Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided that includes an image sensor configured to convert image light of a document into an image signal, an optical unit configured to project the image light of the document on the image sensor, a drive unit configured to drive the optical unit in a sub scanning direction, a document size detecting unit configured to detect a size of the document using the image signal, an image signal processing unit configured to digitally convert the image signal of the image sensor into image data, a power circuit configured to output an operating voltage in standby mode and stop the outputting of the operating voltage in sleep mode, and a power saving control unit configured to position the optical unit to a document size detecting position before switching the power circuit from the standby mode to the sleep mode.

Abstract: A sheet size detecting apparatus having a first arm moved by a moving sheet contacting therewith, a second arm moved by the moving sheet contacting therewith, the second arm being disposed at a location differing from that of the first arm in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the sheet, and a sensor, wherein the output level of the sensor when only one of the first arm and the second arm has been moved is the same as the output level thereof when neither of the first arm and the second arm is moved, and the output level of the sensor when both of the first arm and the second arm have been moved differs from the output level thereof when neither of the first arm and the second arm is not moved. Thereby, the cost can be suppressed and yet, the wrong detection of the sheet size can be prevented.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus includes: a moving member in contact with a detection object that moves following movement of the detection object; and a support member that rotatably supports the moving member; a detection unit that detects a positional change of the moving member, the moving member being acted on by a first force as a force to press the moving member against the detection object, a second force as a force to press the moving member substantially in a direction of a rotation shaft of the moving member, and a third force as a force to press the moving member in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the rotation shaft of the moving member.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a pickup roller R1 makes soft contact to an upper surface of a manuscript by being lowered incrementally in four raising-lowering operations S1 to S4 in which, when an electromagnetic clutch connects, the pickup roller is lowered, while being rotated, to approach the upper surface of the top manuscript and, when the electromagnetic clutch disconnects, the pickup roller, while stopping to rotate, is raised away from the upper surface of the top manuscript by an amount smaller than a lowering amount. Between an electromagnetic clutch-side engaging portion and a pickup roller-side engaging portion of a torque limiter, an elastic member is arranged that suppresses drive power load fluctuation produced by disconnection/connection of the electromagnetic clutch and applies a biasing force in a direction to raise the pickup roller when the electromagnetic clutch disconnects.

Abstract: There are provided an original table for an original, a linear image sensor for converting light into an electric signal, a first optical system for forming an optical image on a main scanning line onto the linear image sensor, a sub scanning unit for scanning the main scanning line in parallel with a sub scanning direction, and a second optical system forming an optical path that reaches the linear image sensor from a detecting position on the plate surface, which is remote from the main scanning line in a sub scanning direction. A size and an orientation of an original are decided based on an electric signal converted from light that reaches the linear image sensor from the main scanning line via the first optical system, and an electric signal converted from light that reaches the linear image sensor from the detecting position via the second optical system.

Abstract: An image formation device having computer readable instructions that alleviate the necessity of the user to enter the correct page size into the image formation device. The computer readable instructions contain, among other things, a look-up table, or map, of known print media dimensions the image formation device is able to handle. The size of the media loaded into the image formation device is detected and assigned a value according to the look-up table, or map, of the computer readable instructions. The value is compared to the known types of media that are supportable by the printer. These types of media are grouped into predetermined categories according to their respective width dimensions. A determination of whether the image formation device performs a function is made based on the comparison of the converted value to the predetermined group of media.

Abstract: A sheet feed device of this invention includes a sheet feed tray, a sheet feed unit which feeds a sheet placed on the sheet feed tray, a detection sensor which detects the presence/absence of a sheet on the sheet feed tray, and a sensor mounting member which mounts the detection sensor on the sheet feed tray. The sensor mounting member can mount the detection sensor on the sheet feed tray such that the angle of the sensor can be adjusted with respect to the tray.

Abstract: A document size detecting device including a flatbed, a sensing region, a matrix optical sensing unit and a logic processing unit is provided. The flatbed has a first flatbed edge and a second flatbed edge. A first edge and a second edge of the document are respectively aligned with the first flatbed edge and the second flatbed edge. Part of the sensing region is covered by part of the document. The sensing region is formed on the flatbed according to a sensing ability of the matrix optical sensing unit. The matrix optical sensing unit fetches an image from the sensing region and then outputs an image signal accordingly. The logic processing unit receives the image signal and determines the size of the document according to the image signal.

Abstract: A document size sensor is disposed on a document feed path at a location between a document tray and a juncture and on the front side in the primary scanning direction perpendicular to a document feed direction. The document size sensor is located between a sheet edge position for B4-size document sheet and a sheet edge position for A 4 -size document sheet, which are situated on the front side in the primary scanning direction. The document size sensor detects A3 - and B 4 -size document sheets but does not detect A 4 - or B5-size document sheet. Based on a detection signal from the document size sensor, judgment is made as to whether a document sheet fed from the document tray is a larger-sized document sheet or a smaller-sized document sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a job information acquiring unit for acquiring job information which includes job-related sheet size information, a confirmation-output size determining unit for determining the size of a sheet for confirmation output according to the job information, a job information position designating unit for specifying a portion of the job image information to be printed out on a confirmation-output sheet of a size which is determined by the confirmation-output size determining unit, an editing unit for editing the portion of job image information specified by the job information position designating unit as confirmation-output image information on the confirmation-output sheet of a size determined by the confirmation-output size determining unit, and an image forming unit for carrying out image forming of confirmation-output image information edited by the editing unit on the confirmation-output sheet.

Abstract: In an image forming device, on a farther end side from each paper guide of a manual paper feed tray, a pair of protruding portions are arranged such that each of the protruding portions is arranged on either side to prevent oblique movement of papers. One of the protruding portions is provided with a paper setting dial rotatably attached thereto. Marks indicating a paper size are displayed on a circumferential surface of the dial such that the size can be set by turning the dial in accordance with the size of the placed paper. The paper setting dial is attached on a side on which a user stands when placing the papers.

Abstract: An original document reading apparatus includes a plurality of point light source elements (e.g. a LED array) in a main scanning direction beneath an original document table, a moving device that moves the point light source elements in a sub scanning direction, and a photo acceptance unit that accepts light reflected from the original document and determines a size of the original document based upon a reaction of a pixel to the light. The plurality of point light source elements are divided into a plurality of blocks to be turned on and off in successive turns per a block starting from a block corresponding to an original document minimum size to a block corresponding to an original document maximum size.

Abstract: An original comprises a first page and a second page as disposed face-down on the platen surface of an image-processing device. The platen is scanned to form a platen image. The positions of two diagonally-opposite corners of the original are determined based on a fixed platen reference point. An original image is formed by cropping the platen image based on the positions of the two original corners. The size and position of either one selected page or both pages are determined based on the two original corner positions. When the image of only one selected page is desired, the image of the selected page is formed by cropping the original image based on the size and position of the selected page. When the images of both pages are desired, the images of both pages are formed by cropping the original image based on the sizes and positions of both pages.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading process has determining an estimated size of an original based on a width of the original, securing a memory region, the memory region having capacity to hold a maximum image data associated with the estimated size, generating an image data as the original is conveying over the read window, loading the image data into the memory region, after the original passed the read window determining a page size based on the width and the image data.

Abstract: An imaging device, such as a printer, scanner, copier, multifunctional printer, and the like includes a sensor to detect the size of media fed into the imaging device. The detected media size can be set as the default media size for further operations, if desired.

Abstract: An original comprises a first page and a second page as disposed face-down on the platen surface of an image-processing device. The platen is scanned to form a platen image. The positions of two diagonally-opposite corners of the original are determined based on a fixed platen reference point. An original image is formed by cropping the platen image based on the positions of the two original corners. The size and position of either one selected page or both pages are determined based on the two original corner positions. When the image of only one selected page is desired, the image of the selected page is formed by cropping the original image based on the size and position of the selected page. When the images of both pages are desired, the images of both pages are formed by cropping the original image based on the sizes and positions of both pages.

Abstract: A image-forming apparatus has a light projection unit for projecting light onto a document. A reflection plate having a predetermined pattern corresponding to a size of the document reflects the light projected onto the document. The light reception unit receives the reflected light and forms an image. A control unit determines the size of the document based on the width of the document according to the pattern appearing on the image. When photocopying documents of several sizes using an automatic document feeder, documents are sorted based the document sizes and therefore, the documents can be read out at once without requiring re-setting of the image forming apparatus for different document sizes.

Abstract: An Flat Bed-Multi Function Device includes an MPU, a reading section, a recording section, an operation section, an image memory, and a ratio changing section. In a reduction copy mode, the reading section reads an extended reading area of a document larger than a recording area of recording paper to generate image data. The ratio changing section reduces the image data at a predetermined reduction ratio. The recording section forms an image on a sheet of recording paper on the basis of the reduced image data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a medium width detector and a controller that controls the medium width detector. The medium width detector detects a width of a page of print medium. The controller selects one of a plurality of medium cassettes and controls the medium width detector accordingly. When a predetermined condition is detected, the controller controls the medium width detector to detect the width of the page of print medium. The predetermined conditions include, for example, (1) when a printing operation is performed for the first time after power up of the apparatus; (2) when print data has not been received for a predetermined time length after a last reception of print data; (3) printing is performed for the first time after failure of transport of print medium occurs, a medium feeding mode is switched, and (4) when a print job is received.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having a document feeder for taking up a document from a document bundle placed on a document tray, a controller has a normal mode to perform a normal-size conveyance control by taking up each document from a bundle of documents having the same size, a multi-size mode to perform a multi-size conveyance control by taking up each document from a bundle of documents having various sizes. When the normal mode is carried out, the controller controls to stop the document after the first preset time passes after the trailing edge of the document has been detected, and when multi-size mode is carried out, the controller controls in place of using the first preset time by the second preset time which is set to be a longer time than the first preset time.

Abstract: When a document detector provided on a document tray is ON (S11: YES), a controller judges whether or not a document is of a standard size, on the basis of a document size table stored in a storing unit (S12). When the document is of a standard size (S12: YES), after a predetermined time has elapsed (S13: YES), the controller elevates/lowers the document tray on the basis of a detection output of a guide-in roller position detector and causes the document tray to wait in a state capable of supplying and conveying the topmost layer of documents immediately. An image forming apparatus thus constructed can make a judgment as to whether or not to execute supply and conveyance of documents, according to the mount state of the documents.

Abstract: A user-friendly, image forming apparatus capable of reducing operation errors by users provides a permission to change a print mode to the staple print mode when the device is placed in the original mixed mode and the image data of originals all have a same length in the main scanning direction. When the image data also have a same length in a subscanning direction, the apparatus provides a permission to change the current print mode to the economy print mode and the two-side print mode. Only a print mode which is permitted as an optional print mode is displayed on a screen on the liquid crystal touch panel.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet storage portion that can store sheets with various sizes and accurately detect a size of the sheets. The sheet feeding apparatus has a sheet storage device, a supporting device for supporting the sheet storage device in a moving path between a sheet replenishing position and a sheet feeding position, a frame for fastening the supporting device, a sheet feeding device for separating the sheets into a single sheet and feeding the single sheet, and a sheet size detecting device established in the moving path for detecting the size of the sheets stored in the sheet storage device. The sheet size detecting device overlaps the sheet storage device in a sheet stacking direction when the sheet storage device is positioned at the sheet feeding position.

Abstract: An enhanced graphical icon system depicting the proper document/paper placement and orientation on the glass or in the auto document feeder for a mopier/copier control panel. The enhanced graphical icon system includes a visual feedback control panel display and an orientation indicator. An original document is accurately described through utilization of original settings button by the automatic detection or manual selection of the appropriate document size, number of sides, page type and page orientation that correspond to the original document. Once the document size is determined, orientation indicator displays to a user the proper location for placing the document, either on the glass or in the ADF, so as to make an accurate copy.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transport path for guiding an original from an original tray to a reading position; a transport device for transporting the original toward a downstream side in a forward direction or toward an upstream side in a reverse direction; a reading device for reading the original at the reading position; a determining device for determining whether the original has a black and white image or color image; and a retreat path disposed at an upstream side of the reading position for retreating at least a part of the original from the transport path. After the determining device determines the original, the original is transported in the reverse direction to retreat it to the retreat path. Then, the original is transported to the reading position, so that the reading device reads the original in a reading mode according to a result of the determination.

Abstract: A source document guide apparatus prevents curling of a source document as the document is fed through a document reproduction machine. The source document guide includes a flat member having a surface and leading and trailing end portions, and at least one fastener at the leading end portion configured to attach the flat member to the document reproduction machine.

Abstract: A document property detecting includes a circuit comprising a first electrode and a plurality of second electrodes, a transparent conductive substrate electrically connected to the first electrode for loading a document, and a cover with a plurality of conductive media electrically connected to the second electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: A document property detecting includes a circuit comprising a first electrode and a plurality of second electrodes, a transparent conductive substrate electrically connected to the first electrode for loading a document, and a cover with a plurality of conductive media electrically connected to the second electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a detecting section for detecting a size of an original sheet; an image reading section for reading an image described in the original sheet; and a storage medium for storing the read image which is read by the image reading section; wherein before the size of the original sheet is detected by the detecting section, the image reading section reads the image to store the read image in the storage medium; and after the size of the original sheet is detected by the detecting section, a size of the stored image which is stored in the storage medium is changed in accordance with the detected size of the original sheet, which is detected by the detecting section.

Abstract: At least two (groups of) sensors forming an insertion detection sensor are offset from each other in the conveyance direction of a photosensitive material. An insertion speed, which is different for each manual insertion event, is obtained based on the time difference when sensors that have been offset from each other detect the leading end of the photosensitive material. The length of the photosensitive material in the conveyance direction thereof is accurately computed based on the insertion speed and other information. By correcting the errors due to the changeable insertion state of the photosensitive material caused by manual insertion by the operator, the process area of the photosensitive material, required for calculating the amount of replenisher to be replenished, is accurately obtained. Therefore, the amount of the replenisher is appropriately determined and the process capacity of the developer or the fixing solution can constantly be maintained at the satisfactory level.

Abstract: When a menu of “SHEET SIZE SETTING” is chosen, a main CPU scans a non-fixed-sized sheet once, and takes in a scanned image. Based on the taken-in image, the main CPU detects the size of the sheet and sets the sheet size of a selected sheet cassette. The main CPU controls image formation using the non-fixed-sized sheet set in the sheet cassette.

Abstract: Automatic detection of the width and position of a document which is substantially insensitive to dust and dirt as well as electrical noise is provided with an image capture device. When a document is staged for image capture, the image capture device collects several scanlines of the backing without the document and several scanlines of the lead edge of the document with the backing. The backing image collected is then subtracted from the lead edge image collected, and the resulting image is readjusted. Accordingly, variations in the backing areas of the lead edge image are removed and edge detection failure or error are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method includes generating a first set of image information representative of a first portion of the multiple page image, the first set of image data corresponding to a first page of the multiple page image. The method also includes generating alignment indicia image information relating to the first portion of the multiple page image. The method further includes generating combined image information comprising the first set of image information and the alignment indicia image information.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes an original document size detector device for detecting a size of an original document to be processed and a non-standard size input instruction screen for inputting a size of an original document to be processed. Normally, the detector device detects the size of an original document, and the original document image data is processed based on the obtained original document size to reproduce an image on the recording material. The non-standard size input instruction screen includes an X key and a Y key that enable the operator to input a new original document size by inputting a difference between the actual document size and reference values, where the reference values are provided based on the original document size obtained by the detector device.

Abstract: A method in an imaging system for automatically selecting a copy substrate from multiple substrate trays and for improving the productivity and imaging of the copy substrates. The method includes comparison of the dimensions of the copy substrate to the dimensions of the input document in order to automatically select a copy substrate, automatically rotate digital information in order to align the orientation of input and copy documents, center imaging information onto the copy substrate, and to perform various AutoFit functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printer system responsive to the request of an operator for performing specified control on a specified portion of a medium during a print operation. Such control minimizes the labor required by an operator to change the set-up condition of the printer when different print media is used. Print operations having modified print attributes for specified areas are set-up for each type of media in advance and stored in a storage device of a printer or a host processor for controlling the printer, such as a personal computer or a server. When a medium is inserted into the printer, medium identifying information, such as a bar coded form number or the size of the medium is used to determine which record stored in the storage device corresponds to the selected medium.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for determining a scanning dimension of a scanned body. The device includes a light source, a detecting unit, and a signal processing unit. The method includes steps of (a) providing an initial optical signal, (b) receiving the initial optical signal and generating an initial detecting signal in response to the initial optical signal, (c) receiving the initial optical signal and generating a complex detecting signal according to the scanning dimension of the scanned body, and (d) determining the scanning dimension of the scanned body by calculating the initial detecting signal and the complex detecting signal.

Abstract: A device for detecting a width of a sheet placed on a manual feeding tray of an image forming apparatus includes a first and a second sheet regulating member for moving in a sheet width direction so as to come in contact with both sides of the sheet and for holding the sheet therebetween, thereby regulating movement of the sheet in the sheet width direction. A first rack member, on which a first rack is arranged in the sheet width direction, moves interlockingly with the first sheet regulating member. A second rack member, on which a second rack and a sheet width-detecting rack are respectively arranged in the sheet width direction, moves interlockingly with the second sheet regulating member. The second rack is positioned so as to face the first rack on the first rack member, and a pinion engages with the first rack and the second rack.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading images on films of different sizes and outputting read image data includes a film sensor for sensing the dimension of at least one side of each film and a control module for operating the apparatus so that at least one of the reading process and outputting process is performed under a parameter setting set beforehand in accordance with a signal from the film sensor. When a reading start instruction is issued from a control panel, a film width detecting circuit performs film sensing, thereby determining the film width of each film. Based on the film width, reading parameter values such as a pixel pitch, a density range, and a data transfer destination are selected from among those that are beforehand set through the control panel. Table update is made for a density linear conversion table according to the film width and an interpolation coefficient according to the pixel pitch.

Abstract: A copier includes a reader for reading a document image, an orientation sensor for sensing orientation of characters in the document image that has entered from the reader, a size sensor for sensing the size of the document image that has entered from the reader, an image processor for zooming the document image at a magnification that conforms to results of sensing performed by the orientation sensor and size sensor, and laying out a plurality of document images as a single image, and a printer for printing the images laid out by the image processor.

Abstract: An image reader to detect a width size and a length size of a manuscript without moving an optical image read device. A front end detector inputs binary coded data of a shading line of a front end of the manuscript, counts a number of black pixels in a lengthways direction of the shading line, calculates a width size of the front end of the manuscript from a counted value, and outputs a front end detection signal for representing that the front end of the manuscript passes through an image read line.

Abstract: Images of certain features of the copier itself (indicia, markings, operational components) are searched for, in a defined field of view used for copying. Any such images found, because they are not covered by a document being copied, are suppressed. This avoids the objectionable appearance of machine features from copies on full-size sheets of print medium, and deposition of ink on mechanisms of the copier itself. Preferably things in the field of view are imaged, and the image is parsed for the certain features--readily done by a software or firmware module or ASIC stage, easily incorporated into already-existing software, firmware or circuitry at minor unit cost. Preferably the copier features include document-size indicia, to aid determination by the copier whether a standard-size document is being copied, and thus whether suppression is in order. The search could be for operational machine features rather than special indicia, but those features may not be ideally positioned.

Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of feeding standard and non-standard sheets so that image data can be printed on various types of sheets with the need for increasing the number of internal components. One embodiment for achieving this includes a sheet setting unit that permits selection of one of a plurality of predefined sheets, a sheet width sensor unit that senses whether sheets in a sheet supply member meet a predefined width, and a controller coupled to the sheet setting unit and the sheet sensor unit. The controller is responsive to either the selected one of the plurality of predefined sheets or user input of dimensional data of the sheets in the supply member. Based upon the set sheet type or input dimensional data, the controller then adjusts the magnification of the image to be printed and prints the image on the sheets.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus with plural sheet cassettes of different sizes, a cassette selecting method consists of calculating cassette information for each cassette based on the length and width of the image to be recorded, comparing the cassette information for the different cassettes and selecting an optimum cassette according to the comparison. The cassette information becomes larger in magnitude as the priority for selection becomes higher, represent various image forming modes.

Abstract: A recycle document feeder according to the present invention includes a cover (251) covering a document discharge portion (30). The cover (251) is openably supported by a pivot shaft (256) between a pair of frames (255). A feed-back path (32) for guiding a document original onto a document placing plate is defined by a pair of guide members (257, 258) provided in an opposed relation. The upper guide member (258) is attached to the interior face of the cover (251). A switch claw (253) for switching the document traveling direction is attached to the pivot shaft (256) which supports the cover (251). Thus, there is no need for additionally providing a shaft for supporting the switch claw (253), thereby simplifying the construction of the document discharge portion (30).

Abstract: A document detecting apparatus installed and used in an image forming apparatus that projects a scanning light is incident to a document placed on a document mount and a size and a position of the document are detected by detecting light reflected from the document, including a document pressing device which presses the document on the document mount, an opening or closing detecting device which detects opening or closing state of the document pressing device, and while the document pressing device is detected as in an opening state, document detecting operation is executed repeatedly and a detecting result is renewed, and, just before it is detected that the pressing board is closed or just before it to detected that an operation for reading an image of the document starts, the size and the position of the document are calculated on the basis of the of the detecting result in a calculation processing device.

Abstract: A copying apparatus includes a first cassette for stacking recording sheets each having a protruding portion, a second cassette for stacking recording sheets having no protruding portion, a detecting unit for detecting a protruding portion of an original to be copied, and a copy unit for copying an image of an original onto the recording sheet fed from the first cassette in the case where the protruding portion of the original is detected by the detecting unit and for copying the image of the original onto the recording sheet fed from the second cassette in the case where the protruding portion of the original is not detected by the detecting unit.

Abstract: A copier has an operating mode in which copying is performed upon closing the cover of a platen and use is made of the size of an original to copy the original. An example is a mode in which the image of an original is divided up into a plurality of blocks and the images of the respective blocks are enlarged and each is copied on a separate sheet of copy paper. In such a scenario, it is determined whether the size of the original is capable of being sensed by sensors. If it is determined that sensing is not possible, processing for inferring the shape of the original is executed. In accordance with this processing, the size and orientation of the copy paper as well as the currently prevailing copying mode are checked, then the size and orientation of the original are inferred based upon the results of the check. Even if the size of the original is cannot be sensed, therefore, it is possible to infer the size and execute copying accordingly.

Abstract: A document size detecting device employed in an image forming apparatus for accurately detecting a document size by using two threshold values. The detecting device uses one threshold for a monochrome document, and the other for a color document, or it uses both the thresholds alternately depending on the number of scanning lines completed by an image sensor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a preliminary scanning function which is automated by detecting a selection of at least one of an automatic color selecting mode and a letter and photo mixed mode, an existence of an original document on a contact glass, and a movement of an original platen cover from an open state to a closed state. During performing the preliminary scanning function, a depression of a copy start button is not ignored but accepted, and therefore, when the copy start button is depressed, a scanning process for forming an image starts automatically upon a completion of the preliminary scanning. In addition, various instructions, such as a numeric input for instructing, as an example, a number of copies are accepted. The start of preliminary scanning may be selected by operator preference to start when detecting existence of an original document or when detecting an instruction input by the copy start key.