Digital scanner

Details Digital scanner Digital scanner

1999-06-09

2001-11-27

Lee, Cheukfan (Department: 2722)

Facsimile and static presentation processing

Facsimile

Picture signal generator

C358S484000, C358S487000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06323966

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a digital scanner, more particularly to a digital scanner which uses a low illumination source for illuminating a film having an image thereon for exposure onto a CCD array.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Today's digital scanners are particularly designed to receive a single format media which is to be scanned. In order to accommodate various different sizes, there is typically provided a removable gate which allows the use of a second gate of a second format. However, use of replaceable gate assemblies presents problems, particularly with a low light system. In a low light illumination system it is critical that stray (outside ambient) light not enter the field of exposure. It is also important to efficiently use the light available for any size media.
Thus, there is a need to provide a digital scanner capable of being easily switched between more than one format, yet be of a construction which will not allow stray light to interfere with the exposure of the CCD sensor used to capture the image.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for scanning a media, comprising:
a sensor for receiving an exposure of an image;
a low light illumination system for providing an exposure light comprising a low light source and an integration chamber for receiving light from said light source, said integration chamber having an exit opening for allowing said exposure light to exit said integration chamber; and
a gate assembly slidably mounted to the apparatus, said gate assembly having a frame member having an exposure aperture which is in optical alignment with said sensor and said exit opening such that said exposure light will pass through a media positioned at said exposure aperture on to said sensor, a clamp member moveably mounted to said frame member between an exposure position and a non-exposure position, and a light conduit mounted to said clamp member, said light conduit having a first opening at one end adjacent said exposure aperture and a second opening at the other end disposed adjacent said exit opening, said first opening having a configuration equal to or greater than said exposure aperture, said second end having an outwardly extending lip which extends around at least a portion of said second opening and having a configuration such that it mates within said exit opening, said lip having a reflective surface for reflecting a portion of light back into said integration chamber for increasing of the brightness for exposure onto the media.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a light conduit for use in an apparatus for scanning the media having a light integrator having an exit opening and means for receiving and holding a light conduit for directing light from some integration chamber through said conduit, said conduit having a reflective surface designed for reflecting a portion of light exiting said opening and said integration chamber back into said integration chamber for increasing the brightness of the light passing through said conduit.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4227804 (1980-10-01), Pramstraller
patent: 4893149 (1990-01-01), Satou et al.
patent: 5572286 (1996-11-01), Morita et al.
patent: 5617184 (1997-04-01), Kuwayama et al.

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