Abstract: Provided is a method for automatically determining an error of a user operation or a calorimeter caused when the calorimeter is manually slid to measure the colors of color patches on a row-by-row basis. Also provided is a method capable of determining an error or a scanning direction using a feature value obtained from the calorimetric values without using fixed reference and threshold values for each patch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating an imager that produces bi-chrome images from a scanner or a digital imaging device, the bi-chrome images having pixels of a first and second color. In one embodiment, a method includes generating an image with a hand-held imaging device, the image having pixels of a first color and a second color, analyzing the image to determine information about particles of the first and second color contained in the image, each particle comprising contiguous pixels of the same color, the particle information comprising information on first and second color particle size and count, and determining if the image is unacceptable based on predetermined objective criteria and the particle information.

Abstract: The document reading device includes a document table having a contact glass on which a document is placed, and a reading unit having a contact type image sensor which is contained in a case body and adapted to read the document which is positioned on the contact glass. The reading unit is positioned apart from the contact glass, and so designed as to conduct reading by scanning from a home position to a final reading position in a non-contact manner, and as to reciprocally move from the final reading position to the home position.

Abstract: A circuit of a scanner to perform a color space conversion on an RGB signal. The circuit has several sampling-amplified-offset devices to sample, amplify and compensate potential of an R charge signal, a G charge signal and a B charge signal to obtain an R analog signal, a G analog signal and a B analog signal. The circuit further has a gain adder to multiply the corresponding weighted gain with the R analog signal, the G analog signal and the B analog signal. The multiplication results are then summed up to obtain an addition analog signal. A multiplexer is also included to select between the R analog signal, the G analog signal, the B analog signal and the addition analog signal for output.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a window shade having a real natural material printed image coated thereon. A real natural material is scanned and the data of the image is stored in a computer which generates an image of the scanned real natural material. That image is duplicated a plurality of times by the use of the computer and the images are assembled in a predetermined arrangement to produce a composite image which is then enhanced using photo-enhancing software. The enhanced composite image is then printed by the use of a colored ink printing machine on material to form the window shade. Preferably, but not exclusively, the material is constituted by slats of a louvered blind or a fabric of a roller blind.

Abstract: Pieces of reading frequency information representing the use frequencies of first and second reading units are acquired. Read color information of a color on a document that is read by the first or second reading unit is acquired. Based on the acquired pieces of reading frequency information and the acquired read color information, one of the first and second reading units is decided as a reference reading unit serving as a reference when performing correction to make the reading characteristics of the first and second reading units relatively coincide with each other.

Abstract: A device, apparatus, and method of controlling operation of scanning performed by an optical scanning device are disclosed such that the color images are not shifted in the sub-scanning direction even when thinning processing is performed.

Abstract: An image apparatus with batch scan and real time display and a method of the same are provided. The method of the present invention comprises steps of utilizing a transmission device for transmitting pictures into the scanner sequentially, scanning a picture and storing digital data in memory, displaying a notify signal to notice the user simultaneously while the scan is finished, showing the scanned image in a display device and scanning next picture at the same time while the user changes a switch control device. It is provided for shortening the scanning time of an image and reducing the time of waiting by utilizing the ways of batch scan and real time display. The present invention can increase number and size of picture to be scanned and thereby promote the scanning efficiency without requiring the increase in size of a memory buffer.

Abstract: An image data processing circuit including: an input section for inputting image data; a plurality of compressing sections which are capable of compressing the input image data solely or in parallel; a plurality of decompressing sections which are capable of decompressing the compressed image data solely or in parallel; an output section for outputting the decompressed image data; a transferring section for transferring image data between a memory and of the input section, the compressing sections, the decompressing sections and the output section individually; and a transfer controlling section for selecting a mode from a parallel input/output mode, a parallel input mode and a parallel output mode.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus performs a first edge determination to determine whether each pixel is an edge of a black character or a thin black line based on a pixel signal of a predetermined color in each pixel included in multi-valued image data. The image processing apparatus determines whether to achromatize a pixel signal of each pixel included in the multi-valued image data based on a result of the first edge determination, and achromatizes a pixel determined to be achromatized. The image processing apparatus performs a second edge determination for determining whether each pixel is an edge based on a pixel signal of a color different from the predetermined color in each pixel included in the multi-valued image data. The image processing apparatus corrects the multi-valued image data based on a result of the second edge determination after completing achromatization of the pixel determined to be achromatized.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus reads image information of an original document to produce image data having different data sizes. An image converting section converts the image information into a plurality of items of image data. A display section displays a plurality of items of information on the plurality of items of image data. A selecting section allows selecting of one of plurality of items of image data.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a sheet feeding tray, a sheet discharge tray, an image recording portion including an ink jet recording head and a platen, a first roller portion, disposed between the sheet feeding tray and the image recording portion, and a second roller portion, disposed at a position across the image recording portion from the first roller portion, for feeding the recording material, and a guide, positioned between the sheet feeding roller and the first roller portion, for separating the recording material fed from the sheet feeding tray and that to be fed to the sheet discharge tray. After the recording material fed from the sheet feeding tray passes between the ink jet recording head and the platen and is nipped by the second roller portion, recording is carried out when the recording material is fed in an opposite direction between the ink jet recording head and the platen.

Abstract: A digital picture frame having a scanning function comprises a digital picture frame, a scanning module, and a universal supporting member, wherein the universal supporting member further comprises a fixing seat, a ball, a friction unit and a support. The fixing seat is a spherical cavity formed in the digital picture frame for receiving the ball therein. The ball has a through hole penetrating a center of the ball. The friction unit is provided between the fixing seat and the ball.

Abstract: Means for detecting scanning positions of first and second recording heads is provided for detecting that the first recording head is opposed to a recording inhibition area (in which an imaging material is not mounted) on a drum 1, based on an output from the detection means. While the recording head is in the recording inhibition area, correction data for the second recording head is read from a correction data memory and transferred to a submemory in an FPGA for image processing. The second recording head reads the correction data from the submemory. Correction data can be read in parallel.

Abstract: In a multifunction product, it is determined whether a detachable expansion board for realizing an electronic watermark function has been mounted. When the expansion board has been mounted, a display concerning the electronic watermark function is automatically displayed on an operation panel of the multifunction product.

Abstract: A method of judging whether or not darkness of a foreign matter on a test pattern printed on a medium with predetermined darkness has been read at the time of reading the darkness of the test pattern using a reading section, includes: detecting a section in the test pattern for which an amount of deviation, from a predetermined reference value, of a readout value on the darkness of that section exceeds a predetermined darkness-deviation threshold which is a threshold adopted for the deviation in darkness; and judging whether or not the darkness of the foreign matter has been read based on a size of the above-mentioned section that has been detected.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of controlling movement of a transparent member suitably depending on various situations by including a transparent member, a feeding unit that feeds an original document to the transparent member, a reading unit that reads an image of the document fed on the transparent member via the transparent member, a moving unit that reciprocates the transparent member in a prescribed direction, and a controller that moves the transparent member forward in one direction from a home position while one document passes through a reading position, and stops the transparent member and then moves the transparent member backward to the home position when an interruption event of reading the document occurs.

Abstract: The image data processing system and method disclosed, processes intermediate compressed binary data representing images scanned for copy or exporting, thereby enabling storage of the copy or export file to a common memory storage device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the image data processing system comprises a binary lossless decompress module, a binary to contone restoration module, and an export processing module, the export processing module processing multiple bit image data for exporting to an image data receiving device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reader connecting unit capable of being connected with an original document reader. The original document reader can be a color original document reader that reads original documents in color mode or a monochrome original document reader that reads original documents in monochrome mode. A control unit receives original document data from the original document reader connected to the reader connecting unit, subjects the original document data to prescribed processing corresponding to the format of the original document data and generates image data. Finally, an image forming unit forms an image based on the image data.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: In the present invention, a front-side focal distance L2 is changed without changing a rear-side focal distance L1 so as to bring an MTF value D2 and brightness fluctuation D3 into an MTF balance range, so that collapse of color balance can be improved, and life of optical members such as a light source can be extended.

Abstract: A printing system of the invention successively forms rasters or dot lines on a printing medium to complete a printed image. A raster formation assembly is scanned in a raster-forming direction relative to the printing medium and completes each raster on the printing medium by a preset number of multiple main scans. The printing system of the invention determines the dot on-off state of respective pixels included in an object image according to image data of the object image, stores data representing the determination results in a classified manner in a memory, and supplies data of each group read from the classified storage in the memory to the raster formation assembly. The determination results representing the dot on-off state of plural pixels on each raster are classified and stored into multiple groups according to allocation of the preset number of multiple main scans to raster formation in the plural pixels on the raster.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an input portion for selecting encoding processing for an image to be filed as a monochrome image from first encoding processing according to a first compression method for compressing multilevel image data and second encoding processing according to a second compression method for compressing binary image data. An encoding processing portion performs encoding processing on the image to be filed as the monochrome image. The input portion includes a display and first and second input portions. The display displays a list of images to be filed as the monochrome image. The first input portion is used to specify an image shown on the display and to select encoding processing to be performed on the specified image. The second input portion is used to select the first or second encoding processing to be performed on the specified image.

Abstract: A method for detecting scanner phase error in a bidirectional scanned beam imager includes obtaining first and second images derived from respective first and second scan directions, comparing apparent image feature positions in the first and second images, and calculating a phase error corresponding to a difference between the apparent image feature positions. The comparison may include multiplying frequency domain transformations of the images.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method capable of performing satisfactory image reading by absorbing variations in each apparatus. According to this method, in primary color reading, light emitting unit sequentially irradiates an image original with light components of three primary colors and reads the image original, and in complementary color reading, the light emitting unit simultaneously irradiates the image original with one of three different color combinations, which includes two of the light components of three primary colors, and reads the image original. Each of the primary and complementary color readings includes image processing of executing shading correction of image data based on calibration data obtained by calibrating the light emitting unit when reading the image original.

Abstract: A method and system are proposed in which a moving window based operator is applied to a page of a PDL document that has been decomposed, and the objects within the page flattened and rasterized. The window moves along the raster scan line, and processes rasterized data within the window, detecting any color-to-white or white-to-color interface (edge). The white rasterized portion is then dilated outward across the interface into the color portion, the dilated amount being based on a size of a reverse fine line and/or small text font character to be reproduced. A size of the fine line and/or small text font object is determined and if below a threshold, object dilation may be given effect. A dilation amount may increase as the object size decreases until the size reaches a lower threshold at and beyond which a maximum dilation amount may be applied.

Abstract: In a method or system for scanning a source image, the source image is scanned with a sensor that comprises multiple line arrays designed to detect a specific color such that a color separation of the source image to be scanned is generated by each line array. The color separations represent the source image in the form of pixels. The pixels of the different separations of the source image are at least partially offset relative to one another. The pixels of the color separations are separately filtered with multiple FIR sub-filters. The filtered pixels of the source image of the multiple color separations are summed into pixels of a target image.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for determining the presence of a module and presence of a media sheet in a media path using output signals from a single sensor in an image forming device. One embodiment includes a sensor which may be oriented in a variety of positions through interaction with the module and the media sheet. An algorithm may be used to determine the presence of the module in a module insertion path and presence of the media sheet in the media path based on the position of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning a set of documents is disclosed. The set of documents to be scanned are in an organizational format wherein groups of the documents are separated by barriers. The method and system include displaying a set of logical entities that represent the barriers to an operator of a scanner; and associating scanned images of the documents with at least one of the logical entities. The method and system further include using the association of the logical entities to store the scanned images, such that the organizational format of the documents is retained.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus handling combined data including read data from a scanner and written data written by a touch pen, capable of performing appropriate color conversion both on the read data and written data is provided. When a display image obtained by combining the read data and the written data is to be printed, the image processing apparatus executes first image processing on the read data, and second image processing on the written data, respectively. By an image forming apparatus, the combined data including the read data and the written data, which have been appropriately color-converted by respective image processing, is printed.

Abstract: The present invention is a scanning method and system in which the colored information as well as the black & white information appearing on the individual page or upon multiple pages of a document are initially scanned in a full color, 24-bit per pixel, mode; after which, the black & white wording and/or Images are then selectively identified and electronically downsized to a single bit per pixel value. This sequence of selective identification and electronic downsizing of the black & white scanned contents effectively preserves the original printed Information, while retaining the accuracy and integrity of the characters forming the colored written text and illustration portion's of the scanned page or document in their original 24-bit per pixel format. Via this method and system, the entirety of the scanned image is maintained as a single electronic file of markedly reduced size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming device that realizes accurate image forming positioning at a desired position without any complex operation about the image forming position by firmware in the image forming device that can involve the unevenness or mounting position difference of lenses of a deflection scanning device. The image forming device obtains the amount of shift in a subscanning direction of image forming from the image forming position of the image data in the main scanning direction and from the curve correction information, adds dummy data by the number of lines of shifting the reading position of the image data at the image forming start position in accordance with the amount of shift obtained, and delivers the dummy data added and the image data to an image forming component.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustment jig provided with a pattern for adjusting the direction of a reading line of a scanner which reads a target image line by line, which comprises a holder section for holding the scanner, a first pattern provided adjacent to a target reading line to be read by the scanner when the reading line direction of the scanner held is correctly adjusted, and a second pattern provided adjacent to the target reading line on the side opposite to the first pattern with the target reading line positioned therebetween, the second pattern being different from the first pattern in the brightness of at least one of hues which can be read by the scanner or in the width thereof in the reading line direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus having storing means for storing the print data requested from an information processing apparatus, comprising an input device for inputting designation information for arranging plural image originals read by a scanner device in different predetermined positions of the print data, respectively, and a print processing device for effecting print processing of the print data and the read plural image originals on the basis of the information inputted by the input device.

Abstract: The invention provides an image reading apparatus that scans an image from an original document including: a light source that irradiates a light to the original document; a photoelectric conversion element; a driving mechanism that relatively moves either one of the photoelectric conversion element or the original document in a predetermined direction with respect to the other; a detection sensor that detects a vector amount of movement of either one of the photoelectric conversion element or the original document in the predetermined direction with respect to the other so as to output a detection signal for each vector amount of movement that corresponds to a minimum unit of a reading area of the image; and a control unit that executes one cycle of operations each time when the detection signal is outputted from the detection sensor.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and method for converting analog signal into digital signal corresponding to an operation mode is disclosed. The image scanning device and method include an input unit for selectively inputting an operation mode based on a document to be scanned, an image sensor for scanning the image of the document corresponding to the selected operation mode in order to output the image as an analog image signal. The apparatus and method also include an analog to digital (A/D) unit for converting the scanned analog image signal into a digital image signal by variably applying an upper reference voltage and a lower reference voltage corresponding to the selected operation mode. The apparatus and method further include a control unit for controlling the A/D unit to convert the analog image signal into the digital image signal corresponding to the selected operation mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of processing plural jobs at a high rate. The image processing apparatus is comprised of first and second buffer memory devices, which are independent of each other and configured to be simultaneously accessible; a compression-extension device, which is exclusively connected to each of the buffer memory devices; a control section to assign a buffer memory device to input image data raster by raster (one page of the image data) when executing input processing of the image data, which is input from a scanner or executes output processing of the image data to a printer section, so that the control section regulates and changes the image data flow raster by raster.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing out recovered image data from a photograph is disclosed. The data is recorded in infrared ink on top of the image itself in an encoded fault tolerant digital form enabling the image to be recovered notwithstanding damage to the photograph surface. The apparatus can print out the image after processing the data. If the data is stored then the image can be printed as many times as required. Alternatively, the photograph can be repeatedly passed through the scanner or reader the required number of times. In another form of the invention, the apparatus can also print out the image with the image data again recorded in infra-red ink using a printer which has the necessary number of ink jet nozzles to do so and the apparatus has the necessary processing capacity to process, compress, scramble and encode the data.

Abstract: A driving apparatus of a multi-function machine includes a scanner unit scanning data recorded on a sheet of document and a document transport part to transport the sheet of document. A printer unit prints data on a sheet of paper for an output and includes a carrier including a print head with an ink jet nozzle mounted thereon to carry out the printing operation by moving the print head. The driving apparatus includes a driving motor, a scanner driving part driving the scanner unit, a printer driving part driving the printer unit, and a power switching part disposed with the driving motor, the scanner driving part, and the printer driving part. The power switching part selectively transmits a power of the driving motor to at least one of the scanner driving part and the printer driving part.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus includes a color space conversion unit arranged to convert pixel data scanned by a line sensor of each color component into first chromaticity data and second chromaticity data, and an achromatic color determining unit arranged to determine whether or not the pixel data is achromatic. The achromatic color determining unit includes a comparison unit arranged to compare an achromatic color determination area with the pixel data in a color space defined by orthogonal coordinates having each chromaticity data as a coordinate axis. The achromatic color determination area is an elongated area that includes a coordinate origin of the color space, that is set based on a coordinate position of a false color acquired by using a size and position of displacement of the scanning position of each color component generated in accordance with the scanning speed, and that extends in an opposite direction from the coordinate origin.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises: a first reading unit for reading a first surface image of a document; a second reading unit for reading a second surface image of the document; and a color conversion processing unit for generating a table used for correcting an error of a read color of an image read by the first reading unit and an image read by the second reading unit, and performing a color conversion to the image read by said first reading unit and/or the image read by said second reading unit using the table.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique which allows more faithful color reproduction by a relative simple arrangement. To this end, according to this invention, by time-divisionally driving R, G, B, and E LEDs respectively having dominant emission wavelengths of 630 nm, 525 nm, 470 nm, and 500 nm, a common monochrome line image sensor (102) scans a document image. Scanned image data of respective color components undergo correction equivalent to that attained by shifting the barycentric positions of respective wavelength distributions so as to become closer to the CIE-RGB sensitivity distributions.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an abnormal pixel detection device configured to examine a value of standard white image data, which is acquired by reading a white image to be a standard for a shading correction, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, to determine whether or not pixels are abnormal, wherein a previously specified value is stored for use as the standard white image data for pixels which are determined to be abnormal by the abnormal pixel detection device. As a result, costs of the image reading apparatus can be reduced because a special memory device for memorizing the positions of abnormal pixels is not required.

Abstract: A holster for securing a portable handheld UPC bar code scanner, the holster being formed of a rigid elongated tubular receptacle having an insertion opening in one end that communicates with an elongated tubular cavity formed therein, the insertion opening being formed with a bar code scanner head support portion which is canted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle cavity. A rigid lever rotatably mounted on the receptacle under the insertion opening partially occludes a portion of the receptacle cavity when biased relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus enables designs of such apparatus without regard to a grounding location for a guide shaft and reduces the number of assembly hours and fastening members to fasten a ground member of a guide shaft to a frame. An apparatus includes a scanning unit for scanning and reading images on originals placed on a platen; a guide shaft supporting and guiding the scanning unit in a sub-scanning direction; a shaft support unit supporting an end of the guide shaft; and a plastic frame housing the scanning unit and guide shaft and formed with the shaft support unit, wherein the guide shaft is grounded via the shaft support unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for suitable for obtaining an image of a dental structure has an illuminator member placed proximate the area to be imaged. The illuminator member has a support structure (30) for retaining the illuminator member in position proximate the area to be imaged. A reference (22) is coupled to the support structure (30) of the illuminator member and disposed within the area to be imaged. At least one light source (24) is coupled to the support structure (30) of the illuminator member for directing imaging illumination toward the area to be imaged. A camera (12) records an image from within the area to be imaged using the imaging illumination from the illuminator member, wherein the image comprises the reference (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for automated calibration of digital input devices, particularly scanners and digital cameras.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a sheet feeding tray, a sheet discharge tray, an image recording portion including an ink jet recording head and a platen, a sheet feeding roller, a first roller portion, disposed between the sheet feeding tray and the image recording portion, and a second roller portion, disposed at a position across the image recording portion from the first roller portion. After the recording material fed from the sheet feeding tray is passed between the ink jet recording head and the platen and is nipped by the first roller portion, recording is carried out when the recording material is fed in an opposite direction between the ink jet recording head and the platen.

Abstract: First integrated data is generated using tone value data. The tone value data represents respective tone values of pixels of an image. The first integrated data represents respective first pixel values of the pixels. The first pixel value is associated with sum of tone values of pixels within a rectangle in the image. The rectangle has two opposing corners represented by a pixel corresponding to the first pixel value and a reference pixel respectively. The reference pixel is a pixel at a predetermined corner of the image. A calculation process is executed. The calculation process includes calculation of a first calculation value of a target rectangle area using the first integrated data. The first calculation value is correlated to sum of tone values within the target rectangle area. The target rectangle area is enclosed by a rectangle defined by pixel boundary lines. The pixel boundary lines represent boundary lines between neighboring pixels in the image.

Abstract: Disclosed methods and systems perform electronic registration of digitally captured images in real-time and performs accurate and robust digital image processing by analyzing the entire digitally captured image.