Abstract:
An optical scanner may be used either with or without a support stand. When operated without the support stand, the scanner may be used to acquire an image of an object in virtually any location and/or orientation, e.g., an image of a picture hanging on a wall. When used in conjunction with the support stand, the support stand may hold the scanner in a non-horizontal orientation so that the combined scanner and support stand occupy a relatively smaller footprint. The scanner may attach to the support stand such that it is able to pivot with respect to the support stand. An object to be scanned (e.g., a document) may then be placed on a support surface of the support stand and the scanner pivoted to a closed position to allow scanning of the object. In this manner, the scanner may also be used in a manner similar to a conventional flatbed scanner.
Abstract:
An optical scanner may be used either with or without a support stand. When operated without the support stand, the scanner may be used to acquire an image of an object in virtually any location and/or orientation, e.g., an image of a picture hanging on a wall. When used in conjunction with the support stand, the scanner may attach to the support stand such that it is able to pivot with respect to the support stand. An object to be scanned (e.g., a document) may then be placed on a support surface of the support stand and the scanner pivoted to a closed position to allow scanning of the object. In this manner, the scanner may also be used in a manner similar to a conventional flatbed scanner.
Abstract:
This invention is directed toward a system and method for scanning a scene or object such as a whiteboard, paper document or similar item. More specifically, the invention is directed toward a system and method for obtaining a high-resolution image of a whiteboard or other object with a low-resolution camera. The system and method of the invention captures either a set of snapshots with overlap or a continuous video sequence, and then stitches them automatically into a single high-resolution image. The stitched image can finally be exported to other image processing systems and methods for further enhancement.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for receiving document images including portions linked to one or more electronic addresses. The linked portion of the document is identified using a predetermined visual attribute, such as bold-face text, or delimiters to mark the portion. The document image is then transmitted using, e.g., existing apparatus for transmitting images, such as a facsimile machine. An electronic address associated with the identified portion of the document is also transmitted using existing techniques, such as by touch-tone telephone. The address may be a voice telephone number, facsimile telephone number. World Wide Web address or any other address with which communication can be established. At the receiving end, both the document image and electronic address are received. Pattern matching is performed on the document image to identify the portion with the predetermined attribute as a linked portion. The received electronic address is then correlated with the linked portion. When the document image is displayed on, e.g., a computer screen, the linked portion is visually identified so that the recipient can access the electronic address by, e.g., clicking on the portion using a mouse. Communication may then be initiated by the recipient with the entity associated with the electronic address.
Abstract:
An image scanning device is provided that includes an imaging lens, a linear image sensor that outputs a line image signal, a rotatable scanning mirror that deflects light towards the image sensor through the imaging lens, a scanning system for rotating the scanning mirror to scan a two-dimensional image, a focusing system that drives the imaging lens according to a position of the scanning mirror to maintain an in-focus image, and a magnification correction system which compensates for changes of magnification of the line image due to the driving of the imaging lens, such that distortion of the two-dimensional image is reduced. In particular, based on the assumption that an object is a flat surface that is perpendicular to an optical axis of the image scanning device, the magnification correction system compensates for the changes of magnification by calculating a difference between a reference magnification and a current magnification, and replaces a corresponding number of pixels from the line image signal with compensation pixels.
Abstract:
This is a dual film and digital camera with an internal EPROM which holds a full graphics editor and a full communications program. The communications program auto senses which external port is active and uploads itself and the graphics program and any digital images which have been taken by the camera to the remote cite.
Abstract:
A "conversion" device is described that enables a conventional, dedicated copier 4 designed for the singular purpose of making copies to be employed additionally as an electronically-driven printing apparatus, thereby offering a standard issue copier 4 the added functionality of a computer printer or facsimile machine.
Abstract:
A "conversion" device is described that enables a conventional, dedicated copier designed for the singular purpose of making copies to be employed additionally as an electronically-driven printing apparatus, thereby offering a standard issue copier the added functionality of a computer printer or facsimile machine.
Abstract:
A "conversion" device enables a conventional, dedicated copier designed for the singular purpose of making copies to be employed additionally as an electronically-driven printing apparatus, thereby offering a standard issue copier the added functionality of a computer printer or facsimile machine.
Abstract:
An electonic copying machine for making a hard copy of a remote original comprises a housing and an image pick-up unit pivotally mounted on the housing for vertical swinging movement between a raised use position and a lowered non-use position. In the housing, there are a scanner for scanning the remote original with a line of light projected through a transparent window plate, a recording head and image recording paper. In the image pick-up unit, there are a lens for forming a line image of the scanned remote original on the recording paper, a line image sensor for reading the line image formed thereon by the lens to provide line image signals according to which the image recording head records and image on the recording paper, shifting the line image sensor by a predetermined pitch in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the line image sensor. When the image pick-up unit is folded down, the transparent window plate is covered by the image pick-up unit and the lens is received in a space formed in a corner of the housing and the electronic copying machine then has the shape of a generally rectangular box.