The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 31, 2011
Filed:
Apr. 28, 2006
Takahiro Ikeno, Owariasahi, JP;
Yoshinori Osakabe, Seto, JP;
Tetsuya Kato, Chiryu, JP;
Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, JP;
Abstract
An image reading apparatus includes: a reading table having a transparent plate having an exposed area which constitutes a part of an outer surface of the table exposed to the exterior, and on which a document with an image thereon is placed; a document holding member movable relative to the table and between a closed and an open position, and thus holding the document and covering the plate; a scanning device disposed on a side of the plate opposite to the side on which the document is placed on the plate, the scanning device being reciprocated in a direction along the plate; an image reading device mounted in the scanning device and including a light source, the reading device emitting light from the light source toward the document on the plate, and receiving the reflected light from the document, to read the image thereby; a control unit controlling reading by the reading device, and a reciprocating movement of the scanning device; a reference member disposed within the exposed area, and used as a reference when an amount of the light emitted from the light source is adjusted; and an external-light detector determining whether external light is entering the table, based on at least one value obtained as a result of reading the reference member.