Bifurcated Light Guiding Member for Shadow-Free Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light guiding members for image reading apparatuses either produce shadows on uneven document surfaces due to unidirectional light irradiation or require bulkier designs to achieve bidirectional irradiation, compromising miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A light guiding member with intersecting vertical planes on its light direction changing face, allowing light to be emitted in two directions from a single member, combined with a bifurcated linear light source apparatus using a transparent rod-shaped member and a reflection mirror to irradiate light from both directions, enabling efficient and compact bidirectional light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single light guiding member with unidirectional light emission is used, then the apparatus size is minimized, but shadows are produced on uneven document surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding member is segmented into multiple light emitting faces (first light emitting face and second light emitting face) that emit light in different directions. This segmentation allows bidirectional illumination to eliminate shadows on uneven document surfaces while maintaining a compact single-member structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from unidirectional to bidirectional light emission by adding spatial dimensionality to the light guiding member. The first and second light emitting faces are positioned to emit light in substantially opposite directions, creating three-dimensional illumination coverage that eliminates shadows without increasing overall apparatus complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two light guiding members are arranged to irradiate light from two directions, then shadows are eliminated, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate light guiding members into a single integrated member. The first light emitting face and second light emitting face are combined in one component, allowing bidirectional illumination to be achieved without the space required for two separate members, thus eliminating shadows while maintaining miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light guiding member performs multiple functions by incorporating both first and second light emitting faces that emit light in opposite directions. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require two separate unidirectional light guiding members, achieving shadow elimination in a compact form factor.
3Volume of moving object
If the light guiding member structure is simplified for miniaturization, then apparatus size is reduced, but design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding member incorporates localized light emitting faces with specific directional characteristics. The first light emitting face and second light emitting face are positioned and oriented to provide targeted illumination in opposite directions, allowing the compact structure to maintain high design flexibility for various illumination requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures uniform light irradiation to document reading faces from two directions without shadows, while minimizing the apparatus size, thus achieving effective miniaturization and improved design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the light which enters the one end face of a light guiding member from the LED, is reflected inside the light guiding member, the light is guided in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
the light which enters the one end face of a light guiding member from the LED, is reflected inside the light guiding member
Implementation Method 3
a light direction changing face having an inverted V character shape... is formed at a position facing the light emitting face. Since the light emitting face having the curvature which is smaller than those of other portions is formed, the light which is emitted from the light emitting face is condensed
Data Source
AI summary
A light guiding member having a light direction changing face which extends in a longitudinal direction of the light guiding member and a light emitting face which faces the light guiding member, wherein the light direction changing face includes two faces arranged so that vertical faces which extend in the longitudinal direction and are respectively vertical to the two faces, intersect with each other. Also, a bifurcated linear light source apparatus comprises a LED, a light guiding member which is made up of a transparent rod shape member, and which emits light generated by the LED, in two directions, from a longitudinal direction side face of the transparent rod shape member, and a reflection mirror which reflects the light emitted in one of the two directions, to the other direction of the two directions.