Abstract: A system and method for scanning a medium and reproducing an image of the medium includes a first scanner adapted to scan a first side of the medium and a second scanner adapted to scan a second side of the medium. As such, the first scanner detects one of a presence and an absence of a first image on the first side of the medium and the second scanner detects one of a presence and an absence of a second image on the second side of the medium.

Abstract: An image reading system is provide, which includes a reading apparatus for reading an original, and a host computer. The host computer includes a storage unit, a reading setting selection unit for selecting a reading setting in the reading apparatus, a setting changeing unit for changing the reading setting if the size of the image data is larger than the available area in the storage unit, a change content notification unit for notifying users of change contents before the setting change unit changes the reading setting, and a selection unit for choosing between continuing or not continuing the processing after notification from the change content notification unit. The setting changeing unit changes the reading setting in accordance with the contents from the content notification unit if the selection unit chooses to continue the processing, but holds the reading setting without changing the setting if the processing not continued.

Abstract: A tactile kinesthetic assistant is a device that allows a person to use the senses of sight, touch and hearing to gather information. Tactile kinesthetic assistants can be used, for example, to help a person retrieve information related to a specific word or phrase (e.g., a student learning to read), to allow a person to determine the status of a person or thing (e.g., a nurse retrieving medical records), to allow a person to obtain current information (e.g., a stock broker retrieving stock prices). In one embodiment, a tactile kinesthetic assistant includes a thimble and an ear piece. The thimble includes a scanner that allows the user to scan one or more words. The representations of the one or more words are used to retrieve information via a network and the retrieved information is provided to the user through an ear piece.

Abstract: An image reading device comprises a mode select switch for changing the operation mode of the device between a remote mode and a stand-alone mode. The mode select switch is depressed by a liquid crystal display pivotally attached to a body of the image reading device. When the liquid crystal display is folded to depress the mode select switch, the remote mode is set, so that a back-light of the liquid crystal display is switched off. When the liquid crystal display is unfolded to release the mode select switch, the stand-alone mode is set, so that the back-light and the liquid crystal display are turned ON.

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 three-dimensional information processing apparatus for obtaining three-dimensional information from an object having a three-dimensional shape, and performing predetermined information processing, comprises: a camera for sensing images of the object from a plurality of coordinate positions using an image sensing system having one or a plurality of optical systems. A plurality of depth information are extracted from image sensing related information sensed by the camera at the plurality of coordinate positions, and the plurality of extracted depth information are converted and unified into depth information expressed by a unified coordinate system.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus corrects degradation of an image of a pair of spread pages of a bound book placed on a document table. The image processing apparatus includes a height obtaining unit which obtains a plurality of heights, above the document table, of a plurality of points of the pair of spread pages, based on a contour of the pair of spread pages which appears in the image, and an image correcting unit which corrects the degradation of the image based on the plurality of heights obtained by the height obtaining unit. The degradation may be unevenness of lightness, deformation, a blur, or the like.

Abstract: An image detection device includes a light source, an image sensor, a light guiding device, an image focusing device and a housing. The light source is configured to irradiate a pattern image with a light beam. The light guiding device is located on a first light path from the light source to the pattern image and is configured to guide the light beam irradiated by the light source to the image and further guide the light reflected from the pattern image to the image sensor along a second light path. The image focusing device is located on the second light path of from the light guiding device to the image sensor and is configured to focus the light reflected from the pattern image on the image sensor. The housing is configured to contain the light source, the image sensor, the light guiding device and the image focusing device.

Abstract: A method of capturing and processing sensed images includes the step of sensing a viewed image to generate a viewed image signal carrying data representing the viewed image. The viewed image signal is communicated to a central processor. A printed data storage device on which optically detectable data representing an image processing program is printed is read to generate a program signal carrying data representing the program. The program signal is communicated to the central processor. The program is executed at the central processor so that the central processor carries out an image processing operation on the viewed image in accordance with instructions carried by the program to generate output image data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image scanning device having an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper hosing includes at least a scanning module for outputting digitalized image signals. Thus, a user can place a document facing up on a document plate and therefore be able to examine the wrinkles, alignment and inclination.

Abstract: An image scanner allows the reflection from the image on the face containing the image data to read of an original to strike on a one-dimensional image sensor and thus scans and reads the entire image on the original's face. The image scanner includes brightness sensing means for sensing ambient brightness and means for varying the reading speed of the one-dimensional image sensor in accordance with the brightness sensed by the brightness sensing means. In light surroundings, the scanner generates relatively fast clock signals, making the original's face scanning faster according to these clock signals, producing image data signals without saturating their output capacity. In dark surroundings, the scanner generates relatively slow clock signals, making the original's face scanning slower according to these signals, producing image data signals with a satisfactory S/N ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus capable of continuing the image capture operation without correction error, even in the absence of the correcting condition corresponding to the configuration of a sensor unit connected to a control unit. For this purpose, there are provided memory means for storing the ID information for identifying the selected sensor, memory means for storing the correction table corresponding to the ID information, and search means for searching the correction table corresponding to the ID information, and, in the absence of the correcting condition for the configuration of the connected sensor unit, there is searched substitute correcting information and the image processing is executed with the later determined correcting information.

Abstract: A system and method for editing an image provided on a hard copy print. The system includes a marking device for placing an instruction indicia on the hard copy print for modifying the image; and a scanning device for reading the instruction indicia and the image. A template may be provided for use in providing instruction indicia on a hard copy print.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing region identity data and generating movement data when the sensing device is moved relative to a region of a surface, the region identity data being indicative of an identity of the region, the movement data being indicative of the movement of the sensing device relative to the region, the surface having disposed upon it coded data indicative of at least one region associated with the surface, the sensing device including: region identity sensing means configured to sense the region identity data using at least some of the coded data; motion sensing means configured to generate the movement data; and communications means configured to communicate the region identity data and the movement data to a computer system.

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 dynamic image adaptation system and method for adjusting the quality of digital prints. The system includes an illumination source that illuminates an imaging surface of a live scanner optical system, the live scanner optical system scanning a biometric object placed on the imaging surface, a camera for capturing the print image of the biometric object placed on the imaging surface, a memory that stores data generated in the system, and a controller that adaptively controls at least one of the illumination source or the camera to obtain the print image with the predetermined quality. The controller adaptively controls the camera and the illumination source by adjusting one or more of contrast, gain, and integration time for the camera, and illumination for the illumination source.

Abstract: An absolute 2D position-sensing device is usable to measure the relative position of two elements. A 2D absolute scale includes an integrated 2D absolute scale pattern extending over the 2D scale area along each measuring axis of the scale. The integrated 2D absolute scale pattern includes a plurality of periodic portions interleaved with a plurality of non-periodic portions along each axis. Each periodic portion includes a plurality of periodically-placed scale elements. Each non-periodic portion includes a plurality of code elements indicative of an absolute measurement value. The code elements may have a length that is narrower along each measuring axis is than the length of the periodic scale elements along each measuring axis. The offset of the periodically-placed elements relative to a readhead of the device is combined with the absolute measurement value to determine an absolute position.

Abstract: A portable image analysis system including a hand held head assembly with an imaging window in the bottom of a housing, at least one light source in the housing directed at the imaging window, and an imaging device in the housing optically coupled to the imaging window. A computer, coupled to the hand held head assembly includes an imaging quality analysis program and a monitor for displaying images in the imaging window of the housing captured by the imaging device of the hand held head assembly for performing in situ image quality measurements.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises: a light source for irradiating light to a photographic photosensitive material; an image forming optical system for forming reflected or transmitted light emitted from a photosensitive film into an image; a film carrier having a shape correspomding to various types of photographic films to be loaded from the outside and supporting the photosensitive film; and an optical waveguide being replaceably attached to a predetermined reference attachment position and having a shape corresponding to the type of photographic film. Furthermore, there are provided a withdrawing mechanism for moving the optical waveguide from the reference attachment position in the case of an incorrect combination of the shape of the film carrier and the shape of the optical waveguide, and a detecting mechanism therefor.

Abstract: An image sensing device of this invention corrects sensitivity nonuniformity of an image sensing element. This image sensing device has an image sensing element (5) having a two-dimensional matrix of pixels, a first multiplier circuit (18) for multiplying the output from the image sensing element (5) output via an A/D converter (7) by horizontal linear correction data, a second multiplier circuit (19) for multiplying the product of the first multiplier circuit by vertical linear correction data, a selector (16) for selecting horizontal linear correction data, and a selector (17) for selecting vertical linear correction data. The device switches the selectors (16, 17) in accordance with the position (horizontal and vertical addresses) of the pixel of interest.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing region identity data and generating movement data when the sensing device is moved relative to a region of a surface, the region identity data being indicative of an identity of the region, the movement data being indicative of the movement of the sensing device relative to the region, the surface having disposed upon it coded data indicative of at least one region associated with the surface, the sensing device including: region identity sensing means configured to sense the region identity data using at least some of the coded data; motion sensing means configured to generate the movement data; and communications means configured to communicate the region identity data and the movement data to a computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for calibration of digital image capture devices is presented that allows the further development of e-commerce by ensuring that the digital image accurately represents the colors of the captured image. This simplified method provides a calibration of the relationship between a digital image capture device output and the human visual perception of the colors input into the device using easily available and affordable test targets, measurement devices, and software with a minimum of labor and expertise. This analysis may be performed using the data analysis tools of a conventional electronic spreadsheet having matrix multiplication and regression capability. Specifically, the method normalizes the test target data to both black and white, and converts the normalized data into the color space of the capture device through white point adaptation.

Abstract: A mechanism to produce projection images 40A-40G representing a model extraction region and an image sensing region is incorporated in an image sensing unit 1 of an image processing apparatus. A control unit 2 receives an image from image sensing unit 1 to calculate density deviation within the model extraction region. The calculated result is output to a level display unit 27. When the operator determines the position of image sensing unit 1 so that projection images 40A, 40B and 40C representing the model extraction region are projected distinctly on the pattern of the subject to be registered and a high level value is displayed by level display unit 27 and depresses a teach button switch 30, image data within the current model extraction region is registered as the model image.

Abstract: Notification of upload of a fixed point observation image to a server. A response program captures a fixed point observation image upon controlling a camera through a camera control program. An image analysis program analyzes the captured image and sends the result of analysis to the response program that, then, makes the camera control program control and make the camera capture image based on setup data and under timing set in response to the result of analysis; the captured image is then uploaded to an image management server. A response program of the image management server acquires the uploaded image and stores the image in an image database (image DB) while reading out a transmission destination from a setup DB, then controls a mailing program so as to transmit notification of upload of the fixed point observation image to the PC. The present invention may be applied to an image management system.

Abstract: There is provided an image input apparatus for photoelectrically reading an image and applying predetermined image processing to image data obtained so as to provide output image data comprising a pre-reading section, a processing-condition setting section, a display section, an adjusting section, a read-condition determining section, a section for definitely deciding the image processing conditions and a designating section. According to the image input apparatus, it is possible to stably output a print (visible image) reproduced from a quality image by properly making a reproduction of the image.

Abstract: An interpolation arithmetic method and an image reader are provided which, in reading a film image using an area CCD sensor in which reading elements are arranged in a hound's tooth check form, is capable of making full use of excellent characteristics of the area CCD sensor. The interpolation arithmetic method and the image reader can be realized by interpolating first image signals of the neighboring two or more reading elements to allocate the second image signals and outputting the interpolated second image signals or the first and second image signals in a square check form, and by providing a light source section; an area image sensor; an imaging optical system; and at least one of pixel shifting device of the area image sensor, and an interpolation arithmetic section for rearranging the second image signals of pixels in the square check form by performing interpolation arithmetic of first image signals outputted from respective reading elements of the area image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for identifying a product through reading of the product label by a retail terminal. The product/product label is scanned by an imager of a retail terminal. An attribute recognition program such as an optical character recognition (OCR) program is used on the scanned product label which generates text strings from alphanumeric label information and graphics maps/images from graphics/logos. Text strings and/or graphics data are then compared to various text strings and graphics data in a database or look-up table to return information relative to the scanned text string(s)/graphic(s). In one form, kiosks, incorporating an imager and the necessary hardware and software to scan a product label and process the scanned information in accordance with the present principles, may provide printouts of product information, instructions, order forms or the like for the scanned product.

Abstract: A method of processing image data comprises obtaining a set of weighting coefficients to be used in calculating replacement pixel values associated with defective sensing elements of a detector array, the set of weighting coefficients including at least one negative weighting coefficient, obtaining information identifying one or more defective sensing elements of the detector array, receiving image data from the detector array, calculating a weighted average of pixel values from sensing elements adjacent to a first defective sensing element of the detector array using at least some of the weighting coefficients, and assigning the weighted average to be a replacement pixel value for the first defective sensing element. An apparatus for processing image data according to the method is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus, and associated methods, for transforming an image. The apparatus includes an aiming device to be aimed at an original stationary image, a transforming device which transforms the image into a revised image, and a displaying device which displays the revised image. The revised image may be related linguistically or pictographically to the original stationary image, or the revised image includes a label assigned to at least one pictographic property of the original stationary image. Uses of the apparatus include, but are not limited to, translating text from one language to another, simplifying text within the same language and labelling text with one or more pictographic icons. The apparatus can include glasses or goggles that are worn by a user and in which an image, corresponding to the revised image, is projected or displayed on at least one lens area.

Abstract: A minimum sampling rate and a minimum sampling curve for continuous representation of a scene are disclosed. The minimum sampling rate for light-field rendering is determined in accordance with Δ ⁢   ⁢ t max = 1 2 ⁢ K Ω v ⁢   ⁢ fh d , where K&OHgr;v accounts for a light-field signal cut-off frequency, a sampling camera resolution and an output resolution, ƒ specifies a sampling camera focal length, and hd specifies a light-field depth range.

Abstract: Changing pixel density in the longitudinal direction of stripe electrodes (a sub-scanning direction) is enabled in a method and apparatus for reading out images from an optical readout type solid state detector equipped with stripe electrodes. A sampling rate of an image signal obtaining means is kept fixed. A readout light scanning means irradiates readout light onto the solid state detector. A pixel density changing means changes a scanning speed of the readout light in the longitudinal direction of the stripe electrodes (the sub-scanning direction), corresponding to the pixel density to be read out.

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: 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: A centroid computation system is disclosed. The system has an imager array, a switching network, computation elements, and a divider circuit. The imager array has columns and rows of pixels. The switching network is adapted to receive pixel signals from the image array. The plurality of computation elements operates to compute inner products for at least x and y centroids. The plurality of computation elements has only passive elements to provide inner products of pixel signals the switching network. The divider circuit is adapted to receive the inner products and compute the x and y centroids.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of adjusting the gray scale response of a first scanner and a second scanner so that the two gray scale responses more closely match one another. The method includes the step of providing a first scanner that has a gray scale response upon scanning a target. Also, a second scanner is provided that has a gray scale response upon scanning the target that is adjustable. The gray scale response of the first scanner is measured upon the scanning of the target. Also, the gray scale response of the second scanner is measured upon scanning the target. Additionally, the gray scale response of the second scanner is adjusted in order to more closely match the gray scale response of the first scanner.

Abstract: To suppress an influence exerted on an output video signal due to a high frequency noise from a scanning circuit. In a solid state image pick-up device including horizontal scanning circuits, and a vertical scanning circuit having a lower driving frequency than those of the horizontal scanning circuits which are arranged so as to be adjacent to different side portions of a square chip, pads are arranged at side portions of the chip, except for the side portions on the sides where the horizontal scanning circuits are arranged. The pads include pads through which a voltage or a ground potential is applied to active elements of pixels of a pixel region, pads through which voltages are inputted to amplifiers, and pads through which output signals of the amplifiers are outputted to the outside of the chip.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a defect on a surface of a printed matter includes a step of applying a gray scale erosion filter to a non-defect surface of a printed matter to prepare a gray scale erosion filter applied image and then adding a predetermined density value to the gray scale erosion filter applied image, thereby preparing a reference image, a step of subtracting a captured image of the surface of the printed matter to be inspected from the reference image, thereby preparing a differential image, and a step of applying a density compensation process to the differential image to prepare a density compensated image, then applying an edge detection filter to the density compensated image to prepare an edge detection filter applied image and then converting the edge detection filter applied image into binary data according to a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for dark level integration comprises a programmable gain amplifier for amplifying signal levels from the pixel. A calibration signal generator for receiving a first calibration signal and a bad pixel signal to generation a second calibration signal, wherein the second calibration signal indicates the existence of the bad pixel. A dark current calibration integrator couples to the programmable gain amplifier and the calibration signal generator for receiving the amplified signal levels from the programmable gain amplifier and the second calibration signal to generate a control signal to the programmable gain amplifier.

Abstract: An image sensing device of this invention corrects sensitivity nonuniformity of an image sensing element. This image sensing device has an image sensing element (5) having a two-dimensional matrix of pixels, a first multiplier circuit (18) for multiplying the output from the image sensing element (5) output via an A/D converter (7) by horizontal linear correction data, a second multiplier circuit (19) for multiplying the product of the first multiplier circuit by vertical linear correction data, a selector (16) for selecting horizontal linear correction data, and a selector (17) for selecting vertical linear correction data. The device switches the selectors (16, 17) in accordance with the position (horizontal and vertical addresses) of the pixel of interest.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a plurality of reading sections (CCD elements) and reads a photographic photosensitive material by pre-set plural reading sections of the plurality of reading sections. In the image reading apparatus, on the basis of a value indicating an amount of deviation between an actual reading position and a predetermined proper reading position, the plural reading sections which read the photographic photosensitive material are suitably shifted from pre-set plural reading sections. Accordingly, even if a reading device deviates from its proper position, an entire range to be read of the photographic photosensitive material can be read. Specifically, first, a position H1, at which a reference position of the photographic photosensitive material is actually imaged on the reading device (a line CCD sensor), is fetched. Next, a proper imaging position H0, at which the reference position of the photographic photosensitive material should be imaged on the reading device, is fetched.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for delivering droplets. One embodiment provides a system comprising nozzles adapted to deliver droplets to target points on the substrate, a first camera, and means for determining an angular rotation of the substrate in a coordinate system. In some embodiments the means for determining the angular rotation includes a second camera. The substrate has a top surface and alignment marks. The nozzles have droplet delivery openings oriented towards the substrate for delivery of the droplets. The first camera is oriented substantially towards the nozzle openings, and the second camera is oriented substantially towards the substrate top surface.

Abstract: A method of combining the low resolution, higher signal-to-noise information with the high resolution, low signal-to-noise information created by a dual resolution CCD is disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system includes two sets of cameras: a first set for capturing optical mark or optical character recognition data and a second set for capturing visual images. Full visual images of pages containing answers to open-ended questions are retained and are retrievable by a reader such that an area of interest wherein the answer is expected is displayed, but the remaining area is also available for viewing. The system permits the alignment of a page based upon edge detection if the page contains only an open-ended answer, obviating the need for timing tracks. Hardware and software elements cooperate to store the image temporarily in a server having a response time commensurate with the scanner. The image is then processed with the use of high-performance index imaging for optical storage and retrieval, and then routed to a long-term storage device.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor includes a housing, a fingerprint sensing integrated circuit in the housing, and a leadframe comprising at least one first conductive pin extending upwardly to the upper surface and at least one second conductive pin extending outwardly from the housing. The sensor also includes at least one conductive layer on the upper surface of the housing and this is connected to the at least one first conductive pin. The at least one first conductive pin preferably terminates flush with the upper surface of the housing. In other words, one or more upwardly bent leadframe pins readily establish connection to the respective one or more external electrodes. The integrated circuit may include a finger drive circuit, a wake-up circuit, and/or an ESD circuit and the at least one conductive layer may connected thereto.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.

Abstract: A color image reading device, an output controller and a method of controlling an output from a color image reading device provide for an improved signal-noise ratio for the scanning of two-dimensional objects, as in document scanners. In the present invention, the position of a color image reading device with respect to an object to be read is oriented in order to optimize illumination in, for example, the blue wavelength. Pixel data for each line is read, generated in reverse order and/or re-phased so as to compensate for offset linear sensors on the color image reading device.

Abstract: A method for detecting and correcting a defective pixel in an image sensor including an M(row line)×N(column line) unit pixels, M and N being positive integers, includes a first step of electrically scanning photoelectric charges generated from unit pixels of a first row line for a first integration time and storing a first data corresponding to the photoelectric charges, a second step of electrically scanning photoelectric charges generated from the unit pixels of the first row line for a second integration time and storing a second data corresponding to the photoelectric charges, a third step of comparing the first data and the second data one another, if the first data is different from the second data, an error signal is generated and then a corresponding address of the unit pixel is stored as a defective pixel address, a fourth step of repeating the first to the third step to an Mth line by increasing an address by one, and a fifth step of comparing an address of a unit pixel to be read with the de

Abstract: In a semiconductor device having a built-in contact-type sensor, a height of a surrounding part of a sensor part from the exposed surface of the sensor part is reduced. The semiconductor device has a semiconductor element having a built-in sensor. The semiconductor element has a circuit forming surface and a back surface opposite to the circuit forming surface. The contact-type sensor and electrodes are formed on the circuit forming surface. Back electrodes are formed on the back surface. Conductive members extend through the semiconductor device from the electrodes to the back electrodes. A protective film covers the circuit forming surface in a state where the surface of the contact-type sensor is exposed. External connection terminals are electrically connected to the back electrodes.

Abstract: An automatic measurement method for an auto-collimator. When a charge-coupled device catches the image of an object, the program performs image management detection. When the program finds obvious reflective spots in the captured image, the program initiates detection. The method obviates the need for operators to initiate measurement, shortening the measurement procedure and eliminating possible damage due to operator error.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved visualization and measurement system (15). In the preferred embodiment, the visualization system comprises: a video sensor (16) having a range of view (18), a field of view (19), and a video output signal (20), a non-contact instrument (21); having a measurement zone (22) and a measurement output signal (23), the instrument and video sensor being so configured and arranged that the measurement zone is aligned in the field of view; a processor (24) for processing the video output signal and the measurement output signal and for providing a processor output signal (25); a display device (26) for displaying the processor output signal; and a control device (28) for moving the field of view and measurement zone in the range of view.