Abstract: An image reading apparatus (A) includes a plurality of light sources (6) arranged in a row, and a hollow portion (14) for guiding light emitted from the light sources toward an image read line (S). The hollow portion (14) is divided by a plurality of partitions (15) into a plurality of individual sections (14a). As a result, it is possible to illuminate the longitudinally opposite ends and longitudinally central portion of the image read line (S) uniformly.

Abstract: An original scanning apparatus is provided in which a translucent member can be easily cleaned. A glass (31) on a reading surface is configured openable and closable with respect to an upper original conveying guide (24), whereby a surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) in a reading window can be easily cleaned and deterioration of an image due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) can be prevented.

Abstract: A method and a system for increasing scanning speed are provided. The method may include determining a transmission rate of a transit interface, scanning an original to generate an image data, and adjusting a cycle time of the image data to change a data generating rate responsive to the transmission rate of the transit interface. One aspect of the present disclosure may be by adjusting the cycle time of a state machine to change the data generating rate corresponding to the transmission rate of the transit interface. Therefore, in response to the transmission rate of the transit interface, the cycle time of the state machine may be adjusted to produce the data at a rate that prevents the smearing process. Thus, the possibility of memory buffer full may be reduced, which may lead to the reduction in start-stop processes and therefore the overall scanning speed may be increased without necessarily requiring the increase in size of a memory buffer.

Abstract: A digital image system is disclosed having a sensor with an elevated two-color photo-detector for sensing two different color values in combination with a single-color photo-detector for sensing a third color value. Minimal demosaicing is performed to obtain at least one luminance value at each photo-detector location. The sampled chrominance values and sampled and demosaiced luminance values are directly compressed without converting between color spaces and with minimal or no processing required. With a reduced amount of image processing prior to image compression, all of the pre-compression image processing may be performed on the image sensor itself instead of on a separate image processing system.

Abstract: A white reference image is inputted to an image sensor so as to output groups of analog data. The groups of analog data are converted by a processing unit into those groups of digital data the number of which is smaller than that of photosensor elements of the image sensor. The lowest density value of the groups or digital data is inspected, an operating environment is set so that the lowest density value of the groups of digital data may become a density value within a predetermined range. An optical system, a drive unit and the processing unit are controlled under the operating environment so as to output from the processing unit, image data which express a subject image inputted to the image sensor.

Abstract: A combination of an optical module and a transmitting and carrying structure includes an optical module, at least one carrying seat, and two rollers. The at least one carrying seat is combined with the optical module, for mounting the two rollers. The two rollers are located at the two opposite sides of the optical module. The two opposite sides of the optical module are perpendicular to the movement direction of the optical module. Thus, the at least one carrying seat and the two rollers are used to support and transmit the optical module, so that the optical module may be well balanced. In addition, the assembly height and the cost of fabrication are reduced.

Abstract: A sensor frame for an image sensor is manufactured in the step of forming a sensor frame for an image sensor by extrusion molding so that a frame support portion for supporting the frame is formed above a lens array holding portion, and the step of removing the thus-formed sensor frame support portion by machining while leaving parts of the support portion located at the longitudinally corresponding to the upper ends of the lens array holding portion. Accordingly, machined surfaces subjected to the machining exist outside the hollow space where the sensor ICs are located.

Abstract: Scanning device (1) for register marks (21, 22, 31, 32) printed onto a substrate (2) travelling into a polychrome printing machine. This device comprises at least one light source (3, 4) enlightening, onto the substrate (2), a lighting area (5) crossed by the register marks (21, 22, 31, 32), an optic (6) which allows obtaining onto a photosensitive element (7) the images of said register marks named as a plurality of portions (8) successively scanned with a certain scanning rate, as well as a microprocessor (9) driving the light of the light source (3, 4) and controlling electric pulses issued by pixels (17) of the photosensitive element (7). The source (3, 4) enlightens the lighting area (5) of the substrate (2) with at least one modulation of its color and/or of its intensity during the simultaneous or sequential scanning of at least two register marks. (21, 22, 31, 32).

Abstract: An image sensor head includes a sensor chip provided with a CCD sensor, and a driver chip provided with a control circuit for controlling the CCD sensor. The control circuit is composed of MOS elements. The sensor chip and the driver chip are separate from each other and are electrically connected to each other via a conductive wire. A power source for driving the sensor chip and a power source for driving the driver chip are individually provided.

Abstract: In color reading including an infrared light source, light reflected by a document focuses on a light-receiving part of a sensor IC with different conjugate lengths, due to color aberration of the rod-lens. Since the wavelength of the infrared light is relatively long, the deterioration of the reading resolution appears to be extensive. Here, when reading a document such as a valuable security or a paper bill, a defocusing phenomenon has been prevented, and when reading by infrared light, a high accurate reading characteristic has been realized. As a solution, light is irradiated from a light output window (101a) of a light source (101) and reflected by a document (8), and an infrared light shielding area is provided on a bottom face of a glass (51) placed in an optical path of the light reflected by the document (8), between the document (8) and a sensor IC (3).

Abstract: An image reader is constituted by an image sensor having a plurality of image sensor ICs mounted therein linearly, wherein the plurality of image sensor ICs are divided into a plurality of blocks to read image signals of the blocks in the same period, and adjacent light receiving elements of the adjacent image sensor ICs between the blocks are arranged so as to be spaced from each other in a sub-scanning direction in such a way that the reading areas of the image signals which are to be read in the same period in the sub-scanning direction become identical to each other. Thus, no continuousness of an image is distorted even in a joint between the adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A one-dimensional image sensor has N number of photosensitive element arrays arranged parallel to the fast scanning direction, N being a positive integer greater than 1. The adjacent N number photosensitive element arrays are separated from one another by a distance equal to the width of D number arrays in the slow scanning direction. If the moving speed of the one-dimensional image sensor in the slow scanning direction is set to M times as high as an ordinary speed, the distance between the adjacent N number photosensitive element arrays expressed in terms of the width of the D number arrays satisfies the following equation: D=M·a/n where a?nN, n being a positive integer equal to or smaller than N.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for correction on mounting shifts among sensor chips in a contact image sensor. The apparatus has plural sensor chips each having plural pixels, arrayed in a main scanning direction, and a correction device which performs correction on a shift in the main scanning direction and/or a subscanning direction between adjacent sensor chips in a signal outputted from the plural sensor chips. The correction device performs different processing in a first sensor chip interval and a second sensor chip interval.

Abstract: A deficiency candidate detection circuit detects a deficient pixel candidate by comparing the image signal of a target pixel with the image signals of peripheral pixels, and address information of the deficient pixel candidate is stored in a position memory circuit. A deficiency determining circuit repeats the determination of a deficient pixel a number of times based on the address information stored in the position memory circuit, and determines address information of a deficient pixel from the continuity of the determination results. A deficiency registering circuit registers the determined address information in the position memory circuit. A deficiency correction circuit corrects the image signal of the deficient pixel according to the registered address information of the deficient pixel.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus for reading an original image using a light source containing a plurality of color components, a control pulse for dimming the light source is generated by pulse-width modulation symmetrically with respect to a reference timing (for example, the central position in one storage time or the storage start timing) in one predetermined storage time of a line sensor.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus including a chassis having a panel, the panel having an opening defined therethrough. The apparatus has a scanner carriage which is moveably supported within the chassis. A carriage locking device includes an elongated locking member which is moveably disposed within the opening in the panel and, when the locking member is moved in a downward direction within the opening, the locking device secures the scanner carriage in a relatively fixed position with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: An integrated circuit fabricated on a single substrate that includes a data bus and purpose-specific functional units connected to the data bus. The functional units include a JAPE decoder and a printhead interface. A general-purpose processor is also connected to the data bus and controls the functional units by running software that coordinates the functional units to receive, expand and print pages.

Abstract: A thin image reading device includes a housing, a lens installed inside the housing for focusing light, a photosensor installed on a first side of the lens for converting light outputted from the lens into digital signals, and a plurality of reflectors installed on a second side of the lens for reflecting light inputted into the image reading device to form a linear optical path in order to guide the light to the photosensor via the lens. In addition, no reflector is installed on the first side of the lens.

Abstract: A method for repairing and assembling contact image sensor module and structure thereof are provided.

Abstract: A control system and method for the CCD scanner, wherein the CCD can process multiple primary colors and includes a shift register and a transfer gate. The control system at least includes a transfer controller. The characteristic includes providing a transfer signal and multiple charge-shift clock signals, wherein any each one charge-shift clock signal corresponds to one primary color. All charge data with respect to the primary colors are transferred to the shift register through the transfer gate in once operation when the transfer signal is true. The shift register shifts out the charge data according to each of the charge-shift clock signals charge coupled device.

Abstract: An image inputting device comprises a base having an object resting surface on which an object rests, an image pickup unit, a reflecting unit having a reflecting surface for reflecting a light from the object and introducing the light to the image pickup unit, and a holding unit disposed on the base to be rotatable about a first axis parallel to the object resting surface. The image pickup unit is rotatable about a second axis disposed on the holding unit, and the reflecting unit is rotatable about a third axis disposed on the holding unit.

Abstract: A method of eliminating strobing in successive scan lines of an image includes determining a nominal scan line time and an associated scan line integration time for the image sensor. A nominal illumination light source output period is determined for the illumination source. In order to ensure that the scan line integration time is equivalent to an integer number of illumination source light output periods, at least one of the nominal scan line integration time and the nominal illumination source light output period is adjusted. A clock signal, derived from the pixel clock, drives both the frequency circuitry of the lamp drive circuit and the integration time of the image sensor. The present method provides a reliable means for eliminating lamp strobing independent of the relative phasing of the lamp oscillation phase with respect to the start of each scan line integration.

Abstract: The divided one-dimensional solid-state imaging device includes photodiode arrays having photodiodes for individual pixels arrayed in a line, output transistors for outputting electric charges from the respective photodiodes and transfer paths for transferring the outputted electric charges to output terminals. In the imaging device, the photodiode arrays is divided into a plurality of sections differing in the number of pixels in a photodiode arraying direction, the respective divided sections connecting to the corresponding ones of the transfer paths and the output terminals, and pixel rows in the respective divided sections are read out in parallel at the same time from the output terminals corresponding to the respective divided sections.

Abstract: By performing preliminary scanning, a document identification unit determines whether a document is a dark document, such as a negative film, that requires excess exposure, or an ordinary document that does not require excess exposure. When it is determined that the document does not require excess exposure, an exposure time setting unit sets an exposure time for a line sensor. Then, in consonance with the designated exposure time, the line sensor initiates the reading of a black reference. Thereafter, in accordance with an excess exposure time that is designated, a black reference data preparation unit prepares black reference data. Since the black reference is read during the same period as the excess exposure time and the black reference data is prepared, the detailed tones of the dark portion of the document can be expressed, and the quality of the image can be improved.

Abstract: It is assumed that there are a plurality of areas where a transfer is to be performed at a long pitch, in an original film, and a plurality of areas where a transfer is to be performed at a short pitch in each of the areas where a transfer is to be performed at a long pitch. On a sub-scan stage the original document is sub-scanned in the area where a transfer is to be performed at a short pitch, by performing at least one small step transferring, which is a transfer performed at a short pitch. Thereafter, a large step transferring which is a transfer performed at a long pitch, is performed on the sub-scan stage. The sub-scanning is repeated by performing the large step transferring and the small step transferring.

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: An apparatus for reading an image comprises an original mounting table for mounting an original, a first carriage which has a light source for irradiating light to the original and an optical system for guiding original-image light reflected from the original, and which moves along the original mounting table, a lens unit having a lens into which the original-image light enters and placed immediately under a passage on which the first carriage moves, a CCD assembly for receiving the original-image light passed through the lens and reading an image corresponding to the original-image light, a lens bracket cover having a bracket portion to which the CCD assembly is attached and a cover portion for covering the lens unit, and a lens base having the bracket portion of the lens bracket cover attached thereto, for supporting the lens unit.

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: An image processing apparatus capable of acquiring a high resolution image without a reduction in sensitivity includes a plurality of sensor chips connected to one another, each sensor chip including a first pixel row and a second pixel row, which are formed on the same semiconductor chip. The first pixel row has a plurality of pixels arranged in the main scanning direction, and the second pixel row has a plurality of pixels shifted along the main scanning direction with respect to the first pixel row.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus (10) has n photodiodes (PD1-PDn), signal processors (SP1-SPn), and output switches (SW1-SWn) connected to each other. Each signal processor includes an integrator (12) for amplifying an output from the photodiode, a buffer (14) for holding an output from the integrator (12), a first switch (16) inserted between the photodiode and the integrator (12), a second switch (18) for connecting the photodiode and an overflow drain (Vofd), a third switch (20) inserted between the integrator (12) and the buffer (14), a fourth switch (22) for connecting the buffer (14) and a reference voltage (Vref) source, and a controller (24) for controlling the ON/OFF operation of the first to fourth switches based on the comparison result between an output voltage from the integrator (12) and the reference voltage (Vref).

Abstract: A photoelectric scanner screen device wherein the object to be scanned is illuminated by light from an external light source such as a CRT of a monitor associated with a desktop computer. A scanner screen component of the device is mechanically associated with the monitor. The scanner screen component is comprised of layers of translucent material such that a document to be scanned can be positioned between a lid layer and a platen layer while the scanner screen's photodetectors are positioned between the platen layer and a rear layer. An external computer, to which the CRT is attached, will carry out the processing required for imaging the object to be scanned.

Abstract: The present invention is mainly aimed at obtaining excellent sensor output free from periodic fixed pattern noise even if the pieces of holding capacity are converted into blocks, and the specific solution unit is described below. The signal readout unit includes: a line memory; first switches each connected to a holding capacity; a first common signal line comprising eight switches connected together; and second switches for connecting the first common signal line to the second common signal line. The control unit controls opening/closing of both switches. Between the electrode of the second switch and the second common signal line, there is provided outgoing wiring. From the control unit, control wiring a1. . . , b1. . . is connected to the first switch. To each wiring a1. . . , b1. . . , a pair of a positive signal and an anti-signal in which the logical level has been reversed with respect to each other is supplied respectively. Each wiring a1. . . , b1. . .

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a sensor substrate on that a large number of semiconductor chips each of which has a plurality of image pickup elements, are linearly arranged to receive the reflected light converged by the lens; and a transparent plate that is interposed between the lens and the sensor substrate, and provides a light path region corresponding to the boundary region between adjacent semiconductor chips with a refractive function, so that the vertical light incident on the boundary region between semiconductor chips 6 is refracted and incident dividedly to the directions of respective image pickup elements.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an image sensor which can effectively attain higher read resolution, and an image processing apparatus and information processing system using the same. To achieve this object, function members including a light source (6) for irradiating an object to be read (PP) with light, a sensor (3) for receiving light reflected by the object to be read (PP), and an imaging element (7) for forming an image of the reflected light on a light-receiving portion of the sensor (3) are attached to and supported by a support member (1) to have a predetermined positional relationship. In order to assure high attachment positional precision and rigidity for the function members, the support member (1) is formed to have a hollow shape. The support member (1) is formed to have the hollow shape along its longitudinal direction. Two side portions of the support member (1) are formed to have a hollow shape, and are coupled at end portions in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of capturing relatively high resolution digital images (e.g., comparable to traditional flatbed scanners). A preferred embodiment provides a look-down digital imaging device comprising a linear sensor for imaging a raster line of an original image placed substantially below the look-down digital imaging device, and a lens for focusing reflected light from the original to such linear sensor. The linear sensor functions much as in traditional flatbed scanners in that it captures a single, congruent digital image of a scanned original. Most preferably, the linear sensor is a high resolution sensor that enables a digital image to be captured having resolution comparable to that of traditional flatbed scanners. For instance, the linear sensor preferably enables capture of a digital image having a resolution no less than approximately 300 dpi.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus which can be connected to a host computer, receives power from the host computer, and has an image sensing element for converting an optical image of an object into an electrical image signal, the host computer having a suspend/resume function of storing, for a program under processing, a state necessary for execution of the processing in memory and re-executing the interrupted processing of the program on the basis of stored contents, when the host computer is set in a suspend state during image sensing, operation of at least a part of the image sensing apparatus is stopped, and when the host computer is resumed, a predetermined portion of the image sensing apparatus is reset to a predetermined initial state.

Abstract: A representative photosensor assembly comprises first through sixth arrays of photosensor elements and first through third arrays of charge shift registers. Each photosensor element in the first array, the third array and the sixth array of photosensor elements exhibit a first size, and each photosensor element in the second array, the fourth array and the sixth array of photosensor elements exhibit a size different than the first size. The first and second arrays of photosensor elements are operative to detect a first color of light, the third and fourth arrays of photosensor elements are operative to detect a second color of light, and the fifth and sixth arrays of photosensor elements are operative to detect a third color of light. The first, second and third arrays of charge shift registers are coupled between the first and second, third and fourth, and fifth and sixth arrays of photosensor elements, respectively.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus such as a scanner or digital camera, a photosensitive device includes multiple linear arrays of photosensors. One of the arrays has a higher spatial resolution than other arrays. The high-resolution array is filtered to detect different portions of the color spectrum than the low-resolution arrays.

Abstract: An image input scanner includes a linear array of photosensors to record images, such as in a digital copier or facsimile. A subset of the photosensors can be selected, depending on a particular situation, for recording images, while other photosensors are deselected. In this way, recording of “blank” image data, such as would be caused when photosensors in the array are not exposed to a sheet passing relative to the array, is avoided. In one embodiment, the array includes a plurality of local clock drivers, each clock driver controlling image data readout from a subset of photosensors. When a subset of photosensors are selected for a given situation, only the clock drivers associated with the selected photosensors are activated.

Abstract: The integrated image reading/writing head (X) includes a substrate (4) having a surface (40) provided with a reading circuit including a plurality of light receiving elements (20), a plurality of printing elements (60) and a writing circuit for controlling the printing elements (60). The substrate (4) is fitted with a connector (8) for electrical wiring. The connector (8) is electrically connected with each of the reading circuit, the printing elements and the writing circuit.

Abstract: A carrier device for a contact image sense optical scanner. The carrier device incorporates a pair of magnets with identical poles facing each other or a fluid filled sealed chamber for exerting an equal pressure on a scanning module within the scanner and maintaining close contact with a document platform throughout a scanning operation.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided which is capable of reading an original document at a higher speed. M pieces of lines on the surface of the original document can be simultaneously read by M pieces of line-like strings of light sensing devices making up a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) having an interval represented by N pieces of lines to be read. When simultaneous reading is completed, the original document is moved to a line existing apart by L pieces of lines from the lines that have been read. While the original document is moving, image signals of lines that have been read are A/D (analog to digital) converted and then stored to memory regions. Simultaneous reading operation and subsequent storing are sequentially performed on lines on which the line-like strings of light sensing devices are placed.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a scanning starting point of an image scanning apparatus includes a platen, carriage, and a number of marks. The X-Y coordinate system defined by the platen has an X-axis defined by a first wide margin of the platen and a Y-axis defined by a first long margin of the platen. The carriage moves along the Y direction. The marks inside the image scanning apparatus indicate different Y coordinate values. The method for positioning a scanning starting point of an image scanning apparatus is as follows: the nearest mark to the document to be scanned is first chosen as a reference point. The vector from an image starting point of the document to be scanned to the reference point is then obtained. The carriage finally moves to the reference point chosen as a starting point and proceeds to scan.

Abstract: A solid-state image-sensing device has a photosensitive element that produces an electric signal commensurate with the amount of light incident thereon, a transistor of which the first electrode and the control electrode are connected to one electrode of the photosensitive element, and a resetting portion for resetting the transistor by feeding a predetermined pulse signal to the second electrode of the transistor. The resetting portion resets the transistor in such a way as to inhibit the transistor from operating in a subthreshold region when the amount of light incident on the photosensitive element is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: When an image reader is in a stand-by state in which the image reader can read an original, supply of a clock signal from a clock generation circuit to a line sensor is halted. Hence, supply of a clock signal does not need power. As a result of supply of the clock signal to the line sensor being halted, there can be reduced generation of a dark current due to the head developing in the line sensor and generation of Electromagnetic Interference. Consequently, the noise in read image data is reduced, thereby improving the picture quality of a read image. In the stand-by state, supply of only a clock signal to the line sensor is halted. Hence, the time required for warming up the line sensor is nominal. Upon receipt of a reading instruction, the image reader can immediately start reading an original, thus improving operability of the image reader.

Abstract: A system for managing information on a carrier, and an image reading apparatus, which enable easy resetting of correction data. When a film carrier is mounted in an image reading apparatus main body, a control section reads the identification number of the film carrier from an EEPROM, and determines whether the identification number corresponds to any of the identification numbers stored in a RAM. When correspondence is not found, it determines that the film carrier is mounted in the main body for the first time, and correction data is read from the EEPROM and stored in the RAM with the identification number. Instead of losing the correction data if the substrate is replaced, the correction data stored in the RAM is read from the control section and written into a new EEPROM, thereby enabling easy resetting of the correction data.

Abstract: An image reader (A) includes a plurality of light sources (6) arranged in line, the light from which travels through a channel (14) and irradiates a linear read area (S). The channel (14) is divided into a plurality of sections (14a) by a plurality of partitions (15). Thus, uniform brightness is obtained in the whole part of the linear read area (S), including both ends and the central part.

Abstract: A digitizer having a dual exposure technique is combined with an associated LUT for each exposure. Each LUT may have a transfer function including a logarithmic operator resulting in a digitized image with improved photometric resolution and increased dynamic range. A digitizer utilizing multiple exposures at approximately equal exposure time intervals provides a noise reduction for lower optical density portions of the data medium further contributing to increased dynamic range. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to the present invention allows the period of generation of a load signal NRD, the load value in counter circuits 21 and 31, and the comparative value in pulse generator circuits 22 and 32 to be changed corresponding to the multiplication rate of a PLL circuit 14. Accordingly, the pulse width and the phase length of the signals generated in signal generator circuits 12A and 12B are enhanced in the controllable accuracy by increasing the multiplication rate of the PLL circuit 14. Hence, even if the driving frequency is lowered, the pulse width and the phase length of the signals generated in signal generator circuits 12A and 12B can favorably be maintained in the controllable accuracy.

Abstract: A CCD and CMOS image pickup module including a circuit main board on which an image sensor (CMOS, CCD) and relevant electronic elements are laid. A lens seat is disposed on an upper edge of a package of the image sensor. The lens seat has an image pickup cylinder correspondingly positioned above a coupling transistor of the image sensor. The lens seat covers and encloses the image sensor with the connecting section of the bottom of the image pickup cylinder sealedly attaching to the periphery of the top face of the package of the image sensor. With the profile of the outer periphery of the package of the image sensor serving as a normal standard for the axis of the lens, the axis of the lens being projected onto the sensor center of the coupling transistor.