Xerox Corporation

William Kingsley

Robert F Allis

James C Stoffel

Ned J Seachman

Douglas G Wiggins

John F Moreland

Ronald G Matteson

Jack R Hauber

An image input terminal (IIT) with automatic document handler for feeding documents to be scanned into registered position on the IIT platen. The IIT includes a pair of multi-element scanning arrays with cooperating scan lamp and optics on a movable carriage disposed in scanning relationship with the platen. Analog image signals generated by the scanning arrays are initially processed in separate channels and then combined into a serial stream. The stream of analog image signals may optionally be thresholded or screened to provide binary level image signals or converted to multi-bit gray scale. A control system including microprocessor provides timing and control signals for synchronizing operation of the scanning carriage, document handler, and image signal reading and processing together with electronic crossover between arrays to avoid loss of data, automatic signal gain and deletion of bad image signals or pixels. On board array alignment apparatus permits adjustment of array focus, skew, height, position and overlap.

Multiple mode raster scanner

A high speed parallel process raster input scanner employing time delay in integration (TDI) arrays for scanning plural lines of an original document. The lines of image signals output by the arrays are processed simultaneously, such processing including a two dimensional digital processor for processing text and pictorial image signals which are then input to a detector for selecting one or the other of the text and pictorial image signals for output from the scanner.

Raster input scanner

An automatic document handling system particularly suitable for raster input scanners which is capable of operating in either a simplex or duplex document handling mode. The document handling system has document input and output trays in operative relation with a reversible document transport roll which in turn cooperates with a pair of displaceable pinch bars to provide both a document feeding nip and means for selectively routing the document for either duplex and simplex processing. A document guide having an integral control gate effects inverting and recirculation of the document for duplex mode or in simplex mode return of the document to the document supply tray.

Multi-mode document handling system

A raster input scanner incorporating a scanning array, a platen for supporting documents to be scanned, a lens, and an illuminator. The lens is supported for micro movement in close proximity to the array, such movement being imparted by a linear motor. In one embodiment, the illuminator comprises a stationary light source with oscillating mirror for sweeping a wedge-like beam of light across the platen in synchronism with movement of the lens to progressively illuminate the document being scanned. A park position is provided for the lens and illuminator and a document feeder provided to transport the document to be scanned across a scan slit provided in the platen in an alternate operating mode. In a second embodiment, the illuminator comprises a lamp cavity reciprocable along a path parallel to the platen to progressively illuminate the platen.

Raster scanning apparatus

A constant velocity transport for moving documents of various thicknesses at a uniform rate across the scan aperture of a raster input scanner employing one or more solid state arrays for scanning the document through the aperture line by line. A floating viewing element is disposed in the scan aperture with the document transport comprising a single feed roll disposed opposite the viewing element and in engagement therewith. The viewing element and the feed roll cooperate to form a nip between which the document being scanned passes. A pair of leaf springs bias the viewingelement into operative engagement with the feed roll while permitting various thickness documents to be fed. A controlled friction surface is provided on the viewing element at the point where contact between the feed roll and viewing element is established to obviate velocity perturbations in the feed roll resulting from changeover from a no document feed to a document feed state and vice versa.

Document transport for raster scanners

A lead screw is provided to move two or more document scanning elements at separate and differing rates of speed. In a preferred embodiment the lead screw consists of two threaded segments, each segment having a length and pitch which provides a 2:1 ratio of travel to a scan element threadingly engaged therein.

Document scanner

An image input terminal (IIT) with automatic document handler for feeding documents to be scanned into registered position on the IIT platen. The IIT includes a pair of multi-element scanning arrays with cooperating scan lamp and optics on a movable carriage disposed in scanning relationship with the platen. Analog image signals generated by the scanning arrays are initially processed in separate channels and then combined into a serial stream. The stream of analog image signals may optionally be thresholded or screened to provide binary level image signals or converted to multi-bit gray scale. A control system including microprocessor provides timing and control signals for synchronizing operation of the scanning carriage, document handler, and image signal reading and processing together with electronic crossover between arrays to avoid loss of data, automatic signal gain control, and deletion of bad image signals or pixels. On board array alignment apparatus permits adjustment of array focus, skew, height, position and overlap.

Alignment system for scanning arrays

An apparatus in which a photoconductive belt is advanced to move incremental unused portions thereof to an operative location as incremental used portions move to an inoperative location. The apparatus includes a segmented support frame having a supply station storing unused portions of the photoconductive belt and a receiving station storing used portions thereof associated with each segment.

Photoconductive belt incrementing apparatus

A reproducing machine in which successive photosensitive members are advanced from storage to the operative location therein. Each photosensitive member is used in the reproducing machine a predetermined interval and then automatically removed therefrom with the next successive photosensitive member being advanced thereto.

Replenishable photosensitive system

An apparatus in which a photoconductive belt is incremented to advance unused portions thereof to an operative location as used portions advance to an inoperative location. The apparatus advances automatically portions of the photoconductive belt as the belt support member moves a pre-selected interval.

Photoconductor incrementing apparatus

Automatic electrostatographic reproduction apparatus in which an image to be reproduced is moved during imaging thereof on to a moving photoconductive plate. The apparatus includes a simple and effective drive for the image carrier. The drive is particularly suited for use in apparatus incorporating an intermediate image storage device as the image carrier to enable signal encoded images, the components of which are displayed sequentially, to be stored and displayed in a format acceptable to the electrostatographic processor. The drive permits the image carrier to be driven synchronously with the photoconductive plate while enabling the image carrier to be held stationary without interrupting the reproduction process. Thus the image storage device may, following scanning thereof, be held stationary for receiving and storing a fresh image while the previous image is still being treated in the electrostatographic processor.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, NY, United States of America

William Kingsley