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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An image reader includes a first image reading unit that reads a first image on a first side of a sheet to output a first analog signal corresponding to the first image, a second image reading unit that reads a second image on a second side of the sheet, converts a second analog signal corresponding to the second image into a second digital signal, and outputs the second digital signal, a processor that processes the first analog signal and the second digital signal and includes a first converter converting the first analog signal into a first digital signal, and a timing signal output unit outputting, to the second image reading unit, a timing signal corresponding to a conversion time of the conversion by the first converter. Based on the timing signal, the second image reading unit outputs the second digital signal at a time outside the conversion time.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus 4 includes an image reading portion 38 which is unmovably arranged at one side with respect to a document transportation path 30, a white reference member 43 for shading correction which is arranged at the other side with respect to the document transportation path 30, a cover member 50 which is capable of being opened and closed so as to expose or cover the document transportation path 30, and a driving unit 55 which changes a posture of the white reference member 43 between an operating posture at the time of the shading correction and a non-operating posture. The white reference member 43 is attached to the cover member 55. Further, the white reference member 43 and the driving unit 55 are related to each other such that the white reference member 43 is not made into the operating posture in conjunction with an opening operation of the cover member 55.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a control unit and an output unit. The control unit includes an image output unit that arranges an image read by reading processing in an area shifted in a certain direction in a display area in which read image on which reading processing is performed by an image reading apparatus is displayed, and outputs the image to the output unit.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for printing a document from a portable device. During operation, the system obtains the document to be printed. Next, the system obtains a document optical code that identifies the document. Subsequently, the system displays the document optical code on the portable device in such a way that the document optical code can be scanned and recognized by a scanner associated with the printer. Next, the system allows the printer to retrieve and print the document based at least on the document optical code.

Abstract: A multifunction peripheral (MFP) and a method for restricting the use of the same. A user ID and a password are registered according to a user's input, accessible functions are set according to the registered user, and even the authenticated user is restricted to using only the set functions. Therefore, use of the MFP and specific functions of the MFP can be restricted according to the particular registered user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner and an image forming apparatus including the same. The scanner may include a scanning unit; a support unit configured to support the scanning unit; a first pinion rotatably disposed on the support unit and configured to move along a first rack of a first surface of a guide member; and a second pinion rotatably disposed on the support unit and configured to move along a second rack of a second surface of the guide member such that the direction of rotation of the second pinion is opposite to the direction of rotation of the first pinion, the second surface of the guide member being different from the first surface of the guide member.

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.

Abstract: A method of automatic white balance adjustment for a scanner is described hereinafter. First, a light source provides a white light to make the scanner scan a document and get an initial image of the document. Secondly, get red, green and blue chromatic values of a background color in the initial image. Next, calculate a factor based on the chromatic values and a calibration value which is stored in a calibration sheet. Lastly, the scanner automatically adjusts a brightness ratio of the red, green and blue lights of the light source according to the factor, and then rescans the document to get a final image which has a processed background color. Therefore, the final image having the background color close to white is in favor of identification. Furthermore, the adjustment is executed in process of the scanner rescanning the document so that omits the step of executing adjustment by software.

Abstract: A pixel interpolating device includes a cycle calculation unit and an interpolating unit. The cycle calculation unit calculates a cycle in change of pixel values of pixels in a document image obtained by reading a document by first and second photoelectric conversion element arrays each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. The interpolating unit extracts from the pixels such pixels that an interval between each pixel and an interpolated pixel corresponding to a position between the first and second photoelectric conversion element arrays corresponds to the cycle calculated by the cycle calculation unit. The interpolating unit interpolates a pixel value of the interpolated pixel based on pixel values of the extracted pixels.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises: an image reading unit that includes a platen glass and a color contact image sensor configured by a line image sensor for reading red, a line image sensor for reading green, and a line image sensor for reading blue, the line image sensors being disposed in a sub-scanning direction of an original; and an automatic original feeder. In the image reading apparatus, the line image sensor for reading red and the line image sensor for reading green are disposed so that a line gap therebetween is two lines, and in a monochrome mode in which a color original is read and output as a monochrome image, the color original is read using the line image sensor for reading red and the line image sensor for reading green.

Abstract: A scanner device may create original data for one or more pages, and calculate a digest value utilizing the original data so as to create document data in an external storage device. If a remaining capacity in an internal storage device is not deficient, the scanner device may write a first type of target partial data in both of the internal storage device and the external storage device. If a second type of target partial data which is partial data of a target of a calculating process for calculating the digest value is stored in both of the internal storage device and the external storage device, the scanner device may perform a calculating process by utilizing the second type of target partial data being stored in the internal storage device.

Abstract: A scanner connected to an external device through a network is provided. The scanner includes, a reading section that reads an image recorded on a sheet so as to generate image data, an image data group supply section that, in a case where a plurality of images recorded on a plurality of sheets are read by the reading section, sequentially generates an image data group every time a part of the plurality of sheets is read by the reading section, and sequentially supplies the generated image data group to the external device, a joint information generation section that generates joint information used to join two or more of the image data groups, the two or more of the image data groups representing the plurality of images; and a joint information supply section that supplies the joint information to the external device.

Abstract: A colorimetric chart, for measuring a color reproduction characteristic of an image forming apparatus, includes: a patch column that is arranged in a sub-scanning direction representing a conveying direction in which the image forming apparatus conveys the colorimetric chart and that is used in detecting periodic color fluctuation attributed to the image forming apparatus, wherein the patch column includes patches that are arranged in different phases on the same patch column.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus that includes a calibration member that is disposed within a calibration holder and is movable to a position within the optical path of the scanner head assembly. The apparatus can perform optical analysis of images on sheets, comprising a structure forming a baffle for passage of a sheet therethrough, and a photosensor disposed to receive light reflected from a sheet in the baffle. In particular, this embodiment employs a shutter plate mounted to a rack and pinion system where the shutter plate serves the dual purpose of presenting the calibration member to the scanner when engaged into the paper path and when retracted, the backside of the shutter serves as a paper guide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus comprising: a read unit that reads a target to be read as color data of N colors (N is a positive integer) that form a color space; a generator that generates pixel data of one pixel from the read color data of the N colors; a determining unit that determines whether the generated pixel data is present in an achromatic edge area that includes an achromatic edge; and a processing unit that, if the generated pixel data is determined to be present in the achromatic edge area, generates, for pixels in the achromatic edge area, achromatic pixel data of the color space from one item of the read color data of the N colors forming the color space and also generates image data from the generated achromatic pixel data.

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.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a first reader member that receives light from a medium to read an image recorded on a surface thereof; a second reader member that separates the light from the medium and reads a color of the recorded image based on the separated light; a deriving unit that derives associating information that associates a first read result with a second read result based on the first read result and the second read result, the first read result being obtained by the first reader member, the second read result being obtained by the second reader member; and a measuring unit that measures the color of the image on the medium for performing color calibration by reading the medium by using the first reader member so as to determine a color corresponding to the second read result based on the first read result and the associating information.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an image reading apparatus including: a monochrome CCD sensor including a first photo-diode array; plural color CCD sensors each including a second photodiode array; an AD converter configured to apply analog-to-digital conversion to each of analog outputs from the second photodiode array and the first photodiode array; a delay processing unit configured to delay at least one of color image data of plural colors from the AD converter and interpolate, with delayed any one or more of the color image data, a blank of image data that is to be read on a line in a sub-scanning direction; and an inter-line correction unit configured to correct, by the intervals and a set reduction magnification, a positional deviation in the sub-scanning direction between the monochrome image data and the color image data, respective timings of which are aligned on the line by the delay processing unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a first image processing unit that carries out first image processing on image data depicting a first image; a first determination unit that determines whether the first image is a chromatic image or an achromatic image; a determination control unit that determines whether the second image is a chromatic image or an achromatic image based on at least one of two results, between which one is a result of a determination whether a second image serving as a target of second image processing to be performed after the first image processing is a chromatic image or an achromatic image, and the other is a determination result determined by the first determination unit; and a second image processing unit that carries out the second image processing on the second image based on a result of the determination control unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that can automatically read images on a plurality of pages stored in electronic paper without setting the electronic paper on a page-by-page basis even when using an original fixed reading method. A scanner unit reads an image on an original placed on an original platen glass by scanning the original by moving a reading unit from one end of the original to the other end. Communication with electronic paper is carried out to acquire image information stored in the electronic paper. An image file of which image is to be read is selected from the displayed image information. An image display on the electronic paper placed on the original platen glass is controlled by communicating with the electronic paper using a communication unit. The scanner unit scans in images of the selected image file displayed on the electronic paper on a page-by-page basis.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first conveying path, a curved conveying path, a second conveying path, a first image reading section facing the first conveying path, a pair of third conveying rollers having a third nip point P1, a pair of second conveying rollers having a second nip point P4, a second image reading section facing the second conveying path, a pair of first conveying rollers having a first nip point P3 and a pair of discharge rollers having a fourth nip point P2. A distance between P1 and P2 is larger than a distance between P3 and P4. P3 and P4 are positioned in a first area defined by imaginary lines extending upward from P1 and P2 respectively.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a light source that generates light by synthesizing light from different illuminants, and irradiates an irradiated object with the light; a reading unit that reads light irradiated by the light source and reflected by the irradiated object and generates image information on the irradiated object; a correction amount setting unit that acquires from the reading unit the image information generated by using, as the irradiated object, a color sample formed in a color of light emitted by any one of the illuminants generating the light of the light source, and that sets, according to the acquired image information, a correction amount to correct the image information on the irradiated object generated by the reading unit; and a correction unit that corrects the image information on the irradiated object generated by the reading unit, by using the correction amount set by the correction amount setting unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that includes light receiving units arranged in two-dimensional array and reads an image on an original in two-dimensional directions, a cover portion that forms a reader chamber with the image reading unit, and a read-start instruction unit that instructs the image reading unit to start reading the image on the original when the original is inserted into the reader chamber. The reader chamber has a space for containing the original therein, and forms an original insertion/ejection port with the cover portion for inserting or ejecting the original therethrough.

Abstract: One embodiment of a scanning stand for devices equipped with a digital camera comprising two inverted-V parts. One inverted-V part includes a sliding platform serving as a holder for a device equipped with a digital camera. Inverted-V parts are connected using nylon ribbons and the distance between inverted-V parts can be adjusted to accommodate documents of various thicknesses. A sheet of transparent acrylic or glass is included to provide means to flatten wrinkles or creases on documents and to straighten pages of bound material near the binding.

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.

Abstract: An elongate light guide includes a light incident portion provided at an end in the longitudinal direction of the guide, a light reflecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction, a light emitting portion extending in the longitudinal direction for emitting linear light, and a scatterer for scattering the light entering through the light incident portion. For instance, the scatterer is provided as a grained portion formed at least part of the reflecting portion.

Abstract: A device for imaging a flat object, for example a paper sheet in a printing machine, includes a light source, preferably an LED row, a lens and an image sensor. An observation angle between the object plane and lens axis is flat, that is to say less than 45°. The light source illuminates the flat object in a first, near region with light of a first wavelength and illuminates the flat object in a second, far region with light of a second wavelength. The first wavelength is shorter than the second wavelength, preferably being blue and red spectral regions. The first region is disposed nearer the image sensor than the second region. The device permits the so-called chromatic aberration of the lens to be utilized to advantageously reduce the tilt angle of the image sensor required by the so-called Scheimpflug condition. A printing machine having the device is also provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus controls a formation of dots in a recording element configured to perform scanning on a sheet-like recording medium to form dots of different colors on a surface of the recording medium. The image processing apparatus makes a constraint according to cyan and magenta constraint information applied to a same scanning operation stronger than a constraint according to cyan and magenta constraint information applied to mutually adjacent scanning operations.

Abstract: In one version of a system according to the present invention, an MFP device and a storage server are connected to each other via a network. A user authentication is performed to acquire user information. Job information associated with the user information is acquired from the storage server. When scanning or printing is interrupted, scan or print setting information set before the interruption, and optionally the image data scanned before the interruption, are acquired. The MFP device performs the scanning or printing based on the setting information acquired from the storage server at the time of restart.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of size sensors configured to be arranged in line and to detect a sheet set into a predetermined position; a feeding part configured to feed the sheet set into the predetermined position to a scan position; and a controller configured to control the feeding part to feed the sheet based on two detect signals output from two size sensors among the plurality of the size sensors.

Abstract: A communication unit transmits image data of a preceding sheet scanned to a management device communicating with a decoloring device and receives from a management device determination data which is produced by the management device based on the image data and indicates at least whether or not the preceding sheet is reusable and receives ability data of the management device or reception time indication data. A control unit conveys the preceding sheet to a predetermined conveyance destination based on the determination data and feeds sheets at a timing at which the leading end of a following sheet does not run into the tail end of the preceding sheet even if the preceding sheet is held until the determination data is received based on the ability data or the reception time indication data.

Abstract: A method of controlling a printing job of an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit. The method of controlling a printing job includes transforming scanned data into printable data, and determining a time to start driving the image forming unit according to the type of data scanned, starting driving the image forming unit at the determined start time, and printing the scanned data transformed into printable data. The time required to perform a printing job is thereby reduced, and scanned data can be output normally.

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner and an image reading apparatus including the same. The scanner can include a transparent plate, a scanning unit configured to scan a document on the transparent plate, a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is positioned in a first document zone that is associated with an area in which a first document type is to be positioned based on a first alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The second sensor is positioned in a second document zone that is associated with an area in which a second document type of a different size is positioned based on a second alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The first document zone and the second document zone are non-overlapping zones. The document type and/or orientation can be determined based on the detection signals from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: An optical filter is provided on photoelectric conversion elements for monochrome reading. Each of a reflecting optical system and the optical filter has an end portion and a central portion in a predetermined direction. The optical filter suppresses light at a peak wavelength of a light source such that a difference between a sensitivity of optical path via the end portion of the reflecting optical system and the optical filter and a sensitivity of optical path via the central portion of the reflecting optical system and the optical filter fall within a range of 5% at the peak wavelength of light source.

Abstract: There is provided an image scanning apparatus including: a plurality of image scanning unit that reads image information pieces of different colors at positions shifted from each other in one scanning direction or the other; a color image generation unit that generates color image information on the assumption that a plurality of the image information pieces read by the image scanning unit are the image information at the same position in the scanning direction; a black-and-white image generation unit that generates black-and-white image information on the assumption that the plurality of image information pieces read by the image scanning unit are the image information pieces at the positions different from each other in the scanning direction; and a selection unit that selects the color image information generated by the color image generation unit or the black-and-white image information generated by the black-and-white image generation unit as the image information to be employed, based on the read image

Abstract: Provided is a method for automatically determining an error of a user operation or a colorimeter caused when the colorimeter 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 colorimetric values without using fixed reference and threshold values for each patch.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes a scanning unit configured to execute image scanning of a document and thereby generate image data, at least one processing unit configured to successively process the image data outputted from the scanning unit, a transmission unit configured to transmit the image data outputted from the processing unit, a storage unit, in which multiple buffer areas to be used for transferring the image data among the scanning unit, the at least one processing unit and the transmission unit are allocated, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on usage status of each of the buffer areas, and a changing unit configured to change storage area allocation at least between two of the buffer areas based on the usage status acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: A method of automatically identifying a scan region boundary, used for scanning a document under a non-unified background, includes: reading a reference linear scan data by a scanning device, the scanning device analyzing brightness values in each row of the reference linear scan data and determining a reference range value according to the brightness values in each row; and during scanning a document, the scanning device comparing brightness values of a linear scan data with the reference range value so as to determine the scan region boundary. The method confirms the scan boundary of a document and is not subjected to a backlight element or a document carrier. The method identifies the boundary of a document under a non-unified background, is applicable to scanning transparent and reflective documents and has strong resistance against environmental interference, not only simplifying the scanning device but also enhancing the automatic performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are method and apparatus for calibrating imaging equipment. According to one embodiment of a method, a calibration deck of timing sheets is prepared. The calibration deck includes a sheet with a series of reference marks that help determine the amount of skew, a sheet with objective scoring bubbles that are all filled in with black ink, a grey scale bubble sheet having a predetermined number of shades between black and white, and a sheet with objective scoring bubbles that are all unfilled, or white. The timing sheets are scanned on a scanner, and results from scanning the calibration deck are compared to an industry standard baseline.

Abstract: A network scanning system has a control apparatus connected to a connection device via a network and includes a scanning application for remotely controlling a scanner, where the scanning application receives a command from the connection device and automatically transmits to a display unit of the connection device via the network without a user operation of the scanning application, a selection screen information, the connection device displays a selection menu and transmits, to the scanning application in the control apparatus, a selection item information specifying an item selected by a user of the display unit, and the scanning application automatically transmits, to the connection device without a user operation of the scanning application in the control apparatus, a control signal based on the selection item, and the scanning application in the control apparatus automatically controls the scanner remotely in accordance with the control signal via the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate compensating for slow scan direction displacement (e.g., skew and/or bow) defects in a raster line using slow-scan electronic registration. Input image data is buffered at low-resolution (e.g., 600 spi or the like). Displacement compensation is performed as the low-resolution contone image data is converted to high-resolution (e.g., 2400 spi or the like), and a displaced (e.g., staggered) halftoning threshold array is indexed to account for detected displacement. Displacement compensation is again performed during conversion of the high-resolution contone image data to high-resolution binary image data that is used to generate an output image.

Abstract: This invention provides a first communication apparatus, which makes a facsimile communication via a packet communication network and can describe different contents image header information each including a date, time, source information, destination information, and the like in image data having a predetermined number of pixels upon sending the image data to a plurality of destinations, and a communication method. This invention also provides a second communication apparatus which makes a facsimile communication via a packet communication network and has a first mode in which image header information such as a date, time, source information, destination information, and the like can be described in image data having a predetermined number of pixels and can send the image data, and a second mode in which image data having one of various resolutions and an indefinite number of pixels can be sent.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a sheet table including a placement surface on which a sheet is placed; a light emitting device including light sources; a light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting devices for emitting light to the placement surface; a light receiving unit; a read image conversion unit converting the received light into read image information; a pulse signal output unit that outputs a pulse signal; a plurality of drive current supply units supplying drive currents to the plurality of light emitting devices; a light emission control unit; a first light emission parameter determination unit; and a second light emission parameter determination unit. The light emission control unit controls the light sources to emit the same color light in sequence based on a drive current value of a first and second light emitting devices and a light emission time of the light sources.

Abstract: A media sheet is scanned. The media sheet has an image and an annotation. The annotation indicates a functionality to be performed in relation to the image. The annotation on the media sheet as scanned is detected. The functionality to be performed in relation to the image is determined in correspondence to the annotation detected on the media sheet. The functionality to which the annotation corresponds is performed in relation to the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image reading apparatus and to a method of controlling this apparatus. The image reading apparatus acquires a profile capable of being set as processing applied to image data in an information processing device, re-classifies, for the purpose of display on the image reading apparatus, the name of the acquired profile and the settings of the profile, converts this profile name and the settings to items displayed on a display unit of the image reading apparatus, and displays the items on the display unit. The information of a profile selected based upon an item displayed on the display unit is transmitted to the information processing device, and the image data generated by the image reading apparatus is transmitted to the information processing device in response to a request from the information processing device.

Abstract: A contact-type image scanner includes an illumination unit, a control unit and a photo-sensing unit. The illumination unit includes a first, a second and a third light source for respectively emitting different color light beams on an original surface. The control unit is in communication with the illumination unit for controlling on durations of the light sources. In response to a first start pulse and a second start pulse, the first light source and the second light source are turned on for a first on duration and a second on duration respectively, wherein the second light source is turned on immediately after the first light source is turned off or after the first light source is turned off for a delaying time. In response to a third start pulse, the first, second and third light sources are simultaneously turned on for a first minor on duration, a second minor on duration and a third minor on duration, respectively.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a feeder, a first reading unit, a first memory which stores image data of the surface of the document read by the first reading unit, a second reading unit located at an upstream side of the first reading position, a second memory which stores image data of the document read by the second reading unit and a controller configured to control the feeder, the first reading unit and the second reading unit. The controller controls to execute pre-scanning the document by the second reading unit over a predetermined range shorter than a separation distance between the first reading position and the second reading position in a transporting direction from a leading edge of the document when the document reaches the second reading position. The controller further controls to execute storing obtained pre-scanned image data into the second memory and measuring the size of the document based on the pre-scanned image data stored in the second memory.

Abstract: An image-scanning device wherein plural images of an object are picked up inverted and reduced in size by image-forming optical systems arranged to be adjacent to each other, and then restored by an image processing system. Each optical system includes a first optical element having a first focal length; an aperture member located at a focus position in a rear side of the first optical element; and a second optical element provided in a rear side of the aperture member and having a second focal length shorter than the first focal length, respectively disposed from a side of the object being picked up to a side of the image pickup device. In between optical systems, corresponding image pick up devices thereof are arranged to be adjacent to each other, the image pickup devices including a region in which the images picked up by the image pickup devices are overlapped.