Registers – Coded record sensors – Particular sensor structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-14
2001-05-08
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Particular sensor structure
C235S455000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227448
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to image viewing apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Image viewing apparatus is used in applications such as flat bed scanning in which an image such as a transparency to be digitised is laid on a platen and then individual pixels of the image are exposed to scanning radiation such as a laser beam and the reflected or transmitted light is detected and digitised. It is often required that the transparency should be viewable by the operator prior to scanning, for example to check for faults in the transparency.
In the past, the image has had to be mounted on a separate light table and, after viewing, then transferred to the scanner. In JP-A-06350810, a scanning device is described in which the image is mounted on a movable table which can be moved between an extended position in which it overlies a set of fluorescent tubes enabling the image to be viewed, and a retracted position to which it can be moved by operating a lead screw underneath a scanning system which enables the image to be scanned. A light diffuser is incorporated underneath the image so as to diffuse light from the fluorescent tubes to enable the image to be evenly lit for viewing.
The draw back of this known arrangement is the volume of space required since the image support or platen must be moved away from the scanning system over the fluorescent tubes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, image viewing apparatus comprises a transparent platen on which an image to be scanned can be positioned; a scanning system support movable alongside the platen; a light source for illuminating the platen from the same side as the scanning system support; and a light diffuser which can be moved between a first position in which it is located between the light source and the platen whereby light from the light source is diffused across the platen, and a second position in which the light diffuser is positioned so as not to impede a scanning system on the support from viewing an image on the platen.
This invention results in a much more compact arrangement. For example, the scanning system support is positioned on the same side of the platen as the light source in contrast to the prior art described above. The light diffuser is then moved between the first and second positions depending upon whether or not the apparatus is to be used as a light table.
Although in some cases the light diffuser could comprise a solid plate, preferably the light diffuser is flexible. This allows the light diffuser to be conveniently stored in a relatively small volume when in its second position and thus reducing still further the overall size of the apparatus. In the preferred example, the apparatus further comprises a roller about which the light diffuser is wound in the second position.
Typically, the light diffuser will be in the form of a flexible sheet made of a suitable material such as polyester.
In one arrangement, the apparatus further comprises an actuating means for moving the light diffuser between the first and second positions. For example, a user controlled motor could be coupled to the light diffuser. In other examples, however, the light diffuser is coupled to the scanning system support. In this way, the light diffuser can be automatically drawn under the platen during movement of the scanning system support and can then be moved to its second position during reverse movement of the scanning system support. Not only does this have the advantage that the light diffuser is automatically moved between its two positions without the need for auxiliary motors and the like but also the light diffuser will never obscure a scanning system mounted on the support.
Conveniently, the light diffuser is biased to its second position. This simplifies movement of the light diffuser to the second position, particularly when a flexible light diffuser is used. For example, the roller could be provided with a torsion spring mechanism or the like.
The other elements of the apparatus can be of a generally conventional form.
Typically there will be more than one light source and the or each light source conveniently comprises a fluorescent tube.
The platen will be made of a suitable, rigid transparent material such as glass or plastics.
The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in a flat bed scanner. In this case, a scanning system mounted on the support would comprise a radiation source such as a laser which generates a radiation beam which impinges on scanning optics such as a rotating polygonal mirror together with a detector for detecting light reflected from the image.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4702593 (1987-10-01), Detsch
patent: 5850281 (1998-12-01), Benker
patent: 2 041 553 (1983-01-01), None
patent: WO 95/02937 (1995-01-01), None
patent: WO 95/16934 (1995-06-01), None
Webster's II New Riverside University Dictionary 1988.*
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 95, No. 003, Apr. 28, 1995 (JP 06 350810 A).
Patent Abstracts of Japan, 61-290859 (A); Dec. 20, 1986, Original Still Type Reader.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, 5-300317 (A); Nov. 12, 1993, Transmission Original Reader.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, 06350810 A;Dec. 22, 1994; Transmissive Original Scanning Device.
Gouch Martin Philip
Maliszewski Julian Robert
Franklin Jamara A
Frech Karl D.
Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Ltd.
Sughrue Mion Zinn Macpeak & Seas, PLLC
LandOfFree
Image viewing apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Image viewing apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Image viewing apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2522037