Image Reading Unit Stray Light Control via Reflection Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading units face issues with stray light noise and double reflection due to light deviating from the normal optical path, which can increase the cost and size of the apparatus when attempting to mitigate these issues with additional light blocking members.
Innovation Solution
The image reading unit incorporates a casing with an opening that exposes part of the reflection member's reflecting surface inside, allowing the reflection member to be mounted outside the opening, thereby blocking stray light without the need for additional light blocking members, thus reducing stray light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light blocking member is provided at a periphery of a reflecting surface of a reflection member to block stray light, then stray light is reduced, but the cost and size of the apparatus are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light blocking function from a separate additional component and integrates it into the reflection member itself. By forming the light blocking portion directly on the reflection member's support structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate light blocking members while maintaining the stray light blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single component. The reflection member's support structure simultaneously serves as both the mounting structure for the reflection member and as the light blocking member. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and simplifies the apparatus structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light blocking member is provided at a periphery of a reflecting surface of a reflection member to block stray light, then stray light is reduced, but the size of the apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light blocking function from a separate additional component and integrates it into the reflection member itself. By forming the light blocking portion directly on the reflection member's support structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate light blocking members while maintaining the stray light blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single component. The reflection member's support structure simultaneously serves as both the mounting structure for the reflection member and as the light blocking member. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and simplifies the apparatus structure.
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 effectively reduces stray light and noise in the image reading process while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design, preventing the apparatus from becoming larger or more expensive.
Implementation Method 1
a reading portion for reading image information of the object by photoelectrically converting reflected light from the object illuminated with the light by the illumination portion
Implementation Method 2
a reflection member including a reflecting surface for reflecting the reflected light passed through the entrance and configured to form an optical path for guiding the reflected light from the object to the image reading portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading unit includes an illumination portion, a reading portion, a casing, and a reflection member including a reflecting surface. The casing is provided with an opening. The reflection member is held outside of the opening of the casing so that at least a part of the reflecting surface is exposed to the inside of the casing through the opening.