Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first unit configured to form an image, in a recording part, on a first surface of a recording medium being fed from a storing member for storing the recording medium, reverse the recording medium and feed it again to the recording part, form an image on a second surface of the recording medium, and eject the recording medium through an outlet; and a second unit disposed above the first unit. The second unit includes a first reading part, the first reading part being movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the recording medium. The first unit and the second unit form a first space therebetween, and a length from a front end of the first unit to the outlet is greater than or equal to a length of a maximum sized recording medium capable of being stored in the storing member.

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: Scanning devices and method of use that accommodate a longer imaging distance while minimizing the size of the device. The scanning device may include an imaging unit having a sensor and optics. The scanning device may further include a target bed for placement of the targeted documents. An imaging distance extends between the imaging unit and the target bed. In one embodiment, the housing may be collapsed after the scanning procedure to reduce the overall device size. Reflective members may also be positioned within the interior of the device to lengthen the imaging distance. Still further embodiments may include a movable imaging unit.

Abstract: There is provided an image input device in which a carriage mounted with an image sensor and three types of light source is moved in a sub-scanning direction of a document by a motor and the document is read in a line sequential manner. The image input device includes a controller controlling a driving of the motor, an operation of the image sensor, and lighting and extinguishing operations of the light source; and a detecting unit outputting an edge signal to the controller when detecting a movement of the carriage corresponding to one sub-scanning line. The controller is configured to sequentially light and extinguish the three types of light source whenever receiving the edge signal from the detecting unit so as to sequentially read out electric charge stored in the image sensor during the lighting period of the respective light source; and discard the electric charge stored in the image sensor during an intervening period before receiving a subsequent edge signal.

Abstract: Any one of a plurality of modes such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function and the like can be set, and an operation mode of an image reading unit at the time of its image reading operation is judged. A return speed of the image reading unit for returning to a reference position after completion of the scanning is set at a speed corresponding to the operation mode. As a result, a machine sound generated when the image reading unit moves does not cause a user to feel uncomfortable, and the waiting time until the next document reading can be shortened.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a scanner body, a scanning unit, a lens unit, a sensing unit, and a fastening unit. The scanner body has a bottom surface that is formed with two slots. The fastening unit includes two first fastening members disposed respectively within the slots, and two second fastening members engaging respectively and threadably the first fastening members so as to fasten the sensing unit to the scanner body.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for preventing defocus aberration is provided. The scanning apparatus includes a flatbed scanning portion and a scanning module. The flatbed scanning portion includes a glass platform. The scanning module includes a scanning module case, a light source, multiple reflective mirrors, a lens, an optical sensing element, a printed circuit board and a metallic post. The metallic post is interconnected between the scanning module case and the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is not in direct contact with the scanning module case so as to prevent defocus aberration resulting from thermal expansion.

Abstract: A circuit module integrating a light driver and an optical scanner is capable of sensing an image of a document and driving a light source. The circuit module comprises a printed circuit board, an optical sensor and a light driver. Both the optical sensor and the light driver are mounted on and electrically connected with the printed circuit board. The optical sensor is capable of sensing the image and the light driver is capable of driving the light source.

Abstract: An image reading method according to the present invention involves causing an image sensor for reading an image of a document to move from a side at which the document is placed toward a home position of the image sensor, causing to reverse a movement direction at a turn-back position after the image sensor has passed the home position, and causing the image sensor to move to the home position again.

Abstract: An image acquiring device includes a scanning module, an optical signal transmission medium and a mainboard module. In the scanning module having a rechargeable battery, a scanning unit scans a document to obtain an electrical document signal, a first signal converter is connected to the scanning unit and converts the electrical document signal into an optical document signal, and a first signal transmitting unit is connected to the first signal converter and receives and outputs the optical document signal. The optical signal transmission medium is connected to the first signal transmitting unit. On a mainboard of the mainboard module, a second signal input/output unit is connected to the optical signal transmission medium and receives the optical document signal, and a second signal converter is connected to the second signal input/output unit and converts the optical document signal into the electrical document signal.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for transparent documents includes a scanner which includes a host and a lid pivotally coupled with the host, and a transparent document holding module which is located between the host and the lid, and includes a main body and a light guide element which is located on the periphery of the main body. The host has an optical module for scanning. The optical module includes a plurality of lighting units and a first attraction element. The main body aims to hold a transparent document. The light guide element includes a second attraction element attracted to the first attraction element. When the light guide element is moved with the optical module, the direction of light projecting to the transparent document is altered. Thus when the light guide element is moved with the optical module along a track, scanning of images on the transparent documents can also be accomplished.

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 scanning apparatus has a light source part scanning a scanning beam on an original document. A frame has a light input part and a light output part. A reflection mirror is arranged in the frame and reflects the scanning beam inputted through the light input part to the light output part along a predetermined light proceeding path. A light receiving part is supported on the light output part, and receives the scanning beam reflected by the reflection mirror. A light source supporting member supports the light source part on the frame so that the beam scanned by the light source part and reflected on the original document passes through the light input part and proceeds along the light proceeding path. The light source supporting member mounts the different light source parts in the frame.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes: an inlet; an outlet; a transfer system configured to transfer a document from the inlet to the outlet; an input transfer path configured to guide a document during transfer from the inlet passed a scanning point to an end point positioned above the inlet; an output transfer path configured to guide the document during transfer from the end point passed the scanning point to the outlet; a secondary system configured to feed the document from the inlet; and a drive system configured to drive the transfer elements and the secondary system, wherein the drive system controls the transfer system such that, in at least some instances, operation of the secondary system is independent of operation of the transfer system.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided with a contact glass on which a document is to be placed; a group light source in which a plurality of point light sources are linearly arrayed; and a light source unit having the group light source mounted therein and adapted to optically scan a document surface via a contact glass with reading lights emitted from the group light source. The group light source is constructed such that at least one of the plurality of point light sources is a detecting light source for emitting a detection light toward the contact glass to detect the presence or absence of a document on the contact glass.

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: A scanning unit is configured to slide along a guide shaft that extends in a predetermined direction. The scanning unit includes a carriage configured to slide along the guide shaft, a bearing which is disposed on a carriage and through which the guide shaft passes, and an elastic deformation allowance mechanism which permits elastic deformation of the external shape of the bearing in the predetermined direction at a predetermined time. For example, a contact image sensor unit includes a box equipped with a contact image sensor. The box has a bearing through which a guide shaft is inserted. The bearing has a pair of bosses, bushings that fit therein, and a coil spring that is disposed between the bushings. The bushings are urged by the coil spring, so that the bushings continually protrude outwards. As the contact image sensor unit slides along the guide shaft, the bushings insert in between the bosses when the bushings abut the wall surface of the frame, so that the bearing is deformed elastically.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes: a carriage, including an image reading sensor for reading an image from a document, and reciprocating in a predetermined range; contact portions, disposed at both ends of the predetermined range; a judgment section, judging whether the carriage comes in contact with the contact portions; a positional information temporary determining section, temporarily determining positional information when the judgment section judges that the carriage comes in contact with one of the contact portions; and a positional information check section, checking whether the positional information is correct based on a moving distance between positions where the judgment section judges that the carriage comes in contact with the contact portions, and determining the positional information when it is confirmed that the positional information is correct.

Abstract: A document with one or more analog markups is obtained. An original electronic document corresponding to the document is also identified. The one or more analog markups are converted to one or more digital annotations, and the one or more digital annotations are stored in one or more parts of a package of the original electronic document.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of easily detecting the width of a document is provided that can reduce the number of component parts. A surface to be detected of a moving section that moves in linkage with the movement of a document guide is detected using an image pickup device, so that the width dimension of the document is detected. This allows the image reading apparatus to detect the width dimension of the document by using the image pickup device.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes: a reflective document lamp that emits light to the surface of a reflective document; a carriage that has the reflective document lamp and an image sensor for detecting light and converting the detected light into an electric signal mounted thereon and reciprocates in a sub-scanning direction; an indicator lamp that emits light and indicates the state of the apparatus; a determining unit that determines whether the reflective document lamp is turned on by using the image sensor; and a control unit that controls the on or off state of the reflective document lamp, the on or off state of the indicator lamp, and the movement of the carriage. In the image scanning apparatus, when the determining unit determines that the reflective document lamp is not turned on, the control unit moves the carriage to a predetermined position such that the indicator lamp emits light to the reflective document lamp.

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: A light-orientation adjusting unit for use with a light-receiving member includes an optical unit, a posture control unit, a first unit supporter, and a second unit supporter. The optical unit passes through a light beam toward the light-receiving member. The posture control unit controls the posture of the optical unit to adjust an inclination of scanning line to be formed on the light-receiving member by the light beam. The first unit supporter regulates a movement of the optical unit within a given range by contacting the first unit supporter to the optical unit. The second unit supporter regulates a movement of the optical unit within a given range by contacting the second unit supporter to the optical unit. The first unit supporter including a first biasing member and second unit supporter including a second biasing member are disposed on a first and second ends of the optical unit, respectively.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which enables reduction of time to be taken from a job start instruction to a reading operation start. An automatic document feeder unit feeds an original. An upstream reader reads an image on one side of the original fed by the automatic document feeder unit. A downstream reader is disposed downstream of the upstream reader in an original feeding direction, to read an image on another side of the original. The upstream reader and the downstream reader read images of respective white reference plates, and the image reading apparatus generates correction data for the upstream reader and the downstream reader based on the images of the respective white reference plates read by the upstream reader and the downstream reader.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided that includes an image sensor configured to convert image light of a document into an image signal, an optical unit configured to project the image light of the document on the image sensor, a drive unit configured to drive the optical unit in a sub scanning direction, a document size detecting unit configured to detect a size of the document using the image signal, an image signal processing unit configured to digitally convert the image signal of the image sensor into image data, a power circuit configured to output an operating voltage in standby mode and stop the outputting of the operating voltage in sleep mode, and a power saving control unit configured to position the optical unit to a document size detecting position before switching the power circuit from the standby mode to the sleep mode.

Abstract: Methods using a modular document sorting apparatus are disclosed. A plurality of modules are functionally connected to one another to enable them to scan documents for information and sort the documents according to the scanned information. Each module performs at least one function. Functions can include, feeding documents into the apparatus, singulating documents, transporting documents through at least a portion of the apparatus, scanning documents, printing on documents and sorting documents according to scanned information. Each module may be powered by a separate power supply. A single on/off switch can control a plurality of modules.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for removing show-through of a scanned image. The method includes: performing forward scanning on a medium placed on a glass platen of an image scanner; performing backward scanning on the medium; and removing show-through of a forward-scanned image based on a backward-scanned image.

Abstract: According to one example structure of the invention, a carriage moving device includes; a guide member comprising a pair of inclined planes; a carriage slidably supported by the guide member in a longitudinal direction of the guide member at a plurality of portions where the pair of inclined planes slidably support the carriage.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus including: a first plate including a stationary document reading region; an image reader configured to scan a document on the first plate; a carriage supporting the image reader in a state that the carriage keeps the image reader predetermined distance from the first plate; and a guiding member that makes the image reader move downwardly by contacting an edge of the first plate.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a control unit, and a pattern region. The reading unit moves a linear reading range, which is provided in a main scanning direction, in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with the main scanning direction while reading an object that faces the reading range, and generates image data on the basis of a read result. The control unit controls the reading unit. The pattern region includes a predetermined pattern that defines a reference position for specifying a reading position that is read by the reading unit. The predetermined pattern has a characteristic portion that specifies a schematic position of the predetermined pattern in the sub-scanning direction. The control unit includes a first image acquisition unit, a pattern searching unit, a second image acquisition unit, a characteristic portion searching unit, a first reprocessing instruction unit, and a second reprocessing instruction unit.

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: The image reading device of the present invention is an image reading device comprising a reading unit reading an image of an original document, a clear plate disposed between the original document and the reading unit, a clear photoemitting layer included in the clear plate and having a plurality of emitting areas, a clear input sensor included in the clear plate and outputting a two-dimensional position of a pushed place on the clear plate and an controller displaying an operation panel on the clear plate using the clear photoemitting layer and receiving operations to the operation panel.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to suppress a decrease in reading efficiency while preventing image degradation. To achieve this object, an image reading apparatus includes a light source which illuminates an object, a sensor which photoelectrically converts light reflected by the object and reads information on the object, a first density reference member which serves as a reference for correcting an image signal obtained by reading an original by the sensor, a second density reference member which is different from the first density reference member, a comparison unit which compares the second signal obtained by reading the second density reference member by the sensor and the third signal obtained by reading again the second density reference member by the sensor, and a correction unit which corrects the image signal on the basis of the first signal obtained by reading the first density reference member by the sensor, and the comparison result of the comparison device.

Abstract: An optical module with movable reflective mirrors is provided in the invention. The optical module, which is set in a scanner for the scanning of documents, comprises the following elements: a first carriage comprising a first reflective mirror, a lens and a photoelectric sensing device, wherein the first carriage moves along the scanning direction to scan the document to be scanned; a second carriage comprising a second reflective mirror, a lens and a photoelectric sensing device, wherein the second carriage can make relative movement corresponding to the first carriage along the scanning direction; and a third carriage comprising a third reflective mirror, a lens and an photoelectric sensing device, wherein the third carriage can make relative movement corresponding to the first carriage along the scanning direction.

Abstract: A scanning module includes a body casing having a light passage slit thereon, a plurality of reflecting mirrors located inside the body casing, a light-channeling apparatus, and a light guiding body. The light-channeling apparatus includes a first light-guiding tube positioned between a light source and a document, and a second light-guiding tube positioned between the document and the light passage slit. The light-guiding body is positioned inside the first light-guiding tube or the second light-guiding tube.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a housing, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), and a light emitting diode (LED), a photosensor for detecting light that is emitted from the CCFL and the LED and then by way of a document, and a control circuit for controlling operations of the scanning device. The LED can be used to perform scans while the CCFL is heating.

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

Abstract: A scanner includes a scan flatbed, an optical module, a driving source, and an exposure control unit. The scan flatbed is for carrying a to-be-scanned document. The optical module includes a photo sensing device, for reading N scan lines of the to-be-scanned document. The driving source, used for driving the optical module, includes an encoder for outputting a position signal corresponding to a position of the optical module. The exposure control unit, including a timer, controls exposure time for each scan line to be constant according to the position signal. The scan method includes driving the optical module to read the scan lines of the to-be-scanned document and output the corresponding position signal; and controlling the photo sensing device to read each scan line of the to-be-scanned document for a constant period of time according to the position signal.

Abstract: A controller of a scanning apparatus is used for controlling vertical compensation of the scanned document. The controller includes a vertical compensation circuit. By compensating the image data in the vertical direction, the scanning performance is enhanced.

Abstract: A scanner including a light source, an optical module, a driving device, and a control unit is provided. The light source emits a light beam to the to-be-scanned document. The optical module includes a photo sensing device for receiving the light beam reflected by the to-be-scanned document. The driving device includes a position detecting device, for detecting a position of the optical module relative to the to-be-scanned document, and outputting a position feedback signal accordingly. The control unit includes a light source controller and a timer. The scanning method includes the steps of setting the value of K to 1; moving the optical module to read the Kth scan line and adjusting the luminance of the light source to compensate exposure level of the (K+1)th scan line; and determining if K is smaller than N.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for forming image, digital image information is generated by conveying a document and scanning an image recorded on the document while conveying the document. When an image is scanned with a high resolution that is greater than a default resolution, a document is conveyed at a default speed at an initial stage and the document is conveyed at a speed slower than the default speed during an image scanning operation. The image forming apparatus includes a scan unit scanning the image recorded on the document, and a conveying unit which conveys the document at a default speed in an initial stage of conveying the document, and which conveys the document at a speed slower than the default speed while scanning the image in a high resolution scanning operation that has higher resolution than a default resolution.

Abstract: A scanner unit includes a housing having an opening on its upper surface, a platen glass provided so as to be exposed from the opening on the upper surface of the housing, a carriage provided in the housing so as to be movable parallel with the platen glass, a linear CIS mounted on the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction to read the image of a document placed on the platen glass, roller units provided in the vicinity of both ends and central part with respect to the vicinity of the both ends of the CIS in the longitudinal direction so as to abut on the platen glass, and a coil spring provided in the carriage so as to force the CIS toward the platen glass.

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.

Abstract: An image scanner might capture an image corresponding to scan region 263 which might be somewhat larger than original 262. Image processing circuitry might then enlarge an image corresponding to scan region 263 (arrow 279), converting it into enlarged image 271. Within enlarged image 271, the image of original 262 might have been enlarged so as to become image 273, which might be somewhat larger than printing paper 274. This enlarged original image 273 which would be present within enlarged image 271 might then be printed by a printer. Four-sided borderless copying is possible.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an integral scanning optical unit in which a light source device for illuminating an original placed on an original table, a plurality of mirrors for reflecting a light beam from the original and an imaging optical system for imaging the light beam reflected by the mirrors, upon a reading device, are integrally accommodated, wherein at least one mirror is so configured that the light beam is incident thereon twice or more, wherein, in a sub-scan section, reflection surfaces of the mirrors are disposed in a space at an original-reading-position side of a light entrance surface of the imaging optical system, and wherein the reflection surface of a mirror disposed at a position optically closest to the light entrance surface of the imaging optical system is placed at a position furthermost from the original table with respect to a direction of a normal thereto, as compared with the reflection surfaces of the remaining mirrors.

Abstract: A light-collective member (142) for collecting a light outputted from a light source (140), which irradiates a light toward a document surface, toward a sub-scanning direction is provided in front of the light source (140). An illuminating portion which is so formed that each of opposite end surfaces (170, 172) in the main scanning direction of the light-collective member (142) has an obtuse angle with respect to a bottom surface (174) facing the light source (140).

Abstract: An image reading device has a CIS unit. The CIS unit is held by a carriage. A compression coil spring that presses the CIS unit toward a contact glass plate is disposed between the bottom surface of the carriage and the bottom surface of the CIS unit. An extension coil spring that pulls the CIS unit toward the carriage is attached between the bottom surface of the carriage and the center portion of the CIS unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a computer program product for dissipating heat produced in a scan head assembly of an imaging apparatus during scanning of media sheets in the imaging apparatus. The method includes determining at least one of a temperature of the scan head assembly and a media sheet scan count. The method further includes moving the scan head assembly between a first position of the scan head assembly and a second position of the scan head assembly for dissipating heat, based on at least one of the temperature of the scan head assembly and the media sheet scan count.

Abstract: A method for scanning a media sheet with a scanning apparatus includes feeding the media sheet through the first set of rollers into a scanning area, such that a first portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A first partial media sheet image of the first portion is scanned. The media sheet is fed into the second set of rollers, then out of the first set of rollers, such that a second portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A second partial media sheet image of the second portion of the media sheet is scanned. At least the first partial media sheet image is combined with the second partial media sheet image to generate a full image of the media sheet. In a further embodiment, the number of partial scans may be increased as necessary to provide a complete image of the scanned object, e.g., the media sheet. For example, one or more intermediate scans may be performed in accordance with the present invention in addition to the scans occurring at the ends of media sheet.

Abstract: A closed circuit control device for controlling carrier speed of a scanner. An optical meter is attached to the transparent glass panel of a scanner such that an image of the optical meter is formed on an optical sensor such as a charge couple device or a contact image sensor. Image of the optical meter is converted into sense signals by the optical sensor so that speed of the carrier can be accurately computed. Through the acquisition of an accurate carrier speed, scanning speed and direction can be precisely controlled.