Abstract: An image reading device includes first carriage, a stepper motor, a shakiness level calculating section, and a timing adjusting section. The first carriage reads an image of a document to be read loaded on a document table. The stepper motor moves the first carriage relative to the document. The shakiness level calculating section calculates a shakiness level of the image, indicating shakiness of the image during reading by the first carriage, based on image data read by the first carriage with respect to a reference image incorporated into the document table. The timing adjusting section adjusts a rise timing of a step signal input to the stepper motor in accordance with the shakiness level that is calculated.

Abstract: A cable wiring structure includes: a base member; a movable member configured to reciprocate in a first direction and in a second direction relative to the base member; a cable; a tension applying member, which is attached to the movable member and is movable in the first direction and in the second direction relative to the movable member, wherein when the movable member moves in the second direction, the tension applying member is coming in contact with an inner circumference of the curved portion to apply tension to the cable in response to movement of the movable member; and a load adjustment portion, which is configured to increase a load that is applied between the tension applying member and the movable member in a case where the movable member moves in the second direction as compared with a case where the movable member moves in the first direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a housing; a cover pivotable with respect to the housing about a first pivot axis extending in first directions that are opposite each other; a first electric component provided in the housing; a second electric component provided in the cover; and an electric wire configured to connect the first electric component and the second electric component to each other. The electric wire includes: a first extending portion retained by the cover and extending in the first directions; and a second extending portion movable relative to the cover and extending from the first extending portion toward the housing.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile optical scanning system having an image scanner contained within a hollow inside space defined by mated engagement of an upper housing and a lower housing having corresponding upper and lower transparent windows having reduced margins and a scanning control interface rotatable through the enclosed space which allows scanning through the upper transparent window in either the upright or inverted condition by alignment of viewable indicator marks and overlap indicators in relation to an article which allows stitched alignment of a plurality of scanning cycles to generate images embeddable with metadata or data files.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a reading unit provided with an image sensor and configured to read a manuscript placed on a contact glass, a manuscript sensor whose output level varies depending on whether the manuscript is detected, and a moving mechanism configured to move the manuscript sensor from a predetermined reference position in an oblique direction with respect to a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction such that a detection zone of the manuscript sensor passes through a side of the manuscript parallel to the sub scanning direction and a side of the manuscript parallel to the main scanning direction. A recognizing unit is also included that is configured to recognize lengths in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of the manuscript, based on a displacement of the manuscript sensor from the reference position.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a character recognition unit, and a display unit for a display according to a language which is set. The reading unit reads out a document and generates image data. The character recognition unit recognizes a character included in the image data in order to orient the image data upright. The display unit displays information specifying an orientation of the character in the document with respect to the reading unit, when the language which is set is a language which is not recognizable by the character recognition unit.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device including: a separating roller; a separating piece; and conveying rollers. The separating roller conveys each sheet along a predetermined conveying path in a conveyance direction. The separating piece provides a first nip position in cooperation with the outer peripheral surface of the separating roller for nipping a sheet or sheets therebetween. The conveying rollers are provided at positions downstream of the separating roller in the conveyance direction and provide a second nip position where the sheet is nipped therebetween for conveying the sheet conveyed by the separating roller in the conveyance direction. An imaginary flat plane is defined by connecting the first nip position and the second nip position. The separating piece has a portion positioned downstream of the first nip position and protruding toward the separating roller beyond the imaginary flat plane.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including: an image reading unit configured to read an image of a document placed on a document placing portion; a document pressure unit configured to press the document placed on the document placing portion against the document placing portion; a first holding unit configured to hold the document pressure unit so that the document pressure unit is openable and closable with respect to the document placing portion with a shaft pivotally supporting the document pressure unit; and a second holding unit configured to hold the document pressure unit so that the document pressure unit is openable and closable with respect to the document placing portion without a shaft pivotally supporting the document pressure unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an image forming job by maintaining a cover, which covers a scan area and has adjustable transparency, in a transparent state until a job for acquiring image data of a scan object starts in an image forming apparatus. If the job for acquiring the image data of the scan object positioned in the scan area starts, the image forming apparatus converts the cover into an opaque state and acquires the image data of the scan object. If the job for acquiring the image data of the scan object is ended, the image forming apparatus reconverts the cover into a transparent state. Therefore, efficiency of a job for acquiring image data of a scan object is improved.

Abstract: An ink jet printer is a multifunctional recording apparatus in which a scanner unit is coupled to a recording unit in a rotationally movable manner. The scanner unit includes a protrusion. A carriage, the protrusion, and a rotational movement shaft of the scanner unit are arranged in this order from the unit front side to the unit rear side in the unit depth direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a conveyed document reading function and a placed document reading function includes: a moving mechanism for moving an imaging unit; a hinge mechanism for swingably connecting a document cover to a document platen; a conveyance mechanism provided to the document cover for conveying a document upon operation of the conveyed document reading function; a driving force transmission mechanism for selectively transmitting a driving force generated from a driving source to the moving mechanism or the conveyance mechanism; a first gear rotatable by receiving the driving force from the driving force transmission mechanism; and a second gear rotatable with being meshed with the first gear for transmitting the driving force to the moving mechanism or the conveyance mechanism, a rotating center line of which coincides with a swinging center line of the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a cover; a conveyor disposed to the cover and including a conveyance mechanism; a first platen configured to come into contact with a first side of the document conveyed by the conveyance mechanism; a first presser disposed below the first platen for pressing a second side of the document conveyed by the conveyance mechanism toward the first platen; a movable reading device for reading an image of the document on a document table while moving below the document table; a stationary reading device disposed above the first platen for reading an image of the document conveyed by the conveyance mechanism; and a first urging member for urging the first presser toward the first platen. The first platen and the first presser are spaced from each other when the document cover is opened.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention is directed to reading an original at a high resolution with high quality by an image reading apparatus using a 3-line CCD and white LED. The image reading apparatus according to the embodiment includes a 3-line CCD, a white LED, and a light guide configured to guide light from the LED to an original. A surface of the light guide from which light emerges toward the original is formed into a concave shape. Light from the light guide almost uniformly irradiates the reading region of an image placed on a platen glass.

Abstract: In a reading apparatus including a first conveying device including a first and a second movable unit to cause the sheet to pass through the first position; and a second conveying device including a third and a fourth movable unit to cause the sheet to pass through the second position; characterized in that when the reading device reads the sheet at the first position, a moving velocity of the second movable unit is larger than a moving velocity of the first movable unit, and when the reading device reads the sheet at the second position, a moving velocity of the fourth movable unit is larger than a moving velocity of the third movable unit.

Abstract: In a conveyor of an image-reading device, a first path is defined by a path from the upper path to the lower path via the curved path. A second path is defined by a path from the upper path to the extension path. A first reading unit is disposed on the upper path and reads the first surface while the original sheet is on the upper path. A second reading unit is disposed on the upper path and reads the second surface while the original sheet is on the upper path. A third reading unit is disposed on the lower path and reads the second surface while the original sheet is on the lower path. When the reading section reads the original sheet, the conveyor conveys the original sheet through the first path or the second path.

Abstract: A scanner is disclosed. The scanner has a scan sensor with a width smaller than the width of the platen. The scanner scans a first pass of the platen with the scan sensor in a first position on one side of the platen. The scanner then moves the scan sensor to the other side of the platen and does a second pass.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a base section; a reading unit; a movable body; a drive unit; and a cable. The movable body supports the reading unit and reciprocates between first and second end positions in a first direction. The drive unit is disposed on a first side where the first end position is located. The cable has one end portion fixed to a base wall of the base section and another end portion connected to the reading unit. The cable includes: a first elongated portion extending from the one end portion; a curved portion extending from the first elongated portion toward a second side where the second end position is located and then curving toward the first side; and a second elongated portion connected to the another end portion. The curved portion has a part overlapping with the drive unit in the first direction.

Abstract: In a reading apparatus, a control device is configured to: acquire a conveyance path switching information indicating whether a conveyance path switching unit has switched a conveyance path to a first conveyance path or a second conveyance path; judge, based on detection results by a width detecting unit, whether a type of an original sheet that is currently placed on an original sheet placing unit and that is not yet conveyed by a conveyance unit from the original sheet placing unit is a first type or a second type; and determine, based on both of the conveyance path switching information and the type of the not-yet-conveyed original sheet, whether the conveyance unit should stop conveyance of a preceding original sheet that the conveyance unit is currently conveying.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including: a conveyor; a first reading unit; a second reading unit; a first frame; and a second frame. The first reading unit extends in a prescribed direction and has a first end on a first side and a third end on a second side opposite to the first side in the prescribed direction. The second reading unit extends in the prescribed direction and has a second end on the first side and a fourth end on the second side. The second reading unit is disposed opposite to the first reading unit with a conveying path along which a sheet is conveyed interposed therebetween. The first frame includes first and second engagement portions configured to be engaged with the first and second ends, respectively. The second frame includes third and fourth engagement portions configured to be engaged with the third and fourth ends, respectively.

Abstract: An image reader includes a reading carriage, on which a reading unit is mounted and which performs scanning along a document-sheet platen in a scanning direction, and an annular belt that draws the reading carriage. The belt includes a first side extending in the scanning direction to which the reading carriage is fixed, and a second side that is disposed to be spaced from the first side. The detection unit that detects a document sheet mounted on the document-sheet platen is disposed in a region between the first side and the second side of the belt in a direction intersecting with the scanning direction.

Abstract: In an image reading device, a movable part provided below a document platen in a housing is moved in a sub scanning direction. A reflection control part extending along a movement range of the movable part is fixed to the housing near the movable part. The reflection control part has first reflection parts having a relatively large reflectance and second reflection parts having a relatively small reflectance arranged along the movement range. A detection light irradiation part provided in the movable part irradiates the reflection control part with detection light. A detection light reception part receives the detection light reflected by the reflection control part. A signal generating part generates a binary signal corresponding to the detection light received by the detection light reception part. A movement deciding part decides movement state of the movable part according to the binary signal generated by the signal generating part.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes a generator, a transmission unit, a control unit, and a mode selector. The generator generates a process-required signal. The transmission unit transmits the process-required signal to a unit disposed after the transmission unit. The control unit supplies respective control signal to the generator and transmission unit. The control unit includes a reference clock generator constantly operated for generating a reference clock signal when the signal processing circuit is operated. The mode selector selects and shifts an operating mode of the signal processing circuit between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the generator and transmission unit are supplied with respective normal control signal from the control unit for a normal operation. In the second mode, the generator is supplied with a control signal different from the normal control signal, and the transmission unit is supplied with the same normal control signal.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a sensor configured to receive light from a document, an imaging lens configured to form an image of light from the document on the sensor, a first holding member to which the imaging lens is fixed, and a second holding member to which the sensor is fixed, wherein the first holding member and the second holding member are fixed using an adhesive and solder.

Abstract: Scanning technology related to editing a scan image. A request to edit a scan image that was acquired through an input apparatus is received and an editing user interface area that includes an editing version of the scan image and at least one functional icon is displayed. After selection of the editing version of the scan image, user input is received moving the editing version of the scan image to a predetermined area of the editing user interface area that corresponds to a functional icon. The editing version of the scan image is converted into text data, a function associated with the functional icon is determined, and the converted text data is used in the determined function associated with the functional icon.

Abstract: An image sensor unit includes a frame in which a light source and an image sensor are housed, and a cover member that is bonded to the frame. The cover member is bonded by means of a double-sided tape that includes a film-shaped substrate and adhesive layers formed on both sides of the substrate. Slits that extend from one outer edge in a width direction to an intermediate portion in the width direction and slits that extend from the other outer edge in the width direction to an intermediate portion in the width direction are formed in the double-sided tape. The respective slits that are adjacent include an overlapping portion when viewed in a long-side direction.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprising: a placing portion on which an original being fed is placed; an original conveying portion which conveys the original placed on the placing portion; an image reading portion which reads an image on the original conveyed by the original conveying portion; an stacking portion which is disposed under the placing portion and on which the original read by the image reading portion is stacked; and an illuminating portion which is disposed above the stacking portion and below the placing portion to illuminate the stacking portion, wherein the illuminating portion is disposed outside an original stacking area, that a maximum-sized original in a width direction orthogonal to an original conveyance direction is stacked, in the width direction.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes a scanning unit configured to scan, at a scanning position, an image of a document, a first discharge portion, a second discharge portion, a conveying unit configured to selectively convey the document along a first conveying path from the scanning position to the first discharge portion, and along a second conveying path from the scanning position to the second discharge portion, a driving unit configured to generate a driving force for driving the conveying unit, and a path switching unit configured to receive the driving force generated by the driving unit such that the path switching unit moves between a first position for guiding the document toward the first discharge portion, and a second position for guiding the document toward the second discharge portion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a data generation portion that generates text-searchable electronic data by superimposing transparent text data obtained by causing, to be transparent, text data contained in document sheet data stored in advance in a storage portion, and image data read from a document sheet by an image reading portion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reception port capable of receiving a paper document. A discharge port discharges a paper document received from the reception port and serves as an ID card reception port. A conveyance path connects the reception port and the discharge port to each other. A conveyance unit conveys the paper document received from the reception port or the ID card received from the discharge port. An image reading unit, provided on the conveyance path, reads a double-sided image of the paper document or the ID card. An image processing unit matches a first image data output condition obtained by reading, by the image reading unit, the paper document received from the reception port, with a second image data output condition obtained by reading, by the image reading unit, the paper document received from the discharge port.

Abstract: A document feeding device has: a document placement stand on which documents of different sizes can be placed; a conveying section separating, one-by-one, documents of a document stack placed on the document placement stand, and conveying a separated document to a discharging section; a first document width sensing unit sensing a maximum document width of the document stack placed on the document placement stand; a second document width sensing unit sensing a document width of a document separated from the document placement stand by the conveying section; and a controller that, in a case in which a mixed size document mode that permits conveying of documents of different sizes is not set, causes the conveying section to restartably interrupt conveying of the document when the maximum document width sensed by the first document width sensing unit and the document width sensed by the second document width sensing unit differ.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the same are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a document feeder to feed an original document, a time delay integration image sensor to scan the original document and read image data, and a controller to activate a time delay integration function of the time delay integration image sensor when a direction for feed of the original document corresponds to a sub-scanning direction of the time delay integration image sensor, and to deactivate the time delay integration function of the time delay integration image sensor when the direction for feed of the original document does not correspond to the sub-scanning direction of the time delay integration image sensor, during reading of the original document.

Abstract: A light source driving circuit that drives a light source includes a driving electric current generator that generates a driving electric current including a predetermined electric current, a first auxiliary current, and a second auxiliary current; and a controller that sets values of the first and second auxiliary currents by using first and second lighting pattern signals, wherein each of the first and second lighting pattern signals is for controlling supply of the predetermined electric current to the light source. After setting a first value of the first auxiliary current, a second value of the second auxiliary current is set by using the second lighting pattern signal that defines a time period for stopping supply of the predetermined electric current to be shorter than a time period for stopping the supply of the predetermined electric current that is defined by the first lighting pattern signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, comprising: a housing; an image formation unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; a stacking tray configured such that the recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image formation unit is stacked; a discharge unit configured to discharge, to the stacking tray, the recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image formation unit; and a reading device comprising a reading unit configured to read out an image formed on a document and a reversing unit configured to reverse a conveying direction of the document, and wherein the reading device is disposed on a lower side in a vertical direction with respect to the stacking tray and on a downstream side in a discharging direction of the recording medium discharged from the discharge unit with respect to the discharge unit.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes: a conveying unit; and a controller. The conveying unit is configured to convey a sheet along a conveying path. The sheet has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The conveying path includes a segment that is curved. The controller is configured to control the conveying unit to convey the sheet, determine whether or not a halting condition for halting conveyance of the sheet is met, and halt, if the halting condition is met, conveyance of the sheet when one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet is positioned in a segment of the conveying path different from the segment that is curved.

Abstract: An image reading device includes: a sensor unit; a first reading part at which the sensor unit reads a document through a first transparent member; a second reading part at which the sensor unit reads a document through a second transparent member different from the first transparent member; and a color reference, wherein measurement of the color reference is able to be performed through the first transparent member by the sensor unit for calibration for reading at the first reading part, and measurement of the color reference is able to be performed through the second transparent member by the sensor unit for calibration for reading at the second reading part.

Abstract: An image reading device comprising: a document placing portion; a conveyor; and a reading unit configured to read an image of the document. The reading unit includes: an image sensor; and a support which supports the image sensor, wherein in the case of reading the image of the document conveyed by the conveyor. The support is to be stopped at a predetermined reading position; a guide; and a driving unit. The reading unit further includes: a release unit configured to release the contact with the guide by separating the support from the guide when the support is moved toward the predetermined reading position; and a contact portion configured to contact with the support separated from the guide by the release unit when the support is moved toward the predetermined reading position.

Abstract: A document reading device includes a reading table, an openable member, a detection member, an open and close movement member, a reading member, a reading movement member, and a controller. The reading table, which allows a document to be placed thereon, is covered or uncovered by closing or opening the openable member. The open and close movement member is moved as the openable member is opened or closed. The open and close movement member positioned at the detection position is detected by the detection member. The reading member reads the document on the reading table while being moved by a drive force controlled by the controller. The reading movement member is moved as the reading member is moved. The reading movement member positioned at the detection position is detected by the detection member.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus may include multiple detection portions including a first detection portion and a second detection portion. The first detection portion and the second detection portion may be configured to distinguishably detect the insertion of media from one of a first opening and a second opening. In one example, the first detection portion may be disposed along a first conveyance path corresponding to the first opening while the second detection portion may be disposed along a second conveyance path corresponding to the second opening.

Abstract: Automatic document feeder includes a transport path member having a transport path surface configuring a transport path in a device body, a latching member that is mounted on a rotating shaft provided in the other end side, is urged in a first rotation direction latched to a latched portion, and holds the transport path member in closed transport path, and an operating member that is rotated up to an operating position by own weight thereof or urging force in a second rotation direction when the device body moves to an exposed position of the transport path member, and is mounted with allowance so that the latching member is rotated in the second rotation direction according to a further rotating operation in the second rotation direction from the operating position and the latching member is detached from the latched portion.

Abstract: An optical unit of an image reading device has the center of gravity in a position toward a first sub scanning direction, relative to the middle point of the optical unit in terms of sub scanning directions. An engagement part is provided in a position toward a first main scanning direction relative to a sliding part. A plurality of pairs of pinching parts include a first pair provided in a position toward the first sub scanning direction and a second pair provided in a position toward a second sub scanning direction. Of the two pinching parts in the second pair, the pinching part provided in a position toward the first main scanning direction is biased by a first biasing member toward a rail part side, and the pinching part provided in a position toward a second main scanning direction is not biased by the first biasing member.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a contact glass provided at an upper surface of a main body of the apparatus to set a manuscript thereon, an image sensor being positioned below the contact glass and having a reading surface on contact glass side for reading an image from the manuscript on the contact glass, a carriage supporting the image sensor accommodated in a sensor container formed to have a recess open to the contact glass side, a rail member slidably supporting the carriage, and a biasing member biasing the image sensor to the contact glass side via a biased portion adjacent to the reading surface of the image sensor. An upper end of the biasing member is positioned below the contact glass and above the lower surface of the image sensor.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided with a registration roller configured such that a downstream end in a sheet feeding direction of a sheet abut to correct a skew of the sheet, and a pulling roller that conveys the sheet to the registration roller. The pulling roller is disposed such that a center of an arrangement in a direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction of the pulling roller is located on a side of the first restricting plate from a widthwise center of the sheet conveying path.

Abstract: An image reader includes a moving portion, a transparent plate, a reference member, and a detecting portion. The reference member that is provided in at least one of a position that is not the manuscript contact surface in the first scanning direction and a position that is further to a side in a first direction from the transparent plate than the manuscript contact surface. The detecting portion is supported by the moving portion and includes a plurality of detecting elements, in the second scanning direction, detecting reflected light of light irradiated from a light source. A height position of the detecting portion when the reference member is on the side in the first direction is further to the side in the first direction than a height position of the detecting portion when the manuscript contact surface is on the side in the first direction.

Abstract: A sheet conveyer including a first chassis and a second chassis, a conveying unit to convey a sheet in a conveying route between the first chassis and the second chassis, an emitter disposed on one of the first chassis and the second chassis and configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the conveying route, a receiver disposed on the second chassis and configured to receive the ultrasonic waves and to output detecting signals, which are to be used to determine whether the sheet being conveyed in the conveying route includes multiple sheets, and a power source disposed on the second chassis and configured to supply power to the emitter, and the receiver, is provided.

Abstract: An image reading device, which can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes an image pickup device, a transparent member, a traveling body, and a housing. The traveling body includes a light source to emit light and guides the light reflected from a surface of the document to the image pickup device while moving in a sub scanning direction along the document surface on the transparent member. The housing accommodates the image pickup device and the traveling body, and includes a base member including a rectangular bottom surface and a side surface, and a rail member including a rail surface and a first vertical surface. The rail member further includes a fixing part that is a surface to be fixed to the bottom surface of the base member and to extend from one end of the rail member in the sub scanning direction to the other end.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a platen glass, a document feeder, a light source, a light receiving section, a first opening/closing detection sensor, a second opening/closing detection sensor, and a document size determination section. The document size determination section determines a size of an original document on the basis of a measurement result from the light receiving section. Where the first opening/closing detection sensor indicates the open state, while the second opening/closing detection sensor indicates no open state when the original document is placed on the platen glass, the document size determination section determines a size of the original document in a main scanning direction on the basis of full lighting-up determination data obtained with all of plural light emitting elements lighted up and partial lighting-up determination data obtained with some of the plural light emitting elements lighted up.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus which (i) determines whether or not characters to be subjected to a character recognition process in image data have a size larger than a predetermined size, (ii) in a case where the characters is determined as larger than the predetermined size, reduces at least a region including the characters so that the size of the characters fits within the predetermined size, and (iii) performs a character recognition process of the characters with use of the reduced image data.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading apparatus including: a reading device configured to read a manuscript supplied by a first or a second supply mode, a switching device configured to switch the first and second supply modes, a display, and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the display to display a first screen in a case that the switching device switches the supply mode to the first supply mode, as well as to cause the display to display a second screen in a case that the switching device switches the supply mode to the second supply mode.

Abstract: An overhead image reading apparatus 1 includes: an image-capturing unit 22 that captures an image of a medium S to be read from above when the medium S to be read is placed on a placement surface 2; a light source 21 that irradiates the medium S to be read with light when the image-capturing unit 22 captures the image of the medium S to be read; and a light blocking portion 25 that blocks light above an upper-end position of light emitted from the light source 21. As a result, the user 100 can be prevented from seeing light from the light source 21 with his/her eyes and from being dazzled with an unpleasant feeling by light from the light source 21 during reading on the medium S to be read.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a housing having a conveyance path where a first medium and a second medium are conveyed; a pair of first conveyance rollers that has a first driving roller and a first pinch roller; a pair of second conveyance rollers that has a second driving roller and a second pinch roller having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first pinch roller, and wherein the first driving roller and the first pinch roller are positioned at an outside of a conveyance area in the axis direction, wherein the second driving roller and the second pinch roller are positioned at an inside of the conveyance area in the axis direction, wherein the second pinch roller, and wherein the first pinch roller and the second pinch roller are rotatably supported about a driven shaft center parallel with a driving shaft center.