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 scanner photoelectric module with adjustable lens and charge-coupled device (CCD) module includes a supporting device, a lens module and a charge-coupled device module. The supporting device is arranged on an optical axle and has two planes vertical to the optical axle. The lens module and the charge-coupled device module are arranged on the two planes of the supporting device, respectively. The lens module can be arranged at one side of the supporting device for rotating around the optical axle. The charge-coupled device module can be arranged at the other side of the supporting device for moving horizontally (or rotating around the optical axle).

Abstract: A document-guiding device that clips onto the image sensor of a document scanner ensures that documents to be scanned are introduced into the scanner at an optimal angle and are applied to the transparent surface of the image sensor at an optimal pressure, thereby avoiding scratching and soiling the sensor glass surface. Moreover, the deep input guide clip includes a sharp edge that acts as a scrapper to remove or flatten protruding impurities to further reduce soiling the sensor transparent surface. The deep input guide clip has the added benefit of stopping parasitic ambient light and protecting the image sensor against hard falling objects thus avoiding breakage of the transparent surface. The deep input guide clip forms a compact enclosure that may also hold a set of document proximity sensors and associated control electronics for precisely detecting the leading edge of the document when it is introduced in the scanner, its width and its trailing edge.

Abstract: In a contact-type image sensor according to the present invention, a protrusion is formed in a transparent plate, a recess is formed in a sensor frame, and the transparent plate is engaged with the sensor frame so that the heights of surfaces of the transparent plate and the sensor frame on sides of conveying a manuscript are substantially the same. In conventional techniques, it was necessary to bend a manuscript conveying path because of different heights of a protrusion of the frame and the transparent plate. Further, even though the heights of the sensor frame and the transparent plate are the same, a contact portion therebetween forms an angle, whereby a contact surface is not brought into close contact alone an entire length of an image sensor, and gaps are partially formed in the contact surface.

Abstract: An image scanner capable of scanning reflective and penetrative documents is provided. The image scanner includes a housing, a supporting base mounted in the housing and moving along the first direction while scanning, a first scanning platform mounted on the housing for placing thereon the reflective document, a first light transmitting device mounted fixedly on the supporting base for focusing and transmitting light signal, a first photoelectric sensing element mounted fixedly on the supporting base for receiving the reflected light signal and converting the received light signal into electric signal, a second scanning platform mounted in the housing for placing thereon the penetrative document, a second light transmitting device mounted fixedly on the supporting base for focusing and transmitting light signal, and a second photoelectric sensing element mounted fixedly on the supporting base for receiving the penetrating light signal and converting the penetrating light signal into electric signal.

Abstract: A contact image sensor includes a light sensitive optical detector and a light source mounted on a mounting surface. A light guide is located under the light source and is oriented to direct a light path from the light source to a scan line region under the light sensitive optical detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to permit digital capture of images from both transmissive and reflective media. A laser or other source of excitation radiation is coupled to a mounting surface to be in optical communication with a reading window when installed on a scanner. A rear casing is coupled to the monitoring surface to engage a housing of a scanner, the housing defining the reading window.

Abstract: A structure of foldable optical path is suitable for use in an optical scanner with a CCD type or a type of non-contact imaging sensor. The structure of foldable optical path arranges a part of the optical path in a foldable packing device, thus the scanner is able to utilize normal lens with better depth of field and makes the scanner more compact for the convenience of operation and carrying.

Abstract: A method enabling a scanning range of a normal scan to map a predetermined range selected under preview in a scanning device is provided. The present invention is characterized in calculating excess control pulses sent to a stepping motor resulting from accumulated pixels during respective exposure times at different scanning resolutions, and accordingly determining the number of control pulses required to send to the stepping motor for a normal scan for scanning a predetermined range selected under preview, so as to exactly map the scanning range of the normal scan to the predetermined range.

Abstract: In a device for reading an image, abnormal pixels are detected by reading a reference white board as a reference on a read line for reading a given document, and image information formed by the abnormal pixels is stored in that statistical data of the abnormal pixels is stored for each number group of the abnormal pixels obtained by the detections.

Abstract: An image reader of the present invention comprises a fluctuation detector that can be connected to the external equipment by means of an image data input-output section, and can subject image data, continuous in a first direction and outputted as image information on a test chart is photoelectrically converted by means of a CCD sensor when a mirror set or the test chart is moved in the first direction, to Fourier conversion, thereby obtaining the frequency of a fluctuation of the obtained image data and a maximum value of the amplitude thereof. If the obtained maximum value of the fluctuation amplitude is greater than a given value, the fluctuation detector is used to compare the frequency of the fluctuation and the natural frequency of a drive motor for generating driving force for moving the mirror set or the image. If the fluctuation frequency and the natural frequency are not equal, the value of current supplied to the drive motor is increased.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided which includes a cold-cathode tube for irradiating a linearly extending image reading section, and a plurality of light receiving elements for receiving light reflected at the image reading section. The cold-cathode tube is provided with a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least one of the first and the second end portions extends in a direction differing from another direction in which the intermediate portion extends. The image reading apparatus is also provided with a suitable number of shield members for preventing relatively weak image signals supplied by the light reading elements from being adversely influenced by electrical noises.

Abstract: An image-scanning module for downsizing the scanners is disclosed. The light-radiating device in the image-scanning module is disposed perpendicular to the plane where the scanned object is placed, thereby preventing the reflected light path from being masked by the extended portions of the light-radiating device. Consequently, a shorter light-radiating device (lighting tube) can be used, thereby downsizing the image-scanning devices.

Abstract: In an image sensor chip (A), the number N of the image reading picture elements is defined as N=n·k (other than an integer multiple of 16). The n represents the number of image signals processed as a group when the image signals from the light receiving elements are subjected to level correction on a group-by-group basis. The k is the minimum: integer satisfying O<(n·k−g·p)<n. The g is the resolution defined as the number of image reading picture elements per predetermined unit length. The p is the minimum difference between required different reading widths as calculated on the basis of said unit length. When a plurality of such image sensor chips (A) are arranged in an array, the excess ratio of the array length of the image sensor chips (A) relative to a required reading width can be rendered constant.

Abstract: A light amount distribution control device has a reflecting sheet by which light irradiated by LEDs is reflected and is radiated onto an object to be read. The light reflected by the object is made incident onto a line sensor to sense an image formed on the object. The reflecting sheet has a color distribution in which a white component increases from the center of the reflecting sheet towards the ends of the reflecting sheet. The reflecting ratio of the reflecting sheet is controlled along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An image sensor sub-assembly for a scanner or other image acquisition device includes an image sensor array that detects light imaged by a scanner optical system and an image sensor module that enables calibration of the position of the image sensor array relative to the optical system. In this way, with the optical system being constructed within tolerances, the module enables alignment of the image sensor array to the optical system by its adjustment. Preferably, the sensor module is calibrated to defined standards, making the optical system's calibration independent of the specific module and the module's calibration independent of the specific optical system used in a given scanner. Preferably, the module enables positioning of the sensor array with six degrees of freedom. Further, the electronic circuit board, on which the sensor array is integrated, is separate from the board, on which the analog to digital converters are located.

Abstract: To obtain an excellent image signal, an image sensor having a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices each including a plurality of light-receiving elements includes a resolution switching circuit for switching a resolution of a signal read from the light-receiving element, a scanning circuit for reading a signal from the light-receiving element in accordance with the resolution switched by the resolution switching circuit, and a start timing control circuit for controlling a start timing from one of the photoelectric conversion devices to the next photoelectric conversion device in accordance with the resolution switched by the resolution switching circuit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided for reading out images printed on a document. The apparatus includes a casing elongated in the primary scanning direction and a transparent cover supported by the casing. In image-reading operation, the cover is held in sliding contact with a document at an image reading line. The apparatus further includes an insulating substrate attached to the casing, light sources for illuminating the image reading line, light sensors for receiving reflected light coming from the image reading line and a luminosity adjuster supported by the casing for equalizing luminosity along the image reading line.

Abstract: A compact specular reflection type image pickup unit has a light source 11 mounted at a position a specified distance away from the target surface of an original P, and the light source 11 emits an outgoing light ph 11 at an angle &thgr; to the normal to the target surface. The emitted light ph 11 passes through a glass plate 12 and is incident on the focal points f of a rod lens array 13 on the target surface of the original P at an incidence angle &thgr;, and is reflected at a reflection angle &thgr; as a reflected light rf11. The reflected light rf11 is converged by the rod lens array 13, received by an image pickup element 14 and converted into electric signals. A board 14a is arranged such that the light-receiving faces of the image-pickup elements are parallel with the target object surface of the original P, and the board 14a is fixed to the bottom wall of a housing 15A. As a consequence, the height of the housing 15A is smaller by L1 than that of the housing 5.

Abstract: A multi-lenses optical device with high resolution and low cost is provided for converting an image into electronic signals. The optical device includes a plurality of focusing units for focusing a plurality of sections of the image respectively, and correspondingly generating a plurality of focused image sections magnified with the same ratio and having different optical path lengths, a photoelectric conversion unit for converting the plurality of focused image sections to the electronic signals, a switching unit for sequentially having only one of the focused image sections transmitted to the photoelectric conversion unit at an instant, and a light-reflecting unit mounted between the photoelectric conversion unit and the plurality of focusing units for transmitting the plurality of focused image sections to the photoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: An image scanning device with a switching mechanism arranged in an optical scanning module thereof for selectively scanning a reflective or transparent original document is disclosed. The optical scanning module includes a reflective optical path composed of a plurality of first group reflection mirrors and a first focusing lens and a transparent optical path composed a plurality of second group reflection mirrors and a second focusing lens. The second focusing lens of the transparent optical path is arranged at an angle with respect to the first focusing lens of the reflective optical path. An image sensing module is arranged adjacent to the light projecting outlets of the first and second focusing lens for selectively picking up the focused light beam from the first or second focusing lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held scanner that comprises contact image scanning technology. A waveguide formed in a substrate is comprised of an elongate light pipe. The light pipe includes a reflective layer, preferably having an elliptical shape, deposited on an inside lateral surface. Light sources disposed at each end of the light pipe emit rays of light through the light pipe. The rays of light propagate in the light pipe until striking an area of a reflective surface. The reflective surface directs the ray of light away from the lateral surface and onto the scan line of a document to be scanned. The light of the illuminated scan line is reflected back through the waveguide array, through a slit not covered by the reflective layer, and onto an optical lens array. The optical lens array focuses the light onto an optical sensor array that converts the image into a digital image, to be saved in an internal memory.

Abstract: A method for super-resolution scanning in a image capturing device includes capturing a first color component of the image at one-half of a full resolution, capturing a first luminance component at one-half of the full resolution, and generating a first color-luminance output signal therefrom; capturing a second luminance component of the image at the full resolution and generating a luminance output signal therefrom; capturing a second color component of the image at one-half the full resolution, capturing a third luminance component of the image at one-half the full resolution, and generating a second color-luminance output signal therefrom; converting the first and second luminance components of the first and second color-luminance output signals and the third luminance component signal to a luminance component signal of 2X full resolution; and processing the full resolution output signals and the 2X full resolution output signal to form a combined output signal.

Abstract: A modularized carriage having a plurality of shock absorber struts is provided to allow a contact type image sensor module (CIS module) to contact tightly with the bottom surface side of the sheet table. The carriage has a plurality of holes formed on its bottom side. The bottom ends of the shock absorber struts are fixed to the bottom of the carriage. The shock absorber struts pass through the holes for supporting the CIS module in a manner such that the CIS module can contact tightly with the bottom surface side of the sheet table. Thus, while the CIS module is driven along the sheet table, the inventive carriage can absorb the vertical vibration of the CIS module and allow a document to stay within the scene depth of the CIS module. Since the present invention is a modularized carriage which is adaptable for various types of CIS modules and transmission mechanisms, the present invention can simplify the assembly and readjustment procedures of a CIS scanner.

Abstract: An image scanning device with a rotatable reflection mirror arranged in an optical scanning module thereof for establishing either a reflective or transparent scanning optical path is disclosed. The optical scanning module includes a first focusing lens, a second focusing lens, an image sensing module, a plurality of fixed reflective optical path mirrors, a plurality of fixed transparent optical path mirrors, and a rotatable reflection mirror. At scanning a reflective document, the rotatable reflection mirror is rotated to a first reflection position. A light beam from a first light source projects to the reflective document. The image of the reflective document is reflected by the rotatable reflection mirror and the fixed reflective optical path mirrors, and then received by the image sensing module through the first focusing lens. At scanning a transparent document, the rotatable reflection mirror is rotated to a second reflection position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for speeding up the reading speed of a sequential I/O device, such as a Charge Coupled Device, is disclosed. The method involves in providing normal clocks for reading selected pixels and dummy clocks for reading unselected pixels. Since dummy clocks are faster than normal clocks, therefore the total time for processing the document can be less than using clocks of uniform speed. The apparatus of the invention comprises: a clock control device for generating two transfer pulses &phgr;1 and &phgr;2 in response to a clock cycle. The transfer pulses &phgr;1 and &phgr;2 are input to a sequential I/O device. The signal charge generated from the sequential I/O device will then output to an AND converter to be converted into digital signals. If the digital signals are marked, they will be latched. If not, they will simply be ignored.

Abstract: A scanner has a light and a scanning module for scanning light from a document and generating an image signal of the document. The scanning module has a plurality of light sensors, and a guiding lens for delivering light from the document to the light sensors. The guiding lens moves along a direction perpendicular to its own normal and may be set on at least a first position and a second position. The guiding lens is first set on the first position, and a reference picture is scanned to obtain a first reference image signal. The guiding lens is then set on the second position, and the reference picture is again scanned to obtain a second reference image signal. The guiding lens is then set to the first position or the second position, according to relative qualities of the first reference image signal and the second reference image signal.

Abstract: A scanner module with adjustable magnification ratio includes a photo-mechanical body, a charge-coupled device module and a pressing device, such as a wedge element or an adjusting screw. The photo-mechanical body is arranged along an optical distance and has a first plane vertical to the direction of the optical distance. The charge-coupled device module is arranged along the direction of the optical distance in the photo-mechanical body and has a second plane vertical to the optical distance and facing to the first plane. The pressing device is supported by the second plane and vertical to the first plane, for enabling the charge-coupled device module to move back and forth along the optical distance. Therefore, the magnification ratio of the scanner module can be adjusted through the length of the optical distance.

Abstract: A book scanner includes a scanning table assembly having a full-speed scanning table and a half-speed scanning table moving on a pair of rails in association with each other. A first mirror mounted on the full-speed scanning table reflects light from a document to second and third mirrors to be incident on a CCD unit. The full-speed and half-speed scanning tables are supported at three points of the rails whereas some of the mirrors are supported at four points of a corresponding table. A stable image can be obtained due to substantially no distortion in the mirror surface which results from the stable posture of the tables supported at three points thereof.

Abstract: An image processing architecture for a scanner, especially used to process the image data output from an analog signal processor by a digital controller, is provided. The image processing architecture of the present invention comprises a ping-pong buffer, an image data storage region and a cache memory. The ping-pong buffer has at least two buffer rows, any of which is used to store the image data. The image data storage region is used to store a correction parameter for image data correction and to store the image data corrected according to the correction parameters. The correction parameters obtained from the image data storage region are stored in the cache memory. The cache memory provides such correction parameters so that the above image data can be corrected in the image processing architecture according the image correction parameter. Additionally, the image processing architecture further includes a cache as a working buffer for line-difference compensation.

Abstract: An image processor for forming an easy-to-see image by broadening the significant band of image data received from a logarithmic (LOG) image sensor to enhance the contrast of the image. The LOG image sensor generates an output in response to the light, with the output voltage being a logarithm of the intensity of the light received. The image processor extracts only those pixel data in the significant band out the image data received from the LOG image sensor in accordance with the distribution of the voltage of the signals. In order to form an easy-to-see image, the processor expands the voltage band, assuming that the output voltage has a linear dependence on the intensity of light received by the LOG image sensor. The resultant image has an wider band in voltage, which enhances the contrast, and hence the visibility, of the image.

Abstract: To lengthen sensor lines in an optoelectronic camera with the aid of a number of CCD line scanners, alternatingly transparent regions (ST1, ST3, . . . ) and reflective regions (ST2, ST4, . . . ) are formed in a beam splitter (ST) following the camera lens system, and between each of those regions, continuously varying transmission zones (ÜB1, ÜB2, ÜB3, ÜB4, . . . ) are provided. From the CCD line scanners (CCD1,-CCD5), two long line modules (M1, M2) are formed, in which free interstices (FR) between the CCD line scanners are shorter than the length of a light-sensitive region of one CCD line scanner. The long line modules (M1, M2) are disposed such that the centers of the CCD line scanners the (CCD2, CCD4) of one long line module (M2) coincide with the centers of the free interstices (FR) of the other long line module (M1).

Abstract: A chassis has plate supporting pillars, insertion holes with engagement pegs, and an aperture brim connected to a lens holding unit. A photographic element package is attached to a plate. Contact surfaces are formed in the aperture brim so that distances from a center axis of a lens holding unit to the two adjacent contact surfaces of the aperture brim are the same as the distances from adjacent standard surfaces of the photographic element package to the center of the photographic element. Plate springs are provided on the mounting member, so that the photographic element package standard surfaces press against the contact surfaces. Plate springs press the plate against the plate supporting pillars. Insertion plates with engagement holes are provided on the mounting member, so that the insertion plates are inserted into the insertion holes and the engagement pegs engage the engagement holes, thereby completing the mounting of the plate on the chassis.

Abstract: The contact imaging system allows the contact area of an object impressed upon the surface of the contact imaging system to emit light in a pattern corresponding to the contact area making it possible to render an image of the contact area. The contact imaging system has a luminescence layer on top of a transparent electrode. When the object to be imaged contacts the luminescence layer and is held at ground potential relative to the transparent electrode, an electric field is created in the luminescence layer in a pattern corresponding to the contact pattern. The electric field causes the luminescence layer to emit a light image of the contact pattern. The luminescence layer and the transparent electrode are adjacent to a light sensing layer. The light sensing layer receives the light generated at the luminescence layer, and converts that light into a corresponding electric signal.

Abstract: In a contact type image sensor having a sensor array mounting photosensors, a focussing unit for focussing light from an original upon the photosensors, and a frame for holding in position the sensor-array and focussing unit, the focussing unit abuts on the sensor array. In a contact type image sensor having a sensor array having a plurality of face-down sensor chips with a plurality of pixels mounted on a transparent substrate in line, a rod lens array for focussing light from an original, a light source for illuminating the original, and a frame for holding in position the sensor array, rod lens array, the transparent substrate is covered with a light shielding layer in an area other than an area on which the pixels of the sensor chips are mounted and an area corresponding to a focussing area of the rod lens array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for canceling crosstalk noise arising on signal lines output from an image sensor. More specifically, the crosstalk noise is canceled by a current mirror that is coupled to the signal line. The current mirror adjusts the voltage level on the signal line by drawing a current therefrom that is proportional to the amount and polarity of the crosstalk noise. The amount of crosstalk noise is determined by an amount of coupling within an A/D converter coupled to the signal lines. The current mirrors can further adjust the voltage on the signal line by drawing a current therefrom that is proportional to crosstalk arising due to a voltage level on another signal line. Such a current mirror allows pixel data to be conveyed to the A/D converter, via the signal lines, without imparting aberrations due to crosstalk noise.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining a set of default settings (with respect to a blank image) so that a uniform and high contrast image results when, for example, a finger is present on a sensor device. A background noise image and other diagnostic data, such as non-functional areas, are also automatically determined with respect to the blank image and stored for future reference. The above processing is performed each time the sensor device is initialized. Once the initialization process is complete, the individual places the required biometric feature, for example, a finger on the sensor device. The methodology adjusts the set of default settings to account for the condition of the biometric feature being imaged by increasing or decreasing the sensitivity level of the sensor device. The determination of optimum sets is achieved by analyzing specific regions of the image data rather than the entire image.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a sensor IC having a group of photoelectric conversion devices which are linearly aligned, a sensor board on which the sensor IC is mounted, a lens for forming light information into an image on the sensor IC, a light source having electrical connection lines, an illumination unit consisting of a light guide for guiding light from the light source and outputting the light in a desired direction, and a frame for holding the respective members. The electrical connection lines of the light source are directly connected to the sensor board. Connector cables for the light source can be omitted, and the image sensor and the external system can be electrically connected through one connector. By simplifying the electrical connection, the influence of noise can be minimized.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter includes a plurality of substrates, which are located adjacent to each other and on which a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices are two-dimensionally arranged, either scan circuits or detection circuits, at least, that are arranged on two opposing sides of the photoelectric converter, whereby scanning directions either from the scan circuits or from the detection circuits, which are arranged on the two opposing sides, are capable of being set so as to be performed in like directions.

Abstract: In order to prevent a decrease of yield due to a discontinuity of a wire or a short between upper and lower metal wires in production of a TFT matrix panel having pixel capacitors and TFTs and produce the TFT panel in a good yield without decrease of an aperture rate of the pixel capacitor portions even with increase in the size of the panel and with micronization of the pixel pattern, ends of bias lines on the opposite side to connection to a common electrode driver for application of bias are electrically connected to each other by a redundant wire.

Abstract: In a multi-element sensor calibration apparatus, an image signal derived from a multi-element sensor installed in a facsimile or a satellite is periodically calibrated based upon a zero level signal and a calibration signal having more than two uniform levels.

Abstract: In a low cost film scanner, a CCD image sensor is precision aligned to a film plane scanning aperture and is mounted to the an intervening imaging housing assembly by means of a radiation (UV) curable adhesive of appropriate viscosity. With the sensor positioned within but in spaced apart relationship to a sensor housing segment of the housing assembly, the adhesive is injected through a mounting hole in a wall of the housing segment to adhere to the image sensor. An excess amount of the injected adhesive forms a cap over the mounting hole. The viscosity of the adhesive is such as the allow the adhesive to generally maintain its shape in the space between the sensor and the wall of the sensor housing segment. The spacing of the sensor from the sensor housing segment allows six degrees of freedom of movement of the sensor during the alignment operation after which the injected adhesive is curing in situ to form a sensor mount fastener with the sensor is precise alignment with the film plane aperture.

Abstract: An optical scanner for retrieving digital images of opaque and transmissive objects. The scanner of the present invention includes a scanner body, a docking port, and a removable scanning platform. An object to be scanned is placed on the scanning platform, which is subsequently loaded into scanner body for scanning. Inside the scanner body, a sensor module, including a first light source and an image-retrieving device, is disposed above the docked scanning platform; a support frame, on which is disposed a second light source, is disposed below the docked scanning platform. A connecting rod engages the sensor module and the support frame, and a driving device synchronously moves the sensor module and the support frame along a longitudinal axis. In a first embodiment, the scanning platform can include an adhesive tape for adhering an opaque object to be scanned to the surface of the scanning platform.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus having an easy-toad-just optical system, a unit is composed of a first sub-unit including an image forming lens and a second sub-unit including a solid-state image pickup element. The first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are mutually adjusted in position in X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis while the two sub-units are also adjustable around X-axis and Z-axis. After the first sub-unit and the second sub-unit are adjusted using a tool, the unit is then assembled into the apparatus. The unit is rotated around an optical axis of the image forming lens for adjustment of perpendicularity. The unit is also rotated around a line direction of the solid-state image pickup element for adjustment of scanning synchronization (the reading position in a sub-scan direction).

Abstract: A camera shoots an image of a two-dimensional object by a line sensor for main scanning and a rotation scanning mechanism for secondary scanning. The image pickup angle range in the secondary scanning direction is altered according to modification of the focal length of the objective lens by a zooming mechanism. The angular velocity of secondary scanning is altered according to the angular position of subscanning and the focal length so that the image pickup range on the object plane of one line is substantially equal over the entire area of the image pickup angle range. Thus, a line sensor camera is provided that can photograph an image with no distortion in the secondary scanning direction.

Abstract: A method of acquiring and processing a satellite observation image of the earth by means of at least one strip or a matrix of detectors of the charge transfer type travelling over an observed zone, in which a plurality of pixels are acquired, which pixels are sampled in a staggered configuration, the method being characterized in that the line pitch and the column pitch of said staggered sampling are such that the image spectrum is situated mainly in a zone of the Fourier plane where the modulation transfer function is meaningful and where spectrum aliasing is limited.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus processes an image signal obtained by subjecting optical image information to photoelectric conversion. An image fetch circuit converts the image signal into a digital signal and outputs it as input image data of one line. An image data processing circuit fetches the input image data of one line from the image fetch circuit in units of one pixel, and subjects it to predetermined image processing. A drive circuit at least supplies the image fetch circuit with a predetermined drive pulse signal which enables a high-speed operation of the image fetch circuit. A timing setting circuit programs, from the outside, timing of the drive pulse signal supplied from the drive circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to permit digital capture of images from both transmissive and reflective media. A laser or other source of excitation radiation is coupled to a mounting surface to be in optical communication with a reading window when installed on a scanner. A rear casing is coupled to the monitoring surface to engage a housing of a scanner, the housing defining the reading window.

Abstract: An optical scanner having a variable resolution wherein an optical detecting unit controlled by a pixel clock signal generates a discrete signal representing pixels scanned in a region. An analog-to-digital converter converts the signal to a digital signal with a preselected resolution controlled by a sample clock generator. The sample clock generator receives the pixel clock signal, and through a counter and a store, operates an addressed, binary data word which is sent to a register. The register is coupled to a further periodic clock generator that controls reading from the register and provides a clock signal with pulses when the bits of the data word assume a first binary state, and no pulses when the bits assume a second binary state. The clock signal is passed to the analog-to-digital converter as a sample clock signal.

Abstract: A reader having a high-resolution mode and a high-speed mode is disclosed. The reader comprises a CCD sensor, a buffer, a first AD convertor, a second AD convertor, a data selector and a control circuit. The input of the buffer is connected to the CCD sensor through a capacitor and a 5 V power source through an analog switch, and an output of the buffer is connected to the first AD converter for the high-resolution mode and the second AD converter for the high-speed mode in parallel. The data selector for selecting an output from the first AD convertor or the second AD convertor and sending it out to the control circuit is connected to the outputs of the first AD convertor and the second AD convertor.