Optical sensor switch system for a scanner

Details Optical sensor switch system for a scanner Optical sensor switch system for a scanner

1998-12-11

2001-07-31

Lee, John R. (Department: 2878)

Radiant energy

Photocells; circuits and apparatus

Photocell controlled circuit

C250S234000, C250S229000, C358S474000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06268599

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a scanner, in particular to a function control key for the scanner.
In traditional design for a scanner, the control key is a mechanical switch, which triggers certain operation to start or produces a certain signal to trigger a pre-programmed function. To accomplish such a series of operations, a number of switching operations may be required for connection to a special motherboard with circuits for different functions. The multiple switches, the multiple wiring connections, and the extra mother board all increase the cost of the scanner.
Further more, electronic switches must carry current. Such current carrying switches may wear out in time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to use a single switch to perform a sequence of operations. Another object of this invention is to control optically a series of circuit functions. Still another object of this invention is to construct a switch which optically controls circuit functions without carrying any current.
These objects are achieved by using a push-button sequential switch in the path of a light.
When the push-button is depressed or moved to different positions, different degree of optical reflection or transmission occurs. The light reflections or transmissions in the two positions are used to irradiate the pixels of a light sensitive panel. The pixels are divided into different sections, each designated to a particular function of the scanner. The difference in reflection or transmission is used to activate the selected function.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5371359 (1994-12-01), Hagiuda et al.
patent: 5942746 (1999-08-01), Tsai

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