Abstract: A control device and a method for controlling scanning speed of a scanner. The control device includes a decision device and a driving device. The decision device further includes an image buffer, an up-down counter and a comparator. The decision device receives the input image data and utilizes the up-down counter to compute data access volume inside the image buffer. The comparator decides whether to increase or decrease the scanning speed according to the data access volume and also outputs decision data to the driving device.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a photosensitive element that generates an electrical signal corresponding to light incident thereon and a ramp signal generator that generates a ramp signal. Generation of the ramp signal is initiated in response to activation of a ramp enable signal. An offset adjusting circuit generates a counter enable signal after activation of the ramp enable signal and after initiating generation of the ramp signal. A counter initiates counting responsive to generation of the counter enable signal. A latch latches a counter output responsive to a comparison of the ramp signal and the electrical signal corresponding to light incident on the photosensitive element. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: Calibration of measuring instruments resides in measuring external references which themselves have been measured with other devices and contain positioning errors. A method/system/apparatus is disclosed for calibration of a measuring instrument using at least two partial systems, one having structural elements that can be imaged on a detecting component to calibrate the instrument without the use of external references.

Abstract: A substrate having a fingerprint sensing system usable as a command interface using finger movements. A user's fingerprint pattern is recognized and compared to previously stored reference patterns. If the fingerprint pattern matches a previously stored pattern, the user is then permitted to enter certain commands via the same interface system. For example, in the case of an automobile, a user may identify themselves with their fingerprint, and then perform such functions as unlocking the doors, setting the seat to a selected location, or even pre-starting the car prior to their entering the automobile. The very same devices which perform the fingerprint identification and sensing are also used for the input sensing and command recognition to perform the various commands. A user is thus able to securely control desired functions in an automobile, while being assured that an unauthorized user will not have access to the automobile, even as they were able to obtain the command interface device.

Abstract: A device driver for an image capturing device. The device driver detects and monitors characteristics of the image capturing device as well as that of a host machine processing image data coming from the device. Based on the detected and monitored characteristics, the device driver coordinates image processing on the host machine by configuring on-the-fly a plurality of functional modules supported by the host machine for performing various image processing tasks. When monitored characteristics warrants a different configuration of functional modules, the device driver on-the-fly reconfigures the functional modules.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided which can read an image at a wide dynamic range and which can be constructed at low cost. Film images which are recorded on a photographic film undergo a preliminary reading by an area CCD. On the basis of the image data obtained from the reading, the density of each LCD cell of an LCD when performing the main scanning of the image can be calculated so that the amount of incident light on the area CCD is as great as possible without saturation of the accumulated charge in each photoelectric conversion cell occurring. The film image then undergoes the main reading with the density of each LCD cell of the LCD controlled so as to be the above calculated density.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic recording and computing device that resides within or on a pen shaped object for the purpose of recording and processing handwritten text or graphics. The device includes a marking implement that may be a pencil, ink pen, non-marking tip, chalk, crayon, marker, paint, laser marking tool, or any other instrument used for writing or marking. The device records motion and marking with one or more of each of the following components: image sensor (1), light source (5), light detector, force sensor (3), contactor, microprocessor, volatile and non-volatile memory, analog to digital converter. Movement of the apparatus is sensed and recorded by means of the image sensor (1) and optical navigation software which tracks microscopic and/or macroscopic features of the writing surface.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a position of a movable member having a surface is provided. The method includes sensing an image of a portion of the surface of the movable member and identifying a stored image in a memory corresponding to the sensed image. The method further includes identifying a location of the movable member corresponding to the stored image. The stored image is replaced with the sensed image in the memory.

Abstract: A combined printing and binding device which is designed to print and bind a multi-page interactive publication. The device includes a communicator which is designed to receive a set of page descriptions from a computer system. The page descriptions correspond to the pages of the interactive publication and each page description includes content information and coded data. The device also includes a printer which is designed to print, onto media sheets, each of the page descriptions received by the communicator. The printer does this by simultaneosly printing the content information in visible ink and the coded data in substantially invisible ink. The device also includes a binder that is designed to bind the printed media sheets together to form the printed, bound, interactive publication.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor for sensing a fingerprint has a detecting and processing circuit and a plurality of sensing units. Each of the sensing units has a switch element, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The switch element has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. Resistance of the second resistor is fixed. The fingerprint influences an intensity of light illuminating the first resistor so that resistance of the first resistor and a voltage level of the second terminal change. When the switch elements are turned on, the detecting and processing circuit analyzes the fingerprint according to the voltage levels of the second terminals of the plurality switch elements.

Abstract: A tray is provided for positioning objects for digital analysis wherein the objects have two ends defining a length, two edges defining a width and two side surfaces defining a thickness, wherein the tray includes a support surface defined in a plane and having at least one edge pocket adapted to position an object with one of the two edges facing upward for obtaining an image depicting thickness and length of the object, and having at least one side pocket adapted to position an object with one of the two side surfaces facing upward for obtaining an image depicting width and length of the object.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: a single-chip image sensor with a color filter array and capable of intermittent readout operation in horizontal and vertical directions; an intermittence control means for controlling the intermittent readout operation of the image sensor; and an interpolation means for processing signals read out from the image sensor in a thinned out pattern designated by the intermittence control means to form a reduced image consisting of trichromatic components; wherein the intermittence control means reads signals at a plurality of locations on the image sensor correspondingly to each pixel of the reduced image and controls reading at that time so that there are two or more types of color filters at the readout locations and at least one type of the color filters thereof is common to all pixels of the reduced image and at least one type of the color filters is not common to all pixels of the reduced image; and the interpolation means supplements signals corresponding to the type of unrea

Abstract: A signal detector capable of linearly reading data at a high speed is obtained. This signal detector comprises a plurality of signal transfer transistors arranged in the form of a matrix, signal detection means connected to a first terminal of each signal transfer transistor, a data line connected to a second terminal of each signal transfer transistor, a control line connected to the gate of each signal transfer transistor, a gate line driving circuit for driving the control line, data read lines connected to a plurality of prescribed data lines through switching transistors respectively, and a switch driving circuit for driving the switching transistors corresponding to the aforementioned plurality of prescribed data lines substantially at the same timing. Thus, a plurality of prescribed data are simultaneously read for enabling linear data reading and increasing the speed of data reading.

Abstract: A system for providing information in a document including a computer system with a publication server adapted to access personalized user content preferences and to select and format information in accordance with the preferences; a printer for receiving the formatted information from the publication server and printing the information in a document with at least one interactive element to enable a user to indicate a response to associated information in the document; and a sensing device used to indicate the response and adapted to transmit response data to the computer system.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification apparatus comprises a contact image sensor (CIS) module, a keyswitch and a restoring unit. The keyswitch has a transparent plate for finger-tactility. The user put his finger on the transparent plate to move the transparent plate such that the keyswitch has relative movement with respect to the CIS module and the CIS module scans the fingerprint of user for fingerprint identification. The restoring unit is arranged on the keyswitch and provides restoring force to the keyswitch.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a scanner accessory which is operationally supported by a wider-purpose wireless handheld communications device. The communications device may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a combined PDA/cellular phone, or a similar device that enables wireless communications. The scanner accessory is adapted for freehand scanning and includes an image sensor, at least one navigator, and data transfer circuitry that is compatible with exchanging information with the communications device, including outgoing captured image information and incoming scan control information for controlling scanning operations by the scan accessory. Simultaneous with capturing image information by the image sensor, the navigator tracks the position of the image sensor relative to a document being scanned, so that the image information can be “position-tagged” to form an electronic image for display at the communications device.

Abstract: Detection of the direction of an original is effected not at the time of scanning the original, but at the time of standby for the start of printing. Thereby, the scanning performance is prevented from deteriorating.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a fingerprint operates in a selected mode to provide a finger recognition and/or a finger navigation application. Multiple light sources are capable of being sequentially selected for illumination of corresponding partitions of a finger interface upon which a user places a finger (or thumb). The selection of light sources is based on the selected mode of operation. A single sensor captures light reflected from the digit in all illuminated partitions as sequential partition images. The sensor further outputs image data corresponding to the captured partition images for processing in the selected mode.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics that provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. At least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. Image processing circuitry performs image-based velocity estimation operations on composite 2-D images derived from sequential image capture operations. Velocity data is derived that represents an estimated velocity of the imaging device with respect to at least one target object disposed in the fields of view. The image processing circuitry also performs image transformation operations (or camera control operations) which are based upon the velocity data, to compensate for aspect ratio distortions in captured images that would otherwise result from variations in velocity of the imaging device with respect to the target object(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a fingerprint operates in a selected mode to provide a finger recognition and/or a finger navigation application. At least one light source illuminates at least one partition of a finger interface upon which a user places a finger (or thumb). Light reflected from the finger is captured by at least one image sensing region aligned to receive reflected light emitted from the illuminating light source(s). The illuminating light sources are selected depending on the selected mode of operation to illuminate only those partitions of the finger interface necessary for operation of the selected mode.

Abstract: A device scans text of an image media and generates text data corresponding to the scanned text. A research component of the device generates a phrase list from the text data and initiates research for information corresponding to the phrase list.

Abstract: A 2D imaging data collection sensor with matching illuminator. The illuminator comprises an array of light emitting reflectors projecting an illumination pattern onto a target area containing an image to be read. The illumination pattern both serves as visual aiming assistance and provides target illumination. The shape of the projected illumination pattern is generated by an array of reflectors, reflecting light that emanates from an array of light sources. The shape of the individual reflectors, and the arrangement of the reflectors and light sources produce the desired uniformity and shape of the illumination pattern. The target image is sensed by an image sensor, and a micro-controller performs all sensor-setting, image capture, feature extraction, and decoding. Results are sent to a PC via a serial communication port.

Abstract: A method of, and system for, monitoring interaction between a user and a computer is provided. The method includes generating an image including random reference data readable by the user, and communicating the image to the computer for display to the user. User input data is then received and a comparison between the random reference data and the user input data is performed to determine if the user is interacting with the computer.

Abstract: A hand-held image scanner includes an elongate body, a line sensor extending in the body longitudinally thereof for reading an original document as the body moves along the document, a roller shaft rotatably supported in the body to extend longitudinally of the body, at least one roller supported on the roller shaft for rotating therewith while rolling on the document. The scanner also includes a rotary encoder for detecting the rotation of said at least one roller for determining a scanning distance of the body, and a drive transmission for connecting the roller to the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder includes a rotary disk supported on a disc shaft. The disc shaft extends perpendicularly to the roller shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding a document image and finding a location based on that image are described. A document page is encoded into codes associated with various locations of the document page. The codes are assembled into a code book. Captured images may then be similarly encoded and searched against the codes in the codebook. One or more codes and associated locations may be returned, thereby providing one or more possible locations for the captured images.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided to allow a portion of a captured image to be evaluated with a digital camera. A display device of the digital camera can display the captured image. A specific area of interest of the captured image can be defined on the display device by zooming and panning or by defining a window over the captured image, and a histogram derived from only that area of interest can be displayed. The histogram can represent different types of information about the pixels of the captured image within the area of interest such as the levels of individual colors and luminance.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously reading images on both sides of the document sheet as the sheet having images on both sides is moved through the apparatus, one side read by a CCD sensor and the other side read by a contacted image sensor. An image synthesizing unit synthesizes image data from the CCD sensor and image data from the contacted image within one cycle of main scanning by the two image reading units. Furthermore, image processing circuits in the subsequent steps perform specific modes of processing on the data within one cycle of main scanning. That permits simultaneous reading of both sides of the sheet document without reducing document reading speed and expansion of the image processing unit.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for recording intensity patterns occurring on a contact surface by frustrated total reflection, particularly for low-distortion recording of relatively large-area fingerprints, handprints or footprints or other parts of the skin. It is an object of the invention to find a novel possibility for recording intensity patterns occurring on a support surface according to the principle of frustrated total reflection which achieves a high-resolution, low-distortion image of the intensity pattern using simple optical arrangements.

Abstract: A method for creating digital composite files of superimposed images of an object and a setting where the object and setting are at differing locations, the method comprising the steps of first placing of a dummy within the setting; first shooting of film for capturing a setting-dummy image; removing the dummy from the setting; second shooting of film for capturing a setting image; creating a simulated setting; second placing of an object within the simulated setting; third shooting of film for capturing the object image; digitally scanning the setting image to create a digital setting image; digitally scanning the object image to create a digital object image; referencing the setting-dummy image; and manipulating the digital images to create a digital composite image; whereby the digital composite image includes a realistic composite image of the object and setting and may be output to a print media for viewing.

Abstract: An image capturing system is installable in a room separate from a writing surface and a second area. The image capturing system is adapted to take visual images of the writing surface and second area and identify information written thereon.

Abstract: The color image sensor generates an image signal representing a subject. The color image sensor has a light sensor and imaging elements arranged to form images of the subject in light of different colors on respective regions of the light sensor. The light sensor includes sensor elements and is operable to generate the image signal in response to light incident on it.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and devices for reading out an image sensor with reduced delay times between the reading out of different lines. The method of a first embodiment reads out each line of an image sensor in at least two overlapping sequences, whereby each sequence comprises a succession of blanking times and pixel readout periods. The timing of the sequences is such that the readout periods of different sequences are interleaved. The method of a second embodiment provides a high-speed column readout by discharging a column bus by a load current modulated in amplitude and time. The method of a third embodiment provides a high-speed column readout by pre-charging a column bus by a load current provided by connecting the column bus to a DC potential. Devices corresponding to each of the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved Wavefront Coding imaging apparatus and methods composed of optics, a detector, and processing of the detected image. The optics are constructed and arranged to have the characteristic that the transverse ray intercept curves form substantially straight, sloped lines. The wavefront coding corrects for known or unknown amounts of “misfocus-like” aberrations by altering the optical transfer function of the imaging apparatus in such a way that the altered optical transfer function is substantially insensitive to aberrations. Post processing then removes the effect of the coding, except for the invariance with regard to aberrations, thereby producing clear images.

Abstract: A method of controlling a scanning device using control sheets. The scan job is started and the control image is located. The control image is decoded, either as part of the locating step or part of a processing step. The output is created either after the processing step, where the output is created in accordance with the control instructions decoded from the control image, or prior to the processing of the control instruction.

Abstract: A method for determining blemishes in or on the transmissive surface of an image sensor package and determining if such blemishes are acceptable for use of the image sensor package including capturing a digital image of a predetermined scene using the image sensor package and storing such digital image in a memory, identifying blemishes formed in or on the transmissive surface by processing the digital image data using a series of image processing functions, and classifying the blemishes from the digital image and determining if the image sensor package is acceptable for use.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a user in dependence upon biometric input information is disclosed. According to the method when a user is identified, their biometric information or data derived therefrom is automatically stored. The data is then used in subsequent user identification attempts as a template. The original templates are not replaced but those templates that are automatically stored are replaced at intervals.

Abstract: A method and an image sensor circuit (2) for providing a bit stream pulse modulated signal at a controlled bit rate. The image sensor circuit (2) has a two-dimensional array of pixel signal pulse frequency modulators (22) each having a photodiode (32) for converting incident light into a varying signal voltage and a frequency-to-digital converter which generates a pulse frequency modulated signal from the varying signal voltage. The circuit 2 also has a sampling unit (24) which samples the pulse frequency modulated signal to generate the bit stream pulse modulated signal at said controlled bit rate. An arithmetic unit (26) is coupled to an output of the sampling unit (24) for performing stochastic processing on the bit stream pulse modulated signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing an image sensor system-on-chip (SOC). For testing an image sensor SOC that integrates a sensor array and an image processing component, defects are being searched separately in the sensor array and the image processing component in order to isolate possible defects of the sensor array from the possible defects of the image processing component. In so doing, the location of the defects can be pin-pointed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, wherein it comprises a conveying unit for conveying an original, a reading unit for optically reading the information recorded in the conveyed original at a predetermined reading location, an original pressing unit for pressing the original to the reading unit, and a color reference member used as a color reference a the time when the information is read by the reading unit, and wherein the color reference member is arranged between the reading unit and the original pressing unit and the pressing location of the original to the reading means by the original pressing unit is disposed at a location within the original conveying region and other than the reading location.

Abstract: A method and system for presentation of information in a document to allow for personalization of content and user response. The method for presentation of information in a document, including: establishing personalized user content preferences; selecting and formatting information corresponding to the content preferences; and printing the formatted information in a document with at least one user interactive element which enables a user to indicate a response to associated information in the document by interacting with the element using a sensing device which is adapted to transmit response data to a computer system.

Abstract: Tag information that accompanies image data obtained by a digital camera is used efficiently and a high-quality image is reproduced. An image processing apparatus comprises a first color conversion unit for correcting a characteristic caused by the model of the digital camera by using an input device profile selected from memory according to digital camera model information and flash ON/OFF information included in the tag information, an image processing unit for judging a scene represented by the image data based on subject brightness information, subject distance information, and the flash ON/OFF information included in the tag information and for carrying out image processing by using an image processing condition set according to the scene, and a second color conversion unit for inferring an image type based on photographer information included in the tag information and for carrying out color reproduction processing according to the image type.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor may include a plurality of electrostatic discharge (ESD) electrodes carried by a dielectric layer of a fingerprint sensing portion. The fingerprint sensing portion is for sensing a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint sensing portion may include the dielectric layer, and, in some embodiments, may also include an array of sensing electrodes also carried by the dielectric layer. Accordingly, each ESD electrode may be interposed between adjacent sensing electrodes. The ESD electrodes attract ESD events and dissipate the energy therein to avoid damaging adjacent sensing electrodes and/or portions of the dielectric layer. The fingerprint sensor may also include an electrically conductive layer connected to the ESD electrodes, which may provide a convenient ground plane, for example, for removing ESD energy from the fingerprint sensor. The electrically conductive layer may extend beneath the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A device and method for reading optical marks are disclosed. The device, an optical mark reader (OMR) has an array of photo sensors with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are driven by digital-to-analog converters (DACs), which are in turn controlled by a microcontroller. When calibrating the OMR, the sensors read a white card, and the microcontroller adjust the DACs so that the outputs of all sensors are at a voltage close to the saturation points of the photo-transistors in the sensors so that the maximum useable ranges of the sensors are utilized. The sensors then read one or more patterns of known grayscales and their response voltages are recorded. The microcontroller generates an array of voltage values as a function of grayscale for each sensor and store the values in a memory device. When reading an optical marks, the sensor output voltage in response to a mark is looked up in the table of voltages values stored in the memory device to determine the grayscale of the mark.

Abstract: A computer automated method for identification, management and retrieval of engineering drawings in digital format where the central processing unit locates and identifies specific predefined textual and graphical information, relating to that drawing, in accordance with predefined algorithms. The textual information thus identified is then stored in accordance with predefined criteria to allow the engineering drawing to be identified and retrieved by reference to that textual information.

Abstract: An inventive video camera imager supports an interlace scan mode, a dynamic range-widening scan (WS) mode and a sequential scan mode with a limited amount of circuitry. For this, a WS image signal of 2N lines and a sequential scan image signal of 2N lines (N is the number of scan lines of an image to be obtained) is used. Every other line of WS image signal is longer in exposure time than adjacent lines of the WS image signal. A simplified imager may support only interlace scan mode and sequential scan mode, or may support only WS mode and sequential scan mode.

Abstract: An image sensor having an array of pixel elements constructed using a two level polysilicon CMOS process that provides individual addressability and a non-destructive readout of the pixels. The pixel elements each includes a substrate, an insulating layer formed on the substrate, a collection capacitor electrode, a transfer electrode, a readout capacitor electrode, and a readout transistor. The transfer electrode is located between the collection and readout capacitor electrodes and all three electrodes are electrically isolated from the substrate and each other by the insulating layer. The collection capacitor electrode and insulating layer are transparent so that incident light can pass through these elements and be absorbed by the substrate. A bias voltage is applied to the collection electrode to form a depletion region in the substrate where photoelectrically generated charge is collected.

Abstract: In case of reading a black-and-white original, the LEDs of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) colors are maintained at turn-on duty ratios same as those at the color image reading, and are turned on simultaneously or in succession, with the turn-on period reduced to ?, whereby the forward current of each of the R, G, and B LEDs is maintained same in the color image reading mode and in the black-and-white image reading mode. Thus, in case of reading the black-and-white original with the light source-switched color image sensor, the current adjusting means for adapting to such reading modes can be dispensed with in the light emitting elements for illuminating the original image, and the service life of the device can be extended with the simple configuration.

Abstract: A document capture arm connected to an imaging device and positionable over a platen for retaining a document on the platen for imaging. The document capture arm holds one or more documents against the platen in a selected position or arrangement. The document capture arm may be configured as an arm that may insert into a receiver. The document capture arm may be easily installed for use and may be easily removed for storage when not needed. Alternately, the document capture arm may include an actuator that is attached to and extends from the arm, projecting beyond the axis of rotation of the platen cover at the hinge. When the platen cover is lifted to an open position, the capture arm actuator is acted upon by the platen cover, lifting the document capture arm to an open position.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus in which an AD converter has a quantization bit count that can be modified, thereby reducing the power consumption of a digital signal processing circuit. The processing bit count of the digital signal processing circuit is made identical to the modified AD bit count. This provides improved image quality and reduced power consumption in the entire system.

Abstract: At least one beam emitted from a light source is deflected by a deflector, and the beam deflected by the deflector is imaged on a surface to be scanned by imaging optical system having a diffracting surface on at least one surface thereof. Of diffracted lights diffracted by the diffracting surface when the surface to be scanned is scanned by the beam, relative to diffracted light of an order used to form a spot on the surface to be scanned, the expanse of the stray light of one of unnecessary diffracted lights of the other orders undergoing surface-reflection by a refracting surface of the imaging optical system upon incidence on the surface to be scanned is designed to be wider in the sub-scanning direction than in the main scanning direction.