Abstract:
An additional motion is introduced into a scanning operation. This additional motion is in addition to the motion that is inherent in any document scanning operation. For example, in a flatbed scanner a linear array of scanning devices is positioned across the document in a first or "x" direction and this array is moved across the document in a perpendicular or "y" direction. In a flatbed scanner the position of the scanning devices are fixed in the "x" direction. In a drum scanner a light beam moves across the document is an "x" direction and the document is moved in the "y" direction. The light reflected from the document is directed to a fixed photoreceptor. With the present invention an additional vibratory motion is introduced into the scanning process. With a flatbed scanner the array of detector devices is moved or vibrated. The vibratory motion can for example be in the "x" direction. With a drum scanner the photoreceptor is moved or vibrated. For example the photodetector can be moved or vibrated in the "x" direction. The amount and direction of the vibratory movement can vary up to about one half the distance between units in the scanner's resolution (i.e. one half a pixel). If one is trying to eliminate Moiré patterns the vibratory movement can be a pseudo random series of movements. If one is trying to introduce a special pattern into the document or to otherwise create special effects, various other type of motion can be used. Movement of the CCD array in a flatbed scanner or movement of the photoreceptor in a drum scanner can be done by a simple piezo electric transducer or by a simple mechanical cam.
Abstract:
During electronic film development, an area of conventional photographic film is scanned several times using a single scanning station, and at each subsequent time this scanned area is advanced incrementally along the film with multiple levels of overlap with previous scans. The new image scanned at each new time is aligned to an accumulating image that has been extrapolated to the image at the new time, and then the new image is added to the accumulating image in parametric summations that allow an image to be interpolated to any time free of seams where the scans overlap. The invention further teaches a method of steering the alignment by warping the leading edge of the alignment, and a registration method of aligning multiple images that takes advantage of known fixed alignments between images.
Abstract:
A device for converting light signals from selected sections of a flat object, e.g., a positive or negative transparency, to video signals by means of a CCD sensor (32), comprises an optical device with a fixed-focus objective (35). The optical device comprises at least two elements which can be moved along its optical axis (30) and whose position determines the distance from the image and from the object to the image of the section of the object on the CCD sensor (32). Both movable elements are interconnected by a gear (24) for adjusting the distance from the image and from the object to the objective (35) until a sharp image of the section of the object is produced on the CCD sensor (32).
Abstract:
An image processing apparatus has an area sensor unit that reads image data corresponding to a plurality of frames shifted from each other by a shift of less than one pixel, an inclination angle acquiring unit that acquires an inclination angle with respect to a reference installation position of the area sensor, an angle correcting unit that corrects the inclination of the image data corresponding to a plurality of frames read by the area sensor unit by using the acquired inclination angle, and a high-resolution conversion unit that provides image data the resolution of which is higher than the resolution of the read image data by using the image data corresponding to a plurality of frames the inclination of which has been corrected by the angle correcting unit to perform interpolation processing.
Abstract:
An image reading apparatus is provided that can prevent image streaks due to dirt, stain or the like from being produced in an image of an original that is read while being conveyed. The image reading apparatus (A) includes an ADF (40) having a scanner unit (59) incorporated therein and comprised of a cylinder (60) having an outer peripheral surface thereof on which a plurality of read pixels (61) are arranged in a matrix. In reading an original (D), the scanner unit is rotatably driven in an original conveying direction at a circumferential speed approximately equal to an original conveying speed, and reads image information on the original passing through an image reading position (P1).
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for scanning a target moving relatively to a scanner to obtain an image involves scanning at an oblique angle to the direction of motion and oversampling. The image is then created by rearranging the scanned pixels. Blur in the scan optics and other distortions are removed by a deconvolution process which is adapted for the oblique angle scanning.
Abstract:
Methods for improving spatial and/or temporal resolution of digital images and for improving image data transmission by a novel technique-back pixelation, which involves data processing and reconstruction of overlaid images from multiple acquisition or multiple sampling. In particular, the methods of this invention may be used in reducing the pixel size of a two-dimensional image or the voxel size of a three dimensional image, producing a two- or three-dimensional image from a multiplicity of images acquired from an object which are capable of overlaying one another by an increment, producing and transmitting a two- or three-dimensional image by multiple acquisitions according to an acquisition matrix, or transmitting a two- or three-dimensional image by reducing or decomposing the image to a plurality of image data packets and transmitting the same.
Abstract:
A contact image sensor (CIS) (201) is incorporated into a drive belt (203) attached to the length of the CIS, resulting in a more compact scanning mechanism and in lighter and smaller scanning devices. The CIS (201) is forced to traverse the document by a drive mechanism (235) that pulls the entire belt and CIS across the document while maintaining the tension necessary to keep the document in the narrow depth of focus. This mechanism provides a uniform force on the CIS, reducing the possibility of yawing motion, and keeps the document in focus through the tension on the drive belt. The combined CIS and transport mechanism power requirements can be supplied by standard computer interfaces. The mechanism also hides the internal workings of the scanner behind a drive belt (203) that is the size of the platen window (301). The drive belt can either be printed with instructions or markings to indicate document placement, or left blank.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed of improving the resolution of an imaging system in which radiation is detected and an image which is represented by a plurality of distributed signals is produced, wherein the method includes improving the signal to noise ratio of the image. Radiation is detected by a charge coupled device having a two-dimensional array of light sensitive detector elements and resolution is enhanced by sequentially masking discrete areas of each detector element with an apertured opaque mask chosen so as to allow for square (n x n) arrays of aperture elements for each detector and so that the apertures can be arranged as an embedded set which facilitate heirarchical refinement of the resolution.