Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes a base, a transparent plate, a guide rod disposed between the base and the transparent plate, an optical sensor module, and a carrier mounted on the guide rod and including a first support bracket to place the optical sensor module thereto and having a first pivot connecting portion, a second support bracket having a second pivot connecting portion connected pivotally to the first pivot connecting portion, and an elastic member disposed between the first and second support brackets and biasing upwardly the first support bracket so as to keep the optical sensor module in constant contact with the transparent plate.

Abstract: A sensor substrate unit is formed by connecting edges of a plurality of sensor substrates in a longitudinal direction. Sensor chips at the edges are mounted beyond the edges. The edges include convex portions and convex portions for connecting the sensor substrates. Farthest tips of the sensor chips are positioned inside of farthest edges of the convex portions and inside of farthest edges of the convex portions in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A sheet-feeding type scanning apparatus with a calibrating function is provided. The sheet-feeding type scanning apparatus is configured for feeding a document in a first direction and scanning the document, thereby acquiring an image of the document. The sheet-feeding type scanning apparatus includes a calibration plate, a scanning module, and a transmission module. The transmission module is connected with the scanning module for moving the scanning module in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In such way, the scanning module is movable within the limited space of the sheet-feeding type scanning apparatus, so that the scanning module is dynamically calibrated.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for use in an image reading apparatus that forms a reduction image of a read area of an original on an image pickup element by an imaging optical system, includes: a light source illuminating the original; and a light guide guiding light to the original; wherein the light guide has a first surface on which light is incident or that diffuses light, a second surface from which light exits toward the read area, and a third and fourth surfaces arranged between the first and second surfaces in a sub-scanning section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the light guide, the third surface arranged on a side closer to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, and the fourth surface arranged on a side farther from the optical axis, wherein the third and fourth surfaces are reflective surfaces having the same paraxial power which is appropriately set.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having light emitting unit for irradiating light onto a original, reflected light detector light reflected by the original after the original is irradiated by the light emitting unit, outside light detector disposed in an area outside the area in which light reflected by the original enters the reflected light detector and reflected light correcting unit for correcting detection result data detected the reflected light detector based on outside light detected by the outside light detector. An image reading head having light emitting unit, which irradiates, a original with light, and a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a row having a length longer than a length of the light emitting unit.

Abstract: A scanner apparatus includes: a holder configured to hold a line sensor unit; a first spacer and a second spacer disposed on both sides of the line sensor unit in a longitudinal direction and configured to come into contact with the transparent plate; and a biasing unit configured to press the holder toward the transparent plate between the first spacer and the second spacer in the longitudinal direction. The line sensor unit and the holder are coupled together on both sides of the biasing unit in the longitudinal direction. A force applied to the holder by the biasing unit is transmitted from the holder through two coupling portions to the line sensor unit, thereby biasing the first spacer and the second spacer to the transparent plate.

Abstract: A scanner assembly comprising the following components. A scan module having a first surface and configured to receive an image oriented along the first surface. A carriage having a thickness no thicker than a thickness of the scan module perpendicular to the first surface, the carriage configured to receive the scan module and to move the scan module in a direction of travel. A v-bearing coupled to the carriage proximate to one end of the carriage and protruding from the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. A scan base having a groove and configured to receive the v-bearing. A belt drive configured to move the v-bearing in the groove of the scan base.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for imaging a subject image from a lens on an imaging element through an optical filter has a porous body having pores which three dimensionally communicate with each other at least at a side opposite to the imaging element of the optical filter.

Abstract: A sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a first photoelectric conversion element array and a second photoelectric conversion element array, each having an array of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a predetermined direction, a storage unit configured to store a charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer unit configured to transfer the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit to an outside of the sensor, a control unit configured to serially execute a first transfer control for transporting unit configured to transport a charge stored in the second photoelectric conversion element array to the transfer unit via the storage unit and a second transfer control for transporting unit configured to transport a charge stored in the first photoelectric conversion element array to the transfer unit via the second photoelectric conversion element array and the storage unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a conveying unit for conveying documents one by one, a first reading unit for optically reading the conveyed document through a first transparent member provided at a first reading position on a conveying path in the conveying unit, a first cleaning unit for cleaning the first transparent member provided at the first reading position, a second reading unit for optically reading the conveyed document through a second transparent member provided at a second reading position on the conveying path in the conveying unit and on a downstream side of the first reading position, and a second cleaning unit for cleaning the second transparent member provided at the second reading position. The second cleaning unit is higher in cleaning ability than the first cleaning unit.

Abstract: An image sensor unit has a light emitting module and a light guide that guides light emitted by the light emitting module to a bill, the light guide has an incident surface on which the light emitted by the light emitting module is incident, a reflection surface that reflects the light having entered the light guide through the incident surface, and an emission surface from which the light reflected by the reflection surface is emitted toward the bill, and the reflection surface is formed by a plurality of contiguous flat surfaces.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source, a reading unit, a moving unit, a moving speed control unit, a turn-ON time control unit. The light source irradiates light onto a document. The reading unit receives light reflected from the document, converts the received light into electrical charges, and accumulates the electrical charges as an image signal. The moving unit relatively moves the light source and the document. The moving speed control unit controls a moving speed of the moving unit in accordance with a reading mode of the image reading apparatus to control a reading speed in the reading unit. The turn-ON time control unit controls the light source to be turned off in a given period based on the reading mode when the reading unit accumulates the electric charges so as to prevent the electrical charges accumulated in the reading unit from reaching a saturation amount.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and/or apparatus to scan a document and capture the true color of the scanned document. In one embodiment, a document scanning system may include a base element having a document placement deck, one or more supporting elements coupled to the base element, and one or more lighting elements coupled to the one or more supporting elements. In addition, the document scanning system may comprise a polychromatic color chart comprising a true color indicator element. In another embodiment, a document scanning system may include a base element, a neck element, a doublet of lighting arms, a docking head, and an image capture device. In this embodiment, the base element may comprise a document placement deck and a polychromatic color chart positioned on the document placement deck.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an ADF driven by a motor; an image reading unit transmitting charges accumulated in a photoelectric conversion element as a shift pulse to a shift register; and a shift pulse control unit controlling an output timing of the shift pulse based on rotation of the motor. When the rotation of the motor stops, the shift pulse control unit outputs the shift pulse to transmit the charges accumulated in lighting of a light source immediately before the stoppage of the motor.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit includes a light source including a plurality of light-emitting elements; a light detector to detect a light beam emitted from the light source; a light-flux splitter, angled to the optical axis of the light beam emitted from the light source, having an aperture, a portion of reduced thickness susceptible to warping, a concave face of the warped light-flux splitter as a reflecting face, and a convex face of the warped light-flux splitter opposite the concave face as a non-reflecting face; and a light-flux splitter pressing unit to press the light-flux splitter onto a light-flux splitter holding member without blocking the aperture. Light beam passed the aperture is used as a write-use light flux. The reflecting face reflects a light flux other than the write-use light flux as a monitor-use light flux. The light-flux splitter pressing unit presses a portion of maximum convexity of the non-reflecting face.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a time-delay-and-integrate (TDI) image sensor includes (i) a plurality of integrating CCDs (ICCDs), arranged in parallel, that accumulate photocharge in response to exposure to light, (ii) electrically coupled to the plurality of ICCDs, a readout CCD (RCCD) for receiving photocharge from the plurality of ICCDs, and (iii) electrically coupled to the RCCD, readout circuitry for converting charge received from the RCCD into voltage.

Abstract: A rotatable scanner includes a scanner body and a document holder. The scanner body includes an exposure surface on which a document is placed. The document holder is provided above the scanner body to cover a document placed on the exposure surface of the scanner body, and includes a hinged side and a free side opposite the hinged side. A front upper edge of the scanner body is chamfered.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided, including a detection unit and a scan unit. The detection unit senses radiation of a target area. The scan unit directs the radiation to the detection unit, in which the scanning unit scans the target area N times at a constant speed within a scan period, such that each of the pixels of the target area is scanned N times by the scan unit, thereby the detection unit generates N sub-detection values for each of the pixels and adds the N sub-detection values up to generate a detection value for each of the pixels.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, rotational polygonal mirror, correction data calculating unit, modification computing unit, and adjustment unit. The adjustment unit adjusts drive current supplied to the light source using the correction data calculated by the correction data calculating unit when a first of a plurality of modes is selected or using the correction data calculated by the modification computing unit when a second of the plurality of modes is selected.

Abstract: An image reader is provided, which includes a first analog front end unit configured to perform A/D conversion for analog signals that are output via a first group of channels of a number resulting from rounding up, to a closest whole number, an average value between a number of at least one channel for a first image reading unit and a number of channels for a second image reading unit, among analog signals output from the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit, and a second analog front end unit configured to perform A/D conversion for analog signals that are output via a second group of channels other than the channels in the first group, among the analog signals output from the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus having a large depth of field and being compact in size. The image reading apparatus includes a light source, an imaging optics system, an image pickup device unit, a memory, and a processor. The imaging optics system has a plurality of cells each being an independent optics system arranged in a main scanning direction, and arranged in two rows in a sub-scanning direction. In each of the cells, a first reflective light-gathering optical element, a first plane mirror, an aperture, and a second reflective light-gathering optical element are arranged in this order from a document, and the aperture is arranged at the back focal point position of the first reflective light-gathering optical element to form a telecentric optics system at the side of the document.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes an image pickup device, a substrate connected to a terminal of the image pickup device, a heat radiation plate which is disposed between the image pickup device and the substrate and one surface of which contacts the image pickup device, and an insulating sheet which is sandwiched between the heat radiation plate and the substrate, respective surfaces of which contact the heat radiation plate and the substrate, and which electrically insulates the heat radiation plate from an electronic component on the substrate.

Abstract: A linear scanning apparatus for scanning a bound volume is used to turn a page of the volume and scan the respective sides of the turned page. The apparatus includes front and rear portions, each having first and second support surfaces, to support the volume. As the volume moves along the linear scanner from the front portion to the rear portion, the page encounters a front guiding surface joined with the first front support surface that guides the page into a page turning channel within the linear scanner. As the volume continues to move along the linear scanner, an exit surface joined with the second rear support surface guides the page out of the page turning channel and onto the second rear support surface. Scanning devices disposed on the linear scanner digitally scan the sides of the page as the volumes moves along the linear scanner.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a document positioning plate on which a document is placed, an image-forming unit configured to cause a light from the document to form an image, a reading unit configured to receive the light from the document which has passed through the image-forming unit, a supporting member for supporting the image-forming unit, a fixing member for fixing a reading element, and a frame member for holding the image-forming unit, the supporting member, the reading element and the fixing member.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a reading unit provided with an image sensor and configured to read a manuscript placed on a contact glass, a manuscript sensor whose output level varies depending on whether the manuscript is detected, and a moving mechanism configured to move the manuscript sensor from a predetermined reference position in an oblique direction with respect to a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction such that a detection zone of the manuscript sensor passes through a side of the manuscript parallel to the sub scanning direction and a side of the manuscript parallel to the main scanning direction. A recognizing unit is also included that is configured to recognize lengths in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of the manuscript, based on a displacement of the manuscript sensor from the reference position.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a pixel array in which a plurality of unit cells are arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of unit cells includes a pixel, and the pixel comprising a photoelectric conversion element and an in-pixel readout circuit which outputs a signal corresponding to charges generated in the photoelectric conversion element, power is supplied to the plurality of unit cells via a power supply line and a ground line, and at least one of the plurality of unit cells includes at least a part of a capacitive element having a first electrode connected to the power supply line and a second electrode connected to the ground line.

Abstract: The document conveying device (2) for use in a scanner (1) or the like comprises a conveyor belt (3) arranged to convey a document (4) between an outer surface (5) of the conveyor belt and a flat surface (6). The conveyor belt (3) has an inner surface (9) supported by a first and a second roller (10, 11). Each of the first and second rollers (10, 11) is supported at three or more positions along its length in order to at least partially counteract forces from the conveyor belt (3) tending to deflect said roller.

Abstract: A document scanner is disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface. The document scanner further includes a scanner module slidably attached to the document bed. The scanner module includes an optical movement sensor configured to detect movement of the scanner module relative to the document positioning surface. A method of operation of the scanner module is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A reader includes a housing with a platen on which a document is placed, a light source unit which moves along the platen and irradiates light toward the document, a mirror unit which works with the light source unit to define an optical path of the reflected light from the document in the housing, and a rotatable lock member mounted on one of the light source and mirror units. The housing includes an operation member, which is slid to fix the light source and mirror units, and a slide surface, which holds the sliding operation member. The lock member is rotated between an engaged position, where the lock member is engaged with another of the light source and mirror units, and a disengaged position, where the lock member is disengaged from the other of the light source and mirror units in response to slide operation of the operation member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a contact image sensor (CIS) configured to parallelly output image signals of a plurality of pixels via a plurality of signal lines, an analog frontend (AFE) configured to serially output the image signals of the plurality of pixels output from the CIS by converting the image signal into a plurality pieces of pixel data, an input/output control circuit configured to add reading position information and reading color information to each of the plurality pieces of pixel data, and a direct memory access controller (DMAC) configured to transfer each of the plurality pieces of pixel data to a storage position corresponding to the reading position information and the reading color information such that the plurality pieces of pixel data is stored in consecutive storage positions in an external memory.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an imaging system including a light guiding member supported on a circuit substrate so as to be capable of lighting an object, an optical image-forming member and a solid-state imaging device. The optical image-forming member is arranged on the circuit substrate so as to have an optical axis thereof parallel to the circuit substrate, is arranged on the circuit substrate so as to be able to receive reflected light from the object, emits the reflected light in an oblique direction with respect to a surface of the circuit substrate, and forms an image at a predetermined distance position. The solid-state imaging device includes a light receiving surface that is oblique with respect to the circuit substrate surface, and is mounted on the surface of the circuit substrate so as to have the receiving surface positioned at a position where the image is formed.

Abstract: An image reading device, which has an image sensor having a plurality of sensor chips therein and being capable of outputting data in parallel through a plurality of output channels, includes an image reading section configured to perform reading of images in either of two outputting modes, one being a parallel outputting mode in which start signals are simultaneously inputted to the plurality of sensor chips so that pieces of data in the plurality of the sensor chips are outputted in parallel through the plurality of output channels, respectively, the other one being an interval outputting mode in which start signals are sequentially inputted to the plurality of sensor chips at intervals of time between any two successive inputs of the start signals, respectively, so that respective pieces of data in the plurality of sensor chips are sequentially outputted through any one of the plurality of output channels, and a mode selection section configured to select either of the two outputting modes in accordance wi

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source unit, an image sensor, an attenuator, an analog processor and an A/D converter. The attenuator generates a second analog signal by voltage-dividing a first analog signal by two resistors. The analog processor generates a third analog signal by amplifying the second analog signal with a predetermined gain. The A/D converter converts the third analog signal into a digital signal. A voltage-dividing ratio of the attenuator is not higher than a ratio of a maximum value of the amplitude of a signal inputtable to the analog processor to a maximum value of the amplitude of a signal having a possibility of being output from the image sensor.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a drive unit that drives the line image sensor by frequency-modulated clock; a signal generating unit that generates an analog signal according to a change in frequency of the frequency-modulated clock; an amplification-inversion unit that amplifies the analog signal with an arbitrary amplification factor, and configured to switch between inversion and non-inversion; and a signal superimposing unit that superimposes between the analog image signal and an analog signal output from the amplification-inversion unit.

Abstract: A sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a first photoelectric conversion element array and a second photoelectric conversion element array, each having an array of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a predetermined direction, a storage unit configured to store a charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer unit configured to transfer the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit to an outside of the sensor, a control unit configured to serially execute a first transfer control for transporting unit configured to transport a charge stored in the second photoelectric conversion element array to the transfer unit via the storage unit and a second transfer control for transporting unit configured to transport a charge stored in the first photoelectric conversion element array to the transfer unit via the second photoelectric conversion element array and the storage unit.

Abstract: In an image-reader, the first counter is configured to count a first count value based on a first clock. The second counter is configured to count a second count value based on a second clock. The first reading unit is configured to read a first surface of a document sheet based on the first count value. The second reading unit is configured to read a second surface of the document sheet based on the second count value. The second surface is opposite surface of the first surface. When the first count value reaches a prescribed first value, both the first counter value and the second count value are reset.

Abstract: An image scanning device has first and second image scanning units to scan an image on the front and rear surfaces of a document to sequentially output image data on a line-by-line basis. A determining unit determines whether or not the number of lines of the front image is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, and whether or not the number of lines of the rear image is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. A processing unit reads out the front and rear image data on a line-by-line basis for the predetermined number of lines and performs image-processing on the readout data if the number of lines of the front image data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number and performs image-processing on the readout data if the number of lines of the rear image data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device including the steps of providing a pixel array including pixel circuits arranged in a matrix; and a pixel drive unit configured to drive the pixel array to perform a reset of the pixel array, a signal storage, and an output operation. The pixel drive unit includes a pixel reset control portion to supply a signal for resetting a pixel to the pixel circuits of a plurality of rows. The pixel reset control portion performs a reset control so that a row in which the reset signal is cancelled and a row in which the reset signal is continued always exist in one reset row change operation, and a row in which the reset signal continues to be supplied exists during two or more reset row change operations.

Abstract: A sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a first photoelectric conversion element array and a second photoelectric conversion element array, each having an array of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a predetermined direction, a storage unit configured to store a charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer unit configured to transfer the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit to an outside of the sensor, a control unit configured to serially execute a first transfer control for transporting unit configured to transport a charge stored in the second photoelectric conversion element array to the transfer unit via the storage unit and a second transfer control for transporting unit configured to transport a charge stored in the first photoelectric conversion element array to the transfer unit via the second photoelectric conversion element array and the storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a white reference member, an exposure lamp, a CCD sensor including a plurality of linear sensors connected in series, and a plurality of gain amplifiers which amplifies the outputs of the linear sensors, respectively. The apparatus selects one linear sensor, adjusts the gain of the gain amplifier corresponding to the selected linear sensor, adjusts the gain of the gain amplifier corresponding to the linear sensor existing to the left side of the selected linear sensor, and adjusts the gain of the gain amplifier corresponding to the linear sensor existing to the right side of the selected linear sensor. A difference in output at connecting positions among the line sensors is removed by adjusting the gains of gain amplifiers.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a first scanning unit, a second scanning unit, and a light source corresponding to each of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit. The light sources are arranged on the same side of the first and second scanning units with respect to the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus comprises a light source unit, a deflection unit, an incident optical system, and an imaging optical system including a transmission type imaging optical element and a reflection optical element are provided. A light beam deflected for scanning by the deflection unit passes through the imaging optical element in order of a first and a second transmission surfaces, and then passes through the imaging optical element again a third and fourth transmission surfaces. The first and fourth transmission surfaces of the imaging optical element are different in shape from another in the sub-scanning direction. Respective components are set so that, in a sub-scanning section, the light beam deflected for scanning is turned back by the reflection optical element and refracted/diffracted at the first transmission surface in a direction in which a reflected light beam passes through the third transmission surface, and that predetermined Conditional Expression is satisfied.

Abstract: A rotatable scanner includes a scanner body and a document holder. The scanner body includes an exposure surface on which a document is placed. The document holder is provided above the scanner body to cover a document placed on the exposure surface of the scanner body, and includes a hinged side and a free side opposite the hinged side. A front upper edge of the scanner body is chamfered.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor driving circuit that includes: an image sensor that converts light reflected from an original to be read into electric signals; a driver circuit that drives the image sensor; and a timing generator circuit that outputs timing signals for use in control of the image sensor. The driver circuit includes a first inverting buffer circuit and a second inverting buffer circuit that are equivalent to each other and arranged in series connection of two stages with the first inverting buffer circuit at the first stage of the two stages. The timing signal output from the timing generator circuit has the same polarity as the polarity of an input signal fed to the image sensor.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source that generates light used for reading an image and a light guide body which extends in a predetermined direction and onto which the light from the light source is incident. The light guide body includes a pair of first faces that reflect the light so as to cause the light to direct to an image reading region from directions different from one another, a second face which emits the light directing from the first faces toward the image reading region and onto which the light reflected from the image reading region is incident, and a third face which emits the light that is incident from the second face and passes between the pair of first faces.

Abstract: An elongate light guide includes a light incident portion provided at an end in the longitudinal direction of the guide, a light reflecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction, a light emitting portion extending in the longitudinal direction for emitting linear light, and a scatterer for scattering the light entering through the light incident portion. For instance, the scatterer is provided as a grained portion formed at least part of the reflecting portion.

Abstract: A device for imaging a flat object, for example a paper sheet in a printing machine, includes a light source, preferably an LED row, a lens and an image sensor. An observation angle between the object plane and lens axis is flat, that is to say less than 45°. The light source illuminates the flat object in a first, near region with light of a first wavelength and illuminates the flat object in a second, far region with light of a second wavelength. The first wavelength is shorter than the second wavelength, preferably being blue and red spectral regions. The first region is disposed nearer the image sensor than the second region. The device permits the so-called chromatic aberration of the lens to be utilized to advantageously reduce the tilt angle of the image sensor required by the so-called Scheimpflug condition. A printing machine having the device is also provided.

Abstract: An image reader includes a first line sensor that reads first image lines of an original document; a second line sensor that reads second image lines of the original document, the second image lines being located apart from the first image lines in a sub-scanning direction, respectively; and a control unit configured to, in the case where an abnormality occurs during reading of a first image line by the first line sensor, alternately switch reading of the first image lines by the first line sensor and reading of the second image lines by the second line sensor at a time point when a reading position of the second line sensor reaches a reading stop position of the first line sensor at which the abnormality has occurred.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a driving unit that drives a photoelectric conversion element by a clock; a signal generating unit that generates an analog signal; an amplification inversion unit that amplifies an alternating current component of the analog signal with an amplification factor by a setting value that is set from outside, and that switches the alternating current component between inversion and non-inversion; a signal superimposing unit that superimposes the analog image signal on an analog signal that is output from the amplification inversion unit; and a controlling unit that converts analog image signal that is superimposed by the signal superimposing unit into a digital image signal by using the analog-digital converter, and that controls the amplification factor and the inversion and non-inversion of the amplification inversion unit based on a feature amount that appears on the digital image signal.

Abstract: An optical filter is provided on photoelectric conversion elements for monochrome reading. Each of a reflecting optical system and the optical filter has an end portion and a central portion in a predetermined direction. The optical filter suppresses light at a peak wavelength of a light source such that a difference between a sensitivity of optical path via the end portion of the reflecting optical system and the optical filter and a sensitivity of optical path via the central portion of the reflecting optical system and the optical filter fall within a range of 5% at the peak wavelength of light source.