Image Reading Optical System Diaphragm Design for Compactness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical systems with multiple light reflection portions, light shielding portions arranged orthogonal to the optical axis can block unintended light paths, leading to enlarged bend angles and interference, which complicates the design and increases the size of the optical system.
Innovation Solution
The use of a diaphragm with a first and second light shielding portion positioned differently along the light travel direction, both within a common plane orthogonal to the optical axis, effectively blocks light while minimizing interference with other optical paths, thereby reducing the bend angle and system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light shielding portions are arranged orthogonal to the optical axis to block unintended light paths, then light regulation is improved, but the bend angles of optical paths are enlarged and the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging light shielding portions in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis to arranging them in a common plane that is inclined relative to the optical axis. This dimensional reorientation allows the light shielding portions to block unintended light paths while maintaining a compact optical path configuration, thereby reducing the system size without compromising light regulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is divided into multiple light shielding portions (first, second, third, and fourth light shielding portions) positioned at different locations along the optical path. Each portion is strategically placed to block specific unintended light paths from different light reflection portions, enabling precise light regulation with a more compact overall structure compared to a single orthogonal diaphragm arrangement.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple light shielding portions are arranged in the optical axis direction to avoid blocking other optical paths, then interference with other paths is reduced, but the bend angles between optical paths are enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging light shielding portions sequentially along the optical axis direction, the patent positions them in a common plane that is inclined relative to the optical axis. This spatial reconfiguration allows multiple light shielding portions to be arranged without increasing the bend angles of optical paths, as they all operate from the same inclined plane rather than being distributed along the axial direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding portions are arranged asymmetrically in the inclined common plane, with each portion positioned to address specific interference issues from different light reflection portions. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the blocking of unintended light paths while maintaining compact bend angles, unlike symmetric axial arrangements that would require larger angular separations.
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 allows for precise light regulation and reduced interference, enabling a more compact and efficient optical system design by ensuring that light shielding portions do not obstruct other optical paths, thus maintaining image quality and system compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The light reflection portions reflect light traveling from a readable object to the image reading portion
Implementation Method 2
The diaphragm includes a first light shielding portion and a second light shielding portion disposed at different positions in a travel direction of the light with respect to the first one of the light reflection portions to block part of the light
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading optical system includes an image reading portion, multiple light reflection portions, and a diaphragm. The image reading portion includes an array of reading elements that read incident light. The light reflection portions reflect light traveling from a readable object to the image reading portion. The diaphragm regulates light traveling from a first one of the light reflection portions to a subsequent one of the light reflection portions in a specific direction. The diaphragm includes a first light shielding portion and a second light shielding portion disposed at different positions in a travel direction of the light with respect to the first one of the light reflection portions to block part of the light. The first light shielding portion and the second light shielding portion are located in substantially a common plane. The first light shielding portion is disposed along an optical axis of light incident on the first one of the light reflection portions.