Light Absorption Member for Imaging Device Flare Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging devices face issues with obtaining accurate RGB values due to specular-reflection from illumination light sources, leading to problems like flare, smear, and blooming, which affect colorimetry and color adjustment in image forming apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device with a light absorption member is introduced, featuring a first surface and a second surface that redirect reflected light, effectively absorbing intense illumination light and preventing it from entering the sensor unit, thereby reducing signal saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light diffuser is arranged in the optical path to diffuse light from the illumination light source, then the directivity of the illumination light is reduced, but reflected light from the light diffuser still enters the sensor unit causing signal saturation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination light distributionVSAvoidreflected light entering sensor unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful reflected light from the optical path by introducing a light absorbing member positioned to intercept light reflecting off the light diffuser before it reaches the sensor unit. This separating the useful diffuse light from the harmful reflected light allows the sensor to capture accurate RGB values without saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful reflected light into a beneficial effect by using the light absorbing member to absorb these reflected rays. The absorption of reflected light prevents it from reaching the sensor, thereby eliminating the harmful flare and smear effects while maintaining proper illumination of the subject.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the imaging device uses an illumination light source with directivity, then the illumination efficiency is improved, but specular-reflection causes flare, smear, and blooming in the sensor unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination efficiencyVSAvoidspecular-reflection effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light absorbing member as an intermediary element between the illumination light source and the sensor unit. This intermediary absorbs the harmful specular-reflection light while allowing the useful illumination light to pass through, thereby mediating between the directivity requirement and the flare prevention need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the signal in the region where reflected light forms an image approaches the saturation level, then the illumination coverage is improved, but accurate RGB value acquisition becomes difficult due to flare, smear, and blooming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverage areaVSAvoidRGB value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful reflected light from the optical path using the light absorbing member, allowing the sensor to accurately measure RGB values in the illumination coverage area without contamination from flare, smear, and blooming effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful reflected light into a beneficial absorption mechanism, where the light absorbing member captures these reflected rays before they can saturate the sensor, thereby enabling accurate measurement while maintaining full illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution allows for proper acquisition of RGB values for colorimetry and color adjustment, ensuring high reproducibility in image formation by minimizing the impact of flare and smear from specular-reflection.

Implementation Method 1

arranged in an optical path of light from the illumination light source toward a specular-reflection position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecular-reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

light absorption member that is arranged in an optical path of light from the illumination light source toward a specular-reflection position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9406000B2Imaging device, colorimetry device, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging device includes: a sensor unit that is arranged at a predetermined position inside a casing, and that images a subject outside the casing through an opening portion, with a part of an imaging region, while imaging a reference chart with another part of the imaging region; and a light absorption member that is arranged in an optical path of light from a illumination light source toward a specular-reflection position from which specular-reflection light of the illumination light source is entered to the sensor unit, in the imaging range. The light absorption member has at least a first surface on which light from the illumination light source toward the specular-reflection position is irradiated, and a second surface that faces to the first surface, and reflected light that has been reflected on the first surface and then on the second surface is further directed toward the first surface.