Abstract: The invention provides a film holder for an advanced scanner having a notched and grooved frame surrounding a central support, preferably a glass plate. The frame contains grooves along the side edges of the frame that correspond with accepting gears of a scanner such as a 4,000-dpi scanner. The central support provides a mounting surface for a piece of film to be scanned, wherein the film is mounted on the central support with a mounting fluid. The mounting fluid smoothes over imperfections in the film and central support, and holds the film secure to the support over the entire surface area of the film, thereby improving scan quality.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that detects failure in the white LEDs constituting a white LED array. Failure in the white LEDs is detected by comparison between a prescribed current threshold and the current running in the LED array detected by an image reading apparatus controller when the white LED array composed of plural LED blocks connected in parallel, each LED block being composed of plural LEDs connected in series, is powered for failure detection. This failure check is conducted by checking LEDs for failure in each of the LED blocks constituting the LED array. Image reading is not permitted when faulty LEDs are detected in two neighboring LED blocks.

Abstract: A transparency conveying apparatus is provided with: a first rail for guiding one end of a transparency; a second rail for guiding the other end portion, which is provided parallel to the first rail with the transparency reading region placed between the first and second rails; a first belt for conveying the transparency along the first rail, which faces the first rail in a position where the one end is inserted between the first belt and the first rail; a second belt for conveying the transparency along the second rail, which faces the second rail in a position where the other end is inserted between the second belt and the second rail; a first engagement member for engaging the one end with the first belt; a second engagement member for engaging the other end with the second belt; and a drive unit for rotating the first and second belts.

Abstract: A contact image sensor module includes: a first image sensor, having a first light receiving element set aligned in a straight line; a second image sensor, having a second light receiving element set aligned in parallel to the abovementioned first light receiving element set; a first lens unit, forming, on the abovementioned first light receiving element set, a clear image of a first object, which is positioned at a first distance from light receiving surfaces of the abovementioned first light receiving element set; and a second lens unit, forming, on the abovementioned second light receiving element set, a clear image of a second object, which is positioned at a second distance, differing from the above mentioned first distance, from the light receiving surfaces of the abovementioned first light receiving element set.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transparent original table for placing a transmitting original thereon, an image reading unit for reading an image of the transmitting original through the transparent original table, and a transmitting original holder having a through-hole for positioning the transmitting original relative to the transparent original table. In addition, an illuminating unit is provided for pressing the transmitting original positioned by the through-hole of the original holder, and includes a plane light source for illuminating the transmitting original, a fitting portion for fitting in the through-hole, and a protruding portion protruding toward a direction along the surface of the transmitting original from a surface of the illumination unit. The protruding portion contacts with an upper surface of the transmitting original holder when the fitting portion fits and thus the transmitting original is pressed.

Abstract: An image reading system which, even if a user sets a transparent original of a wrong type in order to obtain a preview image, is capable of displaying the preview image which is suited to the type of the transparent original without executing pre-scanning again. When a film original is set on a scanner and an image is read therefrom to display a preview image, reading of the image is carried out by the same reading method irrespective of whether the film original is negative or positive. Image processing for displaying the preview image is changed according to the type of the film selected by the user.

Abstract: An image scanner has a pivotal illuminator plate. The illuminator plate is pivotally coupled to the main housing of the image scanner and storable within the automatic paper feeder when the illuminator plate is not used. For scanning a transparent object, the illuminator plate is rotated in the direction toward the glass platform, so that the transparent object is covered by the illuminator plate.

Abstract: A document platen. A support member supports an end portion of the document platen from below in a sub scanning direction. A sensor module has a first protruding portion protruding in the sub scanning direction. The sensor module includes a first sensor, and a second sensor being shorter than the first sensor in length and being housed into the first protruding portion. A transport unit transports the sensor module in the sub scanning direction. When the sensor module is transported to an end part in the sub scanning direction, the support member is housed into a space disposed at a side of the first protruding portion in a main scanning direction.

Abstract: Various method and apparatus are disclosed for scanning a transparency with a template

Abstract: An image data transmission apparatus which are capable of improving reliability of log files by ensuring proper storing of log information about transferred image data. A preceding log, which includes information about the transmission of image data, is transmitted to a log file server connected with a scanner via a network. In the scanner, it is determined whether the log file server has succeeded in receiving or storing the preceding log. If the log file server has succeeded in receiving or storing the preceding log, the image data is transmitted to a designated destination of image data transmission.

Abstract: One embodiment pertains to analyzing a document that is to be printed on a transparency, determining whether the document formatting is optimized for transparency printing, and alerting a user if the document formatting is not optimized for transparency printing. Another embodiment pertains to analyzing a document to determine whether the document is a transparency document, determining whether the scanning resolution is appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is determined to be a transparency document, and alerting a user if the scanning resolution is not appropriate for scanning a transparency where the document is a transparency document and the scanning resolution is inappropriate.

Abstract: A display and scanning assembly is disclosed wherein light reflected from or transmitted through an image being scanned is transmitted to an optical sensor through an optical shutter assembly via a light guide assembly. The optical shutter assembly is made substantially opaque except for one or more selected optical shutter elements that are made substantially transparent or opened. Light is then reflected from or transmitted through the medium containing the image to be scanned through substantially transparent shutter element or elements and transmitted to the optical sensor via a light guide assembly. The image may then be scanned by advancing selection of shutter element or elements that are opened across the medium.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing scanned pages are described. In one aspect, the invention features a method of processing a sequence of scanned pages of a document in accordance with which, page number indicators are extracted from scanned pages of the document. A histogram of extracted page number indicators is computed. Scanned page sequence information is determined based at least in part on the computed histogram. A computer program and a system for implementing the scanned page processing method also are described.

Abstract: A film holding apparatus for use with a scanner is provided. The film holding apparatus selectively holds a positive film and a negative film that are to be scanned. The positive film is thicker than the negative film. The film holding apparatus includes a base, a plate disposed above the base, and a pressing unit disposed above the plate. The plate has a surface for selectively receiving a positive film and a negative film. When the surface of the plate receives the positive film, the plate vertically moves for a distance toward the base. When the surface of the plate receives a negative film, the negative film is held between the surface of the plate and the pressing unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus receives image data from a plurality of external input means and forms an image on a sheet of paper based on the image data. In the image forming apparatus, an operation part for a user to perform an input/output operation is provided in the front side of the housing formed with a stage. Additionally, an extended housing is provided on the housing so that the top of the extended housing is higher than the location of the operation part. Further, a light emitting part for indicating the operational status of the image forming apparatus is provided on the extended housing.

Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined separately into single frame representations of multiple frames which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Each pixel address within the database corresponds to a mask/lookup table address within the digital frame and X, Y, Z location of subsequent frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting of all masks or single masks in an entire frame, bezier and polygon tracing of selected regions with edge detected shaping and operator directed detection of subsequent regions. The gray scale actively determines the mask and corresponding color lookup that is applied in a keying fashion within regions of interest.

Abstract: A thin transparent media adapter is used when scanning transparent media on a contact image sensor or reduction optics scanner. The adapter uses illumination from an existing scanner light source to illuminate a diffuser and the media. A lens assembly is used to focus the light from the media to create an intermediate image between the adapter and the scanner platen glass. The adapter is an optical assembly that forms an intermediate image of the transparent media in the image side focal plane of existing scanner optics. The existing scanner optics can then capture and focus the light from the intermediate image onto the scanner's existing sensor array. The adapter magnetically couples to the scan system to allow the lens array to follow movement of the optical system of the scanner.

Abstract: A thin transparent media adapter is used when scanning transparent media on a contact image sensor or reduction optics scanner. The adapter uses illumination from a light guide assembly to illuminate a diffuser and the media. A lens assembly is used to focus the light from the media to create an intermediate image between the adapter and the scanner platen glass. The adapter is an optical assembly that forms an intermediate image of the transparent media in the object side focal plane of existing scanner optics. The existing scanner optics can then capture and focus the light from the intermediate image onto the scanner's existing sensor array. The adapter magnetically couples to the scan system to allow the lens array to follow movement of the optical system of the scanner.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus can read images on film and is capable of alternating between 35 mm film and a roll of film. The apparatus includes a light source, a photoelectric converter, a film transport that transports film past a reading position to which the light is emitted and the photoelectric converter reads, and two insertion openings. The light source illuminates the film so that the photoelectric converter can read the illuminated images and output an image signal. The film transport transports the film to the reading position. A first insertion opening is used for inserting a roll of film (e.g., in a cartridge), while a second insertion opening is used for inserting 35 mm film (e.g., on a film mount).

Abstract: A scanner system for imaging a transparent media object comprising an illumination source for concurrently illuminating a first and second scan line of a media object, and a carriage comprising a photosensitive device located within the carriage and a light pipe affixed to a surface of the carriage is provided. The carriage is configured to receive on a first region of the photosensitive device light passed through the first scan line and the light pipe is adapted to redirect light passing through the second scan line onto a second region of the photosensitive device. The photosensitive device is operable to sample light directed onto the first and second regions.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a body, a transparent plate, a scanning module, and a color reference slice. A paper-feeding track is formed within the body, and a scanning window is formed at a side wall of the paper-feeding track. A coupling groove is formed at an edge of the scanning window. Both the transparent plate and the color reference slice have an edge being inserted into the coupling groove, such that the transparent plate covers the scanning window while the color reference slice leans against a side surface of the transparent plate facing the paper-feeding track. The scanning module is disposed within the body corresponding to the scanning window, such that a paper to be scanned and the color reference slice are located in the same plane, and the color reference slice and the paper are scanned under the same optical conditions.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads a document image optically at a reading position while feeding the document over a reading glass. A document guide sheet for forming a step so as to prevent an imaged surface of a fed document from coming into contact with the reading glass is provided at an upstream side of the reading position with respect to a document feeding direction. The reading glass is capable of reciprocating in the document feeding direction by a specified distance x2. If the document guide sheet is located such that a downstream edge of the document guide sheet is at a distance x1 from the reading position, the distances x1 and x2 are in relationship of x1<x2.

Abstract: An office automation apparatus with calibration and positioning device includes a body with an optical module, an automatic document feeder (ADF) arranged at the body and a home pattern having both positioning and calibrating functions and placed below the automatic document feeder and having a first marking for color calibration of the office automation apparatus and a second marking for positioning the optical module to a home location. The home pattern can provide both calibration and positioning functions for saving space and cost.

Abstract: In the image reading method, a film having images recorded in a plurality of frames in a longitudinal direction is transported to read the images photoelectrically at an image reading position by an image reading device. This method transports the film in a first direction along a read and transport path including the image reading position to perform a first image reading for reading the images by the image reading device, returns a forward end of the film to the read and transport path on an entry or exit side of the read and transport path after the first image reading has been finished, and transports the film along the read and transport path in the first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction to perform a second image reading in which the images are read by the image reading device at the image reading position in a sequence of frames that was applied to the first image reading.

Abstract: The invention concerns an image recording apparatus suitable for forming a medical image that is used for a medical diagnosis, and a test pattern for evaluating a quality of the medical image. The image recording apparatus includes a printing section to either the medical image or the test pattern on the recording medium, based on image date; a printing-condition setting section to set a printing condition for printing the test pattern; and a printing-condition displaying section to display the printing condition set by the printing-condition setting section. The printing section prints at least one of a sharpness-evaluating pattern and a granularity-evaluating pattern.

Abstract: An image signal with an overshoot is generated on a positive-going edge of an input image signal with an overshoot producing unit. Then, a light signal with an overshoot is outputted from a recording light source in response to the image signal with the overshoot supplied from the overshoot producing unit. The light signal outputted from the recording light source is applied to scan a photosensitive medium to record an area gradation image on the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: A stand alone flat bed scanner including a CPU, a removable storage medium, a control system displaying digital image and controls for controlling the mode of operation, degree of resolution, related parameters associated with generating, storing and displaying digital data. Ports for printers, accessories and other peripherals, an internal hard drive, and software adapted to display images directly on a television screen, and/or to display images projected from an LCD projector upon a screen, including battery, and a pivotal handle for portable use in environments not having an external power supply. One embodiment, not including an incorporated flat bed scanner function, adapted to receive image data from a conventional scanner unit.

Abstract: A white reference image is inputted to an image sensor so as to output groups of analog data. The groups of analog data are converted by a processing unit into those groups of digital data the number of which is smaller than that of photosensor elements of the image sensor. The lowest density value of the groups or digital data is inspected, an operating environment is set so that the lowest density value of the groups of digital data may become a density value within a predetermined range. An optical system, a drive unit and the processing unit are controlled under the operating environment so as to output from the processing unit, image data which express a subject image inputted to the image sensor.

Abstract: In an image reader, delay circuits are disposed on connection lines connecting an A/D converter with an image data generation circuit, whereby the output timings of the digital electric signals output from the A/D converter differ. Thus, the digital electric signals are not output at the same time from the adjacent output terminals of the A/D converter. Thus, the digital electric signals output from the A/D converter do not make a low to high or high to low transition at the same time and amplifying of EMI is decreased. Therefore, noise can be prevented from being contained in image data generated by the image data generation circuit and the quality of the image read through the image reader can be improved.

Abstract: A scheme for obtaining an original image free from any dust or scratches on a film by scanning a film original or the like with visible light and infrared light has been proposed. This scheme suffers problems, i.e., a large memory size and long processing time since original image data obtained by infrared light must be stored. To solve such conventional problems, this invention provides, e.g., an image scanning apparatus which has a light source for emitting visible light and invisible light, a scanning device configured to scan an original image irradiated with light emitted by the light source, and a control device configured to control the scanning device to scan the original image irradiated with the invisible light, and then to scan the original image irradiated with the visible light.

Abstract: A method of transferring an image recorded on a photographic film to a digital signal, using a film scanning device that generates scan data representative of the digital signal, comprises the steps of calibrating the film scanning device in relation to printing densities and scanning the photographic film with the film scanning device to produce scan data that represents printing densities. Inasmuch as the digital signal is used to drive a film recorder that exposes an output film that is subsequently printed onto a target print material, the scan data represents printing densities which when written out to the film recorder will produce printing densities of the output film onto the target print material that are identical to the printing densities of the same photographic film optically transferred onto the target print material.

Abstract: A scheme for obtaining an original image free from any dust or scratches on a film by scanning a film original or the like with visible light and infrared light has been proposed. This scheme suffers problems, i.e., a large memory size and long processing time since original image data obtained by infrared light must be stored. To solve such conventional problems, this invention provides, e.g., an image scanning apparatus which has a light source for emitting visible light and invisible light, scanning means for scanning an original image irradiated with light emitted by the light source, and control means for controlling the scanning means to scan the original image irradiated with the invisible light, and then to scan the original image irradiated with the visible light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelled image read module, which comprises a sensor, a guide rod, a motor, a gear set, and a belt. The guide rod is fixed on a base of a scanner. The sensor is slidably matched on the guide rod. The motor is disposed at one side of the sensor. The gear set is connected to the motor. The belt is fixed on the base. The belt passes through between and contacts a transmission wheel and an idle wheel of the gear set. Thereby, a scanner's image read module of simple assembly, low cost, and small size is formed.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit comprises a main body, a bottom lid, and a photo film. The main body has an exposure chamber with a taking lens. The exposure chamber is provided with a plane mirror disposed in such a manner as to be inclined 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the taking lens. Since the plane mirror reflects light from a subject, a photographic optical path of the light is perpendicularly bent. Subject light forms an image on the photo film disposed in parallel with the optical axis. A side print is exposed in the manufacture on the lateral edge of the photo film. Since the orientation of the photographed image is the same as that of the side print, it is possible to easily confirm the orientation of the photographed image in the development and print processes.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: A remote ordering system for receiving an order for goods and/or services over a communication network, the system including an electronic storage device for storing digital images, and a computer for accessing said digital images on said storage device and for communicating with a remote customer over said communication network. The computer can receive orders for goods and/or services with respect to the stored digital images. The digital images stored on said storage device having associated identification information that is used by said customer in placing the orders and an output device for producing said goods and/or services set forth in said order.

Abstract: An image reproducing method and apparatus for obtaining a prescan image having a low resolution by pre-scanning an image recorded on a film through a lens of a camera and then obtaining a fine scan image having a high resolution by fine scanning the above image and of outputting the image as a visible image by subjecting the fine scan image to predetermined digital image processing, is characterized by having preparing a decreased marginal illumination correction mask to the prescan image to correct decreased marginal illumination characteristics caused by the lens of the camera; and subjecting the fine scan image to a decreased marginal illumination correction by enlarging the prepared decreased marginal illumination correction mask to a size corresponding to an image size.

Abstract: This invention has an object of reading a high-quality image by detecting and correcting dust or scratches present on a transparent original in an image reading apparatus for reading, e.g., a transparent original. To achieve this object, an original illumination unit in the image reading apparatus for reading an original includes at least a first light source for emitting light in a visible region, a second light source for emitting light in a n invisible region, and a light guide plate which has these light sources arranged at end faces and has first and second light guide patterns for guiding light beams from the first and second light sources to the entire light-emitting surface.

Abstract: Support structure is disclosed for an image processing apparatus having a carriage that is scanned in order to read or print a document. Support brackets for attaching tension members, such as wire ropes, to each side of the carriage are formed by bending a flat plate to create an attachment plate portion of a bracket that is mounted on the carriage, a vibration absorbing arm, and a clamping extension. A wire rope is clamped to each clamping extension so that the carriage may be moved by the wire ropes. The width, length and thickness of the support brackets are selected to reduce vibrations, according to the speed and characteristics of the carriage, and at least the length dimension of the bracket may be readily adjusted. Also, vibration dampers may be used between the attachment plate portion of the bracket and the carriage.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an original resting glass sheet for resting allowing an original thereon, a support device for supporting an end portion of the original resting glass sheet, and a movable image reading unit for reading image information of the original, wherein the support device is provided with a cutout for preventing the support device from coming into contact with the image reading unit when the image reading unit moves outwardly beyond the end portion of the original resting glass sheet.

Abstract: An optical image scanning device includes a casing having a document supporting plate and a top cover. The top cover has an underside surface coated with a fluorescent material thereon. An optic module includes a light source for projecting an exciting light onto the fluorescent layer whereby the fluorescent material is excited by the exciting light to emit a scanning light. The scanning light transmits through a light-transmittable document and projects an image of the document onto reflective mirrors for guiding the scanning light through a focusing lens. The focusing lens focuses the light onto a image sensing device. A reflective type light source is selectively arranged in the optic module for selectively projecting a light onto a document formed on a non-transmissive medium that is positioned on the document supporting plate.

Abstract: A color conversion apparatus has an input section for inputting page information having both image information including color data and character information including color data, a color conversion section for practicing mutually different color conversions for both the image information and the character information of the entered page information, and an output section for outputting page information, which has both image information after the color conversion and character information after the color conversion.

Abstract: The divided one-dimensional solid-state imaging device includes photodiode arrays having photodiodes for individual pixels arrayed in a line, output transistors for outputting electric charges from the respective photodiodes and transfer paths for transferring the outputted electric charges to output terminals. In the imaging device, the photodiode arrays is divided into a plurality of sections differing in the number of pixels in a photodiode arraying direction, the respective divided sections connecting to the corresponding ones of the transfer paths and the output terminals, and pixel rows in the respective divided sections are read out in parallel at the same time from the output terminals corresponding to the respective divided sections.

Abstract: An optical scanner equipped with plug-in calibration film, which the optical scanner provides light incident upon a transmission-typed document and catches the image signals of the transmission-typed document by an optical chassis. The optical scanner equipped with plug-in calibration film includes a scanning zone and at least one attachment. The scanning zone is capable of providing for placing the transmission-typed document. The attachment is capable of providing a calibration film for enabling the optical chassis to retrieve the image signals so as to improve the image brightness.

Abstract: A negative film setter has film holders for having set therein films to be fed. Each of the film holders has both a detecting sensor for detecting whether a film is set therein and a lamp which is lit when a film is set in a film holder and which is not lit when a film is not set therein. Therefore, a user can determine at a glance whether or not films are set in the film holders, thus allowing the user to skillfully set a plurality of films at film setting sections. Accordingly, due to detection by the detecting sensor, the negative film setter can recognize in which film holder a film is set, and films can be fed in a sequential order.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Abstract: By performing preliminary scanning, a document identification unit determines whether a document is a dark document, such as a negative film, that requires excess exposure, or an ordinary document that does not require excess exposure. When it is determined that the document does not require excess exposure, an exposure time setting unit sets an exposure time for a line sensor. Then, in consonance with the designated exposure time, the line sensor initiates the reading of a black reference. Thereafter, in accordance with an excess exposure time that is designated, a black reference data preparation unit prepares black reference data. Since the black reference is read during the same period as the excess exposure time and the black reference data is prepared, the detailed tones of the dark portion of the document can be expressed, and the quality of the image can be improved.

Abstract: A method for selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: obtaining a digital image file containing a plurality of images; employing the digital image file to produce an index print having the plurality of images along with an index number associated with each image and a customer order number; prior to making any individual prints, delivering the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; using the index print to order prints of selected images; making prints of the selected images; and delivering the selected prints to the customer.