Abstract: An image sensor, a reading device and a method for setting a resolution are provided for setting the resolution to multiple levels without increasing signal types.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a light source for illuminating an original, a plurality of mirrors for reflecting a light beam from the original illuminated by the light source, a reading device, an imaging optical system for imaging a light beam reflected by the mirrors, upon the reading device, and a scanning optical system unit which integrally accommodates theses components therein and moves in a sub-scan direction to read imagewise information of the original, wherein, in a sub-scan section, one mirror optically closest to the surface of the original is disposed in an end portion of the scanning optical system unit in the sub-scan direction, as compared with the other mirrors, and wherein the central portion of the reflection surface of one mirror optically closest to the original is disposed in a space between the central portion of the reflection surface of a mirror optically closest to the light entrance surface of the imaging optical system and central portions reflection surfaces of other mirr

Abstract: There is provided a writing circuit of an electro-optical device having a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels disposed to correspond to intersections between the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of data lines. Here, each pixel comprises: a pixel capacitor having a pixel electrode and a common electrode opposed to the pixel electrode; and a switching element for electrically connecting the corresponding data line to the pixel electrode when the corresponding scanning line is selected. The writing circuit comprises an inversion circuit for maintaining a voltage between a potential of the data line and a predetermined potential for a predetermined time, and inverting the maintained voltage with respect to a reference potential and applying the inverted voltage to the data line after the lapse of the predetermined time, in a period of time when one scanning line of the plurality of scanning lines is selected.

Abstract: A contact image sensor module for scanning a document includes a light source, a photosensing array and a lens assembly. The light source emits a light beam to the document, thereby generating an optical signal. The photosensing array is used for converting the optical signal into an electronic signal. The lens assembly is used for focusing the optical signal reflected from the document and imaging the optical signal onto the photosensing array. The photosensing array includes a first photosensing element with a first width and a second photosensing element with a second width. The first width is greater than the second width.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention reads an original by mechanically moving an axial light source in a subscanning direction perpendicular to the axis. The image forming apparatus includes: a sensor whose resolution in a main scanning direction parallel to the axis of the axial light source is higher than a designated resolution; a controller that controls the driving speed of the axial light source so that the resolution in the subscanning direction is higher than the designated resolution; an original-image-data generating unit that generates original image data with a resolution higher than the designated resolution in response to the output from the sensor; and an image reducing unit that generates reduced pixels fewer than a specified number of pixels in the original image data to generate a reduced image with a resolution equal to the designated resolution.

Abstract: An image-reading device includes a plurality of image sensor chips, a switch, an output selector and a controller. The plurality of image sensor chips is juxtaposed along a line extending in a widthwise direction of an original document carrying images thereon. Each image sensor chip includes a plurality of image sensors, reads the images on the original document, and generates image signals. The switch is configured to combine at least two image sensor chips into one virtual image sensor chip. The output selector allows the image signals from the virtual image sensor chip and remaining image sensor chip to be outputted. The controller controls the switch depending on the width of the original document, and controls, depending on the width of the original document, the output selector to allow the image signals to be outputted.

Abstract: Various types of ink corresponding to non-overlapping wavelength domains in absorbing lights are utilized on a pattern displaying medium for marking coordinate dots and data dots of a plurality of data blocks. While a scanning device is utilized for scanning the pattern-displaying medium, the marked coordinate dots and data dots are precisely recognized and read. While the pattern displaying medium is to be marked, the coordinate dots are marked in advance, and then the data dots are marked according to the marked coordinate dots for preventing positioning errors. Besides, at least one locality dot is used in each data block. While the scanning device is utilized for scanning the pattern displaying medium, a reading direction of each data block is indicated by the at least one locality dot so as to precisely read dots of each data block.

Abstract: A system for capturing an image of an optical code located at a region of interest in a document, the system comprising: means for supporting the document; a source of light arranged to illuminate the document; a mount for supporting an imaging device at a position spaced from the document; a trigger for activating the imaging device to capture an image of the region of interest; and means for automatically moving the mount and operating the trigger in dependence upon at least one coordinate identifying the region of interest, the coordinate being contained in a label stored in document parameters.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, a plurality of reading sensors extend in a main scanning direction and separated from each other in the main scanning direction so as to be located in a staggered arrangement in which a part of one of the reading sensors in the longitudinal direction faces a part of adjacent one of the reading sensors in a sub-scanning direction. A first connection member is provided to the part of one of the reading sensors facing the part of the adjacent one of the reading sensors. The first connection member protrudes toward the adjacent one of the reading sensors. A second connection member is provided to the part of the adjacent one of the reading sensors facing the part of the one of the reading sensors. The second connection member protrudes toward the one of the reading sensors. The first and second connection members are brought into contact with each other by being urged by a spring.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanning region and a user interface region adjacent to the scanning region. In the user interface, a first illuminated indicator corresponds to a function of the image forming apparatus. A light source is operable to illuminate an object in the scanning region. A first light conveying member is coupled to the illuminated indicator and operable to receive light from the light source.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes a pixel array including pixels. Each of the pixels includes a transducer for generating signal charge according to the intensity of an incident light beam. The image-capturing apparatus further includes an output circuit for outputting a pixel signal outside the pixel array at a frame rate depending on the pixel position in the pixel array, based on the signal charge; and an output-controlling unit for controlling the operation of the output circuit.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensor capable of outputting an image signal in accordance with a data loading position of a signal processing IC. In the image sensor that can arbitrarily select the start position of an output signal of a first photoelectric conversion element, a first input terminal of a scanning circuit of a photoelectric conversion circuit is connected to a selector circuit of a signal start position, and the selector circuit is controlled by a start signal through a start signal terminal and a delay circuit according to an external control signal.

Abstract: When a monochromatic mode is set, a CPU outputs a SW signal and executes a control to input an output from a monochromatic reading line sensor to a CCD signal processing section. Then, after a black level adjustment period ends and a black reference level reaches a desired value, the CPU starts reading of a black reference signal for shading correction. When a color mode is set, the CPU outputs a SW signal and executes a control to input an output from a color reading line sensor to the CCD signal processing section. After the black level adjustment period ends and the black reference level reaches a desired value, the CPU starts reading of a black reference signal for shading correction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one light source and at least one reflector. The at least one light source is configured to emit light and has an opening. The at least one reflector is configured to reflect the light emitted from the at least one light source. The opening is arranged at an obliquely downward portion of the at least one light source, the at least one reflector is disposed at a position obliquely downward of the at least one light source, and the light emitted from the opening of the at least one light source travels via the at least one reflector to illuminate a reading area of a document.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an image sensor having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that are two-dimensionally arrayed, and a readout portion configured to divisionally read out signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements of the image sensor with a plurality of fields using interlaced scanning. The plurality of fields include a first field in which signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are read out without being subjected to addition and a second field in which signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are read out while being subjected to addition. The readout portion reads out at least first, second, and third color signals in each of the first and second fields.

Abstract: An image sensor and a method of manufacturing the image sensor, wherein the image sensor can electrically connect a light receiving portion and a printed circuit board (PCB) including circuits by forming holes and filling the holes with a conductive material, without using a wire for the electrical connection between the light receiving portion and the PCB. The light receiving portion converts lights into electrical signals and the PCB electrically processes signals. That is, since a distance for a wire between a sealing structure and because a filter is unnecessary, a thickness may be reduced. Also, since a space for wire bonding is unnecessary on the outside of an image sensor, a fill factor may increase. Also, since a process that may cause contaminates is removed, average yield may increase and production cost may decrease. The manufacturing productivity may be improved.

Abstract: To control the potential distribution generated in a well at the time of amplification and reduce a shading in a solid-state imaging device of amplification type, the amplification type solid-state imaging device of the present invention comprises a plurality of picture elements each including photoelectric conversion elements formed in a second conductivity type common well inside a first conductivity type substrate, wherein a plurality of well contacts are disposed inside a picture element array area.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning an image of a document includes a housing, a reflecting plate, a light emitting element having a substrate and a plurality of point light sources, and an image sensor. The housing has a slit formed on a top surface thereof. The reflecting plate is disposed in the housing, extends on an edge of the slit, and faces the slit. The substrate is fixed on an edge of the reflecting plate, and the point light sources are fixed on the substrate. Each point light source emits a scanning light to the reflecting plate, and the scanning light is reflected onto the document through the slit. The scanning light is reflected by the document to form an image light that enters the housing through the slit. The image sensor is disposed in the housing for receiving the image light and converting image light into image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing images of opposing pages in a bound document at high speed using multiple cameras are disclosed. The system generally includes a cradle preferably tilted toward an operator for holding a bound document having two opposing sides, and two cameras each positioned to capture an image of a corresponding side, each camera having an image capture size approximately the size of each side. The cameras may be high definition and store images via direct high speed data communication interfaces, e.g., firewire. A controller and/or foot pedal may provide control of the cameras. The controller may control flashes to selectively light each side simultaneous with each camera capturing the image of the corresponding side. A positioner may position a light-absorbing page between opposing sides.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, such as used for recording full-color images from a moving sheet, different rows of photosensors are each filtered to record one primary color. Certain specific spacings of adjacent rows of photosensors are particularly useful in operating the apparatus at different commonly-used output speeds.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus comprising an image sensor with plurality of reading devices one-dimensionally aligned in a main scanning direction allows reducing memory space necessary for image reduction process. Pixel signals in each channel read by a line image sensor are converted into pixel data in AFE, valid pixel data are captured therefrom, and then inputted into a reduction process unit. The reduction process unit skips pixel data sequentially inputted therein with predetermined intervals based on preset data reduction rate. Subsequently, pixel data after reduction process, that is only unskipped pixel data, are written into a memory via writing unit and memory control unit.

Abstract: An image reading device having an image sensor formed by a plurality of sensor chips is provided. The image reading device includes an AFE circuit, a clock provider and a digital data processor. The AFE circuit is configured to process analog data provided by the image sensor so as to convert the analog data into digital data and to output the digital data. The clock provider is configured to provide the image sensor with a driving clock, the clock provider configured to stop providing the driving clock for a certain period of time before the AFE circuit reads initial data provided by each of the sensor chips. The digital data processor configured to remove the digital data provided by the AFE circuit while the clock provider has stopped providing the driving clock.

Abstract: The terminal device 100 of an information sharing system 500 exchanges information mutually with other terminal devices 200 to 400 that are connected via a network 600. A receiving unit 103 receives adoptability information showing update data for updating common data that are shared among a group and adoptability information showing the adoptability of update data. An inputting unit 101 receives an input of the update data and adoptability information from a user. A sending unit 104 sends the inputted update data and adoptability information to another terminal device. A synthesizing unit 105 generates the updated common data by synthesizing the update data with the common data. A judging unit 109 judges adoptability of the update data based on the adoptability information and has the synthesizing unit 105 synthesize only the update data that is judged as adoptable.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method secure a device and/or a removable attachment of the device with an optical sensor. Additionally, the apparatus, the system and the method attach and/or secure the device and/or the removable attachment to a structural element. A base, a spring and/or a screw connect the device to an alarm box, a power source and/or the structural element. The alarm box and/or the power source communicate with the optical sensor and/or the device via a cable to secure the device and/or the attachment of the device. A programmable logical device controls a voltage from the power source and transmits the voltage to the device. A first LED and/or a second LED indicate that the voltage is provided to the device and that the removable attachment is secured. The optical sensor has a photo emitter and/or a photo receiver to secure the device and/or the removable attachment of the device to a structural element.

Abstract: A period when a relative movement between a document, and each of the pixel rows by a certain distance in the vertical direction is made is defined as a frame period, and the frame period is divided into a given number (i) of H periods. A certain H period is allocated as a readout period of each of the pixel rows so that each of the pixel rows reads an identical line of a document, depending on a vertical resolution set by a resolution setter.

Abstract: To set at least the main portion of a read original on an image reading apparatus while avoiding a discontinuous portion, the position of the discontinuous portion of photoelectric conversion element arrays is indicated, or an original holder to be used to set the original while avoiding the discontinuous portion is arranged.

Abstract: A book scanner for scanning two adjacent pages in documents bound in volume includes a housing, two image scanning units, and a conveying device. The housing has two scanning tables connected to each other. An included angle is formed between the two scanning tables and a crest line is formed at a connection of the two scanning tables. The two image scanning units are movably disposed in the housing to project a scanning light through a window of each scanning table respectively, so as to scan images of the two adjacent pages. The two image scanning units are connected to the conveying device to be supported and moved relative to the corresponding scanning tables in a direction parallel to the crest line, so as to be moved simultaneously and to scan the images of the two adjacent pages respectively.

Abstract: An LED chip mounting structure provided by the present invention includes a wiring board with a mounting pad an LED chip with an electrode facing the mounting pad a bump disposed between the mounting pad and the electrode to electrically connect the mounting pad to the electrode and an adhesive member for fixing the LED chip to the wiring board.

Abstract: An image reading device which is capable of enhancing productivity in reading bound originals, such as a book, a magazine, or a document. A sheet-scanner device implementing the image reading device includes a sheet scanner as a reader part for reading an image on an original. The sheet scanner comprises a sheet-like substrate formed thereon with a light-emitting layer that can emit light spontaneously, and a light-receiving layer on which a plurality of reading pixels are arranged. The sheet scanner is mounted in the sheet-scanner device such that the sheet scanner can be drawn out onto and in from the original.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustment jig provided with a pattern for adjusting the direction of a reading line of a scanner which reads a target image line by line, which comprises a holder section for holding the scanner, a first pattern provided adjacent to a target reading line to be read by the scanner when the reading line direction of the scanner held is correctly adjusted, and a second pattern provided adjacent to the target reading line on the side opposite to the first pattern with the target reading line positioned therebetween, the second pattern being different from the first pattern in the brightness of at least one of hues which can be read by the scanner or in the width thereof in the reading line direction.

Abstract: A stagger sensor and a method for improving modulation transfer function. The method of using the stagger sensor for improving modulation transfer function can be applied to scan an object. The stagger sensor includes a plurality of sensing modules. The method of increasing scanning resolution includes retrieving reference digital data and processing digital data of a computed pixel obtained from an object scanning operation.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus (X) includes a light source, a case (2) for accommodating the light source, and a substrate (8) mounted to the case (8). A plurality of sensor IC chips (7) for detecting the light traveling from an image reading region are mounted on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are arranged at positions closer to a second side edge (8b) than to a first side edge (8a) of the substrate. A predetermined wiring pattern is formed on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are electrically connected to the wiring pattern via wires (W). The wires (W) are connected to the wiring pattern by extending from the upper surface of the sensor IC chips (7) toward the first side edge (8a) of the substrate.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus comprising a plurality of image scanning sensors 21, 31, 41, and a CIS control chip 50 for controlling these image scanning sensors 21, 31, 41. The CIS control chip 50 has a trigger generator 54 for controlling operation of the image scanning sensors 21, 31, 41, a lamp control circuit 55, and a motor control circuit 56. The CIS control chip 50 also has an AFE 51 having a plurality of input terminals 51a to 51c for receiving the analog image signals from the first scanning sensor 21, second scanning sensor 31, and third scanning sensor 41, respectively and a gain/offset control circuit for adjusting the gain and offset of each line of analog data supplied from the image scanning sensors 21, 31, 41.

Abstract: In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes, subsets of photodiodes share a common node for signals to be sent to an amplifier. Within each subset, each individual photodiode is selected for sending signals to the amplifier by an associated selection device. The selection device is a MOS device operating in a linear region. The subset of photodiodes share a common “fill and spill” or “bucket brigade” transfer circuit to the amplifier, the transfer circuit including at least one MOS device which operates in a subthreshold region.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided and includes: a substrate; a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array above the substrate, the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements being divided into a plurality of photoelectric conversion element groups; a semiconductor substrate between the substrate and the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, corresponding to each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion clement groups; and a signal output section in the semiconductor substrates. The signal output section outputs a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in each photoelectric conversion elements of a photoelectric conversion element group corresponding to the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of compensating a zipper image by a K-value, and a method of calculating the K-value. Whether the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is obtained by primary line scan is determined. If the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is obtained by primary line scan, the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is compensated as the nth primitive pixel of the mth line minus a sum of the (n?1)th primitive pixel of the (m?k)th line and the (n+1 )th primitive pixel of the (m?k)th line multiplied by the K-value. If the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is obtained by secondary line scan, the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is compensated as the nth primitive pixel of the mth line minus a multiplication of the K-value and a sum of the (n?1)th primitive pixel of the (m+k)th line and the (n+1)th primitive pixel of the (m+k)th line.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a row of first color sensors including a plurality of first color sensors for sensing first color light to generate a plurality of first sub-pixels and a row of second color sensors including a plurality of second color sensors for sensing second color light to generate a plurality of second sub-pixels. The distance between a first end of an effective sensing area of each first color sensor and a first end of an effective sensing area of a corresponding second color sensor in the linear direction of the image sensor is a first length greater than zero.

Abstract: A method of reducing memory requirement in the compensation memory unit of a scanner. The method includes providing an even compensation data value and an odd compensation data value and averaging the two to produce an odd-even compensation data value. Only half as much memory space is required to hold the averaged odd-even compensation data values.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a placing member where an original is placed, a reading unit for reading an image of the original in a way that moves relatively to the placing member, and a press member for pressing the reading unit against the placing member. The reading unit includes a conductive abutting portion coming into a contact with the placing member, and a grounding member for grounding the conductive abutting portion.

Abstract: An image sensor, a reading device and a method for setting a particular mode are provided. The image sensor comprises a plurality of photoelectric converting elements, for converting optical signals to electric signals; a group of channel select switches, each channel select switch arranged between a charge output unit of each channel select switch and a signal line corresponding to each photoelectric converting element, wherein the group of the channel select switches can be turned on and off sequentially synchronizing with an externally supplied clock pulse signal; and particular mode setting means, wherein when a clock pulse signal and a start signal with a fixed width are input, the particular mode setting means sets a particular mode under a specific combination pattern of the clock pulse signal and the start signal.

Abstract: There is described a bar code reading device having an image sensor, a first operating state and an alternative operating state. In the first operating state the bar code reading device can be restricted from reading out image data corresponding to a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. In the alternative operating state, the bar code reading device can be capable of reading out a maximum number of pixels of the image sensor. The bar code reading device can attempt to decode a bar code symbol represented in captured image data whether the first operating state or the alternative operating state is active.

Abstract: An optical reading unit which ensures that address information recorded as guide groove wobbles on an optical recording medium is easily played back. A light-receiving device (20) for detecting returning light from the optical recording medium has detection areas (21A to D) delimited by a plurality of split lines (22), (23), and (24). The position of one of the split lines functioning as a detection reference line is changed according to the position of a returning light spot S on a light-receiving surface (21) of the light-receiving device (20) and push-pull signals (PP1 to 3) are acquired by calculating the difference between signals received on two detection areas delimited by the split line to eliminate common-mode components.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a CMOS integrated circuit having integrally formed thereon an at least two dimensional array of photosensors and providing an inspection output representing an object to be inspected. A defect analyzer is operative to receive the inspection output and to provide a defect report.

Abstract: In an image sensor array, as would be used in an input scanner such as in a digital copier, an original image is moved relative to a linear array of photosites. Each photosite includes at least two wide photosensors, each of which extends substantially across the photosite along the array direction, and at least two narrow photosensors, which are arranged next to each other along the array direction. In one embodiment, the wide photosensors include primary-color filters and the narrow photosensors are clear-filtered.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for a scan carriage and an axial rod has a scan carriage, an axial rod, and a connecting device for connecting the scan carriage to the axial rod. The scan carriage has a flange protruding horizontally from a side thereof. The axial rod is disposed under the flange of the scan carriage. The connecting device includes an elastic hooking plate fixed vertically on a bottom surface of the flange, and a pair of lining pads. The hooking plate has a free end bent downwardly and inwardly therefrom against the axial rod. The pair of pads is fixed on two sides of the bottom surface of the flange and lean against the axial rod mating with the hooking plate.

Abstract: A mounting plate has an opening provided for bonding a solid-state imaging device thereto. The opening of the mounting plate comprises a first edge portion and a second edge portion. The first edge portion corresponds to a first side of part of the contour of a light receiving area of the solid-state imaging device. The second edge portion corresponds to a second side of part of the contour. The first and second edge portions function as reference lines for positioning the solid-state imaging device over said opening.

Abstract: A first light source having first and second light transmission areas that extend along the axial direction and face each other, a conveyance unit that conveys the original document sheet such that it faces the first light transmission area, and a reading unit that receives the light that illuminates the original document sheet and is reflected thereby and reads the image of the original document sheet are included, wherein the light emitted via the first light transmission area and reflected by the original document sheet is led to the reading unit via the first and second light transmission areas. As a result, illumination efficiency improves, and reduced power consumption and prevention of heat generation can be achieved.

Abstract: A scanner has a movable carriage, a contact image sensor located on the carriage, and a platen that is substantially transparent to visible light overlying the carriage and the contact image sensor. The scanner is selectively configurable between a first scanning mode for scanning substantially opaque media positioned on the platen and a second scanning mode for scanning media substantially transparent to visible light underlying the platen. At least one image on the substantially opaque media is located within a depth of field of the contact image sensor when the substantially opaque media is positioned on the platen. At least one image on the media substantially transparent to visible light is located within the depth of field of the contact image sensor when the media substantially transparent to visible light underlies the platen.

Abstract: A scanner is obtained having a subscan axis and having a scan bar including sensor elements positioned in at least one substantially linear array. Each array lies substantially in a plane defined by the subscan and scan-bar longitudinal axes. Each array is tilted with respect to a reference axis at a substantially nonzero angle which is fixed during any image scanning of the image used to create the final scanned image. The reference axis lies in the plane and is substantially perpendicular to the subscan axis. Image scanning the image is performed by relatively moving the scan bar over the image along the subscan axis. One embodiment of the scan bar includes a scan bar body and includes sensor elements supported by the scan bar body and positioned substantially in a common plane in multiple substantially linear arrays, wherein each array is tilted with respect to the scan-bar longitudinal axis.

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.