Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelled image read module, which comprises a sensor, a guide rod, a motor, a gear set, and a belt. The guide rod is fixed on a base of a scanner. The sensor is slidably matched on the guide rod. The motor is disposed at one side of the sensor. The gear set is connected to the motor. The belt is fixed on the base. The belt passes through between and contacts a transmission wheel and an idle wheel of the gear set. Thereby, a scanner's image read module of simple assembly, low cost, and small size is formed.

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: A guiding apparatus for a scanner may comprise a V-shaped supporting surface capable of supporting a body on a shaft, wherein the body comprises optical components. The guiding apparatus may also comprise an elastic member coupled to the body and capable of contacting the shaft and an adjusting member capable of adjusting the position of the elastic member.

Abstract: A digital picture frame device is provided with image acquisition capabilities. The digital picture frame device may include a display device mounted on a hinged lid. An image acquisition device may be located beneath the hinged lid. The image acquisition device may, for example, be a line scanner in which successive scan line images of an object are obtained as the scan head moves in relation to the object being scanned. Alternatively, the image acquisition device may be a two dimensional image acquisition device. In this manner, an image of a desired object can be acquired and displayed on the digital picture frame device without the need for a separate image acquisition device. Alternatively, the digital picture frame device may be provided without a hinged lid. In this case, an object to be scanned may be fed into the digital picture frame device through a slot. A drive mechanism, e.g.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a reading unit (1) for a document (2) having a control and/or evaluation device (44), incorporating a scanner device (25) for reading the document (2), and a guide mechanism (6) for the document (2) and a conveyor device (17) to effect a relative displacement between document (2) and scanner device (25). The control and/or evaluation device (44) cooperates with a compensating device (39) containing corrective values to correct the image signals (37) emitted by an optoelectric transducer (34) of the scanner device (25) in real time.

Abstract: In a contact type image sensor including an illumination section including a light source and light guide to illuminate a document, an image sensing element for converting an optical image of the document into an electrical signal, a cylindrical rod lens for forming an optical image on the image sensing element, and a frame for integrally holding the illumination section, image sensing element, and cylindrical rod lens, the light guide has undergone antireflection treatment on a surface thereof on the document side.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a memory unit for storing positional information of a sensor for moving by a drive unit to read an image of a document and a control unit for controlling the drive unit to move the sensor based on the positional information stored in the memory unit. The control unit drives the drive unit by an amount of driving sufficient for an image reading unit to move in a predetermined direction to abut the stop members, controls the drive unit to move the sensor so as to detect the position mark, and updates the positional information of the memory unit to a predetermined initial value based on the detection of the position mark by the sensor. The image reading device can store data of a reference position promptly even if a photo-interrupter is not provided when the data of the reference position is not stored in a memory unit.

Abstract: An optical carriage of scanner has a mirror assembly and a device assembly, the mirror assembly has a mirror mount, some mirror holder, and some supporters, and the device assembly has a chassis. In this invention, the mirror assembly and the device assembly are mechanically connected after separately formation. Further, to ensure correct shape of these mirror holders and these supporters, they could be formed by metal punch, plastic ejection, or plastic process.

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 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 scanning apparatus includes a housing with a scan flatbed. A loading glass is installed at the scan flatbed of the housing for loading a to-be-scanned document. A photoelectric sensing device senses the light corresponding to the to-be-scanned document to generate electric signals. The electric signals are transmitted through a flat cable to a motherboard. The flat cable is designed to include a line peak so that the surface friction between the flat cable and the loading glass can be reduced to line friction. The flat cable can also be shifted near the sidewall of the housing and is inclined to the center of the housing so that the friction traces remained on the loading glass is outside the scan flatbed. Thus, the abrasion on the loading glass can be reduced and the quality of the scanning images can be improved.

Abstract: A carriage module for scanner comprises a case, an image sensor, a mirror set and a lens set. The image sensor, the mirror set and the lens set are arranged in the case and used to guide a reflected light from a document to be scanned as well as convert the reflected light to an electrical counterpart. The case composed of a first shell and a second shell with a larger length than that of the first shell. The second shell is movably arranged in the first shell and can be moved along a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a housing with a flatbed. A loading glass is installed at the scan flatbed for loading a to-be-scanned document. A photoelectric sensing device is disposed in the housing for sensing the light signals corresponding to the to-be-scanned document to generate electric signals. The electric signals are transmitted through a flat cable to a motherboard. When the photoelectric sensing device shifts and the flat cable touches the bottom of the housing, the first adsorptive slice of the flat cable and the second adsorptive slice on the bottom of the housing adsorb each other. Therefore, the rubbing between the flat cable and the loading glass can be avoided and the quality of the scanning images can be improved.

Abstract: There is a problem that the contact-type image sensor, for adoption in an image input/output apparatus to input/output the image of a large-sized document, such as A0 or A1 size, is weak in lengthwise rigidity and readily deflected at its lengthwise center by its own weight. Accordingly, by attaching a deformation rectifier to the image sensor in a lengthwise direction thereof, the contact type image sensor is reinforced in lengthwise rigidity. The deformation rectifier reinforces the rigidity of the contact type image sensor, thereby preventing the contact type image sensor from deflecting vertically relative to its lengthwise direction and keeping constant the focal length between the surface of the document to be read and the sensor IC.

Abstract: There is provided such a shape of a light-guiding body that can guide light emitted from a LED while reflecting such light under conditions which satisfy total reflection as much as possible within the light-guiding body, to thereby improve the light intensity on the surface of a document in the shorter axial direction (i.e., the sub-scanning direction), and also, the light-guiding body has such an optimized shape of a light-incoming face that makes it possible to control the angle of light fluxes in the longer axial direction (i.e., the main scanning direction) to thereby illuminate the surface of the document with light having an uniform intensity distribution. Further, a reflecting member is provided at a position opposite the light outgoing face of the light-guiding body so as to improve the efficiency of illuminating an objective image-reading region on the surface of the document.

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: The present invention relates to a driving device for a scanning module. An active gear wheel and a passive gear wheel are disposed respectively on two rigid frames. These two rigid frames are connected by a rigid component to avoid relative displacement between the two wheels due to external force or change of temperature. The rigid component of the present invention may also be adopted as a guiding track for the scanning module.

Abstract: Document processing systems are provided that are capable of facilitating scanning of one or more documents via multiple scanners. In this regard, a preferred document processing system includes a document assembly system. The document assembly system is configured to electrically communicate with a first scanner, which may be assigned to a first group of scanners, and a second scanner, which may be assigned to a second group of scanners. The scanners provide scan information to the document assembly system. The document assembly system is configured to correlate the scan information received from the first scanner with the scan information received from the second scanner. Computer readable media and methods also are provided.

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: 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: End-of-travel focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment comprises a method for optically scanning. Briefly described, one such method comprises translating an optical head to a first end-of-travel position and adjusting the distance between the optical head and a platen by engaging the optical head with a first stop member disposed at the first end-of-travel position.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image forming apparatus in a black-and-white and/or color automatic judgment copy mode, wherein a draft is main-scanned with black-and-white and stored in a page memory during sheet through reading, and is simultaneously pre-scanned with color, black-and-white image data stored in the page memory is printed for a black-and-white draft, and a color draft is main-scanned with color by flat bed reading and a color printing is performed.

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: An optical scanner equipped with plug-in calibration film, which the optical scanner provides light incident upon a transmission-typed document and catches the image signals of the transmission-typed document by an optical chassis. The optical scanner equipped with plug-in calibration film includes a scanning zone and at least one attachment. The scanning zone is capable of providing for placing the transmission-typed document. The attachment is capable of providing a calibration film for enabling the optical chassis to retrieve the image signals so as to improve the image brightness.

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: 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: 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: A scanner with scan-starting device comprises a housing, a carriage and a scan-starting device. The carriage is movable inside the housing whereas the scan-starting device further comprises a key section and a trigger section. Besides, the key section is situated on the housing whereas the trigger section is on the circuit board of the carriage. The trigger section generates a triggering signal to start the scanner to proceed scanning when the user presses the key section to touch the trigger section. The scanner according to the invention reduces the hardware space occupied by cables and circuit boards, therefore, lowers down manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A flat cable 121 is plugged in a connector 125 on a USB connector board 123 at one end, and plugged in a connector 128 on a mainboard 122 at the other end, and put approximately one round, thereby the flat cable 121 is provided with wider surfaces along a vertical direction to the surface of glass plate 105 in the apparatus. The flat cable 121 is passed by a reading unit 110, avoiding a position under the reading unit 110, along a side wall as a part of a frame 101 around the glass plate 105.

Abstract: With the present invention, by changing the scanning timing of a CCD line sensor in accordance with the amount of scanning misregistration corresponding to a magnification, misregistration of less than one line can be accurately corrected, thereby eliminating degradation of MTF, which has occurred in conventional apparatuses.

Abstract: The invention provides an image reading apparatus that produces a precise image of an original document to prevent the read image from having distortion or irregular density, by driving a DC motor, which drives an image reading unit in a scanning direction, at a constant speed suitable for a document to be read. In addition, the image reading apparatus prevents position errors or misalignment at the start of the image reading, or at a restart of the image reading after the image reading is paused. A speed control circuit provides feedback to a DC motor to synchronize a time interval detected by a pulse interval detecting circuit with a time interval set by an interval setting register, so that the DC motor is operated at a constant speed. A counter counts the number of signals output from an encoder. After the speed of the DC motor is stabilized, a timing of signals output from a CCD drive unit to the image reading unit is synchronized with a timing of the signals generated by the encoder.

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: An image processing unit (20) includes a averaging circuit (21) and a memory (22) for storing pixel data. The memory (22) is a memory for storing the pixel data subjected to analog-to-digital conversion. The averaging circuit (21) performs an averaging process between two adjoining pixels on each line stored in the memory (22). The digital pixel data is stored in the memory (22) and the averaging process is performed between the two pixels in the main scanning direction using the pixel data read by a first photoelectric conversion element trains and the pixel data read by a second photoelectric conversion element trains. Therefore, the noise component can be reduced, whereas the S/N ratio can be improved. Accordingly, image quality is made improvable with a simple arrangement.

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 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: 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: The invention provides a panel fixing plate as an optical modulation device retainer having a substantially c-shaped fixing section body viewed from the top, an arm section formed at a tip side of the fixing section body, a pin protruding from the arm section, and a spring member biasing an emission-side polarization plate as an optical conversion element with respect to the fixing section body. Liquid crystal panels, each as light modulators, are securely fixed to a panel fixing plate with the pin inserted into each corresponding hole. The emission-side polarization plate can be inserted into the substantially c-shaped fixing section body when viewed from the top so as to be biased and fixed to the fixing section body by the spring member. An optical modulation device retainer, an optical device, and a projector of this invention, light modulators and/or optical conversion elements can be exchanged with ease, and the reworkability can be improved.

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: A four-line CCD sensor is structured by line sensors R, G, B in which color filters are respectively disposed on surfaces of light receiving elements, and a line sensor BK at which no color filter is disposed. Amplitudes of signals which are outputted from the line sensors R, G, B at a time of reading a color document, and an amplitude of a signal which is outputted from the line sensor BK at a time of reading a monochrome document are adjusted so as to be substantially equal to one another. In a case in which a color document is read, outputs of the line sensors R, G, B are selectively provided, and in a case in which a monochrome document is read, output of the line sensor BK is selectively provided.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the quality of an image obtained by an electronic imaging system is disclosed. The method and system comprise capturing an image frame, capturing a partial dark frame and subtracting the partial dark frame from a corresponding section of the image frame. The steps of capturing a partial dark frame and subtracting the partial dark frame from a corresponding section of the image frame are repeated for additional partial dark frames.

Abstract: A method for controlling a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensing module. The CCD sensing module includes photosensors divided into two sets of photosensors including a first set of photosensors and a second set of photosensors. First, the first set of photosensors and the second set of photosensors are exposed, and first signal charges obtained from the first set of photosensors and second signal charges obtained from the second set of photosensors are stored into a CCD shift register unit. Then, the first signal charges and the second signal charges stored in the CCD shift register unit are sequentially shifted to a charge receiving unit and an image signal corresponding to the first signal charges is acquired. After that, the first set of photosensors and the second set of photosensors are exposed, and the first signal charges obtained from the first set of photosensors and the second signal charges obtained from the second set of photosensors are stored into the CCD shift register unit.

Abstract: An imaging device according to the present invention has: a photometric circuit that detects a brightness of a photographic subject based on a light flux from the photographic subject that passes through a photographic lens; an exposure calculation circuit that calculates an aperture value and a shutter speed based on the detected brightness of the photographic subject; an imaging element that converts the light flux from the photographic subject received on each photo-electric element to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, the imaging element having a plurality of the photo-electric elements and a micro-lens in which each of micro-lens elements is arranged facing to each of the photo-electric elements in order to converge the light flux from the photographic subject to a light receiving surface of each of the photo-electric elements; and a correction circuit that corrects the aperture value calculated by the exposure calculation circuit so that a signal level of the electric signal of the lig

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: An image read/write head (A) includes a support (7) for supporting at least one of paired platen rollers (P1, P2) and a detector (2) for detecting at least one of a document (D) and a recording paper (K). Therefore, an image processing apparatus incorporating the image read/write head (A) can be easily manufactured. The image read/write head (A) further includes a reflection preventing member (6) for collectively surrounding the plurality of light receiving elements (3) and the plurality of drive IC chips (80). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plurality of light receiving elements from receiving scattering light or disturbing external light.

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: A locking device for locking a movable module of an electronic apparatus disclosed by the invention mainly includes a control member and a latch connected to the control member. The control member is selectively movable between a first position for locking the movable module and a second position for releasing the movable module. When the latch stops at the first position, it also latches onto an operational interface or a mechanism component so as to prevent the user from electrically or mechanically operating the apparatus.

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.