Document Position Detection Patents (Class 358/488)
  • Patent number: 8570595
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a control unit and an output unit. The control unit includes an image output unit that arranges an image read by reading processing in an area shifted in a certain direction in a display area in which read image on which reading processing is performed by an image reading apparatus is displayed, and outputs the image to the output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhito Nagakoshi, Kiyoto Kosaka, Yuichi Okumura
  • Patent number: 8570609
    Abstract: An image processing device is provided including: an acquiring unit that acquires position data expressing a position of plural reference images provided on a reference medium; a scanning unit that scans the plural reference images; and a determination unit. The determination unit derives the sum of positional misalignment amounts of corresponding reference images, between the position of reference images expressed by image data obtained by the scanning unit, and the position of reference images expressed by position data acquired by the acquiring unit. The determination unit executes alignment of the reference images using a common correction coefficient predetermined so as to give the smallest sum of the positional misalignment amounts. Then the determination unit determines a dilation amount for image dilation on image data such that the dilation amount increases as the sum of the positional misalignment amounts increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Ashikaga
  • Patent number: 8570621
    Abstract: A position measuring device including a code having a sequence of code elements of equal width B that is disposed in a measurement direction and includes a first property and a second property. The sequence of codes elements includes a first set of code elements having the first property and a second set of code elements having the second property, wherein the first and second sets of code elements are each being disposed aperiodically. The position measuring device further including a scanning unit having a plurality of detectors for scanning the code and obtaining scanning signals, wherein a code word defining an absolute position is defined from the scanning signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Braasch, Wolfgang Holzapfel, Ulrich Benner, Gabriele Ehgartner, Robert Bernhard, Elmar Mayer, Martin Seichter
  • Patent number: 8553239
    Abstract: A sheet of a document is scanned, character objects are extracted from a scan image, the extracted character objects are divided line by line, and the direction of the document is set on the basis of a blank percentage determined according to start and end positions of lines. If the direction of the document is different from that of a previous document, an image processing unit rotates the scan image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hyung Soo Ohk
  • Patent number: 8553296
    Abstract: The image reading apparatus conveys a reading unit or a document to read the document. Conveyance is implemented by motor control based on a target position trajectory. The reading unit reads the document each time a line start signal is inputted. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the reading operation is invalidated. A conveyance position at a timing to start the first reading operation invalidated is specified as an interrupted position. The object is arranged at a conveyance restart position moved back from the interrupted position. A target position trajectory is newly set. A conveyance time from the conveyance restart position to the interrupted position defined by the target position trajectory is an integral multiple of an output cycle of the line start signal. The motor control based on the target position trajectory is started at a timing coinciding with an output timing of the line start signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8548254
    Abstract: Up and down directions of an image are to be precisely judged without a special equipment installed in an image pickup device. An object candidate detecting means detects object candidates from an input image and their angles in the input image. A similarity calculation means calculate the degree of similarity between each detected object candidate and each object stored in advance. An input image angle calculating means judges up and down directions of the input image based on the calculated similarity of each object candidate and the angle of the input image. The input image angle calculating means carries out weighting for the angle of each object candidate in the input image based on its similarity and calculates slant angles with respect to the up and down directions of the input image by using the weighted angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masumi Ishikawa, Akio Yamada
  • Publication number: 20130250375
    Abstract: Provided is an image information registration system including an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information appearing on a surface of a medium, a rotation angle information acquisition unit that acquires rotation angle information corresponding to a rotation angle of the medium with respect to a reading direction based on the image information, a retrieval information acquisition unit that acquires retrieval information including at least one item of attribute information and association system information that represents an association system which are correlated with the rotation angle information based on the rotation angle information, a target information acquisition unit that acquires one or plural items of target information stored in the association system identified by the association system information according to the retrieval information, and an image information registration unit that registers the image information according to the acquired one or plural items of target
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junya MOCHIZUKI
  • Patent number: 8542414
    Abstract: A position of a leading edge of an original sheet should be accurately detected utilizing a shadow thereof, irrespective of thickness of the original sheet. In a scanner, an image sensor recognizes the shadow of the leading edge of the original sheet projected on a projection screen when a light source emits light to the original sheet being automatically transported on a glass plate. The original sheet is determined to have reached a reading position, when the original sheet is further transported by a predetermined distance after the shadow is recognized. The projection screen is located above the glass plate at a position spaced apart from the image sensor by a predetermined distance, and hence the timing that the shadow of the leading edge of the original sheet is projected on the projection screen is constant irrespective of the thickness of the original sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichiro Maki
  • Patent number: 8536513
    Abstract: A space-saving scanner assembly and method are disclosed. The scanner assembly can be manufactured with optical scanning components typical of flatbed scanners. The scanner may be enclosed within a housing a substantially vertical source-contact surface with a channel and a flap coupled to the source-contact surface. The flap having a source-backing surface substantially parallel to the source-contact surface of the housing and arranged such that the source-contact surface, the source-backing surface, and the channel form an opening for receiving an edge of a source document to be scanned. The housing and the flap are configured with a number of features, which permit an operator to easily place a source over a platen forming a portion of the source-contact surface. A method for operating a space-saving scanner is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Scott Baggs
  • Patent number: 8537443
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a document correction section and a display control section. The document correction section carries out rotation processing with respect to a document image so that a first reference direction from a reference side of a document to a side facing the reference side coincides with an upper-to-lower direction of the document image which has been subjected to the rotation processing. Further, before the rotation processing is carried out, the display control section causes the display apparatus to display an image in which the document and a mark indicating the reference side of the document to a user are shown in accordance with the document image. This allows a user to easily predict how the document shown in the document image will be oriented after the document image is subjected to the rotation processing, before the user inputs a command to carry out the rotation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsuhisa Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8526069
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus is provided, which includes a housing having an opening in a reading surface, an imaging portion, arranged within the housing, that reads a document via the opening, and a position detection portion arranged within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Loi Yew Kien
  • Patent number: 8514467
    Abstract: Images from a set of documents may be read by an image reading device by, in one example, carrying the documents one by one. The read data may be stored and errors in an operation in the reading may be detected. When an error is detected, the reading of the documents may be stopped. Additionally, reading of the documents may be restarted when the error is no longer detected. According to one or more aspects, the reading may be restarted such that the read data obtained after restart of reading continues from the read data obtained before detection of the error. According to further aspects, the entire read data of the documents may be converted into a single file having a predetermined format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Shimada
  • Patent number: 8514468
    Abstract: Image data is stored in a RAM, and when recording media are fed from a paper feed tray for a time interval longer than a predetermined time interval, a CPU causes an image forming section to execute a correction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keigo Goto
  • Patent number: 8508817
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus enabling a user to place originals on any of sheet feed trays without confirming requested orientation of the originals, either front facing or back facing. Image data of an original fed from a first sheet feed tray and read by a first reading unit is processed handling as image data of a front surface of the original, and image data of an original fed from the first sheet feed tray and read by a second reading unit is processed handling as image data of a back surface thereof. Image data of an original fed from a second sheet feed tray and read by the first reading unit is processed handling as image data of the back surface of the original, and image data of an original fed from the second sheet feed tray and read by the second reading unit is processed handling as image data of the front surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ayaka Sato
  • Patent number: 8508821
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of size sensors configured to be arranged in line and to detect a sheet set into a predetermined position; a feeding part configured to feed the sheet set into the predetermined position to a scan position; and a controller configured to control the feeding part to feed the sheet based on two detect signals output from two size sensors among the plurality of the size sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Taki, Hiroshi Takahashi, Kazushi Takei, Hideaki Suzuki, Takeshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8508809
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus that optically reads a document includes: multiple line sensors provided approximately parallel to each other and each having light-receiving elements arranged in line form, each line sensor capturing respective line-shaped regions spanning in the main scanning direction of the document in respective color components; a movement unit that causes the positional relationship between the document and the multiple line sensors to move relative to the sub scanning direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction; a color skew adjustment unit that adjusts positional skew in the sub scanning direction in scan data of each of the color components captured by the multiple line sensors in synchronization with the movement caused by the movement unit, in accordance with an offset amount based on the distance between each of the multiple line sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tee Boon Hock
  • Patent number: 8503041
    Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner and an image reading apparatus including the same. The scanner can include a transparent plate, a scanning unit configured to scan a document on the transparent plate, a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is positioned in a first document zone that is associated with an area in which a first document type is to be positioned based on a first alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The second sensor is positioned in a second document zone that is associated with an area in which a second document type of a different size is positioned based on a second alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The first document zone and the second document zone are non-overlapping zones. The document type and/or orientation can be determined based on the detection signals from the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Taek Kim
  • Patent number: 8503048
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an auto document feeding device comprises: a document placing section on which documents are placed; a first gate configured to divert the documents in a first direction or a second direction; a first conveying unit or a second conveying unit configured to lead the documents to the image scanning unit; a paper discharging and conveying unit configured to lead the documents from the image scanning unit in the direction of the paper discharge tray; a reversing roller configured to switch back the documents passed through the paper discharging and conveying unit; a reversing and conveying unit configured to convey the documents from the reversing roller to the first gate; and a second gate configured to divert the documents passed through the paper discharging and conveying unit to the reversing and conveying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihito Tokutsu
  • Patent number: 8493634
    Abstract: A method of automatically identifying a scan region boundary, used for scanning a document under a non-unified background, includes: reading a reference linear scan data by a scanning device, the scanning device analyzing brightness values in each row of the reference linear scan data and determining a reference range value according to the brightness values in each row; and during scanning a document, the scanning device comparing brightness values of a linear scan data with the reference range value so as to determine the scan region boundary. The method confirms the scan boundary of a document and is not subjected to a backlight element or a document carrier. The method identifies the boundary of a document under a non-unified background, is applicable to scanning transparent and reflective documents and has strong resistance against environmental interference, not only simplifying the scanning device but also enhancing the automatic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Qisda (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Xian-Qiang Guo
  • Publication number: 20130182296
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a transporter transporting a document to a reading position, a first corrector correcting a skew of the document by coming into contact with a leading edge thereof, a radiating unit radiating light to the document, an image-information acquiring unit acquiring image information of the document based on information of light reflected therefrom, a reflector reflecting the radiated light, a leading-edge detector comparing a quantity of light reflected by the reflector with a quantity of light reflected by the document so as to detect the leading edge, a skew-amount calculator calculating a skew amount of the leading edge, and a second corrector correcting a skew of the image information based on the skew amount. The device switches between the skew correction by the first corrector and the skew correction by the second corrector based on document information, the skew amount, or user's selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji MASAKI, Atsushi KANEKO, Hiromi KITA, Kenji YAMADA, Nobutoshi HAMASAKI, Nobuyuki MARUNO
  • Patent number: 8488222
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which performs a correction process in such a manner that a geometrical arrangement of images of a plurality of pages of image data is approximated to a predetermined appropriate geometrical arrangement. The image processing apparatus causes a display to display a list of information indicating degrees of correction on the individual pages to be performed by an image processing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ito
  • Patent number: 8488212
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus including, a sheet feeding device, a sheet feeding section that controls transport of an original document performed by the sheet feeding device, a reading section that outputs image data by reading the original document, a carriage that is equipped with the reading section, a carriage control section that controls movement of the carriage, a buffer that temporarily stores the image data, and a monitoring section that monitors a volume of the image data stored in the buffer. When the monitoring section determines that the volume of the image data is more than a predetermined threshold value, the sheet feeding section decelerates and stops the transport of the original document, and the carriage control section accelerates the carriage in a direction opposite to the transport of the original document during a deceleration period of the transport of the original document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Akahane
  • Patent number: 8482789
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a feeder, a first reading unit, a first memory which stores image data of the surface of the document read by the first reading unit, a second reading unit located at an upstream side of the first reading position, a second memory which stores image data of the document read by the second reading unit and a controller configured to control the feeder, the first reading unit and the second reading unit. The controller controls to execute pre-scanning the document by the second reading unit over a predetermined range shorter than a separation distance between the first reading position and the second reading position in a transporting direction from a leading edge of the document when the document reaches the second reading position. The controller further controls to execute storing obtained pre-scanned image data into the second memory and measuring the size of the document based on the pre-scanned image data stored in the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Oosaki
  • Patent number: 8482820
    Abstract: An image-capturing system includes: a stage that has mounted and fixed thereon a glass slide on which at least one sample is placed and that circulates in an endless-track shape; a line sensor that scans only a part of the sample; an imaging driving mechanism that moves a relative position of the line sensor and the stage in a direction perpendicular to a scanning direction of the line sensor; and an optical system that focuses an image of the sample on the line sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Shuzo Hiraide
  • Patent number: 8482819
    Abstract: An optical system, used for scanning, forms an image using reflective optical surfaces. The system may be telecentric, and may form an image that is reduced in size as compared with the scanned original. Several image-forming optical channels may be combined to form a page-wide scanning array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jack H Schmidt, John Herman Arterberry, Dennis J Schissler, Mark W Majette
  • Patent number: 8477390
    Abstract: An image processor includes a control unit, wherein the control unit includes an image obtaining unit that obtains an image including a document area corresponding to a document read by an image reader, an edge coordinate detecting unit that detects coordinate values of edge candidate pixels, a tilt calculating unit that calculates a tilt of the document area, or a tilt obtaining unit that obtains the tilt of the document area detected by a predetermined sensor, an edge end coordinate extracting unit that extracts a coordinate value of an edge end candidate pixel, a straight line calculating unit that calculates a straight line corresponding to the edge, and either one or both of a tilt correcting unit that corrects the tilt of the document area by rotating the document area, and an area clipping unit that clips the document area from the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Akira Iwayama
  • Patent number: 8462382
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: an image forming section to form an image on a single side or both sides of a paper sheet based on job information of a job; and a control section to combine a registration image for judging misregistration of front and back images with each of front and back sample images of the job to allow the image forming section to form front and back combined images on the front and the back of the paper sheet, respectively, on which the front and back sample images are to be formed, respectively, when the image forming section forms the sample images at a preset sample print timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuto Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8456708
    Abstract: An image processing device converts input image data to converted image data and produces scaled image data based on the converted image data. Each set of converted pixel data in the converted image data includes an achromatic color value and a plurality of chromatic color values. The achromatic color value indicates an amount of an achromatic color material. Each of the plurality of chromatic color values indicates an amount of one of a plurality of chromatic color materials. An achromatic color is produced by mixing at least one of the achromatic color material and the plurality of chromatic color materials. Each set of scaled pixel data in the scaled image data corresponds to at least one set of converted pixel data. The image processing device produces each set of scaled pixel data based on the corresponding at least one set of converted pixel data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Kuno
  • Patent number: 8451516
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a bound document is provided. The apparatus comprises a casing, an image-capturing assembly, at least a sensor and a controller. The casing has a first platen and a second platen disposed adjacent to each other, wherein the first platen having a scanning region is provided to support the bound document. The image-capturing assembly is disposed under the first platen for capturing an image of the bound document within the scanning region and generating an image signal. At least a sensor is disposed on the second platen for detecting the presence of the bound document. The sensor transmits a detection signal responsive to detection of the document presence. The controller is electrically connected to the image-capturing assembly and the sensor for executing a book-scanning mode responsive to the detection signal received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Yen-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8451514
    Abstract: A multifunction peripheral includes a scanning platform, a scanning module, a recording unit and a controlling unit. The scanning platform includes a standby position, a position-calibrating structure and a datum line. The scanning platform is divided into a first zone and a second zone by the datum line. The position-calibrating structure is included in the second zone. The scanning module is movable with respect to the scanning platform for performing a scanning operation. The recording unit is used for recording a parameter associated with a position of the scanning module with respect to the scanning platform. The controlling unit is used for controlling movement of the scanning module according to the parameter recorded in the recording unit, so that the scanning module is moved through the position-calibrating structure to perform a position-calibrating operation. After the position-calibrating operation is completed, the scanning module is moved to the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Teco Image System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20130120809
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for capturing technical documents and reading and commentating captured documents thereof. The system may comprise a capturing system and a reading with commentating system. The capturing system selects related drawings from a group of technical documents. It then provides important information and the related drawings onto an image for the readers' review. The reading with commentating system allows the readers to process technical classification, management and export/import for the group of technical documents. Readers may make comments on an information sharing platform after reviewing the technical documents. Besides, other materials collected or generated from the technical analysis on the technical documents may be attached to the information sharing platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicants: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Chao-Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 8441694
    Abstract: An image reproduction apparatus includes a scanning unit, a transparent scanning bed optically coupled to the scanning unit, and an adjustable shade associated with the scanning bed, wherein the adjustable shade is configured to be selectively placed across the scanning bed to reduce a portion of the scanning bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael David Dobbs
  • Patent number: 8427718
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes an image reader with an original document table. An image reading part has a light source, a light-receiving part, a reflection part, and a carriage that supports the light source or the reflection part. A cover covers a replacement member and is opened/closed integrally with the image reader. A main body accommodates an operation part for performing operations based on image data. An axis connects the image reader to the main body and turnably supports the image reader and the cover in approaching/separating directions with respect to the main body. An open/close detector detects an open/closed state of the image reader and the cover and a movement controller moves the carriage in a sub-scanning direction. When the image reader and the cover are open, the movement controller moves the carriage to a retreat position that is outside the original document table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Omoya
  • Patent number: 8427713
    Abstract: A document reader includes an image sensor. The image sensor is movable in a secondary scanning direction and rotatable about a rotational axis extending in a primary scanning direction, and obtains image information from a region facing a light-receiving surface. Rotation of the image sensor is controlled based on distance information about a distance between a document surface and a platen in such a manner as to make an image distance fall within a depth-of-field range of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junko Yabuta
  • Patent number: 8427719
    Abstract: An image reader includes a loading unit including a first transparent member that has a loading surface on which a document sheet is placed, a reading unit that includes light receiving elements arranged in a first direction under the first transparent member and is configured to move in a second direction parallel to the loading surface and perpendicular to the first direction and to read an image from the document sheet placed on the loading surface by repeating an operation of scanning the document sheet in the first direction with the light receiving elements while moving in the second direction, and a black reference member including a black area that is disposed in a position lower than the loading surface of the first transparent member and higher than the light receiving elements and configured to be read in acquiring black reference data for black level correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8427720
    Abstract: A document feeder includes: a conveyance unit that separates one document from among documents placed on a document tray, and conveys the document; a first width-determining unit that determines a width of one of the documents; a second width-determining unit that determines a width of the conveyed document; a first length-determining unit that determines a length of one of the documents; a second length-determining unit that determines a length of the conveyed document; and a controller that if an inconsistency occurs between the width determined by the first width-determining unit and the width determined by the second width-determining unit, causes a display unit to display an operation guide including first content, and if an inconsistency occurs between the length determined by the first length-determining unit and the length determined by the second length-determining unit, causes the display unit to display an operation guide including second content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8427690
    Abstract: A method is provided for reading sequentially a manuscript group made of plural sheets and dividing the manuscript group into manuscript data. The manuscript group made of the plural sheets is read sequentially to produce reading data. Each reading data of the sheet produced at the reading step is analyzed and judged on whether or not the sheet is added with a predetermined mark. The manuscript group data is divided by the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark into plural manuscript data in a case where the sheet is judged as being added with the predetermined mark at the judging step. Thereafter, each of the manuscript data including the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark in a storing region is collectively stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8427714
    Abstract: In an image-reading device, when the reading unit generates the set of image data, the top side is generated at first and the bottom side is generated subsequently to the top side. The scanned image includes a document image corresponding to the document. The specifying unit, when the reading unit scans and reads a part of the document and generates a part of the set of image data including a part of the document image, specifies a target vertex that is positioned at topmost among at least one vertex of the part of document image. The estimating unit defines a reference position in the scanned image corresponding to a center of the conveying path in the width direction, and estimates a size of the document based on a length in the second direction between the target vertex and the reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kato, Tatsuya Sato, Takashi Matsumi
  • Publication number: 20130094068
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus determines a direction of document placement relative to a scanning direction based on a direction of a shadow region in an input image when a line sensor having a light receiving element performs a scan and an image read from a book document by a reading apparatus is input. When the direction of the binding portion of the document is determined to be along a longitudinal direction of the line sensor, an image of a region read by the light receiving element of the line sensor from reflected light undergoing specular reflection from the document is detected based on the amount of variation in luminance between adjacent pixels in the read image of the book document. Luminance of the image corresponding to the region is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8422097
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing method for processing an image obtained by reading a document plate on which at least one document is placed. The method includes a first detecting step of specifying a first rectangular region including all of objects included in the image to detect the coordinates of each vertex thereof, an identifying step of identifying on each object whether it is a document item, an eliminating step of eliminating the object which is not a document item from the image, a second detecting step of specifying a second rectangular region to detect the coordinates of each vertex thereof, the region including all of the objects after elimination and having a minimum area, a comparing step of comparing the coordinates of the vertices detected in the first and second detecting steps, and a determining step of determining a method of cropping the document based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoto Matsui
  • Patent number: 8422098
    Abstract: A document data capturing device includes a sheet supply tray for carrying documents, a sheet discharge tray located below the sheet supply tray, and a document conveying mechanism including a conveying path along which documents are guided from the sheet supply tray to the sheet discharge tray. The document data capturing device includes a first data-capturing unit and a second data-capturing unit which scan respective sides of a document conveyed by the document conveying mechanism. The first data-capturing unit and the second data-capturing unit are each configured with a reduction-optics scanning mechanism. The conveying path along which a document to be scanned by the first and second scanning mechanisms is conveyed is formed to surround the second reduction-optics data-capturing unit. Thus, the device can be made compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Hamada, Seiji Nishizawa, Yutaka Tanaka, Kazuhisa Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8422811
    Abstract: Characteristics of image data from a reading unit are unified for storage. The state of the image data is recognized and retained as auxiliary information. The auxiliary information is checked, and an image skew and the like are detected according to a target output format to perform a correction process. At that time, an optimum image processing path is selected for processing according to the state of implementation of hardware and software. A simple process can be performed at an image processing apparatus, while a complex process is performed at a network-connected PC. Since a unit configuration can be selected according to the purpose of image processing, processing can be performed with a simple configuration at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Akira Murakata
  • Publication number: 20130083366
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a conveying unit, reading unit, detecting unit, and control unit. The conveying unit conveys two sheets of the original one by one. The reading unit reads a sheet passing past a reading position. The detecting unit detects a sheet passing past a detection position upstream of the reading position in a conveying direction. The control unit controls the reading unit to start a reading process when a leading edge of sheet reaching a position upstream of the reading position by a first distance, controls the reading unit to stop the reading process when a trailing edge of sheet reaching a position downstream of the reading position by a second distance, determines an interspace between the trailing edge of sheet and a leading edge of a subsequently-conveyed sheet, and updates the first distance and the second distance based on the interspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiki MOTOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130083372
    Abstract: An image scanning device includes a main unit, a scanning unit movable relative to the main unit between its base position and its moved position, a document conveying unit movable relative to the scanning unit between its base position and its moved position, a cover member movable relative to the document conveying unit between its base position and its moved position, and first and second detectors. The first second detectors output four different combinations of on/off signals which include a first combination output in a base state where all the units are in their base positions, a second combination output when the scanning unit moves to its moved position from the base state, a third combination output when the document conveying unit moves to its moved position from the base state, and a fourth combination output when the cover member moves to its moved position from the base state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshinori OSAKABE
  • Publication number: 20130083373
    Abstract: An image-reading device may include a reading unit and a control device. The control device may be configured to detect a candidate point for an edge of the document on each of a pair of parallel detection lines, obtain a tilt angle of a straight line extending between the detected candidate points in the read data and classify the obtained tilt angle into a plurality of range groups. Further, control device may be configured to count the number of obtained tilt angles in each of the plurality of range groups. Also, each of the range groups may be associated with a predetermined angle and when the count of one of the range groups meets predetermined criteria, the control device may assign the predetermined angle of the range group whose count meets the predetermined criteria to be a tilt angle of the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shingo SAITO
  • Publication number: 20130083374
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a sheet setting portion, reading unit, detecting unit, and controller. The conveying unit is configured to convey a sheet in a conveying direction at a first velocity. The reading unit is configured to read the sheet at a reading position. The detecting unit is configured to detect the sheet at a detection position upstream of the reading position in the conveying direction. The controller is configured to control the conveying unit to initiate conveyance of sheet, and configured to control the reading unit to start reading the sheet when the sheet is detected. The controller controls the conveying unit to convey the sheet at a second velocity slower than the first velocity when the sheet is not detected after a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the conveying unit initiates the conveyance of sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takuya NAGAI
  • Patent number: 8405888
    Abstract: In regard to a secured original method, an image reading apparatus provided in an image forming apparatus reads a first original guide using an original reading portion and, based on a reading result thereof, changes a reading position of an adjustment sheet in a main scanning direction to enable detection of a difference between a brightness of the first original guide and a brightness of the adjustment sheet. In regard to a moving original method, the image reading apparatus reads a reading member using the original reading portion and, based on a reading result thereof, changes a reading position of an adjustment sheet in a main scanning direction to enable detection of a difference between a brightness of the reading member and a brightness of the adjustment sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shohichi Fukutome, Mitsuharu Yoshimoto, Kenji Nakanishi, Yasuhiro Suto, Hisashi Yamanaka, Yoshihisa Yamada
  • Patent number: 8405865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for changing the calibration of a recording apparatus (10) to adjust for geometric distortion, comprising: providing a media support (12) for receiving recording media (17); operating a recording head (16) comprising plurality of individually addressable recording channels (23) to form a first image feature (60) on the recording media while the recording media is positioned with a first orientation (50A) on the media support; operating a recording head to form a second image feature (62) on the recording media while the recording media is positioned with a second orientation (50B) on the media support, the second orientation being different from the first orientation; detecting variance in an expected separation between the first image feature and the second image feature; and making an imaging correction in accordance with the detected variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Allan Warnes
  • Patent number: 8401408
    Abstract: A light scanning device and an image forming apparatus including the light scanning device are provided. The light scanning device includes: a light emitting unit which emits a light beam; a light deflecting unit which deflects the light beam to scan in a scanning direction; a scanning lens which focuses the light beam deflected and scanned by the light deflecting unit on a photosensitive body; and a light detecting unit which detects the light beam directed to outside areas of an image formation area in the scanning direction, wherein an optical path length of the light beam directed to one of the outside areas, from the light deflecting unit to the light detecting unit is different from an optical path length of the light beam directed to the other one of the outside areas, from the light deflecting unit to the light detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8395825
    Abstract: An image scanner and a method for compensating image data are provided. By using both the X-axis calibration gain and the Y-axis calibration gain, the processing time period for compensating image data is reduced. In addition, no initial calibration and no warm-up calibration are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Ping Chen, Chiung-Sheng Wang, Yu-Hsien Lin