Abstract: An image processing device and an amount-of-characteristic detecting method. The image processing apparatus includes a first image processing device to process an invisible image of an object, a second image processing device to process a visible image of the object, and a controller to control the first image processing device and the second image processing device. The first image processing device includes a first skew detector to detect a skew of the object from the invisible image of the object. The second image processing device includes a second skew detector to detect the skew from the visible image of the object, and circuitry to adjust the skew of the object based on a first result of skew detection performed by the first skew detector of the first image processing device or a second result of skew detection performed by the second skew detector of the second image processing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printing section, a flatbed scanner section configured to read an original on a reading surface, and a moving mechanism configured to change the angle of the reading surface relative to an installation plane on which the apparatus is installed. The scanner section is capable of performing reading in each of a first mode where the angle of the reading surface is a first angle (vertical) and a second mode where the angle of the reading surface is a second angle (horizontal) different from the first angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting processed sheets within a printing device. The apparatus includes a compiler including a slot for receiving the processed sheets. The slot is defined at least in part by a paper guide. An elevator is in operative communication with the compiler. The elevator includes a stop for supporting the processed sheets and a drive mechanism for moving the stop and processed sheets supported thereby between a plurality of positions. The stop has a first position for initially receiving the processed sheets. The stop is movable from the first position in a generally upward direction to a second position for breaking adhesion between a processed sheet and the paper guide. The stop is movable in a generally downward direction from the second position to a third position.

Abstract: A direct thermal barcode printer including a print assembly is provided. The print assembly is movably positioned relative to a print media for adjusting printing characteristics of an attached print head.

Abstract: An improved document reader is provided, including: a platen for an original document to be placed thereon; and a hold-down member capable of opening and closing relative to the platen and operative to press the original document against the platen so as to make the original document stationary when in a closed state, wherein: the hold-down member includes a plurality of pressing sections arranged adjacent to each other, the pressing sections having respective grips which, except the grip, are engageable with respective notches defined by the pressing sections, respectively.

Abstract: A template for a scanning system that comprises a template body and an actuation device for actuating a switch is provided. A transparent media adapter for a scanning system comprising a switch actuatable by an actuation device and an adapter housing having a signal transmission mechanism therein is provided. A scanner system comprising a template having an actuation device, a reflective scanner and a transparent media adapter comprising a switch actuatable by the actuation device and operable to transmit a signal upon actuation thereof to a computer is provided. A method of scanning an image on a transparent media comprising actuating a switch on a transparent media adapter, transmitting a signal to a computer upon actuation of the switch and directing the scanning system to execute a scan routine upon reception of the signal is provided.

Abstract: Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus may comprise a layout area contained within the collage making apparatus. The layout area accommodates at least one object that is to be contained in the collage. The collage making apparatus is convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode. During the layout mode, the layout area is observable by a user so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area. During the duplication mode, the layout area is reproducible by the duplication apparatus so that the duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area.

Abstract: An image scanner in which an original is scanned by a trilinear CCD array, i.e. the original is scanned line by line, three lines at the time, one line for each color. Thus, at a specific time “only” the area of the original that is scanned by the trilinear CCD array at that time has to be positioned in focus of the imaging means of the image scanner while the remaining part of the original may be positioned anywhere and may adopt any suitable form. Thus, there is no need for all parts of the original to be kept flat and planar as required in known flat bed scanners. The original is kept flat and straight along a line to be scanned by imparting a substantially cylindrical shape, such as a circular cylindrical shape, to at least part of the original. The original is scanned along lines that are substantially parallel to the generatrix of the cylindrical part of the original.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) into which a stack (2) of record carriers to be printed can be inserted and which has withdrawal means (50) for withdrawing each time one record carrier (10) to be printed has been provided with realignment means (75), with which realignment means (75) any record carriers to be printed which have been moved towards the withdrawal means (50) can be realigned onto the stack (2) before the stack (2) is replenished with additional record carriers to be printed.

Abstract: A method for recording a rectangular image along helical tracks on a plate, while the plate is mounted on a cylindrical surface in an imagesetter, so that an edge of the image, corresponding to a reference edge of the plate, essentially parallels the reference edge. The method includes punching one or more notches across the reference edge of the plate, providing two stop pins, fixedly attached to the cylindrical surface, and positioning the plate on the cylindrical surface so that one of the stop pins engages one of the notches.

Abstract: The invention provides a paper supply apparatus for an image reading apparatus, an image reading apparatus with a paper supply apparatus and a paper supply apparatus which can be used suitably with an image scanner wherein a large amount of paper sheets can be taken out one by one with certainty and read successively and rapidly. The paper supply apparatus successively supplies paper sheets accommodated therein to a paper transport mechanism along which an optical image reading mechanism is disposed, and comprises a paper supply hopper, a paper supply roller located above the paper supply hopper for forwarding the paper sheets accommodated in the paper supply hopper, a paper supply roller driving mechanism for rotating the paper supply roller, and a paper separation mechanism for preventing two or more paper sheets forwarded by the paper supply roller from being sent to the paper transport mechanism.

Abstract: A facsimile machine has various detection devices. One of the detection device detects a sheet medium. The detection device includes a reflection type sensor directly mounted on a control board. An actuator is pivotally movably supported in a main frame of the facsimile machine. The actuator has a pivot shaft portion, a first arm and a second arm those extending from the pivot shaft portion. A free end of the first arm is abuttable on the sheet medium. If sheet medium is transferred to a predetermined portion, an edge of the sheet urges the free end to angularly rotate the actuator. A free end of the second arm is provided with a reflection member. The angular movement of the actuator causes the reflection member to be brought into confrontation with the reflection type sensor so as to detect passage of the sheet medium. A regulation member is integrally provided to the reflection member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a sheet holding mechanism has an outlet roller and a presser member cooperative to nip a sheet having a unit length and undergone predetermined processing in the apparatus. When the outlet roller is rotated, it drives the sheet out of the apparatus in cooperation with the presser member. When the sheet reaches a position where its leading edge portion protrudes from the apparatus and its trailing edge portion is brought to a predetermined position between the outlet roller and a holder member, the outlet roller is reversed to insert the trailing edge into a nipping portion included in the holder member. The holder member holds the trailing edge of the sheet. As a result, the sheet is retained in the apparatus with its leading edge portion protruding from the apparatus. A force for pulling out the sheet from the holder member is greater than the conveying force of the outlet roller.

Abstract: A scanning system which includes a medium support unit for supporting a medium in a generally curved orientation by contacting substantially less than the entire surface area of the medium and a scanning unit for scanning the medium.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for recognizing a paster portion of a web, each pixel data of a printed matter serving as a reference is stored as reference image data. Each pixel data of a printed matter serving as a test target printed on the web is stored as test image data. The reference image data is compared with the test image data in units of pixels to detect defective pixels. The paster portion of the web is recognized on the basis of a generation pattern of the defective pixels.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for efficiently mounting an original onto an image reading drum in an image scanning system. The mounting device includes a lower holder section and an upper holder section, each made of a flexible but hard plastic sheet. The original is held in between the lower holder section and the upper holder section and is attached onto the image reading drum, which has a predetermined thickness greater than a distance causing Newton's rings. Accordingly, image signals obtained by scanning the original effectively represent an original image without Newton's rings.

Abstract: A sheet carrying assembly comprises a platen and a carrier secured to the platen by a vacuum. The registration of the carrier on the platen is achieved by use of magnets. The magnets have fixed positions on the platen so that the carrier will always be properly positioned. In a sheet carrying system a set of interchangeable carriers is provided which have attachment means in different positions for different sheets. Such a system is particularly useful in facsimile transmission of films.

Abstract: A printer uses a rotating platen to transport a sheet of print media receiver across a print head. The receiver is held to the platen with a positive receiver locking clamp at the beginning of a print cycle. The clamp is released prior to the completion of formation of an image on the receiver so that the receiver can be quickly removed from the platen. This reduces the print cycle time of the printer. The clamp is configured and operated such that the speed of the moving receiver is not changed when the clamp is released. The clamp configuration and operation permit the printing of high-resolution images without any discernible distortions caused by the release of the clamp during the image formation.

Abstract: A scanner is operative with an imaging system for inducing a mechanical movement of a subject during an optical scanning of the subject to provide an image of the subject. The subject which is in the shape of a card is advanced along a travel path past an optical viewing site by means of a drum, the scanner including a first roller and a second roller which urge the subject against the drum. Initially, the first roller is located between the viewing site and the entry port for receipt of the subject in a first nip between the first roller and the drum. The second roller is positioned fixed on the opposite side of the viewing site. The first roller is supported by an arm which swings about a rotational axis of the drum to vary the spacing between the two rollers.

Abstract: A drum used as a clamping roller for mounting a substrate, such as a sheet of paper, in a device in which the surface of said substrate is treated.The clamping roller is of use in a device such as an electrojet printer. The roller comprises a thin metal seamless sleeve having perforations; a coating is present on the sleeve having such form that a great variety of substrate formats may be held on the roller surface by creating a low vacuum inside the sleeve.For all formats the coating is of similar form.The thin sleeve is centered around the roller's axis by means of centering means having the form of end-discs.

Abstract: Image scanner apparatus includes a drum having an aperture rotatable about an axis. A mechanism clamps a border of an exposed photographic film to the drum, with the film image aligned with the aperture substantially in a surface of revolution of the drum. A source of diffuse light, disposed between the rotational axis of the drum and its surface of revolution, projects a line of diffuse illumination through the aperture directly onto the film image. Lens apparatus, interposed between the surface of revolution of the drum and a linear image sensor, focuses a line of diffuse light, modulated in accordance with the film image, onto the sensor.