Image analysis – Image enhancement or restoration – Intensity – brightness – contrast – or shading correction
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-06
2001-03-20
Nguyen, Madeleine (Department: 2622)
Image analysis
Image enhancement or restoration
Intensity, brightness, contrast, or shading correction
C358S406000, C358S447000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205258
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an image scanning device, and more particularly to an image scanning device which does not need a warming-up before use. It will be recognized that the present invention has a wider range of applicability. Merely by way of example, the invention may be applied in photocopy system, among others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Industry utilizes or has proposed various image scanners in different applications and fields. The light source of the conventional image scanner is usually categorized in two types: CCFT (cold cathode fluorescent tube) and fluorescent lamp. After the CCFT or the fluorescent lamp is lighted up, the brightness thereof will increase gradually to then be stable after 4 or 5 minutes. Thus it is a must to warm up the conventional image scanner several minutes to obtain a more stable scanning effect. In addition, the brightness will be decreased owing to the aging of the fluorescent lamp. In today's technology, one way to solve the above-mentioned problem is to incorporate the light fibers in the image scanner, but actually it is an expensive and inconvenient expedient.
From the above it is seen that a cost effective and easily-assemblable image scanning device with a relatively stable and satisfactory scanning effect is often desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One objective of the present invention is to provide an image scanning device having a relatively stable and satisfactory scanning effect.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an image scanning device without the need of warming up before use.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a cost effective image scanning device.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an easily-assemblable image scanning device.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an image scanning device used in an image scanner having a light source and a focusing reflector means. The image scanner device includes a brightness reflection device for generating a brightness reflection signal in response to a light signal from the light source; an image sense device for respectively generating an image sense signal and a reference brightness signal in response to an object reflection signal from the object to be scanned and the brightness reflection signal; and a brightness-controlling device electrically connected to the image sense device for compensating the image sense signal in response to the reference brightness signal.
Certainly, the brightness reflection device can be located in the optical path of the light signal. The brightness reflection device can be mounted on a lens of the image scanner. The lens can be a bottom scanning window.
Certainly, the brightness reflection device can be made of light reflective material. The brightness reflection device can be a light reflective sticker. The light reflective sticker can further include a piece of white paper.
Certainly, the image sense device can be a linear image sensor.
Certainly, the brightness-controlling device can include an amplification and bias adjusting circuit electrically connected to the image sense device for amplifying and biasing the image sense signal and the reference brightness signal; a sample/hold circuit electrically connected to the amplification and bias adjusting device for receiving the amplified and biased image sense signal and reference brightness signal to sample and hold the amplified and biased image sense signal and reference brightness signal in response a clock signal; a clamping circuit electrically connected to the sample/hold circuit and the amplification and bias adjusting circuit for maintaining the image sense signal and reference brightness signal at a fixed level; and an analog/digital converter electrically connected to the clamping means for converting the image sense signal and reference brightness signal into digitized signals.
The forgoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
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Madson & Metcalf
Must Systems Inc.
Nguyen Madeleine
LandOfFree
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