Optical Scanning Layout With Variable-Speed Main Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while maintaining imaging performance due to the need for constant-speed scanning, which leads to increased thickness and comatic aberration in imaging optical elements, and variable-speed scanning results in image degradation if not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
Employing a variable-speed scanning method with controlled light emission to correct partial magnification differences, ensuring scanning speeds satisfy specific inequalities to maintain imaging performance and reduce element thickness, using anamorphic lenses and plastic molded optics to facilitate downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant-speed scanning is used, then imaging performance is maintained, but imaging optical elements become thicker and exhibit increased comatic aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies variable-speed scanning instead of constant-speed scanning. The scanning speed is dynamically adjusted based on the image height position, being slower at off-axis positions and faster at on-axis positions. This dynamic speed adjustment compensates for the optical path differences and reduces comatic aberration, allowing for thinner imaging optical elements while maintaining imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning speed parameter as a function of image height position. By adjusting the scanning speed parameter dynamically across different field positions, the system compensates for optical aberrations and enables reduction of optical element thickness while maintaining image quality.
2Length of stationary object
If variable-speed scanning is used, then downsizing is enabled, but image degradation occurs if not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controlled variable-speed scanning system where the scanning speed is precisely regulated based on image height position. This feedback control ensures that the speed adjustments compensate for optical path differences without causing image degradation, maintaining both downsizing benefits and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully manages the scanning speed parameter changes across different field positions. By precisely controlling how the speed parameter varies with image height, the system achieves downsizing while preventing image degradation through proper parameter management.
3Length of stationary object
If imaging optical elements are made thinner, then downsizing is achieved, but manufacturing precision and edge thickness become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality control in the variable-speed scanning approach. Different scanning speeds are applied at different local positions (image heights) across the optical field. This localized speed adjustment compensates for position-dependent optical path differences, enabling thinner elements while maintaining sufficient edge thickness and manufacturing precision.
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 solution enables the optical scanning apparatus to be downsized without compromising print performance by maintaining sufficient edge thickness and reducing manufacturing defects, while achieving better imaging quality across the scanned surface.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector configured to deflect a light flux from a light source to scan a surface with the light flux
Implementation Method 2
an imaging optical system configured to guide the light flux deflected by the deflector to the surface to be scanned
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning apparatus includes a deflector configured to deflect a light flux from a light source to scan a surface with the light flux in a main-scanning direction, and an optical system configured to guide the light flux deflected by the deflector to the surface to be scanned, wherein a scanning speed is a variable speed, and wherein a predetermined inequality is satisfied.