral sides of the upper cover are installed with a plurality of sliding tracks. The sliding tracks and the edges of the top of the upper cover are formed with a shape track. Therefore, the glass sheet can be slid into the track manually for being positioned therein. The track serves for supporting the glass sheet. In the present invention, the glass sheet is easily assembled and detached. The upper cover and glass sheet is updated independently. Therefore, the assembling work is performed quickly and the cost for detaching parts are low.

Abstract: A spontaneous light emitting display device with low power consumption suppresses fluctuation in characteristics of driving elements of light emitting pixels and has no fluctuation in light emitting luminance of a light emitting element. For each of light emitting pixels arranged in a matrix, a respective photoelectric converting portion detects light emitted from the corresponding light emitting pixels is provided, so that a current flowing to the light emitting pixels is controlled by using a voltage produced from the respective photoelectric converting portion. The device suppresses luminance variation of the light emitting pixel even when the conversion gain of the photoelectric portion varies.

Abstract: To eliminate after-image due to residual charges to provide an output form that is easy to obtain effective on-light output. The outputs of photo-diodes 1 are read out as sequential signal outputs on a common signal line 15 through connected amplifiers 3, and two states of before and after resetting the photo-diodes 1 are outputted in order for each light receiving element.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of photoelectric converting elements, each of which is provided with an electric charge output port, and a group of channel selection switches that turn on and off between the electric charge output port and a common signal line. A resolution of the image sensor is determined by ON-OFF patterns of a signal used for designating a resolution, at a timing of a rising or falling edge of a signal for setting a timing for designating the resolution during the period that a signal for setting a period for designating the resolution is on.

Abstract: A representative method for scanning comprises: exposing a first linear array of photodetector elements to light for a first exposure time to acquire first, second, third and fourth accumulated charges; transferring the first, second, third and fourth accumulated charges to first, second, third, and fourth stages, respectively, of a charge shift register; exposing the first linear array to light for a second exposure time to acquire fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth accumulated charges; and transferring the fifth, the sixth, the seventh and the eighth accumulated charges to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth stages, respectively, of the charge shift register to interleave the first and second accumulated charges with the seventh and eighth accumulated charges.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of taking full advantage of each device function and adjusting it even if each device function varies depending on respective machines. The image reading apparatus includes an illumination unit directing light toward an original document, a transducer unit transducing the light directed toward the original document and reflected therefrom to an electric signal, and a controller controlling the amount of light from the illumination unit according to a saturation characteristic and a frequency characteristic of the transducer unit.

Abstract: An image reading device including an image sensor for optically reading a document and outputting an electric signal, a period control circuit for controlling the period of a horizontal synchronizing signal in order to change a time period during which charge is stored in the image sensor, and a scanning speed control circuit for controlling the scanning speed of the document to be a speed conforming to the period of the horizontal synchronizing signal. The horizontal synchronizing signal and the scanning speed are variably set to values corresponding to an image reading mode, for example.

Abstract: A purpose of this invention is to execute proper smear correction corresponding to the image sensing purpose or condition without degrading the image quality. To achieve this purpose, the smear line signal of an image sensing signal output from a solid-state image sensing element (4) is stored in a smear line memory (7). The value of the smear line signal is limited by a limiting circuit (8), and smear correction is performed for the image sensing signal on the basis of the limited value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus serves for converting a low resolution first image to a high resolution second image. The apparatus is includes a light sensor for receiving incident light radiated from a scene. The light sensor has a number of cells, each defining a predetermined area, and is arranged for cyclically scanning the low resolution first image a number of times while at least one driver moves the light sensor an identical number of times in at least one direction. For each step the light sensor is moved a distance corresponding to the extent of the area covered by the cell in the direction of movement while the total distance covered corresponds to the extent of the cell in the movement direction. Thereby a number of subareas are defined. A computer serves to establish a representation of the high resolution second image by calculating the representation of the received incident light from the scene at each subarea by software program.

Abstract: A target, method, and apparatus are disclosed for measuring assembly and alignment errors in scanner sensor assemblies. The sensor assembly comprises at least two sensor segments. The target comprises edges defined by changes in reflectance. At least one vertical edge corresponds to each sensor segment, and can be detected only by its corresponding segment, even when the segments are misaligned to the maximum extent of their placement tolerances. The target may optionally comprise a horizontal edge spanning the sensor segments. The target is scanned, and the resulting digital image is analyzed to detect the apparent locations of the target edges. The apparent edge locations provide sufficient information to locate the sensor segments. The target may optionally be incorporated into a scanner, or into a separate alignment fixture. The analysis may be performed in a scanner, in a fixture, or in a host computer attached to a scanner or a fixture.

Abstract: A digital scanner for scanning sheet document along transport path. The scanner includes a transport mechanism for moving the document along the transport path and a platen. The transport path is designed to minimize sticking or jamming of the document at the platen and for providing a high quality digital scan of the document.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus individually reads a predetermined white reference plate by flickering light sources of the respective colors before an original image is read by sequentially turning on the light sources during one line sync period. The flickering duty ratio of the light source obtained when the white reference plate is read is set for each color so as to maximize the output value from an A/D converter within its predetermined conversion range. When an original is read, the image reading apparatus changes the emission color by switching the light source to be flickered every line sync period, and turns on the light sources of the respective colors in accordance with different duty ratios set for these colors.

Abstract: A sheet image scanner of the present invention has plural image sensors to output electric signals by detecting optical image data that are obtained by applying a light from a light source to documents, amplifiers to amplify outputs from the plural image sensors, and a peak detection processing unit to detect a peak value of sensitivity of at least one of the plural image sensors and set a gain value for each of amplifiers for the plural image sensors using the detected peak value.

Abstract: A photosensor array has transfer gates that are logically divided into sections, with separate control over each section. Sequential control of the transfer gate sections, coupled with shifting the charge shift register, enables each stage of the charge shift register to accumulate charges from multiple sensor elements. Multiple scanlines are then interleaved into the charge shift register. Because charges from multiple sensor elements are accumulated, the exposure time can be reduced. Because multiple scan-lines are interleaved, the amount of subsampling for lower sampling rates can be reduced or even eliminated. As a result, the overall time required to acquire just the data that is needed for lower sampling rates is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An improved high resolution scanner for use in a conventional scanner housing. A plurality of mirrors, including a two-position switchable mirror adapted to sequentially scan a first column, and then a second column, is mounted on a carriage which also includes a conventional lens and CCD for sequentially scanning an object to be scanned in a two-pass scan. The resulting scanned portions, when combined, produce a high resolution image of the scanned image.

Abstract: In realizing an entire-screen simultaneous shutter function using a solid-state imaging device having a device structure as a CMOS solid-state imaging device, the restriction undergone by exposure time is relieved to secure a sufficient exposure time with swift operation. Separately from a transfer Tr for transferring a signal charge of a buried-type PD to an FD, a drain Tr is provided to exclude a signal charge of the buried PD. Both a channel potential on the drain transistor when turned on and a channel potential on the transfer transistor when turned on are set higher than a depleting potential for the PD. This makes it possible to completely transfer the signal charge of the PD by both the transfer Tr and the drain Tr. In the operation to sequentially read out a signal charge from the FD on a pixel-row basis, PD exposure operation is started in a course of reading out the same.

Abstract: In order to perform addition of the electric charges obtained from adjacent pixels in the same sensor row with a multiplexing structure type of solid-state image pick-up apparatus, a solid-state image pick-up apparatus of the present invention comprises: a first CCD register 10 that transfers electric charges acquired by a first light-receiving pixel row; a second CCD register 20 that transfers electric charges acquired by a second light-receiving pixel row; a multiplex section 30 that transfers the respective electric charges, transferred by the first CCD register 10 and second CCD register 20 toward a floating diffusion amplifier FD; and signal generator 3 that in the case of alternately-output mode, applies signals in opposite phase to each other to a final stage of the first CCD register 10 and a final stage of the second CCD register 20, respectively, and, in the case of an add-and-output mode, applies to the final stage of the second CCD register 20 a signal for accumulating the electric charge until a

Abstract: A color image reading apparatus comprises at least three line sensors arranged at regular intervals along the main scanning direction, an imaging optical system for focussing a light beam on the line sensors, and a diffraction grating for separating a light beam coming from a color image into a plurality of light beams having respective wavelengths different from each other. The imaging optical system includes at least one lens and the optical axis of the lens is eccentrically disposed relative to that of the optical system as a whole so as for the plurality of light beams to be focussed on the respective line sensors.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image reading apparatus which eliminates color misregistration upon reading in the sub-scanning direction, which occurs due to different afterglow or persistence characteristics of the respective colors of a light source upon executing the light quantity control of the light source for illuminating an original. Since the light quantity control of the light source is divisionally done a plurality of times in one accumulation period of a solid-state image sensing element, any deviation of the center of gravity in the quantity of light from the center C of one accumulation period can be minimized, and the color misregistration can be eliminated remarkably.

Abstract: An image sensor according to the present invention includes a casing (4), a light source disposed in the casing (4) for emitting light toward an object (K) to be read, and an image sensor board (6) provided, on an obverse surface thereof, with a plurality of light receiving elements (52) for generating image signals upon receiving light reflected by the object (K). The image sensor board (6) is disposed so that the obverse surface thereof is directed inwardly of the casing (4). The substrate (6) is provided with a light shielding layer (61) for covering the reverse surface of the substrate at least entirely over a portion of the obverse surface where the plurality of light receiving elements (52) are mounted, so that disturbing external light is prevented from entering inside the casing (4).

Abstract: When images recorded in a memory card are read and reduced images of image files are displayed on a liquid crystal monitor in order, printing information of the image files is referred to. An image of which two or more prints have been designated is enclosed by a predetermined-colored (for example, yellow) frame, and a figure is displayed according the number of the prints that have been designated. An image of which any prints have not been designated is not enclosed by the frame. An image that has been printed is enclosed by an another-colored (for example, blue) frame.

Abstract: In a photoelectric conversion device for reading signals in succession from plural photoelectric converting elements (S11-S33), arranged two-dimensionally on a substrate, by successively scanning drive lines (g1-g3) in the X-direction thereby transferring signals charges along signal lines in the Y-direction, for reading the signals of the photoelectric converting elements in a partial area, only the arbitrarily selected drive lines for the plural photoelectric converting elements are scanned in succession while the remaining drive lines are not driven or are driven simultaneously for transferring the charges at a timing different from the timing of drive of the arbitrarily selected drive lines.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of elements (D) for receiving reflected light from an object, photoelectrically converting it into image signals (OS1-OS4), and outputting the image signals, a first output buffer (121) for outputting image signals received from even elements of the plurality of elements in the line from one end to the other end, a second output buffer (122) for outputting image signals received from odd elements from one end to the other end, a third output buffer (123) for outputting image signals received from even elements from the other end to the one end, and a fourth output buffer (124) for outputting image signals received from odd elements from the other end to the one end.

Abstract: An image reader has a transport passage for transporting an original, a CIS for reading an image on the original transported on the transport passage, and a control member for pressing the transported original against an abutment member disposed at an opposed side of the transport passage at a read position of the CIS. The original does not slide on glass at the read position of the CIS and is moved with the original abutted against the abutment member of a chute on the opposed side, and image data is read in sequence.

Abstract: A color image reading device, an output controller and a method of controlling an output from a color image reading device provide for an improved signal-noise ratio for the scanning of two-dimensional objects, as in document scanners. In the present invention, the position of a color image reading device with respect to an object to be read is oriented in order to optimize illumination in, for example, the blue wavelength. Pixel data for each line is read, generated in reverse order and/or re-phased so as to compensate for offset linear sensors on the color image reading device.

Abstract: A multiple-field sensor for a scanner suitable for scanning a document. The scanner includes a multiple-field sensor, an average accumulator, and a block of memory. The multiple-field sensor has a plurality of sensing lines for each color channel. Each sensing line picks up a portion of image signal from the document during scanning. The sensing lines scan the same portion of the document to produce corresponding image signals. The average accumulator averages the image signals obtained from the sensing lines of the same color channel to produce an average image signal. The block of memory is used as a storage area for image signals in general and the average image signal in particular.

Abstract: In a photosensitive imaging apparatus having multiple chips, each chip having a set of photosensors, chips of a single basic design can be instructed to operate consistently with either parallel or serial readout of the apparatus. Signals on a shift register line associated with each chip are recognized, by on-chip circuitry, as an instruction to operate the chip in either a parallel or a serial manner.

Abstract: An imaging system that uses an array controller which is adapted to imaging arrays having black cells to control an imaging array not having black cells. The imaging system includes an array controller that is adapted to process a scan line that includes one or more black pixels. The imaging system includes an imaging array not having black cells that generates a series of pixel data samples in response to light from an image. The imaging system includes circuitry for generating the scan line by synthesizing the black level pixels and combining the black pixels with the series of pixel data samples.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to read a high-quality image by detecting and correcting dirt, a scratch, or a watermark present on an original in an image reading apparatus for reading an original. To achieve this object, an original illumination unit in the image reading apparatus for reading an original includes a first light source for emitting light in at least the visible region, a second light source for emitting light in only the invisible region, and a light guide plate which has these light sources at an end face and distributes incident light from the end face to the entire flat surface.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing image data, obtained from an image sensing unit in which plural sensor chips each having plural pixels are arrayed with an interval of a multiple of a pixel width therebetween, and interpolating image data for the interval. If an abnormal pixel exists, image data of the abnormal pixel is replaced with data in accordance with image data of a pixel adjacent to the abnormal pixel, and thereafter, interpolation is performed for the interval by using image data from a sensor chip adjacent to said interval.

Abstract: The separation between the light source module for a film scanner and the protection window for pressing against the film document is minimized to increase light intensity by inserting low friction material between the scanning light source module and the protection window. The pressure is exerted by means of a spring or gravity.

Abstract: Geometric configurations for photosites found on photosensitive chips for creating electrical signals from an original image, as would be found, for example, in a digital scanner, copier, facsimile machine, or other document generating or reproducing device. The photosensitive chips are mounted on a substrate to form a photosensitive array in a full width scanner or other photosensitive device. The geometric configurations reduce the Moiré patterns to provide a higher quality image.

Abstract: An installation for increasing the usable range along the axial direction of a light source. The installation has a light source and an optical sensor. The light source generates a sense image. The optical sensor further has a sensor and a transparent panel. The sensor is responsible for detecting the image generated by the light source so that a sense image is created. The transparent panel is positioned between the sensor and the light source. A coating on the transparent panel modifies the light transparency along the axial direction of the light source such that light transparency is lower in the middle compared with the ends.

Abstract: Geometric configurations for photosites found on photosensitive chips for creating electrical signals from an original image, as would be found, for example, in a digital scanner, copier, printer, facsimile machine, or other document generating or reproducing device. The photosensitive chips are mounted on a substrate to form a photosensitive array in a full width scanner or other photosensitive device. The geometric configurations reduce the Moiré patterns to provide a higher quality image.

Abstract: A circuit module integrating a light driver and an optical scanner is capable of sensing an image of a document and driving a light source. The circuit module comprises a printed circuit board, an optical sensor and a light driver. Both the optical sensor and the light driver are mounted on and electrically connected with the printed circuit board. The optical sensor is capable of sensing the image and the light driver is capable of driving the light source.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus with divers resolution includes a light source, a reflection lens set, a major lens and an image-capture unit. The light source is used to illuminate a document for further generating a document image. The reflection lens set includes a plurality of reflection lenses for forwarding the document image consecutively to the major lens. The major lens is used to receive the document image transported by the reflection lens set and to form the document image at a focal point thereof. The image-capture unit includes a plurality of image-capture elements with various resolution for meeting divers usage requirements. While in usage, a suitable image-capture element with particular resolution can be shifted to the focal point of the major lens for performing the imaging.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor IC chip provided with bond pads on its first surface, a wiring board provided with a through hole extending between the opposite surfaces thereof, conductive members electrically connecting the bond pads of the semiconductor IC chip to those formed on the wiring board, and a sealing resin coating coating the surface of the semiconductor IC chip and the conductive members, and bonding the side surfaces of the semiconductor IC chip to the side surfaces of the through hole of the wiring board.

Abstract: An image input apparatus for reading an original image by moving an optical unit with a motor used as a drive source is arranged such that, in repeatedly reading the original image from one and the same reading position with the optical unit, information on a start position at which a preceding round of reading has begun and a driving state of the motor obtained at that time is stored by a system controller, and the amount of moving the optical unit backward for the repeated reading is decided on the basis of the information stored. The arrangement enhances the repeatability of reading in the sub-scanning direction and image input can be made with a better resolution than the intrinsic resolution of the image input apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image scanning apparatus having an illuminating device which irradiates illumination, an imaging element which has a light receiving part for receiving light and for generating signal charges, in which the light is an illumination irradiated from the illuminating device and influenced by the original, and has a transfer part for transferring the signal charges, and a controlling device which indicates timings at a predetermined state used to transfer signal charges generated by the light receiving part of the imaging element. In addition, the present invention provides an image scanning apparatus having an illuminating device, an imaging device which reads out signal charges generated by the light receiving part and outputs the signal charges as image data of the original, and a controlling device that prohibits illumination from irradiating in the illuminating device while image data of the original is output from the imaging device.

Abstract: A line light source according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of external electrode rare gas fluorescent lamps, and a fixing member fixing the plurality of external electrode rare gas fluorescent lamps such that the center lines thereof are aligned. A contact image sensor of the present invention is provided with the above mentioned line light source.

Abstract: Dark current noise may be compensated for in a digital imaging sensor by measuring the temperature of a silicon diode embedded on the same integrated circuit with the image sensor. This information may be used together with initial dark current calibration information, to provide dark current compensation on the fly during image capture. In some embodiments this may avoid the need for multiple shutter operations or repeatedly capturing a dark frame and then capturing a regular image frame.

Abstract: The focus controlling system of the present invention can include a calibration paper, an image capturing device, an input interface, and a processing and controlling device. The image capturing device is employed for scanning the calibration paper. The image capturing device has a focus point adjusting mechanism. The input interface is utilized for receiving a location data of a scanning point. The processing and controlling device is responsive to the input interface and the image capturing device to control the focus point adjusting mechanism. The focus controlling method of the present invention includes the following steps. First, a scanning point is set or detected and a compensated magnification ratio for the scanning point is then calculated. A focus point of a image capturing device is adjusted and a calibration paper is scanned. The adjusting step and the scanning step are then repeated until a magnification ratio of the calibration paper is about the value of the compensated magnification ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning method for performing a low resolution scan by using a high resolution scanning module. The scanning module comprises a plurality of linearly arranged photo sensors, a shift register, and an output unit. The low resolution scanning method is as follows: 1. activating the photo sensors to sense the light transmitted from the document for a first predetermined time period to generate correspondent induced charges, 2. transmitting the induced charges from the photo sensors into corresponding storage units, 3. shifting the induced charges stored in the storage units into the output unit in sequence, 4. after a first predetermined number of the induced charges being accumulated in the output unit, outputting the induced voltage of the output unit and then resetting the output unit to continue receiving the induced charge from the output port, and 5. repeating the previous step until all the induced charges in the storage units are outputted.

Abstract: A single step multi-section exposure scanning method for a scanner. The scanner includes a photo-sensor and a stepper motor. The photo-sensor has N rows of sensor cells that correspond to each primary color. The scanning device is driven forward an exposure distance for each revolution of the stepper motor. The single step multi-section exposure scanning method includes the following steps. First, the photo-sensor moves forward one exposure distance. One row of sensor cells is exposed after moving every 1/Nth of the exposure distance. Thereafter, analogue voltages obtained through the exposed row of sensor cells are transmitted to an analogue/digital converter. The above process is repeated until the entire document is scanned.

Abstract: The focus controlling system of the present invention can include a calibration paper, an image capturing device, an input interface, and a processing and controlling device. One or more calibration papers can be employed in the focus controlling system. The image capturing device is employed for scanning the calibration paper. The image capturing device has a focus point adjusting mechanism. The input interface is utilized for receiving a location data of a scanning point. The processing and controlling device is responsive to the input interface and the image capturing device to control the focus point adjusting mechanism by evaluating a resolution index. As an example, the image capturing system can be a flatbed scanning system. One of the focus controlling method of the present invention includes the steps as follows. At first, a scanning point is set or detected and the position of an image capturing device is adjusted to scan a selected calibration paper of two or more calibration papers.

Abstract: A left-side odd-component image signal (ODDL) output from an output terminal (OS1) of a 4-channel output CCD (4-division photoelectric conversion element) is input to an amplifier. A left-side even-component image signal (EVENL) output from an output terminal (OS2) of the 4-channel output CCD is input to the amplifier. A right-side odd-component image signal (ODDR) output from an output terminal (OS3) of the 4-channel output CCD is input to another amplifier. A right-side even-component image signal (EVENR) output from an output terminal (OS4) of the 4-channel output CCD is input to the amplifier. The amplifiers multiplex the left-side and right-side signals respectively, and a high-speed scanner control ASIC performs right/left correction.