Abstract: The invention is a system for scanning a document. A light source illuminates the document; an imager receives light from the document and directs it toward a detector array which produces a corresponding array of electrical signals. The imager has several optical properties that are useful either individually or in combination. The imager is telecentric and thereby ensures that image size and magnification are insensitive to object displacement along the optical axis and image brightness is uniform independent of object off-axis distance. An aspheric element within the imager balances focus variation within the depth of field with spherical aberration and thereby provides nearly uniform image resolution. A diffraction pattern, carried by the imager, corrects for spectral dispersion which occurs when light passes from air into a refractive material. An imager with a reflecting surface provides a system that is subject to little or no chromatic aberration.

Abstract: In a CMOS-based photosensor chip, the area between the last photosensor in a linear array of photosensors and the edge of the chip can be a source of unintended charge generation affecting the last photosensor. A guardring, in the form of a biased diffusion area, prevents the unwanted leakage of charge from the edge area to the end photosensor.

Abstract: An electrical device comprising an array of pixels has a plurality of panels 10, 20, 30, each having a respective sub-array of pixels 11. Each panel 10, 20, 30 is associated with an array 40 of lens elements 42, which may be associated with a group of one or more pixels of the sub-array. The lens elements 42 are arranged with a pitch which is greater than the pitch of the associated group of pixels, so that a diverging image is produced, enabling tiling of panels of an image sensor or of a display device.

Abstract: A contact image sensor for use in a fax machine or scanner, including a driver, at least one sensor chip, an analog switch, a capacitor, an operational amplifier, a uni-power supply, a voltage converter, and a voltage converter. In an alternate form of the present invention, the operational amplifier and the voltage converter are omitted.

Abstract: An image sensor comprises a light emitting element for emitting light to be irradiated onto the original document, a light receiving element for receiving the light reflected by the document, and a connector, all of which are mounted on the same base plate. The base plate is then mounted in a frame. Therefore, the image sensor can be produced through a reduced number of assembling steps and with a reduced dimension.

Abstract: An image sensor array includes a plurality of photosensor chips, which are butted end-to-end to form a single linear array of photosensors. Each individual chip in the array is provided with an independently-addressable output enable line and video output line. This configuration allows individual chips to be addressed to output image data at specific times and in a specific manner suitable for any kind of downstream circuitry.

Abstract: The system achieves high-resolution imaging with low-resolution two-dimensional imagers whose sensors are only a fraction of a selected pixel area. Sensors are stepped across an image with an optical or mechanical stepper to acquire an image at each sensor position. Thereby, resolution is defined by a step size which is comparable to the sensor size, rather than by pixel resolution. The system thus uses multiple image, obtained from individual sensors, which have a sensed area substantially less than the area of the pixels of the sensor array. Such rescanning is accomplished by movable mirrors or lenses that are disposed between an illuminated specimen and a sensor area.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus constructed by an illuminating unit for illuminating an object in a line shape, an image forming optical system for forming a light, as an image, from the object illuminated by the illuminating unit, a line sensor for converting the light formed as an image by the image forming optical system into an image signal, and a frame for holding the illuminating unit and the line sensor, wherein a shape in which vertices of at least a part of the cross section of the illuminating unit are connected by straight lines is set to a polygon of a pentagon or more, so that an image can be stably read at a high quality.

Abstract: In an image detection device comprising at least one column arrangement consisting of photo detector elements linearly arranged in a row, an image field will be swung alternately across the photo detector elements in both longitudinal directions of the column arrangement. For time-correct summing and output of the detector signals, the photo detector elements of one column arrangement will be connected with a TDI arrangement. The TDI arrangement features a switch arrangement comprising several switches as well as a memory unit containing several memory cells. By appropriate control of the switch arrangement, its switches will be set such that the detector signals generated in the photo detector elements by one and the same image field pixel will be integrated into one and the same memory cell of the memory unit.

Abstract: An image scanner of the present invention includes an angle sensor for controlling subscanning and implemented by a position sensitive light detector (PSD). The angle sensor allows a subscanning mirror to be rotated at high speed without any vibration. A slit plate for causing a restricted part of light issuing from a light emitting element to be incident to the PSD is so configured as to cover the light emitting element, thereby reducing the size of the image scanner.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading system which can read an image at a high picture quality by having a plurality of light sources arranged on the same plane, an optical guide member for guiding lights irradiated from the plurality of light sources and almost uniformly irradiating an object in a line, a common converging member for converging the lights irradiated from the plurality of light sources so as to enter at least an almost same position in the longitudinal direction on the cross sectional surface of the optical guide member, a line-shaped photoelectric converting device for converting the light from the object irradiated by the optical guide member into an image signal, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of light sources and the photoelectric converting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for subjecting multi-element sensing apparatuses to electric calibration whenever necessary, regardless of whether the subject under being photographed is well or poorly lit. The apparatus comprises a photoreceptor section having n photosensors, a transfer gate placed along the photoreceptor section, a register for temporarily storing image signals, an input drain provided at one end of the register, a CCD-driving circuit for adjusting timing of respective driving pulses, and a circuit for generating electric calibration signals. The input drain is ON/OFF controlled to input electric calibration signals while image signals are being outputted when the transfer gate is OFF, and the CCD-driving circuit adjusts timing of respective driving pulses so that zero-level signals and the electric calibration signals are simultaneously outputted after the image signals.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion circuit for reading an original image by photoelectric-converting and for outputting an image signal, wherein the photoelectric conversion circuit is a dual channel register type separately outputting the image signal for odd numbered pixels and even numbered pixels; an analog-to-digital conversion circuit for converting the image signal to the image data which includes odd numbered pixel data for the odd numbered pixel and even numbered pixel data for the even numbered pixel; an image separation circuit for generating an odd numbered line data and an even numbered line data from the odd numbered pixel data and the even numbered pixel data, wherein the image separation circuit includes four line memories, and the odd numbered pixel data and the even numbered pixel data are synthesized to the odd numbered line data and an even numbered line data after the odd numbered pixel data and the even numbered pixel data are stored to each of the four lin

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning and reading a luminescent pattern of a sample in a flat-plate shape, having a placing member for placing the sample as an object for reading; a light condensing member for condensing light emitted from the luminescent pattern of the sample; a movement member for moving the light condensing member relative to the placing member; a light receiving member for dividing the light of the luminescent pattern of the sample condensed by the light condensing member into predetermined segments and receiving the light by scanning the light from the segments in a one-dimensional way; a photoelectrical conversion member for converting optical signals of the light received by the light receiving member into electrical signals; a control member for controlling a scan by the light receiving member in accordance with the electrical signals from the photoelectrical conversion member; and a data processing member for converting the electrical signals from the photoelectrical conversion member in

Abstract: The compact document imager and display apparatus has a two-dimensional image sensor array, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and processing electronics. An illumination source can be added to illuminate the document on the sensor array and to provide backlight for the LCD. Color imaging may be achieved by providing three sequential illumination pulses of appropriate colors. A document is placed in close contact with the sensor array. The document is illuminated and an electronic image is captured and stored in the processing electronics. The captured image can be displayed on the LCD by the processing electronics. The document, such as a single sheet of paper or a transparency, can be illuminated by the room light to perform image capture. The compact document imager can be used as a facsimile machines by providing telephone connections. Documents can be scanned using the sensor array and sent to other devices. Documents can be received from other sources and displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: A scanner for scanning an image on a large-format medium and generating image information. The scanner includes a secondary substrate mounted to the frame and having a length spanning the width of the medium, and a plurality of sensor boards disposed on the secondary substrate. A plurality of sensor dies are mounted on each of the sensor boards. The scanner further includes a lens strip, mounted to the frame between the sensor dies and the moving means. Preferably, a die on each end of each sensor board overhangs the end of the board, and the sensor boards are mounted on the secondary substrate so that dies overhanging ends of the sensor boards are butted against each other.

Abstract: A color image processor that corrects a color image signal for the disagreement of images caused by the vibration of the image sensor when scanning a manuscript. The image sensor delivers an image signal that includes three signals, each one representing the level of brightness of one of the primary colors contained on the scanned image. Each signal includes a discrete value for each pixel reading the sensor and hence, comprises the brightness levels for a plurality of pixels. One of the three signals is called a standard color signal; the other two are called non-standard color signals. Each of the brightness levels of a non-standard color signal is sequentially stored in a register array. Individual levels of the pixels in the register array are examined to determine whether a pixel exists at an edge portion of a letter image. A pixel that exists at an edge portion is called a correction objective pixel.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating a linear image sensor, includes a fluorescent light source, at least as long as the image sensor; a fixture for holding the light source parallel to the image sensor and displaced from the image sensor by a fraction of the length of the image sensor; and a light level controller for producing a plurality of light levels from the lamp.

Abstract: A reading unit provided with an optical system mounted on a recording apparatus to read a source document includes a housing having the optical system in it, a light transmitting portion arranged on the outer surface of the housing of the reading unit in order to guide the light outside the reading unit into the optical system of the reading unit, and a protection member to cover the outer side of the light transmitting portion for opening and closing such portion freely. With the structure thus arranged, the reading unit is protected from ink mist and other particles created by the recording apparatus that may contaminate the reading unit, hence preventing the accuracy of reading signals from being lowered when reading is performed by means of this reading unit.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus is constructed in such an arrangement that a light-source substrate, in which a light source is arranged, and a photosensor are directly mounted on a frame bearing the strength of the main body of an information processing apparatus, the above light-source substrate may be unified with an electric circuit substrate of the information processing apparatus, and the electric circuit substrate has the photosensor and the light source, whereby the size and weight of the apparatus can be further decreased, the freedom of design and engineering design can be improved, and simplification of assembling and improvement in reliability can be achieved.

Abstract: A CCD array imager adapted for use as a spatial noise discriminator in confocal scanning microscopy comprises a parallel (vertical) register with a horizontal unmasked imaging row of pixels in tandem with a masked storage array, a serial (horizontal) register for readout, and a means for synchronizing image acquisition in the unmasked row with vertical charge shifting in the storage array such that images are mapped to on-diagonal pixels of the storage array whereas noise is mapped to off-diagonal pixels.

Abstract: In the ruled line elimination apparatus of the present invention, the ruled line contacting a character or overlapping to the character is completely eliminated. First, a ruled line determination section determines existence area of the ruled line in the input image. Second, a ruled line elimination section determines continuous pixels consisting of the ruled line in the existence area, and eliminates the continuous pixels by unit of predetermined width, in which a direction of the predetermined width is perpendiculer to a directed of the ruled line.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided with a scanning means which performs subscanning by a pitch corresponding to a width covering a number of pixels less than the number of detectable pixels by a one dimensional image sensor by two or more pixels so as to overlap two or more line pixels. An edge emphasizing means performs an edge emphasis processing for the pixels from the second pixel to the second last pixel according to the image data obtained in response to the scanning by the scanning means.

Abstract: A reading device for illuminating a light beam emitted from at least two light emitting elements of different light emission wavelength ranges to an original through a light conductor prevent irregularity of illumination on the original without providing compensation means to attain improvement in color discrimination ability of a color document sheet read signal without increasing a cost. A light beam applied from an illumination device 30 arranged at an end of a light conductor 3 is scattered and reflected by a scatter and reflection area 5 of the light conductor to illuminate the original 100. The illumination device 30 has at least two light emitting elements 81G and 81R of different light emission wavelength ranges and centers of the light emitting elements are arranged at positions spaced from a normal line passing through a center of the scatter and reflection area 5.

Abstract: A guide apparatus of a contact image sensor, which facilitates the affixing of the contact image sensor to the guide apparatus, includes: a guide rib in a form of a rectangle having one open side; a fixing projection at the inner center of the rib; and a hole disposed in the center of the rib so as to be separated from the fixing projection; the contact image sensor including two holes on a side surface thereof so as to be separated apart from each other, the side surface of the contact image sensor being engaged into the inner portion of the guide rib, the fixing projection being engaged into one of the two holes on the side surface of the contact image sensor, the hole of the guide apparatus being immediately adjacent to the other of the two holes on the side surface of the contact image sensor, so that the guide apparatus and the contact image sensor are fixedly assembled by a fastener engaging the other of the holes on the side surface of the contact image sensor after passing through the hole in the guid

Abstract: An electronic circuit apparatus comprises an array of M.times.N functional elements, M.times.N switching elements provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the M.times.N functional elements, a shift register having M output lines, and a selector having N select lines. M control lines are commonly connected in units of N elements of the M.times.N switching elements. The M control lines are connected to the M output lines of said shift register. N input and/or output lines are commonly connected in units of M elements of the M.times.N switching elements. The N input and/or output lines are connected to the N select lines of the selector. Transistors constituting the shift register are thin-film transistors. And, transistors constituting the selector are transistors each having an active region consisting of a single-crystal semiconductor.

Abstract: When an array of photodetecting elements has to be calibrated, normally a reference surface is scanned. Yet the reference surface is not an ideal surface and likely may include scratches or dust particles so that the signals read out from the array have to be corrected. A method and system of correction are provided in which the statistical distribution of the signals read out over the surface is evaluated for each photodetector. By this evaluation, dust and scratches can be disregarded before calculating a mean value representative of the sensitivity of each individual element.

Abstract: The disclose is intended to miniaturize the actuator of an image shifting mechanism, to operate the actuator at high speed, and to reduce the effect of image shifting on image resolution. In an image shifting mechanism, a pair of bimorph type piezoelectric elements are disposed on both sides of a refraction plate. The bimorph type piezoelectric elements have a cantilever structure. The base end sides of the bimorph type piezoelectric elements are bonded and secured to a stage, and the free end sides are sandwiched between an upper holding plate and a lower holding plate so as to support one end of the refraction plate. When the bimorph type piezoelectric elements are displaced, the refraction plate can be inclined around its rotation center O.

Abstract: A contact image sensor is provided with a modified photodevice module and method of operation. The photodevice modules convert the video signals created by the sensed lights from an electrical charge to electrical voltage immediately upon stimulation of the photodevice, and hold the electrical voltage at another element in the photodevice module so that the voltage can be immediately output when the shift register output switch is turned on. A dark current elimination circuit is also provided and includes a light-shielded photodevice which produces a dark current reference signal representative of the expected dark current in the photodevices of the photodevice modules. This dark current reference signal is used to adjust the electrical charge created by the light stimulation of the photodevice.

Abstract: An image input apparatus capable of reliably reducing random noise and switching noise arising during a dummy pixel period using a simple circuit configuration and providing a high-quality video signal without horizontal lines. The image input apparatus is provided with a clamping circuit made up of a capacitor for feeding an analog image signal supplied from a CCD solid-state image pickup element via a first amplifier to a second amplifier through an alternating-current link, a reference voltage source for generating a predetermined reference voltage VR, and a first switch for effecting switching during the dummy pixel period of the CCD solid-state image pickup element. The clamping circuit is further provided with a resistor disposed between the capacitor and the second amplifier, and a second switch for selectively bridging across the resistor 152. This second switch is complimentarily activated in relation to the operation of the first switch.

Abstract: A close contact type image sensor having an improved structure and manufacturing process utilizes a body having integral reflective surfaces to eliminate assembly steps. The body and reflective surfaces are formed using different plastic materials in a single injection molding process. A material having highly reflective characteristics is used for the reflective surfaces. A light source is aligned with the reflective surface by pins in the sensor body which are inserted into holes in the light source. Alternatively, the light source can be mounted on a printed circuit board which has holes that are aligned with the pins. A self focusing lens is mounted in the body to focus reflected light onto a light detector which is mounted on a printed circuit board. A transparent cover piece is mounted in an opening in the body. Flat spring clips secure the printed circuit board to the body of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a flat-plate scanner with two lamps, and particularly to a device adopts a beam-splitting device which partially reflects and partially transmits incident light. Reflective scanning utilizes a light source, a set of mirrors, a beam-splitting device and an image-capturing element, wherein reflected light (or transmitted light) from the beam-splitting device representing the reflective document image will be captured by the image-capturing element. On the other hand, transparent scanning utilizes another light source, another set of mirrors, the beam-splitting device and the image-capturing element, wherein transmitted light (or reflected light) from the beam-splitting device representing the transparent document image will be captured by the image-capturing element. The present invention is characterized in that all the optical members are fixed, and thus better accuracy and image quality can be acquired.

Abstract: A voltage-controller is used for controlling a CCD (charge couple device) image sensor including an n-type semiconductor substrate and a p-type semiconductor layer formed on a main surface thereof. Charges stored in the layer are swept therefrom to the substrate in accordance with a differential potential therebetween. The voltage-controller comprises a pulse signal controlling circuit, for outputting driver signals to transfer signal charges from the image sensor, and for outputting a pulse voltage to the substrate. A power source is provided for supplying positive and negative voltages to the pulse signal controlling circuit through a first power line and a second power line to control the outputs thereof. A discharging circuit is provided in the second power line to selectively ground the same upon termination of the output of the negative voltage supplied from the power source.

Abstract: An image reader device comprises photo sensing element arrays each of a plural number of blocks each consisting of a plural bits of photo sensing elements, a plural number of first switching elements, connected to the photo sensing elements, for transferring en bloc the charge of all bits generated in the photo sensing element array, a plural number of second switching elements, connected to the photo sensing elements, for resetting en bloc the charge of all bits left in the photo sensing elements after the charge transfer, a plural number of capacitor portions, connected to the first switching elements, for retaining the transferred charge, a plural number of third switching elements, connected to the first switching elements, for transferring the charge stored in the capacitor portions, a plural number of wiring capacitor portions, formed connecting to the third switching elements, for retaining the charge transferred by the third switching elements, common signal lines for connecting the third switching el

Abstract: A color linear image sensor includes a sensor pixel linear array with a plural number of color filters laid and bonded thereover, a readout circuit and an output processing circuit. The sensor pixel linear array consists of repeat patterns of color pixels linearly arrayed in a preset color order, the repeat patterns being symmetrical with respect to the midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array. The readout circuit reads out image signals line by line from the sensor pixel linear array. The output processing circuit distributes the readout signals into a plural number of color image signal routes, and outputs the readout signals of separated colors. The color linear image sensor thus constructed may be incorporated into an image processing system. The midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array is coincident with the optical axis of a lens of the optical system of the image processing system.

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

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus arranged such that the supply of a drive clock signal CCD-CLK to a CCD solid-state imaging device is stopped during a standby period when an image is not read, during the standby period a high-level control signal CCDEN is generated by a clock-generating circuit, and is imparted to the CCD solid-state imaging device through an OR circuit and an inverter 14 so as to hold the drive clock signal CCD-CLK at a low level, thereby holding an output signal level of the CCD solid-state imaging device at a d.c. output bias level.

Abstract: A technique and structure is used for producing high resolution color images using a monochrome area charge-coupled device (CCD) 64 and a sequential color illumination scheme. The monochrome CCD 64 comprises a plurality of semiconductor storage cells 76, the semiconductor storage cells 76 being configured in an array having vertical columns 74 and horizontal rows 79. The entire CCD 64 is exposed to a first color image. The charge packets 82 stored in two adjacent horizontal rows as a result of the exposure are then shifted into a third horizontal row. The CCD 64 is then exposed to a second color image. The charge packets 82 stored in the first horizontal row as a result of the second exposure are then shifted into the second horizontal row. The CCD 64 is then exposed to a third and final color image. The CCD output is digitized and stored in a frame. The color information of a particular location on the CCD array 64 is derived by utilizing a simple set of equations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of first providing a coarse adjustment by varying the emitter power and duration of the emitter/detector exposure time, and then providing a fine adjustment by storing a correction value for each photodetector element. The adjustment for each photodetector corrects not only for the range, but also for the offset, providing two correction values. In a preferred embodiment, the low and high voltage reference levels for an analog to digital converter are adjusted and stored for each photodetector for each color.

Abstract: A method and device for tracking relative movement between the device and a region of interest include correlating a reference frame of signals with a subsequently acquired sample frame of signals, with the correlating including generating a correlation output for each of a number of nearest-neighbor shifts of signals of one of the frames. Preferably, the frames are comprised of a two-dimensional array of pixels and the signals are pixel values. The pixels of a frame are operatively associated with photoelements in a two-dimensional array of photoelements, with the pixel values being indicative of light energy received at the photoelements. By correlating the reference frame and the sample frame using the nearest-neighbor approach, it is possible to determine the movement of an imaged feature during the time period between acquisition of the reference frame and acquisition of the sample frame.

Abstract: An image reading device comprises a line sensor that moves in an auxiliary scanning direction, a resolution setting device which sets the resolution of the line sensor in the auxiliary scanning direction, an exposure correction value setting device that sets an exposure correction value when the image is read, and a control device that performs exposure correction by multiplying the moving velocity of the line sensor and the accumulation time of the line sensor by correction factors. To correct the base concentration while reducing the effects of deterioration of the S/N ratio and level-skipping, a rough adjustment of the exposure is conducted by a gain circuit, a fine adjustment is conducted with reference to a first look-up table, and a further fine adjustment of the original document base concentration is conducted with reference to a second look-up table.

Abstract: An image reading device having a substrate, an array of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged on the substrate in a main scanning direction, and a plurality of light emission sources arranged in the main scanning direction to emit light for illumination of an original through light transmission windows formed at one side of the photoelectric conversion element array in a sub scanning direction. A shading portion is provided on the photoelectric conversion element side in each light transmission window corresponding to one of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements to section the light transmission window into a plurality of light transmission regions at least on the photoelectric conversion element side. This image reading device is thus arranged to provide uniform output from the photoelectric conversion elements at the time of reading a black original.

Abstract: An image pickup device comprises illuminating means for illuminating an object and an image pickup element for picking up an image of the object. An improvement is in that a drive circuit for driving the illuminating means and a control circuit for controlling the driving of the image pickup device are integrated with the image pickup device into one chip, in order to operate the image pickup device only a single power source and to minimize the device structure.

Abstract: An image sensor of charge storage type and a driving method of the image sensor. A light signal from a photosensitive element is read by an amplifier and the read signal is held in a sample hold circuit of a signal detector. Next, a voltage is given from a variable power source to the amplifier and a signal output from the amplifier is compared with the previously held signal in a comparator in the signal detector. The voltage of the variable power source at an equal point where the two signals are coincident with each other in the comparison is read as a true value. Hence, irrespective of dispersion of characteristics of amplifiers, the correct value can be always detected. The influences of the dispersion of the amplifiers, a temperature change and a time-drift of TFT characteristics are removed to improve S/N.

Abstract: A photosensitive chip, such as used in a scanner or facsimile, defines a linear array of photosites, each photosite being covered with a filter formed from a cured translucent liquid. At the critical ends of the chip, between the end photosite in the array and the edge of the chip, there is provided a ridge which protrudes over the thickness of the filter. This ridge maintains the physical integrity of the filter.

Abstract: In a two-carrier type image scanner, a first carrier (10) is moved in parallel to a document surface at a scanning speed and a second carrier (20) is moved at half the scanning speed, the image scanner optically reading out image information such as figures and characters on the document surface using an optical system mounted on the two carriers. To permit the adjustment of the carrier in the roll direction to be easily conducted, one side of each of the carriers (10, 20) is movably engaged with a fixed guide shaft (46), and the other side is guided by a bearing (53) which rolls on a fixed guide rail (47) disposed in parallel with the guide shaft (46), wherein the carrier is capable of being adjusted in the roll direction with respect to the guide shaft (46) when a position of the bearing (53) with respect to the carrier is adjusted.

Abstract: A signal processing system processes an input signal in real time. The system includes a light valve array for selectively attenuating light incident thereupon in response to electronic control signals, a light source for providing illumination, a light-sensitive array for producing electronic output signals representing a processed version of the input signal in response to light incident thereupon, and control circuitry for generating and applying electronic control signals to the light valve array in response to the input signal. The electronic control signals are generated from the input signal and are adapted for implementing an arbitrarily-selected signal processing operation. The light valve array is situated between the light source and the light-sensitive array, such that the light source is selectively attenuated by the light valve array, and such that the selectively attenuated light is incident upon the light-sensitive array.

Abstract: A scanner having a photosensitive scanning array includes a timing generator having (a) a first state wherein pixel clock signals with a predetermined frequency are produced and (b) a second state wherein a D.C. restore clock signal with a frequency that is "N" times slower than the predetermined frequency is produced. The timing generator controls the rate of sampling the scanning array to acquire image data by producing a series of analog image signals containing (a) a video component which is characteristic of a density pattern of a scanned image and (b) a D.C. offset component which is characteristic of the scanning array. The timing generator also controls the rate of sampling the scanning array to acquire an analog signal containing only the D.C. offset component. A D.C. restore calculates an output signal containing only the video component of the series of analog image signals containing the video component and the D.C. offset component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photoelectric conversion element having a photoelectric conversion portion, at least comprising an insulating layer, a photoconductive semiconductor layer provided in contact with said insulating layer, and made of a non-single crystal material containing hydrogen atoms with the base of silicon, first and second electrodes provided in contact with the photoconductive semiconductor layer, and a third electrode provided in contact with the insulating layer. The amount of hydrogen atoms contained in said photoconductive semiconductor layer is made nonuniform in a thickness direction of said layer so that an energy band gap width of said layer changes.

Abstract: An image of an object, such as message for facsimile transmission, is acquired optically by setting photosensitive cells along a multiplicity of rows and columns of a random access memory to a given value such as 1, exposing the plurality of cells to an image so the cells change electrical values to exposure values, and after a given time, ending the effective exposure by maintaining values in the cells corresponding to the exposure content of the cells. The maintaining involves going in sequence from row to row, and in each row simultaneously reading the cells in the row and, on the basis of the reading, writing refresh values representative of the exposure values back into the read cells of the row, and repeating the row to row sequence cyclically to prevent changes in the cells due to further exposure. The refreshed data is processed by sequentially reading the refresh values of the cells of a column serially from column to column until all the values have been processed.