Document Feed Patents (Class 358/498)
  • Patent number: 8711439
    Abstract: A scanner enables full productivity and individual image size detection, without user intervention for mixed size originals in both simplex and duplex scanning modes. The scanner provides high-productivity single pass scanning while preserving the image size for each of the document scanned. In addition, the scanner may support duplex scanning by adding a second image sensor, for example, in the document handler. Methods of scanning are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aron Nacman, Seth H. Groder, John C. Guarrera, Dawn Marie LaPietra, Whynn Victor Lovette, Daniel A. Mohabir, John F. Seward
  • Patent number: 8711445
    Abstract: Provided is a reading apparatus that includes a light source that emits a light to a source material and an image pickup element that receives the light reflected by the source material, to thereby read the source material. The image pickup element is disposed so as to move to a plurality of positions at each of which the image pickup element is oriented at a different angle with respect to a surface to be read of the object to be read, and to perform reading at the plurality of positions. The reading apparatus compares read values obtained by the image pickup element at the plurality of positions to thereby decide a property of an image expressed on the object to be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshie Imai
  • Patent number: 8711443
    Abstract: A compact multi-functional scanning apparatus includes a sheet-fed scanner, a casing and a flatbed scanner. The casing is attached to the sheet-fed scanner and has a recess. The flatbed scanner is movable between a retracted position within the recess and a deployed position outside the recess. In the deployed position the flatbed scanner is enabled to perform a flatbed-scanning task. An open end of the recess is located on a lateral side of the casing, and the flatbed scanner is movable into and out of the recess through the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Avison Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Jung Tu
  • Patent number: 8711446
    Abstract: Provided is a reading apparatus that includes a light source that emits a light to a source material and a plurality of image pickup elements that each receive the light reflected by the source material, to thereby read the source material. The plurality of image pickup elements are each located at different positions and each mounted at different angles with respect to a surface to be read of the source material. The reading apparatus compares read values acquired from the image pickup elements, so as to decide the property of the image expressed on the source material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshie Imai
  • Patent number: 8705150
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image reading unit arranged on a conveying path of a first medium and reading an image on the first medium, a conveying unit conveying the first medium and a second medium to the image reading unit, a width of the second medium being smaller than the first medium, and guide portions guiding the second medium introduced from a discharge port along the conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Shirai, Shigeru Ikezaki, Tatsuya Nishi, Tetsurou Ishikawa, Hiroshi Ito
  • Patent number: 8705062
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for processing acquired document data, using distributed scan management protocols, according to a quota limiting amounts of data that may be stored at DSM system destinations. A scanning device includes a distributed scan management service that implements a distributed scan device protocol and a distributed scan processing protocol. The distributed scan management service is configured, responsive to a quota handler service (included at the scanning device) designating a verification success for scan data, to send the scan data and information for post scan processing instructions to a scan server. The quota handler service is configured to determine whether a size of the scan data exceeds a limit on an amount of data that may be sent to a particular destination, and, responsive to determining that the size of the scan data does not exceed the limit, designate a verification success for the scan data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ding, Jiang Hong
  • Patent number: 8705148
    Abstract: A multi-function printer having a compact size and portable configuration while providing printing, scanning and copying functionalities is disclosed herein. The multi-function printer includes a printer assembly and a scanner assembly configured to cooperatively utilize the same pick and paper movement systems along a common feed or paper path to perform these printing, scanning and copying functions. Thus, the disclosed multi-function printer may require a less complex paper movement and control system which, in turn, reduces the printer's overall weight while increasing its flexibility and/or portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Carlson, Steven Goss, Randall Stockberger, Patrick A. McKinley, Todd A. McClelland, Ronald G. Paul, Roger Switzer
  • Publication number: 20140104662
    Abstract: A scanner including an automatic document feeder includes a communication interface unit to perform a communication with an external printer; a scan operation performing unit to perform a scan operation; an automatic feeding unit to automatically feed scan-target documents to the scan operation performing unit; and a controller to control the scan operation and a scan speed, wherein when the communication interface unit receives a request speed for a scan operation from the external printer, the controller adjusts a feeding interval between the scan-target documents that are fed from the automatic feeding unit, so that the scan operation is performed at the received request speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Byung-jun SUNG
  • Publication number: 20140104661
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-function device having a housing, a printer module and a scan module. The housing having a plurality of pivotable panels, wherein the pivotable panels are collapsible on the housing to conform with its surfaces thereon. The printer module has a printer head assembly and a multiple sheet feeder disposed within the housing, the multiple sheet feeder having a first paper guide, a feeder assembly and a second paper guide forming a print path, the printer head assembly is mounted along the print path between the first and the second paper guide, wherein a void to the printer module is defined within the housing between the printer head assembly and the first paper guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: VENTURE CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Guangchao Guan, Kok Hong Kan
  • Patent number: 8699101
    Abstract: An image reader is provided, which includes a feed tray that has a loading surface and is swingable around a first swing axis parallel to a width direction of a document sheet placed on the feed tray between a first position where the loading surface is directed downward above a housing and a second position where the loading surface is directed upward at an upstream side relative to the housing in the feeding direction, a first opening formed between the housing and the feed tray placed in the second position, the first opening being configured such that an inside of the housing communicates with an outside of the housing therethrough, a second opening formed in a position higher than a power supply unit and lower than the first opening inside the housing, and a communication path through which the first opening communicates with the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Mukai
  • Patent number: 8699097
    Abstract: A scanner device includes a keyboard, a display, a control unit, and a storage unit, wherein the keyboard and the display are disposed so as to cover the top of the body of the scanner device, and the control unit includes an image reading unit that controls to read image data from original documents, an image storing unit that stores the image data read by the image reading unit in the storage unit, and a display control unit that controls to display the image data of any of the original documents on the display based on the image data stored by the image storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Akihisa Kozakura, Kosuke Ikegami
  • Patent number: 8699100
    Abstract: Battery-powered portable sheet-fed scanner, comprising: a scanning unit (21-23) for scanning documents and forming digital representations thereof; a sheet feeder (28) for feeding a document past the scanning unit; a processor (20), communicatively connected to the scanning unit and provided for controlling the scanning operation; a plurality of embedded storage capabilities, each of which is communicatively connected to the processor and each of which comprises either an internal memory (26) for internally storing the digital representations or a communication link (24; 25) to an external storage medium for externally storing the digital representations. The processor is provided with an embedded routing application which is provided for routing the digital representations to a predetermined selection among the embedded storage capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: I.R.I.S.
    Inventors: Pierre De Muelenaere, Michel Dauw, Olivier Dupont, Patrick Verleysen
  • Patent number: 8699083
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a screen processing unit and a correction processing unit. The screen processing unit executes screen processing for an image to be processed. The correction processing unit performs correction processing of correcting a distortion of an output image from an original image, based on the amount of the distortion, for (i) the image before the screen processing and (ii) the image after the screen processing. The correction amount relating to the correction processing for the image after the screen processing is a small value as compared with the correction amount relating to the correction processing for the image before the screen processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Okada, Kaoru Yamauchi, Noribumi Sato, Mitsuru Iioka, Jun Koyatsu, Hatsuho Ajima
  • Patent number: 8699102
    Abstract: A reading apparatus includes a movable guide that is able to switch an attitude of a supporting surface thereof relative to a reading unit between a first attitude and a second attitude, and the second attitude is a state where a side to which the sheet is discharged is downwardly open more in the gravity direction than in the first attitude. The movable guide is set to the first attitude during reading of a test pattern by the reading unit, and to the second attitude during discharge of the sheet from below the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Sumioka
  • Patent number: 8699040
    Abstract: A paper-feeding device and a multi-functional printer are provided. The paper-feeding device includes a base, a driving axle, a position-limiting element and a retaining element. The base has a first assembling portion. The driving axle, the position-limiting and the retaining elements are all in the base. The position-limiting element has a second assembling portion and two position-limiting portions on radial directions of the second assembling portion between the inserting portion and the body. The retaining element includes a swing frame, a paper-separating element and a spring. The body of the swing frame is located between the two position-limiting portions. The first and second pivoting portions coaxial and connect the body are pivoted respectively to the first and second assembling portions. The inserting portion of the paper-separating element is sheathed by the body and the separating element leans against the driving axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Kinpo Electronics, Inc., Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited
    Inventors: Shih-Jer Din, Ken-Hua Chang
  • Patent number: 8699086
    Abstract: A method for image correction and a scanner using the same are provided. The scanner includes an image sensor and an automatic document feeder. The automatic document feeder has a paperweight mechanism. The method includes marking a first and a second characteristic regions on the paperweight mechanism; using the image sensor to search the two black characteristic regions to define a scan line; when the document is to be scanned, moving the image sensor to a position corresponding to the scan line, and starting to scan the document in order to obtain a scanned image; identifying the scanned image to obtain two position information associated with the two black characteristic regions; calculating a tilt angle of the scanned image according to a distance between the two black characteristic regions and the two location information; and finally correcting the scanned image angle according to the tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited, Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Theta Lin
  • Patent number: 8699099
    Abstract: Provided is a document conveying device, including: a conveyance guide member which is capable of being opened upward and closed with respect to a contact glass, disposed facing the contact glass along a conveying direction of a document, and guides the document to an upper surface of the contact glass; a reading guide member which is disposed along a width direction of the document, movably supported in an up-and-down direction with respect to the conveyance guide member, and guides the document to a position facing an image reading region in the upper surface of the contact glass; a protruding portion which is protruded outward from at least one end portion of the reading guide member in the width direction; a support portion which is protruded outward from the conveyance guide member along the width direction above the protruding portion; and elastic portions which are protruded downward from the support portion and sandwich the protruding portion so that the protruding portion is movable in the up-and-dow
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Naoto Miyakoshi
  • Patent number: 8693072
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including a driving unit, a separator unit, a conveyer unit, a reader unit, a reducer unit, a size detecting unit; and a controller is provided. The separator unit includes a drive shaft, a contact member, and a clutch. The controller manipulates the conveyer unit via the driving unit to convey the sheet at a first conveying speed when the size of the sheet detected by the size detecting unit is greater than a predetermined size. The controller manipulates the conveyer unit via the driving unit to convey the sheet at a second conveying speed, which is lower than the first conveying speed, when the size of the sheet detected by the size detecting unit is one of smaller than and equivalent to the predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Osakabe, Katsuro Miura, Muneaki Takahata
  • Patent number: 8693067
    Abstract: An image reading device includes first and second reading units, first and second converting units, and a setting unit. The first and second reading units include N-number of first sub-regions and M-number of second sub-regions, respectively. Each converting unit includes L-number of channels. Each channel converts analog signal into digital signal. When the setting unit sets the double-sided read mode, P-number of first sub-regions are connected to the first converting unit and M-number of second sub-regions are connected to the second converting unit. When the read mode setting unit sets the single-sided read mode, P-number of first sub-regions are connected to the first converting unit and the remaining first sub-regions are connected to the second converting unit. L is greater than or equal to M and smaller than or equal to N. N is smaller than or equal to 2×L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadahiro Kunii, Tetsuya Kato
  • Patent number: 8693071
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an acceptance unit that accepts an image of an original from an image reader having a conveying unit that conveys an original in sequence along a conveying path passing through a read position and an image read unit that reads the image of the original at the read position at read speed responsive to conveying speed of the original; an acquisition unit that acquires information concerning a stable read range in which the read speed in the conveying direction in the original becomes a stable state from storage in which the information is previously stored; and a registration unit that extracts feature information concerning a microscopic pattern that a surface of the original has from a registration area in the image of the original accepted by the acceptance unit and registers the feature information in association with position information concerning a position of the registration area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensuke Ito, Tetsuya Kimura, Junichi Matsunoshita, Sei Amagai, Masashi Okano
  • Patent number: 8693073
    Abstract: A document image reading apparatus includes a sheet input tray, a sheet output tray, a sheet transfer channel, an image pickup device, a sheet pick-up module, and a transfer roller assembly. The sheet output tray is disposed under the sheet input tray, or the sheet output tray is disposed over the sheet input tray. After each of the plural documents on the sheet input tray is shot by the image pickup device, the document is fed into the sheet transfer channel by the sheet pick-up module. Then, the document is transmitted to the sheet output tray by the transfer roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Kuo Kuan, Yung-Tai Pan
  • Publication number: 20140092453
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a reading unit; a feeding unit; a carriage; a motor-side transmission gear for transmitting power from a motor; a carriage-side transmission gear for transmitting the power to the carriage; a feeding unit-side transmission gear for transmitting the power to the feeding unit; a switching gear switched between a meshing state with the carriage-side transmission gear at a carriage-side position and a meshing state with the feeding unit-side transmission gear at a feeding unit-side position; and a control device for performing: a first switching process for meshing the switching gear with the feeding unit-side transmission gear; a second switching process for meshing the switching gear with the carriage-side transmission gear; and an initialization process of the reading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroko ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20140092448
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sheet feed scanner including an auto document feeder, a flatbed scanner and a power-switching mechanism. The power-switching mechanism includes a first shaft, a power source, a clutch, a first gear, a second gear, and an elastic limitation structure. The clutch includes a first incline and a second incline. The elastic limitation structure pushes the first incline or the second incline of the clutch. When the first shaft is rotated in a first direction, the first incline is pushed by the elastic limitation structure so that the clutch is coupled to the first gear for driving the automatic document feeder. When the first shaft is rotated in a second direction, the second incline is pushed by the elastic limitation structure so that the clutch is coupled to the second gear for driving the flatbed scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Shang-Hsien Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140092456
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji UKAI
  • Publication number: 20140092449
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic document feeding scanning device including an automatic document feeder, a flatbed scanner and a power switching mechanism. The automatic document feeder has a pickup arm and a feeding gear, the flatbed scanner has a scanning module and a scanning gear, and the power switching mechanism has two driving elements and a planet gear module. When the two driving elements rotate in the same rotating direction, the planet gear module is swung to a position near the scanning gear and engaged with the scanning gear such that the power switching mechanism transfers a driving power to the automatic document feeder. When the two driving elements rotate in different rotating directions, the planet gear module is swung to a position near the feeding gear and engaged with the feeding gear such that the power switching mechanism transfers a driving power to the flatbed scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Lee
  • Publication number: 20140092451
    Abstract: A conveyance apparatus including: a housing including, a first introduction opening to which a first medium is introduced, a first conveyance path through which the first medium is conveyed, a second introduction opening to which a second medium narrower than the first medium is introduced, and a second conveyance path through which the second medium is conveyed; a tray pivotally supported by the housing, rotating between an open position and a close position relative to the housing, and on which the first medium is placed; and a shutter being located at a first position when the tray is located at the open position and being located at a second position when the tray is located at the close position, the first position being located inside the second conveyance path and the second position being located outside the second conveyance path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masatsugu MIZUNO
  • Publication number: 20140092455
    Abstract: In an image reading device, an opposing member opposes an image reading unit. The opposing member has a first part and a second part. A moving unit moves the image reading unit between first and second read positions. An image value generated by reading an image of the first part at the first read position is different from an image value generated by reading an image of the second part at the second read position. The control device is configured to: set a read position to selected one of the first read position and the second read position; control the moving unit to move the image reading unit to the read position; and determine that an edge of the original sheet reaches the reading region when image values generated by the image reading unit are changed while the conveying unit conveys the original sheet along the conveying path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kentaro IWATSUKA
  • Publication number: 20140092450
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a cover portion of an image reader or other multifunctional peripheral. The cover portion may move between an uncovering position and a covering position by pivoting about a first axis. The cover portion may include a movable member that moves between an open position where the movable member functions as a document tray and a closed position where the movable member constitutes a part of an upper surface of the cover portion. The cover portion may also include a conveyor configured to convey one or more documents placed on the movable member when it is in the open position. Further, the cover portion may include an operation portion configured to receive user inputs. Moreover, the operation portion may be positioned near a center of the cover portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shougo Sato, Yukihiko Sato, Ryoichi Nakagawa, Tomoyuki Nanno
  • Publication number: 20140092452
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a feeding unit, a carriage holding the reading unit, a motor, a motor-side transmission gear, a feeding unit-side transmission gear, a carriage-side transmission gear, a switching gear which switches between a meshing state of meshing with the feeding unit-side transmission gear at a feeding unit-side position and a meshing state of meshing with the carriage-side transmission gear at a carriage-side position, a restraint member which applies a restraint force for restraining the switching of the switching gear, and a motor control unit which when switching the switching gear between the carriage-side position and the feeding unit-side position, executes a large torque control of controlling the motor to generate a switching torque which is larger than a moving reading torque to be generated by the motor at a time of document reading when executing a moving reading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinya SAHARA
  • Publication number: 20140092454
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a roller that rotates about a rotating axis and conveys a particular medium in a conveying direction, a reader that reads the particular medium, and a body. The body includes a first port formed in the body, and a lid pivotably attached to the body and pivots about a pivoting axis, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction and the rotating axis. The lid pivots between a first position, in which the lid covers at least a portion of the first port, and a second position, in which the lid is separated from the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Daisuke NAKAYAMA, Hirofumi SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8687244
    Abstract: In a case where it is determined after reading an original that an abnormal pixel is included in image data generated by reading the original, after the original is reversed by a reversing unit for re-reading of the original by a reading unit, the original is conveyed to a reading position of the reading unit and image data generated by the re-reading of the reading unit is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kota Kato
  • Patent number: 8687245
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided. The image reading apparatus includes a first transparent section to have a first original sheet set thereon, a second transparent section to have a second original sheet conveyed by a sheet conveyer, a reader unit being movable in a sub-scanning direction to read the image on the original sheet being set on the first transparent section and to be maintained still to read the image being conveyed by the sheet conveyer, a white reference member, of which image is read by the reader unit and recognized as a reference white color, and a light reductive member arranged on an inner bottom of a casing to reduce an amount of incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuki Nakajima, Yasuhiro Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 8687249
    Abstract: A portable scanner includes a housing including a hollow upper housing and a hollow lower housing of which two ends are connected together to define a transmitting passage therebetween, a switching device rotatably mounted inside the upper housing, a first scanning device mounted on the switching device, and a document feeder for transmitting the document automatically through the transmitting passage. A first and a second scanning window are opened in and penetrating through two different sides of the upper housing respectively, wherein the second scanning window is communicated with the transmitting passage. The switching device together with the first scanning device are switched between a first scanning state that is the first scanning device faces the first scanning window for scanning the document manually, and a second scanning state that is the first scanning device faces the second scanning window for scanning the document automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Te Liu
  • Patent number: 8687248
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus configured to read images of both surfaces of a document is provided. The image reading apparatus may include a first image reading device configured to read an image of a first surface of a document, a second image reading device configured to read an image of a second surface of the document, and a document conveying mechanism configured to convey the document from the second image reading device to the first image reading device. The first image reading device has a first reading range, and the second image reading device has a second reading range, which is smaller than the first reading range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Takeuchi, Katsuro Miura, Takashi Fujiwara, Takayuki Akimatsu
  • Publication number: 20140085690
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a transparent platen; a scan assembly; a first motor for moving the scan assembly across the transparent platen; an automatic document feeder; a second motor for feeding documents through the automatic document feeder; a first bi-directional switch element for driving the first motor; a second bi-directional switch element for driving the second motor; and a motor driver for selectively controlling the first bi-directional switch element or the second bi-directional switch element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Pan Honglin, Vincent Gerard D'Silva
  • Publication number: 20140085691
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprising: a reading unit; a feeding unit; a carriage; a motor-side transmission gear for transmitting power from a motor; a feeding unit-side transmission gear for transmitting the power to the feeding unit in a feeding reading of reading an image of the document fed by the feeding unit; a carriage-side transmission gear for transmitting the power to the carriage in a moving reading of reading an image of the document while moving the carriage; a switching gear configured to be switched between a feeding unit-side position and a carriage-side position; a sensor; and a control device configured to, when it is determined that the jam has occurred, drive the motor in a direction of releasing a meshed state between the feeding unit-side transmission gear and the switching gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kosuke MORI
  • Publication number: 20140085687
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a scanning module and a sheet size detecting mechanism. The scanning module is used for acquiring an image of a paper sheet. The sheet size detecting mechanism includes a first sheet guide part, a second sheet guide part, and a controlling unit. The first sheet guide part and the second sheet guide part are contacted with two parallel edges of the paper sheet, respectively. A light-emitting unit is disposed on the second sheet guide part. The light-emitting unit is used for projecting a light beam onto an optical sensing element of the scanning module. According to the light beam, the optical sensing element generates a sensing signal. According to the sensing signal, a distance between the two parallel edges of the paper sheet is acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Shang-Hsien Tsai
  • Patent number: 8681391
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of combining images using a ticket in order to lighten user's load concerning operations for setting an image composition process and for selecting a target process definition. The information processing apparatus processes an image read by an image reading unit according to a process definition described by combining one or more information processes. A first addition unit adds a process setting for combining images to the process definition. A combination unit combines the images according to the process definition that is added by the first addition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mario Ito
  • Patent number: 8681400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Miura, Yoshinori Osakabe
  • Patent number: 8681395
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image reading apparatus includes a reading unit and an output unit. The reading unit is configured to selectively execute first reading processing for reading an image of a sheet conveyed at first conveying speed at first reading speed corresponding to the first conveying speed and second reading processing for reading the image of the sheet set on an image reading table at second reading speed different from the first reading speed. The output unit is configured to output read image data read by the first reading processing and the second reading processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20140078528
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a sheet stacking portion on which sheets are to be stacked, a sheet conveyance path, a sheet feeding member, a driving unit, a stopper and an interlocking unit. The sheet is conveyed from the sheet stacking portion in a predetermined conveying direction in the sheet conveyance path. The sheet feeding member is arranged at an entrance side of the sheet conveyance path and conveys the sheet by being driven and rotated. The stopper is projectable into and retractable from the sheet conveyance path at a side upstream of the sheet feeding member in the conveying direction and prevents the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking portion from coming into contact with the sheet feeding member in a projecting state. The interlocking unit causes the stopper to project into and retract from the sheet conveyance path in accordance with rotational movements of the sheet feeding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Toshinori Muraoka
  • Patent number: 8675262
    Abstract: A position adjustment mechanism (90) includes a rack (91) fixed onto an upper surface of a second hinge member (87), a worm gear 93 that meshes with the rack (91), a handle (95) that rotates the worm gear (93), and a lever (97) that presses the second hinge member (87) against the first hinge member (85) to fix the second hinge member (87) to the first hinge member (85). The lever (97) is operated to release the pressure on the second hinge member (87) so that the handle (95) is operated, to thereby adjust a tilt of the document conveying device (27) with respect to the image reading portion (6) without using a tool and the like. After the adjustment, the lever (97) is operated to press the second hinge member (87), to thereby position the document conveying device (27) precisely at a position after the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Hanamoto, Takehiko Okada
  • Patent number: 8675263
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus to read an image formed on a document sheet is provided. The image reading apparatus includes a sheet conveyer and an image reader, which is controlled by a controller and reads the image formed on the document sheet. The sheet conveyer includes movable parts, which are movably supported by a first supporting member. The image reader is supported by a second supporting member, which is detachably attached to the first supporting member. A cable with a connector connects the controller and the image reader with each other via the connector. The second supporting member is tied to the first supporting member by the cable when the cable connects the controller and the image reader via the connector. The second supporting member is releasable from the first supporting member when the connector is decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Takeuchi, Takayuki Akimatsu
  • Patent number: 8675266
    Abstract: Disclosed are document imaging systems and methods which provide cleaning and cooling of various components associated with an image scanning system. According to one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, provided is a document imaging system including a flexible, accordion style, duct which draws air through a vacuum slot between a light source and optical sensor associated with the scanning system. The resulting air flow provides cleaning of the imaging platen and provides cooling/cleaning of the light source and optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher F. D. Watts
  • Patent number: 8676110
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Ha Choi
  • Patent number: 8675264
    Abstract: The document conveying device (2) for use in a scanner (1) or the like comprises a conveyor belt (3) arranged to convey a document (4) between an outer surface (5) of the conveyor belt and a flat surface (6). The conveyor belt (3) has an inner surface (9) supported by a first and a second roller (10, 11). Each of the first and second rollers (10, 11) is supported at three or more positions along its length in order to at least partially counteract forces from the conveyor belt (3) tending to deflect said roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Contex A/S
    Inventor: Bo Kjær Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140071502
    Abstract: A portable scanner includes a housing including a hollow upper housing and a hollow lower housing of which two ends are connected together to define a transmitting passage therebetween, a switching device rotatably mounted inside the upper housing, a first scanning device mounted on the switching device, and a document feeder for transmitting the document automatically through the transmitting passage. A first and a second scanning window are opened in and penetrating through two different sides of the upper housing respectively, wherein the second scanning window is communicated with the transmitting passage. The switching device together with the first scanning device are switched between a first scanning state that is the first scanning device faces the first scanning window for scanning the document manually, and a second scanning state that is the first scanning device faces the second scanning window for scanning the document automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Te Liu
  • Publication number: 20140071503
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a housing, a tray, a conveyer, an image reader, a position detector, and a controller. The housing has a first introduction opening, a first discharge opening, a second introduction opening, and a second discharge opening. The tray is configured to connect to the housing movably between an open position and a close position relative to the housing. The tray is configured to cover the first introduction opening and to expose the second introduction opening and the second discharge opening at the close position. The conveyer is configured to convey the second medium from the second introduction opening to the second discharge opening. The conveyer is provided in the housing. The controller is configured to drive the conveyer when the tray is located at the close position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaaki MUKAI, Yoshiki YANO, Tatsuya SATO
  • Patent number: 8670164
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanner with a real-time image auto-cutting function. The scanner includes a positioning element, a scanning scope determining unit and a scanning unit. The scanning scope determining unit is configured on the positioning element, has a specific pattern and is provided to determine a scanning scope. The scanning unit scans the specific pattern to determine the scanning scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mustek Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Ching Lu, Hui-Wen Wen, Ming-Zhou Wang
  • Patent number: 8670163
    Abstract: An image reader includes an original transport device to transport an original, and an image reading device including multiple image sensor arrays having image reading areas staggered relative to the transport direction of the original in such a manner that the multiple image sensor arrays are offset at least partially, in the main scanning direction of the original with a predetermined gap therebetween in the transport direction. There is at least one original transport speed detector to detect the transport speed of the original transported by the original transport device, a storing device to store a reference delay time period which is between when the image sensor arrays on the upstream side read a predetermined position relative to the transport direction and when the image sensor arrays on the downstream side read the predetermined position. Further, there is a misalignment amount calculator, and an image synthesizer to synthesize an image read by the image sensor arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takahashi