Illuminated Reference Marker for Scanning Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reference markers on scanning units of electrophotographic devices are difficult to see and deteriorate over time, making it inconvenient for users to properly position items for scanning.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated reference marker system using a light source, waveguide, and redirector is provided to create a visible marker adjacent to the contact glass, utilizing a light-emitting diode and optical components like waveguides and diffusers to focus and scatter light for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reference marker is molded or embossed into the scanning unit, then the marker is durable, but it is difficult for the user to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system comprising a light source, waveguide, and redirector to transfer light to the reference marker. The waveguide acts as an intermediary to guide light from the light source to the redirector, which then redirects light to illuminate the reference marker, solving the visibility problem without requiring the marker itself to be a light source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical reference markers (molded or embossed features) with an active optical illumination system. Instead of relying on physical relief features that are hard to see, the system uses light emission and optical guidance to create a visible illuminated reference marker, substituting mechanical visibility with optical visibility
2Illumination intensity
If a reference marker is painted or decal-applied to the scanning unit, then the marker is visible, but it deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces paint or decal applications with an illuminated reference marker formed by optical components. The reference marker is created by redirecting light rather than by applying physical materials that can deteriorate. This substitution of material-based markers with light-based markers eliminates the deterioration problem while maintaining visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the reference marker from a static physical feature (paint or decal) to a dynamic optical phenomenon (illuminated pattern). By changing from material presence to light presence, the system achieves both visibility and durability, as light can be continuously regenerated without degradation
3Illumination intensity
If the light source emits light directly toward the scanning unit, then the light is visible, but the light cannot be properly focused and redirected to define the reference marker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the waveguide as an intermediary optical component between the light source and the scanning unit. The waveguide collects light from the light source and guides it to the redirector with proper spatial control. This intermediary enables precise light positioning by controlling the light path through optical guidance rather than direct emission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light guidance function from the direct light path by introducing separate optical components. The waveguide extracts and transports light from the light source, and the redirector extracts and redirects light to the reference marker position. This separation allows independent optimization of light emission, guidance, and positioning functions
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
The illuminated reference marker system ensures accurate positioning of items by providing a durable and easily visible marker, maintaining user convenience and optimal image quality without altering the physical layout of the scanning unit.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a light from a light source
Implementation Method 2
guiding that light to a scanning unit... A waveguide is provided for guiding the light
Implementation Method 3
redirecting that light to define an illuminated reference marker... The redirector typically includes at least one light-diffusing surface for scattering light passing therethrough
Implementation Method 4
a collector for collecting at least a portion of the emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a visible reference marker on a scanning unit for orienting an item to be scanned or copied includes the steps of emitting a light from a light source, guiding the light to a scanning unit having a contact glass scanning surface, and redirecting the light to define an illuminated reference marker substantially adjacent to the contact glass. A reference marker assembly for accomplishing that method is provided, including a light source, a waveguide for guiding light emitted from the light source to a scanning unit having a contact glass, and a redirector for redirecting the light to define an illuminated reference marker adjacent to the contact glass, for orienting an item to be copied or scanned. The light source may be a light emitting diode, and the redirector may be a light diffuser for redirecting the collected light to define an illuminated reference marker adjacent to the contact glass.