Tilted Casing Image Sensor for Oblique Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of image sensor structures due to the requirement of using multiple light sources limits their effectiveness in achieving desired angles of incidence for irradiation and light reflection in applications like multi-function printers and banknote scanners.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design incorporates a focusing optical system, a light receiver, and two casings, where the second casing extends in the main scanning direction with a light source attached, allowing for a desired angle of incidence by adjusting the angle between the light source and casing attachment surfaces, and featuring a tilted portion that narrows in the sub-scanning direction towards the object, enabling irradiation from a specific angle in both the main scanning and focal depth directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to achieve different angles of incidence, then the desired image information can be obtained, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources into a single integrated unit with a specific geometric configuration. The light sources are arranged in a linear array extending in the main scanning direction, forming a unified illumination system that provides multiple angles of incidence simultaneously without requiring separate light source assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by extending the light source array in the main scanning direction (horizontal dimension) rather than using multiple discrete light sources at different vertical positions. This dimensional transformation allows a single light source structure to provide illumination at multiple angles across the scanning width.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angle of incidence is changed to match different application requirements, then the image sensor can perform various functions, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal light source structure that can serve multiple functions through its geometric configuration. The linear array of light sources can provide different angles of incidence for various applications (reflection mode, transmission mode, oblique illumination) without requiring separate specialized light source assemblies for each function.
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 design simplifies the structure while allowing for flexible and precise control of the angle of incidence, enhancing the image sensor's ability to capture images from desired angles, thereby improving its functionality in various applications without increasing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing optical system, a light receiver, a first casing, and a second casing. The focusing optical system is configured to focus light reflected by an irradiated object.
Implementation Method 2
The focusing optical system is configured to focus light reflected by an irradiated object.
Implementation Method 3
a light source is attached to irradiate light onto the irradiated object
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor (100) comprises a lens (4), a sensor (6) and a first casing (1). The lens (4) is configured to focus light irradiated toward an object to be read (30) from a direction tilted relative to the X-Z plane, and reflected by the object to be read (30). The sensor (6) is configured to receive the light focused by the lens (4). The first casing (1) is configured to contain or retain the lens (4) and the sensor (6) and to have, in a surface (1j) extending along a main scanning direction, a tilted portion having a length in a sub-scanning direction that decreases toward the object to be read (30).