Abstract: Provided is an image reading apparatus communicatable with an image processing apparatus, including: a first reader that reads an image of a first side of a document; a first storage that stores the image read by the first reader; a second reader that reads an image of a second side of the document; a second storage that stores the image read by the second reader; a transmitter that transmits the images stored in the first storage and the second storage to the image processing apparatus; and a controller that, with respect to a first document whose length in a conveyance direction is longer than a predetermined length, causes the transmitter to transmit the image read by the first reader to the image processing apparatus, and causes the first storage and the second storage to store the image read by the second reader.

Abstract: According to the embodiment, an automatic document feeder includes a first transport unit which transports a document fed from a document tray to a reading portion in a first direction after turning over the document, and a second transport unit which transports the document fed from the document tray to the reading portion in a second direction and transports the document passed through the reading portion to the reading portion in the first direction after turning over the document. When an image on one side of the document is read, the document is sorted to be transported to the first transport unit, and when images on both sides of the document are read, the document is sorted to be transported to the second transport unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, provided is a system for printing data on a flexible substrate that has a color-changeable materials associated therewith. The system comprises a data source that may be configured to provide data to be printed on the flexible substrate, a processing circuit, and an energy source. The processing circuit may be configured to retrieve the data from the data source and to control the energy source to change a color of the color-changeable material based on the retrieved data.

Abstract: In a control device, the scan control unit controls a scanning operation in which data is to be generated by reading a document. The data format selecting unit selects one of a first format or a second format different from the first format as a data format in which the data is to be generated. The resolution setting unit sets a reading resolution based on the data format. The resolution setting unit sets a first resolution as the reading resolution when the data format selecting unit selects the first format whereas the resolution setting unit sets a second resolution different from the first resolution as the reading resolution when the data format selecting unit selects the second format. The scan control unit controls the scanning operation to read the document in the reading resolution set by the resolution setting unit.

Abstract: An optical reading device, a control method for an optical reading device, and a program for directing execution of the method each enables efficient and quick transmission of digital image data obtained from reading a document to a host computer or other control device. A dot impact printer having an optical reading device that optically reads documents and stores the resulting digitized image data, sets target reading areas, and transmits digital image data stored in a scan buffer rendered in a RAM to the host computer. When multiple target areas are set, the transmission order of the target areas is determined according to specific conditions, and the target areas are transmitted according to this transmission sequence.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus may include a main unit, a cover unit, an openable unit, and a conductive member. The cover unit is pivotable relative to the main unit, and includes a metal frame and a reading device configured to read an image of a document conveyed through an upper path of a U-shaped conveying path. The openable unit is pivotable relative to the cover unit, and includes a document pressing member configured to face the reading device when the openable unit is closed relative to the cover unit. The conductive member is configured to electrically connect the metal frame and the document pressing member.

Abstract: Am MFP (100) is provided with: a casing (22) which is turnably supported at a turning support point (25) to an apparatus main body (40) and which stores an image reading part (20) capable of optically reading a document; and an outer cover (23) which is turnably supported at a turning support point (21) to the apparatus main body (40) and which has a top surface (23a) opposing a bottom surface (66) of the casing (22) and a bottom surface (23b) covering image forming means, and is provided with a suspending mechanism that opens and closes the outer cover (23) in conjunction with opening and closing operation of the casing (22), and the turning support point (21) of the outer cover (23) is arranged with a distance from the turning support point (25) of the casing (22) toward a turning end of the casing (22).

Abstract: An image reader includes a discharge cover disposed on a side of the image reader, the discharge cover forming part of a side surface when closed and forming a discharge port when opened. Undesired illumination from light entering the image reader through the discharge port is suppressed from impinging on a contact 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 reading apparatus, including: an image reading portion; a tray; a first regulation member movable in a width direction on the tray; a second regulation member movable in association with the first regulation member; a first and a second rotating portions rotated by the sheet on the tray; and a sensor portion configured to generate a signal based on rotations of the first and second rotating portions, wherein the first rotating portion is located between the first regulation member and the second regulation member which regulate both edges of a sheet having a minimum width; and the second rotating portion is located between the other edge of a sheet having a smaller width and the first regulation member when sheets having different widths are supported on the tray with each one edge being aligned with the first regulation member.

Abstract: A sheet scanner comprises a sheet inlet on a front side, a scanned sheet outlet on a rear side, and a deflector to direct scanned sheets from the outlet towards the front side of the scanner, over the top cover thereof, and further comprises a stopper on the top cover, at the front side of the scanner and above the sheet inlet, to temporarily restrain the leading edge of a scanned sheet such that the sheet advances and folds over itself and beyond the stopper, the leading edge being released from the stopper when the sheet folded over itself and beyond the stopper pulls it downwards.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an automatic document feeder, a first reading unit to read a first side of a document fed by the automatic document feeder and to function as a main reading unit, a second reading unit to read a second side of the document fed by the automatic document feeder; and a control unit to operate the first and second reading units in order to perform an ADF two-sided reading mode. The control unit determines a point in time when the main reading unit is changed, based on a frequency in use of the ADF two-sided reading mode, and changes the main reading unit to the second reading unit at the determined point in time.

Abstract: An image read device is provided, which conveys an original while performing reading of an image of the original at a read position on a transparent member by a read unit fixed, the image read device including: a moving unit that moves the transparent member back and forth in an original conveying direction; a control unit that conveys the original and moves the transparent member by using the moving unit while causing the reading of the image to be performed at the read position; and a determining unit that, when an event causing interruption of original conveyance occurs, stops the transparent member and determines whether a control of returning the transparent member to a home position is to be performed or not in accordance with a stopped position of the original in an original conveying path.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance device that is capable of correcting skew of a sheet like an index sheet without complicating a use setting and without increasing a cost significantly. A plurality of conveyance units are arranged in a direction intersecting a sheet conveyance direction to convey a sheet. At least three detection sensors are arranged in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction at an upstream side from the conveyance units to detect the sheet. A skew amount computation unit measures a time difference between detection timings of a front end of the sheet by two of the at least three detection sensors except the detection sensor that detects first, and computes a front-end skew amount according to the time difference. A speed change unit makes the conveyance speeds of the conveyance units be different according to the front-end skew amount so as to correct the skew of the sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure correction in scanners are disclosed. In the method, exposure is corrected for pixels received in an image sensor array. Exposure time is tracked for the incoming pixel data and a calibration factor is determined for correcting the gain, and the calibration factor is adjusted based on the tracked exposure time. In the apparatus, a scanner includes an illumination source and a sensor for receiving pixel data. Using values stored in a memory, circuitry is provided for determining a calibration factor, for tracking exposure time for the pixel data and for adjusting the pixel data based on the calibration factor and exposure time.

Abstract: An illuminating light source, and a scanner module and an image scanning apparatus including the same. The illuminating light source includes: a vacuum tube have a cylindrical shape, is filled with a discharging gas, and has a light emitting portion disposed in a lengthwise direction thereof; a discharging electrode disposed upon the vacuum tube, and having a width that increases from a center portion to end portions thereof; and a fluorescent body disposed within the vacuum tube, to absorb first light beams emitted by the discharging gas and to emit second light beams having a longer wavelength than the first light beams, with the second light beams being illuminated through the light emitting portion.

Abstract: An image reader is provided, which includes a first image reading unit configured to read an image on a first side of a first document sheet being conveyed on a feeding path, and output an analog signal corresponding to the read image of the first side, a second image reading unit configured to read an image on a second side opposite to the first side of the first document sheet being conveyed on the feeding path, and output a digital signal corresponding to the read image of the second side in a differential transmission method, and a processor configured to process the analog signal output from the first reading unit and the digital signal output from the second image reading unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus to prevent reading quality from deteriorating when two reading units respectively read a first side and a second side of a document with different capabilities, and a method of controlling the same includes an automatic document feeder to feed a document, a first reading unit to read a first side of the document fed by the automatic document feeder, and a second reading unit to read a second side of the document fed by the automatic document feeder. A control unit to control an operation of the image reading apparatus determines at least one of the first reading unit and the second reading unit as a reference reading unit in a both-side reading mode in which both sides of the document are read and controls a transport speed of the document such that the document is transported at a speed to allow the reference reading unit to read the document.

Abstract: A duplex scanning apparatus and a sheet-feeding control method thereof are provided. The duplex scanning apparatus includes a sheet feeding channel, a sheet transfer channel, an inverting channel, and a sheet sensing module. A first end of the inverting channel is connected to a junction between said sheet feeding channel and the sheet transfer channel. A second end of the inverting channel is connected to the sheet transfer channel. A distance between the sheet sensing module and the first end of the inverting channel is greater than a distance between the sheet sensing module and the second end of the inverting channel. When a document is transferred through the sheet sensing module at the second time, a next document is fed into the sheet feeding channel through a sheet entrance.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a lower unit, an upper unit arranged above the lower unit and a guide arranged on an opposite side to the lower unit with respect to the upper unit. The guide relatively rotates with respect to the upper unit in a direction away from the upper unit so as to form an ejection path, between the upper unit and the guide, of a sheet-like medium conveyed between the upper unit and the lower unit. The upper unit and the guide are close to each other respectively, at positions closest to the lower unit in respective rotation ranges of relative rotation with respect to the lower unit. The rotation range of the guide is wider than that of the upper unit, in a rotation direction away from the lower unit from the positions close to each other.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image forming unit, an image reading unit arranged above an upper part of the image forming unit, a sheet ejection space between the image forming unit and the image reading unit, and a supporting unit arranged on the upper part of the image forming unit to surround at least two sides of the sheet ejection space in different directions. The image reading unit is secured to the upper part of the image forming unit through the supporting unit.

Abstract: There is provided a detection device including: a detection section detecting an image on a medium conveyed along the conveyance path or the medium; a reference member that is disposed at an opposite side of the conveyance path from the side thereof at which the illumination unit is disposed and that is provided to be rotatable with a rotation axis direction being a width direction of the medium; a test face comprising one of reflection faces of the reference member; a position detection pattern provided at the test face; a focal point detection pattern provided at the test face, the focal point detection pattern enabling detection by the detection section of a focal point; and a depth detection portion provided at the test face, the depth detection portion enabling detection by the detection section of an illumination depth of the light illuminated from a illumination unit.

Abstract: A document feeding route is provided in an automatic document feeder, and a feeder cover is provided on an upper portion of the automatic feeder and arranged to open and close an upstream half route of the document feeding route by being movable in a pivoting fashion. A plurality of pairs of drive rollers and idler rollers are provided in a downstream half route to feed a document toward a document ejection port. A jam clearance mechanism arranged to move the idler rollers or the drive rollers in a direction toward releasing a nipped state is arranged to face the downstream half route. The jam clearance mechanism includes a pair of cam frames and releasing bodies. The cam frames undergo a sliding displacement in a direction along which the pairs of idler rollers and drive rollers are arranged in coordination with opening and closing of the feeder cover. The releasing bodies move back and forth in coordination with the sliding movement of the cam frames.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus may include a cable for connecting a reading device to a controller configured to perform functions and execute instructions. To prevent breakage and stress on the cable, the cable may be fixed to a guide component. For example, the cable may be fixed to the guide component on a first side and be held by the component such that the cable includes a generally U-shaped slacked portion. According to one or more arrangements, the guide component may include an escape portion that allows for the movement of an openable unit of the image reading apparatus. In yet other aspects, the guide component may be attachable/detachable from a main body of the image reading apparatus.

Abstract: Document guide systems and methods employing a document platen are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, a document guide system employing a document platen includes a document platen having a first, document-faceable side and a second, opposing side, and a document support sub-system adjacent the first side of the document platen. The document support sub-system and the first side of the document platen are adapted to receive a document therebetween, and the document platen forms an aperture adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation therethrough.

Abstract: A sheet transport device includes a shaft member that extends in an axial direction orthogonal to a sheet transport direction, and a roller that includes plural components which are assembled together so as to surround the shaft member. The components have a shape such that a joint between the components is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the roller which is formed by assembling the components together. The joint extends from one end to another end of the outer peripheral surface in the axial direction while bending or curving at least at a portion in the middle thereof.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image reader comprises a plurality of light receiving elements configured to receive light from an object to be read and to convert the light into image signals. The image reader further comprises means for determining a distance between the object and the plurality of light receiving elements at a plurality of different positions of the object. Moreover the image reader comprises means for selecting at least one correction process portion based at least on the distance between the object and the plurality of light receiving elements. The image reader comprises means for applying the at least one selected correction process to the image signal.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprising a conveying unit configured to convey a document; a reading unit configured to read an image of the document conveyed by the conveying unit; a storage unit configured to store data of the image read by the reading unit; a transfer unit configured to transfer the data stored in the storage unit to an external unit during a reading operation of the reading unit; and a reading control unit configured to control the reading unit to perform or stop the reading operation according to a threshold value related to a free space available for storing the data in the storage unit.

Abstract: An image reader and document conveying method shorten times necessary for a discharge process that discharges a document in being conveyed and for an idle feeding process of a document that is left on a paper feed tray. If during double-sided reading, a stop key is operated to issue an instruction to cancel reading, a conveyance controller outputs a path specifying signal to select a single-sided path, and thereby a conveyance route is switched from a double-sided path to the single-sided path. For this reason, the discharge process that discharges a document being conveyed at the time of the reading cancellation to a paper discharge tray, and the idle feeding process that discharges a document left on a paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray are performed with use of the single-sided path that is shorter than the double-sided path, and therefore the times necessary for the discharge and idle feeding processes can be shortened.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprising a sheet fed scanner and a flatbed scanner. An input tray and an output tray for the sheet fed scanner as well as the platen for the flatbed scanner all face one side of the scanning apparatus resulting in a compact ergonomic scanning system.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for inserting one or more value documents and to a device for accepting or processing value documents having such an apparatus. The solution of the problem is based on an apparatus for inserting one or more value documents, including an insertion apparatus for inserting the individual value document or several value documents and a separator connected to the insertion apparatus for detecting one value document at a time. The insertion apparatus includes at least two parts connected to each other in a movable manner, wherein the first part in a first position forms a continuous supporting surface together with the second part for inserting several securities, and wherein the first part in a second position for inserting an individual security is removed from the area of the supporting surface.

Abstract: Restart shifting in the scanned image data is minimized and the resulting image quality is improved even when scanning pauses and resumes. A dot impact printer 10 issues a command to stop media conveyance when available capacity in the image buffer 41A goes below a stop buffering level, and continues scanning by the scanner 111, 112 until a conveyance stop delay period passes and then stops scanning. When the available capacity exceeds a resume buffering level after the conveyance stop delay period has passed, the dot impact printer 10 applies a command to resume media transportation and scanning, prohibits storing the scanned image data from the scanners 111, 112 until a resume drive delay time passes, and resumes storing data after the resume drive delay time passes.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a separation roller having a circumferential surface that contacts a first sheet to be fed first among stacked sheets and picks up the first sheet and one or more second sheets adjacent to the first sheet, a separation arm that is closer to the circumferential surface of the separation roller downstream in a feeding direction and configured to apply higher frictional resistance to the second sheets than the first sheet to feed the first sheet ahead of the second sheets, and a guide member including a guide portion that has a lower-friction surface than the separation arm and extends from the separation arm with a distal end thereof in contact with or close to the circumferential surface of the separation roller. The guide portion guides the first and second sheets along the circumferential surface of the separation roller.

Abstract: A reading apparatus including: a first conveyance path in which a sheet is conveyed; a second conveyance path different from the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path allowing the sheet switched back after having passed through the first conveyance path to be conveyed therein; a reading unit configured to read the sheet, the reading unit being movable to a first position where a first surface of the sheet in the first conveyance path is read, a second position where a second surface as a back surface of the first surface of the sheet in the second conveyance path is read, and a third position different from the first position and the second position; and a reference portion that the reading unit reads for correcting information read by the reading unit, the reference portion being read by the reading unit moved to the third position.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique of preventing a collision between an original document and a printing material on a conveyance path when an image forming apparatus executes both additional printing on the original document and printing on the printing material. In a case where both additional printing on an original document and printing on a printing material are executed, the image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the invention conveys a read original document to a transfer unit through a conveyance path commonly used for an original document and sheet, and prints an image to be added on the original document. After the original document is conveyed to the transfer unit through the conveyance path, the image forming apparatus feeds a sheet from a sheet feeding unit to the conveyance path, and performs copying on the sheet in the transfer unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of efficiently performing shading correction. The image reading apparatus includes a reading unit that is rotatable for reading an original. A CPU causes the reading unit to read, while the reading unit rotates after reading an image of the original, image data for use in correction of the read image. The CPU performs the correction using the image data read by the reading unit.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes an original feed table that has a detection hole and on which a bundle composed of a plurality of originals is set; and an original detection sensor that detects the original on the original feed table. The original detection sensor is a reflective optical sensor having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and disposed under or inside of the original feed table to detect the original though the detection hole. The detection hole includes a light-emitting side portion corresponding to the light-emitting unit of and a light-receiving side portion corresponding to the light-receiving unit of the original detection sensor, the light-emitting side portion and the light-receiving side portion having planar shapes different from each other. The original feed table includes a light-shielding portion that is provided above the light-receiving unit of the original detection sensor, and has a slanted surface overhanging the light-receiving unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a light source opposite to one surface of a medium; a backing member opposite to another surface of the medium and including a backing surface opposite to the another surface of the medium; an imaging unit opposite to the one surface of the medium and at a position different from the light source in a conveyance direction, and to pick up an image of the medium and the backing surface on which a shadow of the medium is formed due to light from the light source; and a processor to generate image data including the image of the medium and the backing surface based on a result by the imaging unit, wherein the backing surface is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction, and a gap between the path and the backing surface decreases from a light source side toward an imaging unit side.

Abstract: A detecting device having image capturing capability in a bridge structure is provided, which includes a housing, a bridge structure, a scanning module, and a slider. The housing has a plurality of inner walls. The bridge structure includes at least one roller, an ADF transparent layer, and a flatbed transparent layer. The roller is arranged on one of the inner walls between the ADF transparent layer, and the flatbed transparent layer. The scanning module is movably arranged below the ADF transparent layer, and the flatbed transparent layer. The scanning module and the roller are spaced apart from each other. The slider is arranged on the scanning module, where the slider has a glide plane arranged proximate to the ADF transparent layer, and the flatbed transparent layer. The roller rolls on the glide plane. Thus, the lifespan of the device may be extended through reduction of friction during scanning operation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a body including a port into which a medium is insertable; a light source that is provided in the body and illuminates when an image is read for the medium that has been inserted into the port; a guide and output unit that is optically connected to the light source, guides light emitted from the light source, and outputs the guided light into the port; a receiver that detects the output light; and a determiner that determines whether the medium has been inserted into the port based on a result of the detection. The light source also illuminates when the determiner makes the determination. A region in the port through which the light output from the light guide and output unit passes exists from one end to the other end of the port in a width direction being a longitudinal direction of the port.

Abstract: An image reading device conveys a first sheet and second sheet in a conveying direction. The first sheet has short sides extending in the conveying direction and long sides extending in a main scanning direction. The second sheet has long sides extending in the conveying direction and short sides extending in the main scanning direction. The image reading device reads an image on a sheet at a reading position and detects the sheet at a detecting position. A distance between the reading position and the detecting position is smaller than a difference between the short side of first sheet and the long side of second sheet. The image reading device rotates the read image if a sheet is not detected when the predetermined length worth of image is read. The read image is not rotated if a sheet is detected when the predetermined length worth of image is read.

Abstract: A position measuring device including a code having a sequence of code elements of equal width B that is disposed in a measurement direction and includes a first property and a second property. The sequence of codes elements includes a first set of code elements having the first property and a second set of code elements having the second property, wherein the first and second sets of code elements are each being disposed aperiodically. The position measuring device further including a scanning unit having a plurality of detectors for scanning the code and obtaining scanning signals, wherein a code word defining an absolute position is defined from the scanning signals.

Abstract: An image reading system reads an image of an original document by conveying the original document through a fixed reading position along a platen glass. The image reading system includes a conveyance device that conveys the original document keeping a prescribed distance from the platen glass at the reading position. The contact glass is arranged outside a depth of focus at the reading position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus main body with an opening formed on an upper face thereof; an original document reading device that opens and closes the opening; an original document holder that is supported openably and closably by the original document reading device; a first lock mechanism that locks opening and closing of the original document reading device with respect to the apparatus main body; and a second lock mechanism that locks opening and closing of the original document holder with respect to the original document reading device, in which the first lock mechanism and the second lock mechanism are disposed inside a cabinet of the original document reading device.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a shading correction mechanism that can be formed by fewer component parts than conventional ones, and is increased in the degree of freedom of design, thereby enabling reduction of the size and weight thereof. A contact glass guides an original to an image reading position. A glass holding member holds the glass. A line image sensor reads an image on the original conveyed to the image reading location, through the contact glass. A reference member is disposed at a location different from the image reading location on the contact glass. A moving mechanism relatively moves the line image sensor and the reference member so that the line image sensor can alternatively read the original conveyed to the image reading location and the reference member. A drive section externally drives the moving mechanism to move the line image sensor and/or the reference member.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a sequence of documents passing along a transport path is described. The method including: operating a radiation transmitter with a control signal at a first, working, level to cause radiation at a first intensity to impinge on one side of a document as it passes an inspection position in the transport path; receiving at a radiation receiver, radiation from the transmitter that has passed through the document, the radiation receiver generating an output signal with a level related to the intensity of the received radiation; and monitoring the output signal to detect the presence and/or a characteristic of the document.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a changed-pixel detection unit and a determination unit. The changed-pixel detection unit detects, from image data read by the image reading unit, a changed pixel having a pixel value that differs from that of an adjacent pixel in the main scanning direction. The pixel value may differ by more than a predetermined value. The changed-pixel detection unit detects the position of the changed pixel in the main scanning direction. The determination unit determines that image data corresponding to positions of the changed pixel for the image data obtained by reading the document corresponds to a foreign image. The positions are consecutive in the sub-scanning direction. The positions of the changed pixel are detected for the image data obtained by reading the document and the image data obtained by reading the white guide member.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a first scanning unit, a second scanning unit, and a light source corresponding to each of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit. The light sources are arranged on the same side of the first and second scanning units with respect to the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a reading unit that reads a document as an object to be read in a main scanning direction; a conveyance unit that conveys one of the reading unit and the object to be read as an object to be conveyed in a sub-scanning direction; a detecting unit that detects a position of the object to be conveyed; a control unit that controls conveyance of the object to be conveyed, based on the position of the object to be conveyed and a preset target position trajectory; a specifying unit that specifies, based on the target position trajectory, the position of the object to be conveyed at a time when a period of invalidation or interruption of reading operation by the reading unit is started. The reading operation is invalidated or interrupted when a predetermined interruption condition is satisfied.