Overhead Image Scanner Light Blocking Member for Dazzle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overhead image reading apparatuses with light sources positioned in the line of sight of users can cause discomfort due to direct light exposure, leading to dazzle and unpleasant feelings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light-blocking member that lowers the upper-end position of light emitted from the light source, positioned between the light source and the user, to prevent direct light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is arranged in the line of sight of the user to illuminate the medium for image reading, then the illumination intensity is sufficient for reading, but the user experiences discomfort due to direct light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light blocking member that extends in the vertical direction to block light from reaching the user's eyes. By adding this vertical dimension element, the light path is obstructed without changing the horizontal arrangement of the light source relative to the medium, thus maintaining illumination while preventing dazzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the light source and the user's eyes. This mediator blocks the direct path of light that would cause discomfort, while allowing the light to continue illuminating the medium for image reading.
2Manufacturing precision
If the light source is positioned to illuminate the medium effectively, then image reading quality is maintained, but the upper-end position of light may reach the user's eyes causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking member extends vertically to intercept light at its upper end before it can reach the user's eyes. This vertical extension adds a new dimensional approach to solving the problem, allowing the light source to maintain its position for quality imaging while preventing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking member is positioned to preemptively block light from reaching the user's eyes before the light can cause discomfort. This preliminary blocking action prevents the harmful effect without interfering with the light's ability to illuminate the medium for high-quality image reading.
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
Effectively prevents users from seeing the light source, reducing the likelihood of dazzle and discomfort during image reading operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light blocking member that blocks light above an upper-end position of light emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead image reading apparatus 1 includes: an image-capturing unit 22 that captures an image of a medium S to be read from above when the medium S to be read is placed on a placement surface 2; a light source 21 that irradiates the medium S to be read with light when the image-capturing unit 22 captures the image of the medium S to be read; and a light blocking portion 25 that blocks light above an upper-end position of light emitted from the light source 21. As a result, the user 100 can be prevented from seeing light from the light source 21 with his/her eyes and from being dazzled with an unpleasant feeling by light from the light source 21 during reading on the medium S to be read.