Abstract: A lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information uses beams of coherent light that are emitted in a scanning manner to project the beams of coherent light onto a display surface to form the graphical information on the display surface.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes an endless belt; a pair of rotating bodies being adapted to wind the belt therearound with tension and rotating for rotating the belt; an image scanning unit which moves in association with the rotation of the belt in a state of being fixed to the belt for scanning an image from a document; a pair of frame members connected to each other; a supporting shaft integrated with one of the frame members for rotatably supporting one of the rotating bodies; and a restraining member provided on the other frame member for restraining inclination of the supporting shaft caused by a shaft load applied to the supporting shaft by the belt being wounded around the pair of rotating members with tension.

Abstract: An imaging optical system for imaging imagewise information provided on a surface of an original, upon a surface of an image pickup device such that the imagewise information is read based on signals from the image pickup device, the imaging optical system including four off-axial reflection surfaces which are asymmetric within a sub-scan section, wherein, when a combined power, in a main-scan direction, of two off-axial reflection surfaces of said four off-axial reflection surfaces which are optically close to an original side is denoted by Mf and a combined power, in the main-scan direction, of two off-axial reflection surfaces of the four off-axial reflection surfaces which are optically close to an image pickup device side is denoted by Mr, relations ?0.3<Mf/Mr<0.3 and 0<Mr are satisfied.

Abstract: A driving-force transferring unit is extended in a predetermined direction, with a predetermined portion attached to a running unit. A driving unit changes a direction of movement of the driving-force transferring unit by rotating based on a driving force from a driving source. At least one pulley unit is rotatably attached to the case and supports the driving-force transferring unit. The pulley unit includes an outer ring member that is rotated by the driving-force transferring unit, an inner ring member that rotatably supports the outer ring member, and an engaging unit that is provided on the inner ring member, to engage with the case.

Abstract: An image-reading apparatus, including a housing, a document table placed on the housing for receiving document, a movable optical unit placed on the document table for reading the image information on the document, the movable optical unit being placed reciprocally movably in the housing in directions parallel to the document table; a locking member placed movably on the housing external face for locking the movable optical unit; and a holding mechanism for holding the locking member variable in posture between a first posture of locking the movable optical unit and a second posture of unlocking the movable optical unit.

Abstract: To provide an image reading apparatus for enabling an optical carriage movably supported in a rail member to be locked reliably in a predetermined position of an apparatus frame without causing failure by shock in transport, one of the apparatus frame and optical carriage is provided with a lock member traveling between a release position and a lock position, and a biasing member for biasing the lock member in a predetermined direction, and the other one is provided with an engagement receiving portion being fitted with an engagement portion formed in the lock member. Then, the engagement portion and the engagement receiving portion are configured to inhibit movements in the scanning direction of the optical carriage in the lock position, and the biasing force of the biasing member is concurrently configured to act on the carriage in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction so as to increase friction between the carriage and a traveling rail.

Abstract: In a disclosed image forming apparatus, an original is scanned and image data of the original are obtained. The data size of the image data corresponding to one page of the original is measured. The image data obtained are stored in or deleted from a memory. A storable number of pages of the original that can be stored in the memory is calculated based on the data size measured and available space in the memory. In response to the storable number of pages calculated being less than a total number of pages of the original, the image data of the original is successively stored in and deleted from the memory.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises an original placement portion on which an original is to be placed, optical unit for optically scanning the original on the original placement portion while moving relative to the original placement portion and a guide member that guides movement of the optical unit. The optical unit includes a sliding member having a screw portion that slides in contact with the guide member and a screw hole portion to which the sliding member is mounted. The screw portion of the sliding member is plastically deformable and screwed into the screw hole portion while being plastically deformed.

Abstract: A method of scanning a target image and inhibiting backtrack artifacts from the scanned image comprises the steps of initiating a scan on a flat bed scanner, the flat bed scanner comprising at least a scanbar, a memory buffer and a motion control pattern comprised of a plurality of spaced elements, each element having an angled portion with respect to the motion of the scanbar; acquiring scan data comprising a motion control pattern data and an image data with said scanbar; storing the previously acquired scan data in a memory buffer; querying whether the memory buffer reaches a preselected full threshold; acquiring a last valid scan data; stopping and backtracking the scanbar when the memory buffer preselected full threshold is met; and, inhibiting backtrack artifacts by one of a first real-time position analysis or a post-processing analysis.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the contents of a book or of sheets bound in the manner of a book, with a cradle with two support surfaces arranged next to each other at an obtuse angle, a book can be inserted in the opened state, the book lying facing upwards with the opened pages. The relative positions of the support surfaces in relation to one another can be set, namely, at least in a direction that is parallel to the plane of the support surface and at right angles to the bifurcation. In addition, the device has a camera system with at least two camera units, which are each positioned above the cradle for recording one of the opened pages of a book being held in the cradle, and a page-turning device for turning the pages of a book being held in the cradle, wherein the cradle or the support surface can be moved in relation to the camera system in an essentially vertical position.

Abstract: An image scanner includes first and second carriages, a body, a power source, a power supplier, and a tensioner. In the first carriage moving at a predetermined speed, a light source emits light onto an original. A first mirror deflects the light reflected by the original. In the second carriage moving at a half speed of the first carriage, second and third mirrors deflect the light deflected by the first and second mirrors, respectively. The body holds the first and second carriages. The power source drives the light source. The power supplier is connected to the power source and the light source to supply power from the power source to the light source. The tensioner provided on the second carriage contacts the power supplier at a position outside an optical light path and applies tension to the power supplier.

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

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet; an image reading unit provided above the image forming unit so as to open and close with respect to the image forming unit; an automatic document feeder provided above the image reading unit so as to open and close with respect to the image reading unit; and an open-close regulation mechanism that regulates opening and closing movements of the automatic document feeder so that when the image reading unit is closed with respect to the image forming unit, the automatic document feeder is capable of opening with respect to the image reading unit, and when the image reading unit is opened with respect to the image forming unit, the automatic document feeder is prevented to open with respect to the image reading unit.

Abstract: An analog front-end circuit controlling an imaging device and processing an analog image signal output from the imaging device includes: an analog processing section that receives an analog image signal from the imaging device, provides the image signal with predetermined processing, and outputs the image signal; an A/D converter that performs A/D conversion with the image signal output from the analog processing section; a transmitter circuit that receives digital image data output from the A/D converter, generates a differential signal based on the digital image data, and outputs the differential signal; and a timing generator that generates a plurality of clocks including a multiphase driving clock for driving the imaging device based on a first reference clock; the transmitter circuit including a differential amplifier circuit that generates a differential signal based on the digital image data output from the A/D converter, and outputting the differential signal generated in the differential amplifier ci

Abstract: The driving device is provided with a motor, a pinion, a first gear, a second gear, and a frame. The frame has a motor side surface and a gear side surface, and includes a first portion and a second portion. A motor housing of the motor is fixed to and supported at the motor side surface of the first portion. A motor shaft extends from the motor housing, penetrating the first portion from the motor side surface to the gear side surface. The pinion is fixed to the distal end of the motor shaft at the gear side surface. The first gear and the second gear are coaxially disposed and rotatably supported at the gear side surface of the second portion. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the first gear and the second gear through the pinion. The gear side surface of the second portion is offset toward the motor side than the motor side surface of the first portion.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes: a platen; scanning unit configured to scan an image from the document placed on the platen; and document retaining parts provided at positions corresponding to at least two sides of the platen and configured to prevent the document from curling away from the platen.

Abstract: A laser scanning optical system converts a plurality of beams emitted from the laser diode (LD) into parallel light using a collimator lens, shapes the parallel light using an aperture, and executes exposure of a plurality of lines simultaneously on a photoreceptor drum. To cause a necessary emitting point interval d determined uniquely from the magnification of the optical system to coincide with an emitting point interval of the LD used, the LD is rotated by an angle ? against the main optical axis plane thereof. In this case, a converting device that converts the aspect ratio of a profile of the light beam emitted from the LD is provided. A conversion characteristic of the converting device is adjusted such that the characteristic is matched with a condition within a predetermined region following a characteristic of the optical system.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads a document image optically at a reading position while feeding the document over a reading glass. A document guide sheet for forming a step so as to prevent an imaged surface of a fed document from coming into contact with the reading glass is provided at an upstream side of the reading position with respect to a document feeding direction. The reading glass is capable of reciprocating in the document feeding direction by a specified distance x2. If the document guide sheet is located such that a downstream edge of the document guide sheet is at a distance x1 from the reading position, the distances x1 and x2 are in relationship of x1<x2.

Abstract: An image reader includes an illumination unit that irradiates an object to be read with light, a first optical system that allows a first reflection light from the object to be read advance therein, a second optical system that allows a second reflection light from the object to be read to advance therein, a switching unit that switches between the first optical system and the second optical system to be used, an imaging unit that forms an image of the first reflection light that advances in the first optical system and an image of the second reflection light that advances in the second optical system by switching between the first optical system and the second optical system by the switching unit, and a light receiving unit that receives the first reflection light and the second reflection light which are formed into images and generates respective image signals.

Abstract: A scanner includes a housing, a transparent platen disposed on the housing for positioning a document, and a calibration pattern formed on a side of the transparent platen. The calibration pattern includes an arc having a first point and a second point. The scanner further includes an optical engine installed inside the housing for scanning the document and the calibration pattern with movement in a first direction, and a control module installed inside the housing for controlling the optical engine to move to a scan start position according to the first point and the second point of the calibration pattern scanned by the optical engine and a radius of curvature of the arc.

Abstract: In a multi-stage scanning method for increasing a scanning speed and enhancing an image quality, an optical module is firstly moved from a start position to a forward-internal position in a forward direction, and then enabled to scan a first portion of a document to obtain a first image until the module reaches a forward-boundary position. Then, the module is moved from the forward-boundary position to an end position in the forward direction. Next, the module is moved from the end position to a reverse-internal position in a reverse direction, and then enabled to scan a second portion of the document to obtain a second image until the module reaches a reverse-boundary position. Then, the module is moved from the reverse-boundary position to the start position, in the reverse direction, and then stopped. Finally, the first and second images are stitched into a complete image.

Abstract: An image sensor, a reading device and a method for setting a resolution are provided for setting the resolution to multiple levels without increasing signal types.

Abstract: An optical carriage structure of the inspection apparatus and its inspection method are disclosed herein. A plurality of CCD arrays configured at different heights in the optical carriage are utilized, so as a plurality of individual images can be simultaneously captured in one scanning step to obtain a preferred inspection image for image comparison; therefore, precise inspection can be effectively achieved. Furthermore, those CCD arrays are configured at different heights and have enlarged focusing ranges, and the depth of field is thus enhanced.

Abstract: A lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information uses beams of coherent light that are emitted in a scanning manner to project the beams of coherent light onto a display surface to form the graphical information on the display surface.

Abstract: An image is highly accurately drawn by correcting an error due to waving or defective optical characteristics of a photosensitive material and by preventing an appearance of irregularity in the drawing caused by a defect in micromirrors. To achieve this, a part of the micromirrors constructing a DMD is adapted to serve as a use region and the remaining part as a non-use region, pixels are formed on a photosensitive material with the width of the DMD set narrower relative to a scan direction, and multiplex exposure using the micro mirrors is performed to form each of the pixels.

Abstract: A side determination apparatus of an optical disc includes a light source illuminating one side of the optical disc having a data side and a non-data side obliquely; a sensor receiving a reflected light from the optical disc illuminated by the light source; and a determination unit determining that an incident light into the sensor is a reflected diffracted light from the data side of the optical disc based on a distribution of an output of the sensor onto a surface of the disc to determine the one side.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce an image scanning apparatus for preventing occurrence of a black line in the scanning of a sheet of document. A light source 23 is moved between positions A and B when a sheet of a document is scanned while being transported. Accordingly, a scanning position is moved in a sub-scanning direction. Thus, movement of the scanning position makes it possible to prevent or to inhibit the occurrence of a black line on the scanned image.

Abstract: An image-reading device includes a platen glass for supporting a document, an end glass adjacent to the platen glass, a sheet member that connects bottom surfaces of the platen glass and the end glass, a feeder for feeding a document to the image-reading device, a carriage that includes a sliding member, a rod lens array mounted on the carriage, and a photoelectric transfer device for reading an image of the original document formed by the rod lens array. The carriage is biased against the platen glass and the end glass through the sliding member and moves relative to them. A controller drives the carriage at different speeds, one less than half the other, so that the carriage is moving slowly when the sliding member contacts the sheet member, thereby avoiding problems of wear of the sliding member and loss of synchronism of the motor that drives the carriage.

Abstract: The terminal device 100 of an information sharing system 500 exchanges information mutually with other terminal devices 200 to 400 that are connected via a network 600. A receiving unit 103 receives adoptability information showing update data for updating common data that are shared among a group and adoptability information showing the adoptability of update data. An inputting unit 101 receives an input of the update data and adoptability information from a user. A sending unit 104 sends the inputted update data and adoptability information to another terminal device. A synthesizing unit 105 generates the updated common data by synthesizing the update data with the common data. A judging unit 109 judges adoptability of the update data based on the adoptability information and has the synthesizing unit 105 synthesize only the update data that is judged as adoptable.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading system having a plurality of line sensors extending in a main-scan direction, an imaging optical system for imaging, on the line sensors, imagewise information of an original surface, the imaging optical system including at least one anamorphic optical surface having different powers in the main-scan direction and the sub-scan direction, a scanning system for relatively scanning the original surface and the reading means in a sub-scan direction to read the imagewise information of the original surface, and an image correcting system for correcting imagewise information of the original surface read by each line sensor, on the basis of an imaging-position-deviation correction amount of an image in the sub-scan direction corresponding to a reading position in the main-scan direction, calculated based on an imaging position deviation amount of an image in the sub-scan direction corresponding to the reading position in the main-scan direction upon the line sensors, as

Abstract: A dual-mode scanning apparatus is capable of scanning both transmissive and reflective objects. An opaque object or a light-transmissible object is placed on the scanning platform when either of the reflective or transmissive scanning modes is performed. The carriage module is arranged under the scanning platform, and has therein an active light source for emitting light. The light emitted by the active light source is reflected by the opaque object to enter the carriage module in the reflective scanning mode. On the other hand, a light-guiding member arranged over the scanning platform guides the light emitted by the active light source to the light-transmissible object. The light penetrates through the object to enter the carriage module in the transmissive scanning mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a reciprocal movement unit that reciprocally moves a carriage; a position sensor that detects a location of the carriage; a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium in a sub-scan direction; an edge detection sensor that detects an edge of the recording medium; a both edge detection unit that detects positions of both edges of the recording medium from positions of the carriage when the edge detection sensor detects each edge of the recording medium; a detection start position determination unit that determines a detection start position; a print control unit that controls the recording head to record data on the recording medium; and a re-detection unit that moves the carriage to the detection start position during printing and that re-detects the edge of the recording medium from the detection start position using the edge detection sensor.

Abstract: A scanning system with display system including a scanning module mounted in a body, such that the scanning module scans in a capture zone to capture an archival image of said capture zone.

Abstract: A light guide member (120) includes a columnar main body (130) of a predetermined length, which is made of a transparent material and has a substantially uniform cross section. A first end (121) and a second end are provided at respective ends of the main body (130), and LED elements (200) are arranged to face the first end (121) and the second, respectively. The main body(130) includes a smooth mirror circumferential surface formed with a plurality of recesses (131) or projections spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction and arranged within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction. Due to the recesses or projections, throughout the length of the main body (130) , light emitted from the LED elements (200) and introduced into the main body (130) through each of the first end (121) and the second end is emitted from a region of the circumferential surface of the main body (130) which faces the range formed with the recesses (131) or the projections.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with image scanner are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an image scanner comprises a first image-receiving end configured to move in a scanning direction and to receive image data of a first portion of the scanned object, a second image-receiving end disposed downstream of the first image-receiving end in the scanning direction and configured to move along the scanning direction and to receive image data of a second portion of the scanned object. The scanner can further comprise a first photoelectric conversion device configured to synchronously move with the first image-receiving end for converting the image data of the first portion of the scanned object to a first digital data, and a second photoelectric conversion device configured to synchronously move with the second image-receiving end for converting the image data of the second portion of the scanned object to a second digital data.

Abstract: A book scanner for scanning two adjacent pages in documents bound in volume includes a housing, two image scanning units, and a conveying device. The housing has two scanning tables connected to each other. An included angle is formed between the two scanning tables and a crest line is formed at a connection of the two scanning tables. The two image scanning units are movably disposed in the housing to project a scanning light through a window of each scanning table respectively, so as to scan images of the two adjacent pages. The two image scanning units are connected to the conveying device to be supported and moved relative to the corresponding scanning tables in a direction parallel to the crest line, so as to be moved simultaneously and to scan the images of the two adjacent pages respectively.

Abstract: The present invention enables image data with good S/N and high resolution to be obtained reliably in a short reading time. A CCD 102 is formed by arranging line sensors, in which detecting elements having a time integration effect are arranged in a direction orthogonal to a relative movement direction in which the CCD 102 moves relative to an original, in a plurality of columns in the relative movement direction. A signal processing unit 107 detects pixel components on the basis of a model for separating first pixel values obtained in a processing unit time by the CCD 102 into a plurality of the pixel components corresponding to detection positions of the object being detected, and generates second pixel values corresponding to the detection positions of the object being detected on the basis of the detected pixel components. The present invention is applicable to scanners.

Abstract: An improved structure of carriage module has a datum board with a very flat surface, a linear light-source, a pair of side boards and a light-transforming module. The datum board has a flat-rigid connecting surface formed with a plurality of screw holes therein. The linear light-source is fixed at a front edge of the datum board for providing light. The side boards are respectively disposed on two sides of the connecting surface and assembled with a plurality of reflecting mirrors therebetween for reflecting light. The light-transforming module is assembled on a middle portion of the connecting surface for receiving an image and transforming the image into an electric signal. The datum board has an axle sleeve mounted on one side thereof for the carriage module to slide thereon.

Abstract: An optical path device composed of four pieces of reflected mirrors is disclosed. In the optical path device, after being reflected many times between a set of two parallel mirrors, an incident light not perpendicular to the surface of the original document is turned by an optical path turning mirror to enter the parallel mirrors set again and reflected many times, and then the incident light is reflected into a lens and is imaged on a charge coupled device (CCD). The optical path device can limit the optical path between the parallel mirrors set effectively, thereby decreasing the volume of a chassis.

Abstract: A scanner optical module has a single transmission axle used to support a scanning module (containing a traditional optical device or CIS). The scanning module has a plurality of protrusions (or rollers) slidably (or rotatably) contacting the transparent document platform (view). The scanner optical module has fewer assembled components, a simpler structure, a decreased material cost and production cost, and is modular.

Abstract: A method of reducing memory requirement in the compensation memory unit of a scanner. The method includes providing an even compensation data value and an odd compensation data value and averaging the two to produce an odd-even compensation data value. Only half as much memory space is required to hold the averaged odd-even compensation data values.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has an image sensor in which a plurality of sensor arrays for reading a document image are connected into a line, and parallel-output image data. In the image reading apparatus, of image data output from each sensor array, image data of a pixel at one end and image data of the remaining pixels are compressed by different compression methods. The compressed data of one line are decompressed by a set method at the timing when the number of pixels reaches a preset number of pixels.

Abstract: The apparatus is adapted to deflect a light beam from a laser light source for each of the color components by means of a deflection mirror surface which oscillates, thereby making the light beam reciprocally scan in a main scanning direction. In this apparatus, however, only a light beam SL which scans in a first direction (+X) of the main scanning direction is irradiated in an effective image region on a photosensitive member, so as to form a latent image thereon. The resultant latent image is developed to form a toner image. Since image formation is performed using only the light beam SL which scans in the first direction (+X), the images may be formed at the consistent density irrespective of the image types. Furthermore, the scanning directions of the light beams SL for all the color components are uniformly defined to be the first direction (+X), so that the toner images of the respective colors may maintain the consistent density.

Abstract: In an image reading device which includes a transmission light source and a pickup device which face each other with original platen glass for holding an original interposed therebetween, receives light irradiated from the transmission light source by the pickup device, and reads a light transmission original, a pickup device movement mechanism which reciprocally moves the pickup device in a predetermined direction is interlockingly connected to a light source movement mechanism which reciprocally moves the transmission light source in the predetermined direction in interlock with the reciprocal movement of the pickup device movement mechanism by a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism has a torque limiter function for generating sliding between the light source movement mechanism and the pickup device movement mechanism when torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is delivered.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a document placing table having a transparent member, a document pressing member, an image reading unit, a scanning unit that is disposed on a side opposite to a document placing surface of the transparent member and reciprocates in a predetermined direction along the transparent member with the image reading unit mounted thereon, an open/closed state detecting unit that detects open and closed states of the document pressing member, a control unit that controls an image reading operation of the image reading unit and a reciprocation movement of the scanning unit, and a reference member that serves as a luminance reference of the image reading unit. When the open/closed state detecting unit detects the open state of the document pressing member, the control unit set a predetermined light intensity set value to a light intensity value of light irradiated from the light source at the time of image reading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to turning and recording and/or reproducing multiple pages or leaves from a material, such as a book or periodical. A leaf lifting mechanism lifts the leaves of the material (e.g., book, periodical, etc.) from which the images are to be obtained. The leaf lifting mechanism can turn the leaves of the material itself, or also work cooperatively with an image recordation mechanism to turn the leaves of the material. During recordation, the image recordation mechanism follows the curvature of the leaf being recorded to minimize image distortion or degradation. The recorded images may be reproduced by a reproduction device such as a photocopier or printer.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors; a mover moving a platen at a rate relative to the three line sensors; an interline corrector synchronizing the three line sensors' outputs to be a pixel having read a single location on an original; NOR and AND devices comparing three data corresponding to a single location on the original to detect a noise pixel; a determiner depending on a color of a pixel neighboring a pixel to be processed selected from pixels arranged in the main scanning direction, to determine first data from which a noise pixel is initially detected; and a determiner invalidating a noise pixel identical in location in the main scanning direction to the pixel to be processed, that is included in a line input prior to a line including the pixel detected from the first data and that is detected from data other than the first data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a substantially planar top surface includes a first body including a scanner and an operation panel disposed on one side of the scanner, and in which a top surface of the scanner and a top surface of the operation panel are in a same plane; and a second body disposed below the first body, to support the first body so that the first body rotates between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning device. The scanning device comprises a document plate for placing a document, at least a sliding guide placed at one side of the document plate, a scanning module which is in front of the document plate for scanning the document along the direction of the sliding guide, a first light source assembled in the scanning module for providing light to scan documents, and a driving module electrically connected to the scanning module for driving the scanning module to perform scanning procedure to the document.

Abstract: A test image has a black bias on a white background. The black bias is a line set at about 45 degrees to the scan lines of a scanner. Boundary points of the scanned bias are found. A regression line is calculated from the positions of the boundary points. Differences in the positions of adjacent boundary points, together with the slope reciprocal of the regression line, are used to determine error values. The error values are compared with a gate value to determine if there are any occurrences of scan line misalignment.