Fiber Optics Or Optical Waveguides Patents (Class 358/484)
  • Patent number: 7542183
    Abstract: In an electronic imaging apparatus, image information of an image signal photoelectrically converted from an image incident is stored in image information storage in a format dependent upon a type of the applied storage device. Provided therein are communication devices for transmitting and/or receiving image information generated in this apparatus or the other equivalent apparatuses while an operation mode of the apparatus is set for communication and a switch for causing the communication device to start a communication mode operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Satoh, Yawara Saitoh, Izuru Kiyokawa
  • Patent number: 7538912
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus (X) includes a light source, a case (2) for accommodating the light source, and a substrate (8) mounted to the case (8). A plurality of sensor IC chips (7) for detecting the light traveling from an image reading region are mounted on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are arranged at positions closer to a second side edge (8b) than to a first side edge (8a) of the substrate. A predetermined wiring pattern is formed on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are electrically connected to the wiring pattern via wires (W). The wires (W) are connected to the wiring pattern by extending from the upper surface of the sensor IC chips (7) toward the first side edge (8a) of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Sawada
  • Patent number: 7538911
    Abstract: A lighting device used in an image forming apparatus includes point light sources that emits rays; and a condensing body that is arranged in a direction of the rays emitted from the point light source and that condenses the rays on a surface of a document, which is placed on a contact glass, within a reading width in a sub-scanning direction of the document. The condensing body is arranged in a direction in which angles of all rays, which pass through the condensing body, are smaller than a critical angle of total reflection on the contact glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuo Sakurai, Masashi Kohchi
  • Patent number: 7502148
    Abstract: A multi-lightguide document imaging device is proposed for scanning a document transported atop it. The device includes a line image sensor module having a top sensing area and built-in circuitry for converting an incident line image into video signal output; an intervening rod lens for focusing line image lights from the document onto the sensing area; a number or lightguides lightguide-j (j=1,2, . . . ,N) disposed below the document where each lightguide-j has its own built-in light sources, a transverse cross section spaced at a distance SPCj from the scan line an oriented angularly along a ?-coordinate so as to project a line-illumination aiming at the scan line; and an imager frame having a base for holding the line image sensor module, a multi-element support for holding the rod lens plus the lightguides and a scan line backing portion for backing the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: CMOS Sensor, Inc.
    Inventor: Weng-Lyang Wang
  • Publication number: 20090015886
    Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employing the same. The scanner module includes a light source generating light to be irradiated onto an object and a light guide member extending in correspondence with a width of the object to be scanned. The light guide member has a reflective surface for reflecting the light generated from the light source, an exit surface for radiating the light, which is reflected from the reflective surface, toward the object, and a plurality of guide surfaces each guiding the light toward the exit surface by reflecting the light reflected from the reflective surface deviates from the exit surface. The light is effectively guided to be output from the exit surface without substantial light loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Kyung Rok Kim, Jung Hyuck Cho
  • Patent number: 7436556
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating an image reading region extending in the primary scanning direction, and a plurality of lenses for focusing light reflected on the image reading region and for producing reduced images. Each of the lenses has an optical axis which intersects a predetermined portion of the image reading region. The image reading apparatus further includes a plurality of light receiving elements for output of image signals based on the light focused by the lenses and a light conductor for leading the light emitted by the light source toward the image reading region. The light conductor leads the emitted light so that the predetermined portion of the image reading region is illuminated more brightly than the adjacent portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Onishi, Hisayoshi Fujimoto, Norihiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 7362478
    Abstract: A display and scanning assembly is disclosed wherein light reflected from or transmitted through an image being scanned is transmitted to an optical sensor through an optical shutter assembly via a light guide assembly. The optical shutter assembly is made substantially opaque except for one or more selected optical shutter elements that are made substantially transparent or opened. Light is then reflected from or transmitted through the medium containing the image to be scanned through substantially transparent shutter element or elements and transmitted to the optical sensor via a light guide assembly. The image may then be scanned by advancing selection of shutter element or elements that are opened across the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventor: Mark M. Mangerson
  • Patent number: 7336403
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently shape a light flux emitted from a light source into a linear shape and so as to provide an optical element having high versatility that can be widely used irrespective of the original sizes and to provide an illumination apparatus having such an illumination apparatus. The optical element has a reflection surface in the form of an inner side of a curved surface that is formed by rotating a parabola about a rotation axis including the focus of the parabola or a point near the focus of the parabola.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motomu Fukasawa
  • Publication number: 20080043296
    Abstract: An image acquiring device includes a scanning module, an optical signal transmission medium and a mainboard module. In the scanning module, a scanning unit scans a document to obtain an electrical document signal, a first signal converter is connected to the scanning unit and converts the electrical document signal into an optical document signal, and a first signal transmitting unit is connected to the first signal converter and receives and outputs the optical document signal. The optical signal transmission medium is connected to the first signal transmitting unit. On a mainboard of the mainboard module, a second signal input/output unit is connected to the optical signal transmission medium and receives the optical document signal, and a second signal converter is connected to the second signal input/output unit and converts the optical document signal into the electrical document signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Chuang-Hua Chueh
  • Patent number: 7333249
    Abstract: An image reading device includes light-emitting diode chips (11A-11C) and a light guide (3) having a main region (3A) and a subsidiary region (3B). The subsidiary region (3B) includes a light incident surface (31) located above the light source (11A-11C) and an inclined surface (32). The light source (11A-11C) is offset in a direction receding from the main region (3A) with respect to the center (C2) as viewed in the primary scanning direction of the light incident surface (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Sawada
  • Patent number: 7333248
    Abstract: A paper-separating plate is adapted for a paper-separating mechanism having a paper-separating roller. The paper-separating plate placed around a side of the paper-separating roller comprises a main body and a cushion. The main body has a surface and a plurality of grooves and the grooves are positioned on the surface. The cushion is positioned on the surface of the main body and covers the grooves. The cushion positioned over the partial grooves is elastically pressed onto the paper-separating roller. The grooves are linear and the direction of extending the linear grooves is substantially parallel with the axis of the paper-separating roller, the linear grooves neighboring one another or each other. Besides, the cushion is made of flexible material and the main body is made of rigid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Transpacific IP, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jen-Shou Tseng, Chih-Wen Huang, Chuan-Yu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080030804
    Abstract: An optical beam scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention include: an attaching plate attached to a main body housing of the optical beam scanning apparatus; a holder attached to the attaching plate; and a laser drive board screwed to the holder, wherein the holder is provided with plural pinching portions capable of pinching the holder by means of an outside apparatus, an attachment hole used to attach the attaching plate, and an attaching screw, being in a loose fit state, to be thread coupled to the attaching plate. According to the optical beam scanning apparatus and the image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform rotary adjustment of the light source about the optical axis with ease and at high accuracy even in a small space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Kuribayashi
  • Publication number: 20080030805
    Abstract: In an optical beam scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, plural optical members that irradiate scanning lines by laser beams (beams) emitted from plural light sources individually onto corresponding photoconductive drums are disposed within an optical unit housing and a housing cover, a fixing mechanism configured to fix part of a parallel plate provided within the optical unit housing and the housing cover is provided, and a twist angle adjusting mechanism configured to adjust an angle of twist of the parallel plate by rotating, in a specific direction, the parallel plate having the part thereof being fixed with the fixing mechanism is provided. According to the optical beam scanning apparatus and the image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the curve and the inclination of the scanning line with ease and at high accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Kuribayashi
  • Publication number: 20070279707
    Abstract: A technique is provided which can improve optical characteristics by suppressing the occurrence of an error in attachment of a rotary deflector that deflects a light flux from a light source and scans it in a main scanning direction. There are provided a rotary deflector that deflects the light flux from the light source and scans it in the main scanning direction, an imaging optical system that images the light flux scanned by the rotary deflector onto a specified scanning object, a support part that supports the rotary deflector rotatably, and a positioning part that comes in contact with the support part at plural contact positions and positions the support part, in which a shortest distance between the plural contact positions in an optical axis direction of the imaging optical system is longer than a shortest distance between the plural contact positions in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masao Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20070279708
    Abstract: A technique is provided which can realize scanning by a light flux having a desired optical characteristic in a light beam scanning device adopting a multi-beam optical system. There are provided a pre-deflection optical system that shapes divergent light beams from plural light sources into a light flux having a cross-sectional shape long in a specified direction, and a rotary deflector that deflects the light flux shaped by the pre-deflection optical system and scans it in the specified direction, and the pre-deflection optical system includes a first optical system that weakens a degree of divergence of the divergent light beams from the plural light sources or converts them into parallel light beams or converging light beams, a second optical system including at least one lens having a negative power in a rotation axis direction of the rotary deflector, and a third optical system having a positive power in the rotation axis direction of the rotary deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masao Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20070279713
    Abstract: A contact image sensor includes a first optical sensing element and at least one additional optical sensing element. The first optical sensing element includes plural optical sensing units arranged in a line along a first direction. Plural first image units are successively generated when the first optical sensing element senses a first source light. The at least one additional optical sensing element is disposed at a lateral side of the first optical sensing element, and includes plural optical sensing units arranged in a line along the first direction. When the additional optical sensing element senses an additional source light, plural additional image units are successively generated. The adjacent optical sensing units of the first optical sensing element and the at least one additional optical sensing element are partially overlapped with each other along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Yung Feng, Hung-Tse Lin
  • Patent number: 7274495
    Abstract: A light-channeling apparatus for a scanning module comprises a first light-guiding tube, a second light-guiding tube, and a collimating lens positioned inside the first light-guiding tube. The first and second light-guiding tubes are attached to a body casing of the scanning module. The scanning module uses the first light-guiding tube having the collimating lens to channel light from a light source to a scanning region and uses the second light-guiding tube to channel light reflected from the scanning region to a light passage slit on the body casing, to minimize dispersion of light from the light source and keep external light out of the light transmission pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Transpacific IP, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Shou Tseng
  • Patent number: 7268924
    Abstract: In the present invention, an optical reader image sensor is adapted to clock out image data from an image sensor according to “low resolution” mode of operation in order to reduce a parameter determination delay of the reader. In a low resolution mode, some pixels of the readers image sensor array are clock out at normal clock out speed sufficient to develop electrical signals accurately reflecting the intensity of light at the respective pixel positions, while other pixels of the array are either not clocked out or are clocked out at a higher clock out rate which may be insufficient to allow development of electrical signals that accurately represent light incident on the image sensor's sensor array but which nevertheless, results in a reduction of the overall frame clock out rate of the frame of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hussey, Robert Gardiner, Matthew Pankow
  • Publication number: 20070201110
    Abstract: This invention is an optical scanning apparatus comprises a plurality of beam generating units adapted to generate beams; an optical unit adapted to collimate axes of the beams generated by the plurality of beam generating units to scan at intervals corresponding to a recording direction along a image bearing member; a detection unit adapted to detect a beam interval between the plurality of beams collimated by the optical unit; a driving unit adapted to change the beam interval by driving the optical unit; a first control unit adapted to drive/control the driving unit so as to make the detected beam interval become a predetermined value; and a second control adapted to drive/control the driving unit in accordance with a rotation position of the image bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichi SEKI
  • Patent number: 7233419
    Abstract: A scanner using a self-collection light source, is composed of a light source either with its tube walls coated with a layer of total reflective material, or a tube wall made to have a converging lens-like wall, so that the light source itself has built-in light converging ability. The original scattered light is first collected into a light beam before emitted to the scan line on the document. Thus, the light flux on the scan line can be substantially enhanced. Furthermore, by including the auxiliary light sources on both sides of this kind of main light source with self-collection capability, associating with a light intensity adjusting control circuitry, The light flux density on the two sides of the main light source is improved, so that it effectively improves the flux uniformity of light incident on the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Chang
  • Patent number: 7215448
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus (A) includes a plurality of light sources (6) arranged in a row, and a hollow portion (14) for guiding light emitted from the light sources toward an image read line (S). The hollow portion (14) is divided by a plurality of partitions (15) into a plurality of individual sections (14a). As a result, it is possible to illuminate the longitudinally opposite ends and longitudinally central portion of the image read line (S) uniformly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Onishi
  • Patent number: 7209268
    Abstract: Two illuminating units 2L and 2R, each having a light guide provided at its one end, with a light-emitting source, are provided. Each illuminating unit is arranged in such a manner that light emitted from its emission plane irradiates the same area of a document-reading plane and the light-emitting source is situated on the opposite side in a main-scanning direction (i.e. the longitudinal direction). By alternately arranging two illuminating units, it is possible to offset characteristics of each illuminating unit so that uniformity and equalization of light intensity distribution can be improved. Since each-illuminating unit is arranged so that its emission plane is symmetric relative to a plane at right angles to the document-reading surface, it is possible to reduce shading that is produced on a document surface when the document surface is not flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7184007
    Abstract: A many-faceted LCD display, comprising a light guide pipe, a light source, a first optical means, a second optical means, a first LCD panel and a second LCD panel, is disclosed. The light guide pipe comprises a first surface capable and optional of attaching a reflector, a second surface capable and optional of attaching a reflector, a first edge, and a second edge capable and optional of attaching a reflector. The light source is provided at the first edge and capable of generating and emitting light into the light guide pipe. The first optical means is provided on the first surface of the light guide pipe, and the second optical means is provided on the second surface of the light guide pipe. The first LCD panel is provided on the first optical means, and the second LCD panel is provided on the second optical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Yi-Hung Tsai, Hung-Yang Kuo, Shyuan-Jeng Ho
  • Patent number: 7177056
    Abstract: A sensor frame for an image sensor is manufactured in the step of forming a sensor frame for an image sensor by extrusion molding so that a frame support portion for supporting the frame is formed above a lens array holding portion, and the step of removing the thus-formed sensor frame support portion by machining while leaving parts of the support portion located at the longitudinally corresponding to the upper ends of the lens array holding portion. Accordingly, machined surfaces subjected to the machining exist outside the hollow space where the sensor ICs are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7173742
    Abstract: A document scanner with a light focusing device downward formed on a document support panel is disclosed. The document scanner is provided with a chassis including a light source and an image sensing device. A scanning window made of light-transmitting material is formed in an area of the document support panel. A driving roller is arranged in a document feeder for driving a document to be scanned through the scanning window. Light emitted from the light source transmits through the scanning window toward the document and is reflected by the document toward the image sensing device. The document support panel forms a convex projection on a bottom surface thereof. The projection confronts the light source for focusing the light onto the document. Preferably, the projection includes an extended section from the bottom surface of the document support panel and forming a convex end surface confronting the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Po-Hua Fang, Shu-Ya Chiang
  • Patent number: 7149009
    Abstract: In the scanning optical apparatus, a light source including one or more of the plurality of light emitting points of the light source device, and a synchronism detecting device constituting the synchronism detecting device are provided on one and the same substrate, the substrate is designed to be rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of an optical axis of the incidence optical device, an optical element constituting the synchronism detecting device is disposed on a light incidence side of the synchronism detecting device, and the optical element is designed to be rotated in synchronism with the substrate when the substrate is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiichiro Mori
  • Patent number: 7136203
    Abstract: In a contact type image sensor including an illumination section including a light source and light guide to illuminate a document, an image sensing element for converting an optical image of the document into an electrical signal, a cylindrical rod lens for forming an optical image on the image sensing element, and a frame for integrally holding the illumination section, image sensing element, and cylindrical rod lens, the light guide has undergone antireflection treatment on a surface thereof on the document side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Yokota, Haruo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 7088477
    Abstract: This invention has an object of reading a high-quality image by detecting and correcting dust or scratches present on a transparent original in an image reading apparatus for reading, e.g., a transparent original. To achieve this object, an original illumination unit in the image reading apparatus for reading an original includes at least a first light source for emitting light in a visible region, a second light source for emitting light in a n invisible region, and a light guide plate which has these light sources arranged at end faces and has first and second light guide patterns for guiding light beams from the first and second light sources to the entire light-emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Koshimizu, Tsutomu Takayama, Mitsugu Hanabusa, Kengo Kinumura
  • Patent number: 7057778
    Abstract: There is disclosed an illumination device in which a light guide is adapted to emit the light from a face thereof and is provided with an area, on a face opposite to the light emitting face, for diffusing and/or reflecting the light introduced into the light guide from an end face thereof or is provided with uneven light emitting characteristics along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and the center of the light source positioned at the end of the light guide is placed at a position aberrated from the normal line to said area, whereby attained are compactness, a low cost, a low electric power consumption, a high efficiency of utilization of the light emitted by the light source, and excellent and uniform illumination characteristics. There are also disclosed an image reading device and an information processing apparatus, equipped with the above-mentioned illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsundo Kawai, Osamu Hamamoto, Shinichi Takeda, Satoshi Itabashi, Toshimitsu Iso
  • Patent number: 7042599
    Abstract: In a contact type image sensor including an illumination section including a light source and light guide to illuminate a document, an image sensing element for converting an optical image of the document into an electrical signal, a cylindrical rod lens for forming an optical image on the image sensing element, and a frame for integrally holding the illumination section, image sensing element, and cylindrical rod lens, the light guide has undergone antireflection treatment on a surface thereof on the document side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Yokota, Haruo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 7026605
    Abstract: In an angle detection device for a rotational body, an external peripheral surface of an arc-shaped fluorescent fiber is scanned by a scanning beam from a scanning mirror fixed to the rotational shaft of a swing motor. Fluorescence is generated at a position in the fluorescent fiber scanned by the scanning beam, the fluorescence is propagated to both ends thereof, and the received luminous energy corresponding to the scanning position is detected by photodiodes. A signal processing circuit compares output signals of the photodiodes to obtain the scanning position of the scanning light, and the corresponding rotation angle of the swing motor is found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Akahane
  • Patent number: 7016087
    Abstract: A system for optical interrogation of a sample adaptable for multiple wavelength illumination and multiple wavelength fluorescent or luminescent light collection, wherein the illumination wavelength profile and the light collection profile may overlap. In the system, coherent light from one or more lasers is focused onto a target layer on a sample to excite fluorescent or luminescent light from the target layer. Emitted light is collected from a selected depth by a reflective light collector that transmits the collected light to detection optics. The reflective light collector directs collected light at an angle to the optical axis of the illumination light, thereby separating collected emitted light from illumination light. The light collector may collect light from a focus, whereby the focused illumination light combined with the focused light collection aid in limitation of the depth of field to a selected depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: David M. Heffelfinger, Aram P. Schiffman, Bala S. Manian
  • Patent number: 6967751
    Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an image sensor which can effectively attain higher read resolution, and an image processing apparatus and information processing system using the same. To achieve this object, function members including a light source (6) for irradiating an object to be read (PP) with light, a sensor (3) for receiving light reflected by the object to be read (PP), and an imaging element (7) for forming an image of the reflected light on a light-receiving portion of the sensor (3) are attached to and supported by a support member (1) to have a predetermined positional relationship. In order to assure high attachment positional precision and rigidity for the function members, the support member (1) is formed to have a hollow shape. The support member (1) is formed to have the hollow shape along its longitudinal direction. Two side portions of the support member (1) are formed to have a hollow shape, and are coupled at end portions in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Nagata
  • Patent number: 6932499
    Abstract: For providing a compact illuminating device capable of uniform illumination with a high intensity, there is provided a light conductive member including a light entrance face provided in a part of a lateral face of a rod-shaped translucent member, an area provided on a side opposed to the light entrance face, for reflecting and/or diffusing the entered light in the longitudinal direction of the translucent member, and an exit face provided in at least a part of a lateral face other than those on which the area and the light entrance face are provided, for emitting at least a part of thus reflected and/or diffused light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Ogura
  • Patent number: 6927883
    Abstract: A high definition light-scanning optical apparatus uses an oblique incidence optical system and has a simple configuration that does not exert any adverse effect on the quality of the image formed by it as the elements of the apparatus are appropriately arranged. The light-scanning optical apparatus comprises an incidence optical system adapted to cause the light beam emitted from an incident light emitting light source including a fold mirror to strike a deflection plane of an optical deflector with a predetermined angle in the sub-scanning section and a focussing optical system for focussing the light beam reflected by the deflection plane of the optical deflector on a surface to be scanned. The focussing optical system includes an f? lens system having a spherical lens and a first cylindrical lens showing power in the main-scanning direction and a second cylindrical lens showing power in the sub-scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6924169
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a three dimensional conical horn antenna coupled image detector includes depositing a sacrificial layer on the upper section of the substrate, and forming a pattern for the sacrificial layer is by performing a patterning process using the first etching mask. The method further includes depositing a first silicon nitride layer, forming a first silicon nitride layer, depositing a vanadium oxide layer, forming a vanadium oxide layer pattern, depositing a conductive layer, forming a conductive layer pattern, depositing a second silicon nitride layer, forming a second silicon nitride layer pattern, depositing a third silicon nitride layer, forming a side wall space pattern, and after the sacrificial layer is removed, performing an aligning process using a seventh etching mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sung Moon, Kun Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 6917452
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which capture images by use of an optical detector. The system and method illuminate a scan region utilizing a bulb that emits light of greater intensity near its extremities than at its center to provide image light to an optical detector via an optical reduction component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Edward S Beeman
  • Patent number: 6917453
    Abstract: An image reader (A) includes a plurality of light sources (6) arranged in line, the light from which travels through a channel (14) and irradiates a linear read area (S). The channel (14) is divided into a plurality of sections (14a) by a plurality of partitions (15). Thus, uniform brightness is obtained in the whole part of the linear read area (S), including both ends and the central part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Onishi, Tokihiko Kishimoto, Hisayoshi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6902309
    Abstract: A light-emitting unit 20 has a light-emitting unit board 21 made of resin provided with a lead frame 22. The light-emitting unit board 21 is also provided with an open window 21a for mounting a light-emitting device. The lead frame 22 comprises a lead terminal section 22a, an inner lead section 22c, and a light-emitting device mounting and connecting section 22b which is exposed within the open window 21a. The light-emitting devices 23a, 23b, and 23c are bonded with the light-emitting device mounting and connecting section 22b, and electrodes of the light-emitting devices and the lead frame are connected by a metal wire 24, wherein the open window 21a is sealed by transparent resin. The lead frame 22 is made of iron-containing copper to improve heat radiation performance of the light-emitting unit board. By increasing maximum current to be supplied to the light-emitting diodes, it is possible to increase illumination brightness and to attain speedup of image reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Uemura, Tomihisa Saito
  • Patent number: 6903849
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit for reading image information of an original resting on an original resting portion, wherein, at the time of reading, the image reading unit moves along the original resting portion, and a flat cable electrically connecting the image reading unit to the main body of the image reading apparatus to transmit the image information read by the image reading unit to the main body of the image reading apparatus, wherein the width direction of the flat cable includes a component in a direction perpendicular to the original resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yokota
  • Patent number: 6833936
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for capturing information from a document to be input to an information handling system (“IHS”) includes a housing that a user may selectively place to reveal a first portion of the document. That is, the housing defines a viewing area, such as by defining an opening through which the first portion of the document may be viewed. The housing has a shutter for selecting a subportion of the first revealed portion of the document by shutting off a portion of the viewing area, thereby hiding a portion of the first revealed portion of the document and revealing only the selected subportion. A scanner for capturing an image of the revealed subportion of the document is movably attached to the housing. In another aspect, the input device includes a magnifying lens for displaying an enlarged view of the portion of the document revealed in the viewing area, so that a user of the input device may more precisely select the subportion of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Michael Seymour
  • Publication number: 20040165225
    Abstract: End-of-travel focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment is an optical image scanner comprising a platen, a stop member at a first end-of-travel position, and an optical head. The optical head comprises a ramped surface such that when the optical head engages the stop member the distance between the optical head and the platen is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harris, Kevin Youngers
  • Publication number: 20040165232
    Abstract: The image reader according to the present invention comprises a housing having substantially a box-shape and having an image reading surface contacting a document, a document detecting section provided to this image reading surface for detecting a document P, and an image reading section for reading an image on the document when the document P is detected by the document detecting section 105. This image reader enables improvement in convenience for users, operability, and adaptability for handling, and also it is small in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hirotaka Chiba, Tsugio Noda, Yoshiro Ishikawa, Kenichiro Sakai
  • Publication number: 20040160646
    Abstract: An optical encoder includes a light emitting unit that emits parallel light onto a plurality of marks that are arranged on an object such as a rotor or a belt, at a predetermined interval in a moving direction of the object, and a light receiving unit that receives light modulated by the marks. The parallel light is generated by a collimating lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Koichi Kudo, Takuroh Kamiya, Katsuya Kawagoe, Ryuuichi Mimbu, Junya Takigawa, Toshiyuki Andoh, Yoshihiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 6774893
    Abstract: Disclosed is a intelligent light source that is capable of providing a uniform illumination image across the surface of an illuminated object analyzed by an optical detector. This is accomplished by individually controlling each light-emitting element of a linear array of light elements. Calibration of the array is accomplished by sequentially illuminating each optical element of the source and building an array of normalized detected data. The matrix is then inverted and multiplied by a linear array of ones to generate the calibration data. The calibration data are then used to program a simple logic device that allows accurate digital control of the intensity of each individual light element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques Debiez, Francois Lerat
  • Patent number: 6771401
    Abstract: A light source module arranged in an image scanning device having a scanning platform and an image-pickup module for scanning a transparent object is disclosed, The light source module includes a cover, a light source mounted in the cover for emitting light to the scanning platform for scanning a transparent object, a RGB filter mounted between the light source and the scanning platform for filtering off the light into RGB lights, a switching mechanism connected to the RGB filter for being controlled to alternately allow one of RGB lights to be transmitted to the scanning platform, and a transmission mechanism for carrying the light source, the RGB filter, and the switching mechanism to move with the image-pickup module for accomplishing the scanning operation to the transparent object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Mustek Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Emily Chen
  • Patent number: 6753985
    Abstract: An optical scanning device has an electric motor and a rotary polygon mirror driven by the electric motor which are received in a dust proof chamber equipped with a cooling fin arrangement which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignees: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kaneko, Mitsuhiro Ohno
  • Publication number: 20040105133
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises an original placement portion on which an original is to be placed, optical unit for optically scanning the original on the original placement portion while moving relative to the original placement portion and a guide member that guides movement of the optical unit. The optical unit includes a sliding member having a screw portion that slides in contact with the guide member and a screw hole portion to which the sliding member is mounted. The screw portion of the sliding member is plastically deformable and screwed into the screw hole portion while being plastically deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ayumu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20040100667
    Abstract: In order to shorten a time for preliminary original reading which is performed prior to reading of an original image, an image reading apparatus of the present invention scans an original mounted on a platen glass by a scan optical system that moves to the original and reads a scanned image of the original by using a CCD sensor, the apparatus having a function to perform a preliminary original read operation for automatically deciding a density of the original before the reading operation of the original image, wherein the preliminary original reading is performed while the scan optical system in an idling state is moving from a read standby position to an image read operation start position; a white background level correction operation of the CDD sensor is performed after collection of original density data by the preliminary original read operation; and a result of the correction is reflected on the original density data obtained by the preliminary original reading to control the decision of the original d
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oyama, Tadashi Matsudaira, Katsunori Takahashi, Masayuki Watanabe, Shinpei Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20040095617
    Abstract: A display and scanning assembly is disclosed wherein light reflected from or transmitted through an image being scanned is transmitted to an optical sensor through an optical shutter assembly via a light guide assembly. The optical shutter assembly is made substantially opaque except for one or more selected optical shutter elements that are made substantially transparent or opened. Light is then reflected from or transmitted through the medium containing the image to be scanned through substantially transparent shutter element or elements and transmitted to the optical sensor via a light guide assembly. The image may then be scanned by advancing selection of shutter element or elements that are opened across the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark M. Mangerson