Image Reading Optics with High-Reflectance Mirrors for Uniform Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face issues with insufficient amounts of visible and infrared light beams reaching the imaging device due to mirrors with low reflectance and non-uniform reflectance, leading to poor quality image reading, especially in wide-angle scanning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating mirrors with a reflectance of 93% or more and reflectance uniformity of 96% or more at a 45° reflection angle, particularly using silver mirrors where necessary, to maintain consistent light beam intensity and reduce losses across the wavelength range of 450 nm to 900 nm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional mirrors with lower reflectance are used in the optical path, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the amount of visible and infrared light beams reaching the imaging device becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reflectance parameter of the mirrors from conventional lower values to 93% or more, and specifies reflectance uniformity of 96% or more at 45° reflection angle. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient light beam intensity reaches the imaging device while minimizing energy loss in the optical path.
2Manufacturing precision
If mirrors with non-uniform reflectance are used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but dark portions and color inconsistencies appear in the read image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies reflectance uniformity of 96% or more at a reflection angle of 45° for the mirrors. This parameter requirement ensures uniform light reflection across the optical path, preventing dark portions and color inconsistencies in the read image while maintaining manufacturability through standardized mirror production processes.
3Illumination intensity
If high-reflectance silver mirrors are used across the entire wavelength range, then light beam intensity is maximized, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mirror materials or coatings to different sections of the optical path based on wavelength requirements. Silver mirrors or high-reflectance coatings are applied specifically where high reflectance is needed for visible and infrared light transmission, while other sections may use more cost-effective materials, achieving optimal light intensity with controlled manufacturing costs.
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
Ensures adequate light beam intensity for both visible and infrared images, preventing dark portions and color inconsistencies, thereby enhancing image reading quality and reducing costs by optimizing mirror usage.
Implementation Method 1
multiple mirrors disposed in optical paths of the visible light beam and the infrared light beam from the document to an imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a visible light source to irradiate a document with a visible light beam, an infrared light source to irradiate the document with an infrared light beam, and multiple mirrors disposed in optical paths of the visible light beam and the infrared light beam from the document to an imaging device. The multiple mirrors include at least a mirror having a reflectance of 93% or more, at a reflection angle of 45°, to a light beam having a wavelength range of 450 nm or more and 900 nm or less.