Abstract: An image scanning method in which image data acquired from a scan object illuminated by a light source is compensated using shading compensation factors obtained by performing a dummy scan on a white sheet illuminated by the light source. The image scanning method includes obtaining a first luminance value of the light source during the dummy scan, obtaining a second luminance value of the light source during an image scan, and updating the shading compensation factors based on the first luminance value and the second luminance value.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit arrangement for driving laser diodes arranged in close proximity to one another in a laser recording device, video signals modulated with the information to be recorded generate driver currents for the laser diodes. The light powers output by the laser diodes drop due to crosstalk between the laser diodes. For compensation of the crosstalk, correction units are connected between first laser diodes that form crosstalk sources and second laser diodes that form crosstalk sinks. In the correction units, the driver currents of the first laser diodes are converted into correction signals according to the transfer functions of the correction units, the correction signals correcting the driver currents of the second laser diodes such that the crosstalk is compensated. For determining the transfer functions of the correction units, the time curves of the light powers in the crosstalk sinks are measured and approximately electrically simulated as transfer functions.

Abstract: Light from an illumination source is injected into a prism of a print scanner through an illumination injection surface that is not directly imaged by an optical system and an image sensor of the print scanner. This light travels across the prism and hits a highly reflective surface of the prism. When this light hits the highly reflective surface, it is scattered and becomes diffused. Some of this diffused light remains in total internal reflection (TIR) within the prism and is reflected off the inside of the platen surface of the prism. The diffused light reflected off the inside of the platen surface is imaged by the optical system and the image sensor.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a transparent original table for placing a transmitting original thereon, an image reading unit for reading the image of the transmitting original through the transparent original table, a transmitting original holder having a through-hole for positioning the transmitting original relative to the transparent original table, and an illuminating unit adapted for pressing the transmitting original positioned by the through-hole of the original holder, including a plane light source for illuminating the transmitting original, and comprising a fitting portion for fitting in the through-hole, and a protruding portion protruding toward the surface of the transmitting original from the through-hole on a side far from the transmitting original relative to the fitting portion, wherein when the transmitting original illuminating unit is inserted into the through-hole of the transmitting original holder at an angle at which the surface having the plane light source is not parallel to

Abstract: An optical scanning device has: a first optical system for converting a flux of light that has been emitted from a light source into another flux of light; a second optical system for focusing the flux of light that has been converted by the first optical system as a linear image elongated in the main scanning direction; deflecting means for reflecting and deflecting the flux of light that has left the second optical system; and a third optical system for guiding the flux of light that has been deflected by the deflecting means onto a surface to be scanned. The flux of light emitted from the light source is entered into a deflection surface of the deflecting means at a limited angle in the sub-scanning section and, by setting parameters in a manner that satisfies a given condition, the pitch unevenness can effectively be reduced in the optical systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a video display technique with which a stable video with a high contrast can be obtained according to brightness of a screen. In one embodiment, a video signal processing system for a video display apparatus which performs display on the basis of a video signal comprises a gain control module configured to provide a feedback signal based upon maximum luminance level information and average luminance level information of a luminance signal corresponding to the video signal, the feedback signal being used to control a gain of the luminance signal; and a correction module configured to apply a gamma correction based upon the average luminance level information to the video signal after the gain of the luminance signal has been controlled by the gain control module.

Abstract: An optical scanning device has a light source, a unit configured to deflect a light beam from the light source; and a system including at least two scanning lenses and configured to guide the light beam deflected to a surface to be scanned. One of the scanning lenses closest to the deflecting unit has a positive refractive power in a main scanning direction and zero or approximately zero refractive power in a sub scanning direction, and another one of the scanning lenses closest to the surface has a negative refractive power in the main scanning direction, a positive refractive power in the sub scanning direction, and an incidence surface in the sub-scanning direction which is convex toward the deflecting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed in an optical scanning apparatus which includes a deflecting unit comprised of a rotary polygon mirror for deflecting a light beam radiated from a light source unit, and a scanning optical system for guiding the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit to a surface to be scanned. In the optical scanning apparatus, individual elements are set such that a diameter of a circumscribed circle of the rotary polygon mirror, the number of deflecting facets of the rotary polygon mirror, an incident angle of the light beam on the deflecting facet at the time when the light beam scans a scanning center, a maximum swing angle of the deflecting facet at the time when an effective scanning range is scanned, and a magnification of the scanning optical system in a sub scanning section can satisfy a predetermined condition, thereby reducing an unevenness of pitches due to a deflecting-facet fall of the rotary polygon mirror, and readily achieving a highly precise and fine image.

Abstract: An image scanner comprising an image pick-up device and a planar light source. Backlight is generated by the planar light source and transmitted through a object. The image of the object is focused on the image pick-up device. In scanning operations, the planar light source and the image pick-up device are synchronously moved to scan the object.

Abstract: An optical scanning device 65 is adapted to bring a deflector mirror plane 651 into independent pivotal motions about a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to each other. A mirror driver section including a first axis driver and a second axis driver is so controlled as to bring the deflector mirror plane 651 into pivotal motion about the first axis thereby deflecting a light beam L for scanning along a main scan direction. On the other hand, the deflector mirror plane 651 is pivotally moved about the second axis thereby to adjust the scanned beam L for its position on a photosensitive member 2 with respect to a subscan direction. Thus, even if the scanned beam is deviated from a reference scan position with respect to the subscan direction due to component tolerances or assembly errors, such a deviation can be corrected.

Abstract: A method for constructing a transform for a predetermined display or printer, such printer or display being adapted to form a color image, on a particular medium, with extended chroma values while maintaining existing luminance values, the input to the transform including an input color digital image produced by a particular image capture device, the method includes providing a luminance reproduction curve in response to the input color digital image which, for any input luminance value, will produce an output luminance value, the luminance reproduction curve being selected to preserve highlight and midtone contrast, and shadow detail from the input color digital image; providing a plurality of selective luminance independent chromatic reproduction curves in response to the input color digital image which, for any input chroma value, will produce an output chroma value; and the chromatic reproduction curves being selected so that each curve is a function of the visual density range of the display or medium an

Abstract: A multi-function scanner may scan a first document without a laser/anti-counterfeit mark and a second document with the laser/anti-counterfeit mark. When the second document is scanned, the laser/anti-counterfeit mark may be effectively removed from the scanned image. The scanner includes a scan module and a scan mode control unit. The scan module includes a visible light source, an infrared light source, an image sensor and a lens module. The lens module focuses a reflected light ray from the first or second document to the image sensor. The scan mode control unit controls the scan module to selectively enable the visible light source and the infrared light source for scanning. Using the infrared light source to scan the second document may effectively remove shielding effects, which are caused by the laser/anti-counterfeit mark on the second document, from the scanned image. A method adapted to the scanner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A synchronous detector detects timing of scanning by an optical scanner in an image forming apparatus. The optical scanner has a light source that emits a light beam, a deflecting unit that deflects the light beam, a scanning optical element that focuses the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit onto a surface to be scanned. The synchronous detector includes a photoreceiver, and a synchronous optical element that focus the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit onto the photoreceiver. The synchronous optical element satisfies a relationship fm<fd, where fm is a composite focal length of the scanning optical element in a main scanning direction, and fd is a composite focal length of the synchronous optical element in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A color image sensor is provided which includes a generally sector-shaped prism having a shorter edge surface facing a white light emitting surface of a white light emitting diode, a longer edge facing a read surface of the document, a front and a rear surfaces spaced from each other in the thickness direction of the prism. The front and rear surfaces are so curved as to collect white light emitted from the white light emitting diode onto the read surface of a document. The sensor further includes a semiconductor color sensor having a plurality of red light receiving elements, a plurality of blue light receiving elements and a plurality of green light receiving elements for receiving light reflected on the read surface at the respective light receiving elements for simultaneously outputting red, blue and green image signals, and a rod lens array for forming a non-magnified erect image on the light receiving elements of the, semiconductor color sensor in accordance with light reflected on the read surface.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus according to the invention, the switching frequency of a switching power supply is set to a value equal to integral multiples of a reading frequency corresponding to each line, thereby correcting, for example, uneven image density due to ripples in a power supply voltage. Further, the switching of the switching power supply is synchronized with a horizontal synchronizing signal output from a scanner, thereby causing the positions of the ripples to correspond between lines for correcting, for example, uneven image density.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus according to the present invention can obtain an image light from all areas of a document with uniform brightness, when receiving an image light from an area elongate in a first direction, and obtaining image data corresponding to the image information of a document by moving the image light area in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: In order to reduce time required for inputting images of a film, an image reading apparatus comprising a first detecting section which detects starting positions of respective frame images of the film and positions of marks, a storing section which sets and stores, on the basis of the starting positions and the positions of the marks detected by the first detecting section, a position of a frame corresponding mark, which corresponds to the starting position, every each of the frame images, a second detecting section, provided at downstream side of the first detecting section, which detects the position of the frame corresponding mark every each of the frame images and an image reading section which reads each of the image frames in order of frame number thereof on the basis of the stored contents in the storing section and detection data detected by the second detecting section, is provided.

Abstract: A representative method for scanning comprises: exposing a first linear array of photodetector elements to light for a first exposure time to acquire first, second, third and fourth accumulated charges; transferring the first, second, third and fourth accumulated charges to first, second, third, and fourth stages, respectively, of a charge shift register; exposing the first linear array to light for a second exposure time to acquire fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth accumulated charges; and transferring the fifth, the sixth, the seventh and the eighth accumulated charges to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth stages, respectively, of the charge shift register to interleave the first and second accumulated charges with the seventh and eighth accumulated charges.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of taking full advantage of each device function and adjusting it even if each device function varies depending on respective machines. The image reading apparatus includes an illumination unit directing light toward an original document, a transducer unit transducing the light directed toward the original document and reflected therefrom to an electric signal, and a controller controlling the amount of light from the illumination unit according to a saturation characteristic and a frequency characteristic of the transducer unit.

Abstract: A flow sensor detects a flow rate of cooling air from a compressor, and a determination is made as to whether or not the detected flow rate is abnormal. A determination is made by a diaphragm position sensor as to whether or not a diaphragm is located at such a critical position that a quantity of light illuminated onto a photographic film is large, possibly resulting in degeneration of a photographic film. A lamp is turned off if the diaphragm is located at the critical position and the flow rate of the cooling air is abnormal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning an image. The method includes determining whether the brightness of light sensed in the image input sensor is within a predetermined brightness range, if it is determined that the brightness of light is not within the predetermined brightness range, then the cover of the image forming apparatus is open and then closed, and image scanning is performed. However, if it is determined that the brightness of light is within the predetermined brightness range, the cover of the image forming apparatus is closed, and the image forming apparatus remains in an initialization state.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus individually reads a predetermined white reference plate by flickering light sources of the respective colors before an original image is read by sequentially turning on the light sources during one line sync period. The flickering duty ratio of the light source obtained when the white reference plate is read is set for each color so as to maximize the output value from an A/D converter within its predetermined conversion range. When an original is read, the image reading apparatus changes the emission color by switching the light source to be flickered every line sync period, and turns on the light sources of the respective colors in accordance with different duty ratios set for these colors.

Abstract: An operating method for a double-sided scanner is provided. A light source of one particular color inside a first group of light sources and a light source of a different color (or the same color) inside a second group of light source are lit to scan the front and back surface of a scan document. Optical signals from the front and back surface of the scan document are received and converted into analogue electrical signals. Thereafter, the analogue electrical signals are converted into digital electrical signal. Finally, the digital electrical signals are output to a host computer. This invention utilizes two groups of light sources (for example, light-emitting diodes) to serve as light sources for the double-sided scanner. Because light-emitting diodes require no warm-up period and is quick to switch, double-sided scanning is simplified.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a light emitting unit that emits parallel light onto a plurality of marks that are arranged on an object such as a rotor or a belt, at a predetermined interval in a moving direction of the object, and a light receiving unit that receives light modulated by the marks. The parallel light is generated by a collimating lens.

Abstract: An image reading unit according to the present invention includes a lamp to incorporate a change in temperature conditions to the emitting light amount, the lamp capable of illuminating an reading object with a light of a predetermined intensity, an image signal generation unit which generates an image signal corresponding to the reflected light generated when a reading object is illuminated, and a cooling unit which cools a predetermined range of the lamp, so that the intensity change in the light radiated from the lamp of the illumination unit, in the length direction of the illumination unit can be suppressed.

Abstract: An image reader according to the present invention can change the wavelength of the light radiated from an illumination unit, by switching illumination lamps to radiate a light, so that the light has the wavelength suitable for a color image CCD sensor, when a reading object includes a color image. Therefore, a suitable image signal can be obtained irrespectively of the color of a reading object.

Abstract: A method of printing image frames from a digital image file of a motion picture includes providing a two-dimensional LCD modulator having predetermined pixels which selectively can be activated so as to respond to incident light to provide monochromatic visual images; responding to the digital image file to activate the pixels in the LCD modulator to provide visual image planes corresponding to each frame of the motion picture; and moving a photosensitive medium past the LCD modulator to illuminate different portions of such medium from the illuminated LCD modulator to record the image planes on such medium.

Abstract: A light source module arranged in an image scanning device having a scanning platform and an image-pickup module for scanning a transparent object is disclosed, The light source module includes a cover, a light source mounted in the cover for emitting light to the scanning platform for scanning a transparent object, a RGB filter mounted between the light source and the scanning platform for filtering off the light into RGB lights, a switching mechanism connected to the RGB filter for being controlled to alternately allow one of RGB lights to be transmitted to the scanning platform, and a transmission mechanism for carrying the light source, the RGB filter, and the switching mechanism to move with the image-pickup module for accomplishing the scanning operation to the transparent object.

Abstract: A graphical image scanner scans pixelated regions of a color image to measure light intensities in a plurality of hyperspectral bandpasses for each pixel. The scanner transforms the hyperspectral bandpass intensities into device-independent color representations for each pixel, using scientific color representations, for example, as defined in CIE-31 and CIE-76 colorimetry standards as devised by the Commission Internatonale de l'Eclairage (CIE).

Abstract: A method of scanning a portion of a document using an electronic device includes activating a data input to a picture element of the display to illuminate the portion of the document, in which the document is located proximate to the display. The method also includes deactivating the data input and measuring, by way of the data input, a signal from a photosensitive device, the signal being indicative of the light reflected from the illuminated portion of the document.

Abstract: When an image reading apparatus (1) shifts from a standby condition to a power economizing state, a buffer (15) electrically disconnects a connection path 14. Subsequently, a switch 13 electrically disconnects a power supply path 12. When the image reading apparatus 1 shifts from a power economizing state to a standby condition, the switch 13 electrically connects the power supply path 12, thereby commencing the supply of power to an image pickup section 20. Subsequently, the buffer 15 electrically connects the connection path 14. Consequently, even in a case where the supply of power to the image pickup section 20 is stopped, an electric current will not flow from the image processing section 6 to an analog-to-digital converter 22. Thus, breakage of elements included in the analog-to-digital converter 22 can be prevented. Further, when the image reading apparatus 1 is in a power economizing state, the supply of power to the image pickup section 20 and the fan 10 as well as to a light source 51 is stopped.

Abstract: An illuminator suitable for accurate colorimetric work in electronic imaging and traditional photograghic environments uses an integrating chamber, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a controller for controlling the emitted energy form the LED. An LED support member assures that the beam of energy will be directed along a predetermined path between the energy inlet end and energy outlet end of the integrating chamber. Energy of a predetermined wavelength is filtered from entering the integrating chamber.

Abstract: By scanning both sides of a photographic print, data from the back of the print may be associated with the image. If the backside data includes text, optical character recognition (OCR) techniques optionally may be used to convert the image of the back of the photo into text that may be included in a database or other data structure allowing the text to be associated with the photographic image. This allows the user to quickly and easily search a large database of images for either a specific image or a group of images according to some set of search criteria.

Abstract: A scanner that includes an outer casing, a platform, a scanning head, a driving device and a linear guide is provided. The scanning head further comprises a shell body, a scattering light source, a set of reflecting mirrors, a lens and a photo-sensor. The scanning head is able to move forward in a scanning direction. The shell body has a long side whose length is smaller than the length of the platform in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. Furthermore, the scattering light source has a length smaller than or equal to the length of the long side. With this design, a miniaturized and lighter scanning head is produced so that some material is saved and yet length of the scanning line for scanning a document and size of the platform remain unaffected. Additionally, platform area is fully utilized.

Abstract: To control a light emitted from a fluorescent lamp having phosphors with different afterglow properties for different colors, a center of a lighting control signal for controlling the lighting of the fluorescent lamp is controlled to constantly align with the center of a Hsync period so that despite the variation of the lighting time of the fluorescent lamp, a barycenter of the quantity of light from the fluorescent lamp in the Hsync period almost aligns with the center of the Hsync period to reduce the offset of the barycenter.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is arranged to illuminate a transparent or transmissive original with light fluxes emitted by a plurality of light emission parts which differ in wavelength characteristic from each other, to select by means of a reflection mirror the wavelength characteristics of light fluxes emitted from the light emission parts, and to control each of the light emission parts every time a scanning motion is made by an original-placing board relative to an image pickup part.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of sensor IC chips aligned in a row. Each of the sensor IC chips incorporates a plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light receiving elements successively output image signals as serial analog signals corresponding to received amount of light upon receiving light from an object to be read. The number of the sensor IC chips is an integer multiple of three. The sensor IC chips are divided into blocks. The number of the blocks is an integer multiple of three. The image signals are outputted on a block-by-block basis.

Abstract: A method and system provide for real-time compensation of an imaging system for variations in illumination intensity. An illumination system provides reflected illumination, and a charge coupled device system directly detects the reflected illumination from the illumination system. The CCD system then converts the reflected illumination into illumination data and a host processor converts the illumination data into adjusted control data and final image data. The adjusted control data is based on an illumination profile and a reference illumination intensity. The reference illumination intensity is measured before each document with a compensation reference, and is compared to the illumination profile to adjust control parameters in a real-time mode. Directly measuring the illumination intensity with the CCD system allows for a reduction in parts, manufacturing steps, and errors.

Abstract: A system and method in a scanner for acquiring a number of sensor spots to create a digital image therefrom are provided. The system comprises a plurality of light sources positioned to project an amount of light at a scan target. The light sources are preferably red, blue, and green. The system also includes a contact image sensor positioned to receive an amount of reflected light from the scan target. The contact image sensor includes a number of sensors arranged in a nonlinear pattern. The scan target is moved relative to the contact image sensor or vice versa during the scan operation using suitable apparatus. The light sources are alternatively illuminated to obtain sensor spots from the scan target via the sensors. The sensor spots are stored in memory and an image is generated therefrom.

Abstract: A reflective surface behind an image to be scanned on an optical image scanner, copier, facsimile machine or similar device. Preferably, the reflective surface has a reflectance less than 90% with a preferred reflectance range of 60% to 75%. This reflective surface is substantially integral with the scanner, copier or facsimile lid surface and substantially reduces image bleed-through while resulting in an acceptable level of color shift and an acceptable loss of dynamic range relative to a white surface. In a second embodiment, the reflective surface is interchangeable by the end user in order to optimize the reflectance of the reflective surface for any given document to be scanned, copied, or faxed.

Abstract: A flat bed scanner includes a housing inside which an optic detection system including a charge coupling device is mounted. A light-transmitting platform is positioned above the housing and has a top face for supporting a document to be scanned. A light source is mounted to the housing for projecting a light beam toward the platform whereby the light beam transmits through the platform and is reflected by the document into the housing to be detected by the charge coupling device of the optic detection system. The optic detection system receives the reflected light beam and converts the light beam into a corresponding electrical signal. The light source includes an elongate light guide having opposite ends connected by a side surface. At least one light emitting diode is mounted to one of the ends and emits a light into the light guide whereby the light is guided to project through the side surface of the light guide toward the platform.

Abstract: An image reader of the present invention can be switched between a flatbed mode for obtaining a image light by directing an illuminating light with an object to be read kept still at a predetermined position of a transparent glass while moving an illuminating unit along the transparent glass when the object to be read includes a color image, and a sheet-through mode for obtaining an image light by directing an illuminating light to the object to be read being conveyed through a reading window when the object to be read includes only a monochrome image.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for exposing a digital image onto light-sensitive material. The device includes an image generation device that is controlled by a control device according to image data. In addition, the device has an optical system for reproducing the image onto light-sensitive material that is supported by a stage. A beam splitter, located in the exposure beam path, directs a portion of the light emitted by the image generation device onto a light sensor that has at least one sensor line.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image reading apparatus which eliminates color misregistration upon reading in the sub-scanning direction, which occurs due to different afterglow or persistence characteristics of the respective colors of a light source upon executing the light quantity control of the light source for illuminating an original. Since the light quantity control of the light source is divisionally done a plurality of times in one accumulation period of a solid-state image sensing element, any deviation of the center of gravity in the quantity of light from the center C of one accumulation period can be minimized, and the color misregistration can be eliminated remarkably.

Abstract: In an ink-jet recording apparatus, when an intensity of the energy of electromagnetic waves of a predetermined region is E and an optical density of the image recorded on a recording medium based on an image signal is D, a controller conducts the image recording such that a characteristic curve representing a change of the optical density D for a logarithm of the energy intensity E becomes a monotone increasing function or a monotone decreasing function. When &ggr;1, &ggr;2 and &ggr;3 are defined on the characteristic curve such that an inclination of a line connecting points corresponding to E1 and E2 is &ggr;1, an inclination of a line connecting points corresponding to E3 and E4 is &ggr;2, and an inclination of a line connecting points corresponding to E5 and E6 is &ggr;3, the characteristic curve is determined so as to satisfy the following formulas: |&ggr;1|<|&ggr;2| and |&ggr;3|<|&ggr;2|.

Abstract: A scanner consists of a base and a lid pivotally engaged with each other. The base includes a light generator and a reflective document scan module. The lid contains a penetrative document scan module. Light generated by the light generator projects to a scanned document located between the base and the lid. Depending on whether the scanned document is a reflective document or a penetrative document, the light may be reflected to the reflective document scan module, or penetrate the penetrative document to reach the penetrative document scan module. Thus the invention has two optical paths for scanning reflective documents and penetrative documents. And the two scan modules may provide different resolutions to scan the reflective documents and penetrative documents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for scanning selected portions of a document. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment projects a beam of light onto a document portion, detects reflected light from the document portion with an image capture device, and determines a location of the document portion on the document based upon information received from the image capture device.

Abstract: A light gathering apparatus of a scanner is disclosed. A light source module of the light gathering apparatus is separated from a scanning module and is disposed on the main body of the scanner chassis, and a light gathering device and a light guiding device are used to guide light onto a scanning line of an original document. Because the light source module is separated from the scanning module, it is beneficial for miniaturization design of the scanner, and the scanner is easy to be cooled down, thereby decreasing noise and distortion resulted from a charged coupled device (CCD), reflection mirrors, or the main body of the scanning module being heated.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a platen glass on which a document is placed, a light source which irradiates the document with a light beam via the platen glass, an imaging element which receives the light beam reflected from the document, so as to output an image signal, and an illuminance adjusting mechanism which adjusts the illuminance on a light receiving surface of the document by varying a distance between the light source and the platen glass while maintaining the number of light sources.

Abstract: A scanning method that provides a quick start to the first scan and maintains the quality level of the final scan is disclosed. The first scan, or preview scan, is done without waiting for the lamp to stabilize. The time between the preview scan and the final high quality scan is used to stabilize the lamp.