Document Scanner Optics for Switching Diffuse and Specular Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reading devices struggle to effectively utilize both diffuse and regular reflection light components from a document for image capturing, particularly when the incident angle of light from the second radiator has an offset angle that is not 0° from the reflection angle of the principal ray of regular reflection light.
Innovation Solution
A reading device with a carriage that houses a radiator and a reflection surface, capable of switching between optical paths for diffuse and regular reflection light, allowing separate guidance of diffuse and regular reflection light to a light receiver, enhancing image reading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate light sources are used for diffuse reflection light and regular reflection light, then the image reading capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of reading diffuse reflection light and regular reflection light into a single optical path system. The light source unit emits light that is guided through a light guide to illuminate the document, and the same optical path captures both diffuse and regular reflection components using a single imaging unit, thereby reducing the need for separate light sources and complex optical systems while maintaining comprehensive image reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is designed to serve multiple functions by capturing both diffuse reflection light and regular reflection light through a single optical path. The light guide system also serves dual purposes: guiding light from the light source to the document and facilitating the collection of reflected light components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while preserving the ability to read various document types
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used for different reflection types, then the reading accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination and detection functions into a single integrated optical path. The light source unit and imaging unit work together through a shared optical path that includes a light guide, allowing both diffuse and regular reflection light to be captured by the same imaging unit. This consolidation reduces the number of components from multiple separate light sources and imaging systems to a single integrated system while maintaining the ability to accurately capture both reflection types
Solution Approach 2:
The single imaging unit is designed with universal capability to detect both diffuse reflection light and regular reflection light. The optical path is configured to guide both types of reflected light from the document surface to the imaging unit through the light guide system. This multi-functional design reduces component quantity while preserving reading accuracy for different document types and surface characteristics
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
Enables simultaneous and efficient capture of diffuse and regular reflection light components, improving image quality and readability by utilizing both types of reflection light paths independently.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator configured to radiate light
Implementation Method 2
a first optical path on which the light radiated by the radiator is reflected by a reflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A reading device includes a radiator radiating light, a light receiver receiving the light reflected from a target, a first optical path on which the light is reflected by a reflection surface to irradiate a surface of the target in a radiation area so that diffuse reflection light diffusely reflected by the surface of the target is guided to the light receiver as a read image, a second optical path on which the light is reflected by the reflection surface to irradiate the surface of the target in the radiation area so that regular reflection light regularly reflected by the surface of the target is guided to the light receiver as a read image, and a switcher switching the first optical path and the second optical path in a carriage that houses the radiator and the reflection surface and moves along a sub-scanning direction for image reading.