Scanning Patents (Class 358/505)
  • Patent number: 8804216
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a first reader member, an optical system, and a second reader member. The first reader member reads an image recorded on a surface of a medium traveling through a predetermined read area by receiving light from the medium. The read area is set on a transport path along which the medium is transported. The optical system guides the light from the medium to the first reader member. The second reader member has a color measurement unit disposed on an optical path of the light guided by the optical system and performing color measurement on the light. The second reader member reads a color of the image recorded on the surface of the medium on the basis of the light. The second reader member reads a color of an image in a predetermined second area included in the read area read by the first reader member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Ito
  • Publication number: 20140218777
    Abstract: A decolorizing device includes a first reading section, a decolorizing section, a second reading section and a controller. The first reading section reads a first side of the sheet. The decolorizing section performs a decolorizing process on the sheet and the second reading section reads the first side of the sheet. The controller is configured to determine if the decolorizing process is necessary or not on the first side based on first image data of the first side read by the first reading section, to read the first side of the sheet having been subjected to the decolorizing process at the decolorizing section by the second reading section if it is determined that the decolorizing process is necessary, and to avoid reading of the first side of the sheet by the second reading section if it is determined that the decolorizing process is unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Shunichi Megawa
  • Patent number: 8797579
    Abstract: A printer, scanner device and methods for using same are described herein. A printer device may include a dedicated input that, when actuated, generates and sends a request to a computer for known data or a predetermined print job, e.g., schedule information from a personal information management (PIM) application. A scanner device may include another dedicated input that, when actuated, automatically scans a document fed to the device by the user and sends the scanned image to IM (or other) software on a computer, bypassing the need to manipulate the scanned image using scanner software. The device may be used with printed metapaper, which includes a barcode or other indicia identifying the metapaper and corresponds to a stored template image of the metapaper. When the metapaper is rescanned, the scan can be compared to the stored template information to identify changes and synchronize the changes with the IM software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Allen Rosenfeld, Kumar H. Chellapilla
  • Patent number: 8792125
    Abstract: A method and system according to the disclosure facilitates subscription based access to services for image systems including an image acquisition device configured to generate image data describing a target object in a target area of the image acquisition device and an image display device configured to generate a human perceptible rendering of the target object based on the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: THX, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Polit, Robert C. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8792148
    Abstract: An inspection method for an image reading apparatus where image information of an original is imaged on light receiving element lines arranged in a main scanning direction to read the information on different colors. The method includes: acquiring a first color misregistration from image information based on a first striped pattern located at a position optically equivalent to a surface of the original with respect to the light receiving element lines, the first pattern having white and black lines aligned, and having longitudinal directions of the white and black lines aligned in a sub-scanning direction; acquiring a second color misregistration from image information based on a second striped pattern having white and black lines aligned, and having longitudinal directions of the white and black lines aligned at an angle from the main scanning direction; and calculating a color misregistration in the sub-scanning direction based on the measured color misregistrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Sugiyama, Tadao Hayashide
  • Publication number: 20140207636
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a method implementable on a computing device for modifying color characteristics of an image. The method includes identifying one or more regions in the image based on a luminance value associated with one or more pixels in the image. Each region comprises a first set of pixels having a predefined range of luminance values. The first set of pixels is categorized in a first set of predefined color categories corresponding to the each region based, at least in part, on a chroma value associated with each pixel in the first set of pixels. Each predefined color category in the first set of predefined color categories comprises a second set of pixels. The color characteristics of the second set of pixels are modified based on a region and a predefined color category associated with the second set of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Amal Z Malik
  • Publication number: 20140204434
    Abstract: A scanner device and a method executed in the scanner device are provided. The scanner device includes a generating unit that generates original image data representing a scanned original; a preparing unit that prepares one color-conversion profile among a plurality of color-conversion profiles having different data sizes, according to a feature of the original image data; and an outputting unit that outputs the original image data and the one color-conversion profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinsuke KAIGAWA
  • Patent number: 8786919
    Abstract: An image scanning apparatus comprising a feeding unit and a scanning unit is provided. The feeding unit comprises a separation unit configured to separate the document sheet and a discharge unit configured to discharge the document sheet to a discharge tray. The feeding path includes a curved path formed to change the feeding direction with respect to the image scanning apparatus, and a length of the feeding path from a downstream side end of the scanning unit in the feeding direction to a position of the discharge unit is shorter than a length of the feeding path from a position of the separation unit to the downstream side end of the scanning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Miura, Yoshinori Osakabe, Muneaki Takahata
  • Patent number: 8786897
    Abstract: An image capture unit and computer readable medium used in combination therewith is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the image capture unit includes an image capturing sensor, a visual display, an instance of the computer readable medium, and circuitry for integrating functionalities thereof. The computer readable medium causes sensor data received from the image capturing sensor to be processed. The sensor data includes a plurality of image tiles and position indicating data defining a respective relative position of each one of each image tiles. Each one of each image tiles includes data representing a discrete portion of visual content. The computer readable medium causes a feedback image be displayed on the visual display. Displaying the feedback image includes correlate the relative position of each one of each image tiles with at least one other image tile that has been previously generated and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Image Trends IP, LLC
    Inventors: Albert Durr Edgar, Michael Charles Wilder, Darryl Ray Polk, Michael David Wilkes, Sheppard Parker, Martin Potucek
  • Patent number: 8786917
    Abstract: A method includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. In the first step, a fed document is returned to an upstream side of a reading unit by reversing the document after a first passage through the reading unit. In the second step, the document returned in the first step is returned to the upstream side of the reading unit by reversing the document after a second passage through the reading unit. In the third step, the document returned in the second step is passed through the reading unit, and then the document is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Haruo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8780406
    Abstract: A visible laser beam scanned by a galvano-scanner system is aligned at each of positioning points on the top surface of a master work by manual operation to record sensor position signals of position sensors on galvano-scanners. The sensor position signals on each positioning point are recorded to create a drive pattern in accordance with recorded sensor position signals. The drive pattern no longer has optics system error sources including focus error and attachment error as well as errors caused by scale, offset and the like, also eliminating the need for entering a distance as far as the top surface of the work. Therefore, the drive pattern with error components removed can be created with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Nozomu Tanioka
  • Patent number: 8773735
    Abstract: To provide an image reading apparatus for enabling an optical carriage movably supported in a rail member to be locked reliably in a predetermined position of an apparatus frame without causing failure by shock in transport, one of the apparatus frame and optical carriage is provided with a lock member traveling between a release position and a lock position, and a biasing member for biasing the lock member in a predetermined direction, and the other one is provided with an engagement receiving portion being fitted with an engagement portion formed in the lock member. Then, the engagement portion and the engagement receiving portion are configured to inhibit movements in the scanning direction of the optical carriage in the lock position, and the biasing force of the biasing member is concurrently configured to act on the carriage in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction so as to increase friction between the carriage and a traveling rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Nisca Corporation, Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Junya Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8773714
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a scanner, a setting unit, and a control unit. The scanner is configured to read a document. The setting unit is configured to receive an instruction to append a display image to a signature field of a PDF. The control unit is configured to generate the PDF by appending the display image to the signature field, for the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Makishima, Kazuhiro Ogura, Akihiro Mizutani, Toshihiro Ida, Yusuke Hamada
  • Patent number: 8767233
    Abstract: A method of detecting and correcting imaging defects in a media printed on a high-speed multi-color printer includes providing a multisensory imaging device (10); illuminating the media; sensing images on the media at high resolution with at least one high resolution sensor (20) as it passes the multisensory imaging device; transmitting an output of the high resolution sensor to a controller (19); sensing images on the media at low resolution with at least one low resolution sensor (24); calculating a correction for stitch; adjusting a timing of image data provided to image writers to align the inkjets to produce an optimal cross-track line; and providing a full page view from the low resolution sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stacy M. Munechika, Christopher B. Liston
  • Patent number: 8760705
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus storing an image data to an external memory medium connected to the image processing apparatus is provided. Where there is not enough usable capacity in the external memory medium, the image processing apparatus generates medium identification information and stores the generated medium identification information to the external memory medium. After a user detaches the external memory medium from the image processing apparatus and uses his or her computer to delete or move unnecessary files in the external memory medium to increase the usable capacity therein, the user attaches the external memory medium to the image processing apparatus again. At this moment, the external memory medium is authenticated by the medium identification information stored therein. Thus, this authentication performed using the medium identification information prevents a third person from obtaining the image data of the user while the user is away from the image processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 8760741
    Abstract: An image scanning device has an image sensor including a plurality of arrayed light receiving elements; a light source for shining light upon a scanning object; a lens unit for guiding reflected light from a scanning object to the image sensor and having a plurality of rod lens arrays, in which a plurality of rod lenses are arrayed, joined together; and a correction unit for generating image data based on the output values from the light receiving elements of the image sensor and correcting the pixel values of pixels in the image data corresponding to a position of a joint section between rod lens arrays so that the pixel values become darker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Tagawa
  • Patent number: 8760732
    Abstract: An image reader is provided, which includes a first light emitting unit emitting light toward a first side of a document sheet in a predetermined reading area, a second light emitting unit emitting light toward a second side of the document sheet in the predetermined reading area, a first light receiving unit receiving light emitted by the first light emitting unit and reflected by the document sheet and light emitted by the second light emitting unit and transmitted through the document sheet, and a controller that controls the first light emitting unit to emit light of a first color, controls the second light emitting unit to emit light of a second color, the first and second colors being mutually complementary colors, and controls the first light receiving unit to output read image data of the document sheet based on a light receiving result of the first light receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 8755092
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an array substrate in which a plurality of point light sources is mounted along the main scanning direction, a light guide member disposed on a surface of the array substrate that mounts the plurality of point light sources, and guiding light from the plurality of point light sources to the document surface, a frame for fixing the light guide member and the array substrate, a positioning unit that determines the positional relationship of the frame with the light guide member and the array substrate in a configuration in which the incident surface of the light guide member is in proximity to or in contact with the plurality of point light sources; and an image reading unit that uses reflected light when illuminating light from the plurality of point light sources through the light guide member onto the document surface to thereby read the document image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8755083
    Abstract: An image checking device checks a printed image printed out on a printing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 8749860
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus, including: a conveyance portion which conveys a document; an illuminator which illuminates the conveying document; a reading portion which reads the conveying document at a read position; a reference member arranged opposite to the read position; a correction condition calculating portion which calculates a correction condition corresponding to each of a plurality of pixel positions based on image data obtained by the reading portion reading the reference member; and a correction portion which corrects image data of the document using the correction condition, wherein the correction condition calculating portion obtains a plurality of image data of the reference member corresponding to a first pixel position and its peripheral pixel position, and calculates a correction condition at the first pixel position based on remaining image data after excluding high brightness image data and low brightness image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Arima
  • Patent number: 8743433
    Abstract: A color measuring device includes: an image capturing unit; a reference chart; a light quantity control unit; a generating unit; a correction unit; and a calculating unit. The image capturing unit outputs image data of an image-capturing range. The reference chart has multiple patches of different densities. The light quantity control unit controls the illumination unit. The generating unit generates first correction data based on image data of the multiple patches illuminated by a first light quantity and generates second correction data based on image data of the multiple patches illuminated by a second light quantity. The correction unit corrects image data of the reference chart and a color measurement target, using the first correction data or the second correction data. The calculating unit calculates color measurement value of the color measurement target based on the corrected image data of the reference chart and the color measurement target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Masato Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Satoh
  • Patent number: 8743435
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an ADF driven by a motor; an image reading unit transmitting charges accumulated in a photoelectric conversion element as a shift pulse to a shift register; and a shift pulse control unit controlling an output timing of the shift pulse based on rotation of the motor. When the rotation of the motor stops, the shift pulse control unit outputs the shift pulse to transmit the charges accumulated in lighting of a light source immediately before the stoppage of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideto Yamakita
  • Patent number: 8736929
    Abstract: Methods perform at least two different segments of a scan job by sequentially scanning the different segments using an optical scanner. Each of the different segments is scanned with the optical scanner manually set to different settings. The methods automatically combine the different settings to produce a recurring scan workflow. The recurring scan workflow includes such different settings of the different segments and information of the number of pages scanned in each of the different segments. Further, such methods perform at least one later scan job having later segments corresponding to the different segments of the original scan job after creating the recurring scan workflow. During the later scan job the computerized device automatically changes settings of the optical scanner between the later segments, without requiring the user to manually change the different settings between the later segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Kari K. Poysa, Timothy L. Dioguardi, Paul R. Conlon
  • Patent number: 8730545
    Abstract: The precision of phase difference AF control is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Endo, Yoichi Iwasaki, Takashi Aoki, Kazuki Inoue, Kenkichi Hayashi, Seiji Tanaka, Noriko Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8730544
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a decolorizing section is placed on a downstream side of a first reading section in a sheet transferring direction. A second reading section is placed on a downstream side of the decolorizing section in the sheet transferring direction. A controller is configured to determine if the decolorizing process is necessary or not on a first side of a sheet based on first image data of the first side read by the first reading section, to read the first side of the sheet having been subjected to the decolorizing process at the decolorizing section by the second reading section if it is determined that the decolorizing process is necessary, and to avoid reading of the first side of the sheet passed through the decolorizing section by the second reading section if it is determined that the decolorizing process is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunichi Megawa
  • Patent number: 8732570
    Abstract: A system and method for paper-based, automated completion of forms allows a user charged with filling out multiple forms containing some common information to write each unique piece of information one time, and the system generates a set of completed forms with the required information on each form with no change to the use or structure of the current forms. The control module is operable on a processor to determine a mapping between common fields on multiple forms or multiple pages of the same form, copy information written in a field on one form to equivalent fields on other forms, and produce a set of completed forms. The system is computationally simple and independent of language because these operations can be performed without having to understand, translate or convert the writing. Furthermore, there is no loss of security or privacy beyond the use of paper forms because these operations can be performed without access to a centralized database and without connectivity to other systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gormish, Michael G. E. Griffin, Max E. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8724171
    Abstract: To provide a gamut mapping method, the description of a correspondence relationship of which is more directly than that of a conventional method, the gamut mapping method being capable of performing fine control. A method of compressing a color reproduction range includes a step of allocating a vector representing a direction in which a color value on a grid point should shift in a uniform color space, to each grid point on the uniform color space and a step of finding a direction of shift for an input color value on the uniform color space based on the vector and mapping the input color value to a color reproduction range of an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Namikata
  • Patent number: 8724192
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an image forming system are provided. An image forming apparatus or system includes a reception unit configured to receive a print job; a print unit configured to execute the print job received by the reception unit to print an image; an adjustment unit configured to execute an image quality adjustment for the printing; a determination unit configured to determine whether an adjustment execution condition is to be met during the execution of the print job; and a control unit configured to execute a priority process which, when the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is to be met, causes the adjustment unit to execute the image quality adjustment before a start of the execution of a condition meeting print job, for which the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is to be met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8724163
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, rotational polygonal mirror, correction data calculating unit, modification computing unit, and adjustment unit. The adjustment unit adjusts drive current supplied to the light source using the correction data calculated by the correction data calculating unit when a first of a plurality of modes is selected or using the correction data calculated by the modification computing unit when a second of the plurality of modes is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichi Seki
  • Patent number: 8724193
    Abstract: An image forming device may be provided with a setting data storage device, a preview image creation device, and an output device. The setting data storage device may be capable of storing a plurality of patterns of setting data. The preview image creation device may create, for each pattern of setting data stored in the setting data storage device, a preview image to which the pattern of setting data is reflected. The output device may output the plurality of preview images created by the preview image creation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Otsuka
  • Patent number: 8719599
    Abstract: A method for monitoring subsystem power includes, with a power control system of an electronic device, receiving energy usage data from one of a plurality of subsystems within the electronic device, with the power control system, maintaining energy usage data for the plurality of subsystems within the electronic device, and with the power control system, providing integrated energy usage data to one of the plurality of subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert P. Callaway, Douglas Harriman, Jon Johnson
  • Patent number: 8717649
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. A color contact image sensor (CIS) module employing a single channel line sensor can be used to produce substantially the same performance as a color CIS module employing a three-channel line sensor and having color filters to, for example, reduce manufacturing costs. Moreover, a blurring phenomenon that can occur in a scanned image can be reduced and the quality of the scanned image can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Mi Kim, Jong Hyon Yi
  • Patent number: 8718364
    Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a region extraction unit configured to extract region data for each object from document image data including tables; a table structure analysis unit configured to analyze the region data relating to table objects out of the extracted region data and extract table structure information on each of the table objects; a sheet generation unit configured to generate a display sheet for reproducing a layout of the object in the document image data and an edit sheet for each table for editing the table, by using the region data and the table structure information on each object; and an electronic-document generation unit configured to generate an electronic document which associated the display sheet with the edit sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8711440
    Abstract: A method of identifying a printed page from a scan of the printed page is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a page key of the printed page on the basis of the scan (710), searching a database (199) for a similar page key (730). For each found similar page key (740), the method further comprises; retrieving from the database an instance key location (750), generating an instance key for the printed page (530), based on the retrieved instance key location of the referenced page instance; and comparing the generated instance key for the printed page with the retrieved instance key of the referenced page instance (770). A match between the instance keys indicates that the printed page is the referenced page instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Stephen James Hardy
  • Patent number: 8711452
    Abstract: A method for forming a final digital color image includes capturing an image using an image sensor having panchromatic pixels and color pixels corresponding to at least two color photoresponses; providing from the captured image a digital panchromatic image and an intermediate digital color image; and using the digital panchromatic image and the intermediate digital color image to provide the final digital color image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Hamilton, Jr., John T. Compton
  • Patent number: 8711435
    Abstract: In one form, the method comprises obtaining scanned values of the image, scaling the scanned values to obtain scaled values, applying a non-linear correction function to the scaled values to obtain a first approximation of corrected reflectance values, filtering the corrected reflectance values by applying a piecewise Gaussian filter, applying the non-linear correction function to obtain a successive approximation of the corrected reflectance values, determining whether the successive approximation of the corrected reflectance values are sufficiently converged, selectively repeating the filtering and applying if the corrected reflectance values are insufficiently converged and selecting the corrected reflectance values for subsequent processing if the corrected reflectance values are sufficiently converged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: R. Victor Klassen
  • Patent number: 8711450
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus, an image reading method and a program are provided for favorably correcting color misalignment in a sub-scanning direction of a read signal read by a plurality of line sensors without increasing a circuit scale or processing time. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus sets, as a reference signal, the read signal that is output from one of the plurality of line sensors, and detects a correlation between the reference signal and each of a plurality of read signals output from line sensors other than the one of the plurality of line sensors of a plurality of lines that are displaced in predetermined line units from a line from which the reference signal is read, and selects a read signal having a high correlation with the reference signal as a read signal from the line of the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisashi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8711454
    Abstract: An image scanner includes: a light source that irradiates, with light, a recording medium on which an image is formed; a light receiving portion that receives light reflected by the recording medium; and a reflecting portion that has a reflecting surface for measuring the amount of specular reflection light coming from the light source, the specular reflection light being included in the light received by the light receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Ito
  • Patent number: 8705146
    Abstract: An imaging device including a base and an enclosed chamber positioned on the base. The enclosed chamber has a scanning surface inclined with respect to the base, a reflecting member positioned opposite to the scanning surface and an imaging member adjacent the scanning surface and oriented towards the reflecting member. The imaging member is illuminated with a red, a green, a blue, and an additional color LED. In one embodiment the additional color is a color other than red, green, and blue. In an alternate embodiment the additional color is Ultraviolet (UV) or Infra-Red (IR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael King, Mark Eric Miller, Ronald Todd Sellers
  • Patent number: 8705086
    Abstract: A scanner, an image forming apparatus including the same, an image processing method of the scanner and a printing method of the image forming apparatus. The image processing method includes acquiring an environment image, acquiring a main scan image by scanning a document on a flatbed, and extracting a document image from the main scan image using the environment image when the document is scanned with the cover in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-soo Ohk
  • 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: 8699036
    Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring and environment, with a laser scanner, having a base and a measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected by an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, has a manually movable trolley, on which the laser scanner is mounted by means of its base and which can be taken from a resting state to a moving state, wherein the trolley has a path measuring device for measuring its path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Ditte, Martin Ossig
  • Patent number: 8699007
    Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, which is designed as a laser scanner, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected from an object (O) in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and with a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points (X), determines at least the distance to the object (O), the laser scanner has a swivel-axis module which, as a pre-assembled assembly, on the one hand is provided with a base resting in the stationary reference system of the laser scanner and, on the other hand, with parts which can be fixed to a carrying structure of the measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Becker, Norbert Homann
  • Patent number: 8699106
    Abstract: Conventionally, it is not possible to evenly correct a color conversion table of a reading device in the entire color region even with a limited number of patches. In order to correct a color conversion table, a color conversion table from a device-independent color space into a device-independent color space is newly stored. A shift in read data between devices is reflected in a correction 3D-LUT and a color conversion table is corrected using the correction 3D-LUT. Thereby, it is possible to correct the entire color region with a smaller number of pieces of data and with less time and effort than when a color conversion table is newly recreated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Asako Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8699104
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image scanner and an image forming apparatus equipped with the image scanner, and more particularly to a technique of detecting that dew condensation occurs on a transparent member for placing a document thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Shimatani
  • Patent number: 8693069
    Abstract: A document reading apparatus includes a document positioning plate on which a document is placed, an image-forming unit configured to cause a light from the document to form an image, a reading unit configured to receive the light from the document which has passed through the image-forming unit, a supporting member for supporting the image-forming unit, a fixing member for fixing a reading element, and a frame member for holding the image-forming unit, the supporting member, the reading element and the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Suga
  • Patent number: 8693047
    Abstract: An image capture unit and computer readable medium used in combination therewith is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the image capture unit includes an image capturing sensor, a visual display, an instance of the computer readable medium, and circuitry for integrating functionalities thereof. The computer readable medium causes sensor data received from the image capturing sensor to be processed. The sensor data includes a plurality of image tiles and position indicating data defining a respective relative position of each one of each image tiles. Each one of each image tiles includes data representing a discrete portion of visual content. The computer readable medium causes a feedback image be displayed on the visual display. Displaying the feedback image includes correlate the relative position of each one of each image tiles with at least one other image tile that has previously generated and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Image Trends Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Durr Edgar, Michael Charles Wilder, Darryl Ray Polk, Michael David Wilkes, Sheppard Parker, Martin Potucek
  • 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: 8681386
    Abstract: Acquiring image data for each color component by guiding the reflected light from a read position on a contact glass, to a line sensor for each color component, detecting a provisional foreign matter region in one image data, determining a first condition on the basis of the number of pixels constituting the provisional foreign matter region, determining a second condition on the basis of the average value of the density values of all of the pixels within the provisional foreign matter region when the first condition is satisfied, and determining whether or not foreign matter is present at a read position corresponding to the one color component when the second condition is satisfied on the basis of the density value of the pixel corresponding to the provisional foreign matter region in one other image data and the fourth reference value that has been set in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Shimatani
  • Patent number: 8681379
    Abstract: A image processing apparatus includes a transformation unit that reproduces a color tone of a first output data of an original image data output from a first image output apparatus by using a second output data of the original image data output from a second image output apparatus, an estimating unit that estimates first and second geometric transformation parameters, an associating unit that generates first and second color component value association data, and a determining unit that generates a color tone transformation parameter based on a combination of pixel values in which a pixel value of the first image output data is substantially equivalent to a pixel value of the second image output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nakamura