U.S. patent application number 09/748001 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for optical scanning module with rotatable reflection mirror for image scanning device.
Invention is credited to Yeh, Chien-Liang.
Application Number | 20020080460 09/748001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25007566 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020080460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yeh, Chien-Liang |
June 27, 2002 |
OPTICAL SCANNING MODULE WITH ROTATABLE REFLECTION MIRROR FOR IMAGE
SCANNING DEVICE
Abstract
An image scanning device with a rotatable reflection mirror
arranged in an optical scanning module thereof for establishing
either a reflective or transparent scanning optical path is
disclosed. The optical scanning module includes a first focusing
lens, a second focusing lens, an image sensing module, a plurality
of fixed reflective optical path mirrors, a plurality of fixed
transparent optical path mirrors, and a rotatable reflection
mirror. At scanning a reflective document, the rotatable reflection
mirror is rotated to a first reflection position. A light beam from
a first light source projects to the reflective document. The image
of the reflective document is reflected by the rotatable reflection
mirror and the fixed reflective optical path mirrors, and then
received by the image sensing module through the first focusing
lens. At scanning a transparent document, the rotatable reflection
mirror is rotated to a second reflection position. A light beam
from a second light source projects to the transparent document.
The image of the transparent document is reflected by the rotatable
reflection mirror and the fixed transparent optical path mirrors,
and then received by the image sensing module through the second
focusing lens.
Inventors: |
Yeh, Chien-Liang; (Ping Tung
Hsian, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROSENBERG, KLEIN & LEE
3458 ELLICOTT CENTER DRIVE-SUITE 101
ELLICOTT CITY
MD
21043
US
|
Family ID: |
25007566 |
Appl. No.: |
09/748001 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
359/212.1 ;
359/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 26/0816 20130101;
H04N 1/193 20130101; H04N 1/1043 20130101; H04N 1/1052 20130101;
H04N 1/1048 20130101; H04N 2201/0418 20130101; H04N 1/1017
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/212 ;
359/474 |
International
Class: |
G02B 026/08; G02B
027/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image scanning device with an optical scanning module for
scanning an image of a reflective document by incorporating with a
first light source or a transparent document by incorporating with
a second light source, comprising: a first focusing lens having a
light receiving inlet and a light projecting outlet; a second
focusing lens having a light receiving inlet and a light projecting
outlet, the second focusing lens being arranged at an angle with
respect to the first focusing lens; an image sensing module
arranged facing to the light projecting outlets of the first
focusing lens and the second focusing lens; a reflective optical
path comprising a plurality of light reflection mirrors arranged in
the optical scanning module; a transparent optical path comprising
a plurality of light reflection mirrors arranged in the optical
scanning module; and a rotatable reflection mirror arranged in the
reflective optical path and the transparent optical path, rotatable
by a driving device to a first reflection position or a second
reflection position; when scanning the reflective document, the
rotatable reflection mirror is rotated to the first reflection
position in order to reflect a light beam projected from the first
light source to the image sensing module through the reflective
optical path and the first focusing lens; when scanning the
transparent document, the rotatable reflection mirror is rotated to
the second reflection position in order to reflect a light beam
projected from the second light source to the image sensing module
through the transparent optical path and the second focusing
lens.
2. The image scanning device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
driving device comprises a mechanical shaft mechanically coupled to
the rotatable reflection mirror and a motor for rotating the
rotatable reflection mirror to the first or second reflection
position via the mechanical shaft.
3. The image scanning device as recited in claim 2, wherein the
motor is a stepping motor.
4. The image scanning device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
image sensing module comprises a Charge Coupled Device.
5. The image scanning device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
rotatable reflection mirror is arranged beneath the second light
source to receive and reflect the light beam projected from the
second light source when scanning the transparent document, and to
receive and reflect the light beam projected from the first light
source and reflected by the reflective document when scanning the
reflective document.
6. The image scanning device as recited in claim 1, the first
focusing lens and the second focusing lens having different optical
magnifications so as to achieve different optical scanning
resolutions at scanning the reflective and transparent documents.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image scanning device
with dual scanning modes, and more particularly to an image
scanning device including a rotatable reflection mirror arranged in
an optical scanning module of the image scanning device for
selectively scanning a reflective original document or a
transparent original document.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Typical image scanners are commonly categorized into
reflective and transparent types. Reflective type scanner is
employed for scanning of reflective document, while transparent
type scanner is employed for scanning of transparent document.
[0005] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a typical reflective type
scanner is shown. The scanner 1 generally includes a top frame 11
with a document positioning plate 12 which is a plane surface made
of for example glass or other light transmittable, substantially
rigid material, for supporting a reflective original document 10 to
be scanned, defining a document scanning window. A cover 13 is
pivotally attached to the top frame 11 of the scanner 1 for
covering the document positioning plate 12 during the scanning
process.
[0006] The reflective type scanner 1 generally includes an optical
scanning module 14 and a pair of guiding rails 15a, 15b. The
optical scanning module 14 is provided with a light source 16, a
plurality of light reflection mirrors 171, 172, 173, 174, a
focusing lens 18, and an image sensing module 19 such as a Charge
Coupling Device (CCD) or a Contact Image Scanning (CIS). The
optical scanning module 14 may be moved by a driving device (not
shown) along the guiding rails 15a, 15b in a direction I. When the
optical scanning module 14 completes a scanning process, the image
of the reflective original document 10 is scanned.
[0007] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a typical transparent type
scanner 2 is shown. The scanner 2 also includes a top frame 21 and
a document positioning plate 22. A back lighting module 23 is
pivotally attached to the top frame 21 of the scanner 2. The back
lighting module 23 is provided with a back light source 26
therein.
[0008] The transparent type scanner 2 includes an optical scanning
module 24 moveably supported by a pair of guiding rails 25a, 25b.
The optical scanning module 24 includes a plurality of reflection
mirrors 271, 272, 273, a focusing lens 28, and an image sensing
module 29. The optical scanning module 24 may be moved by a driving
device (not shown) along the guiding rails 25a, 25b in the
direction I. When the optical scanning module 24 completes a
scanning process and with the light provided by the back light
source 26, the image of the transparent original document 20
supported on the document positioning plate 22 is scanned.
[0009] The conventional reflective or transparent scanner described
above can only conduct a specific scanning mode, i.e. the
reflective type scanner can not conduct a transparent scanning
process, while the transparent type scanner can not conduct a
reflective scanning process. In prior art, there is provided with a
mode-selective scanner which is capable of selectively conducting
reflective or transparent scanning processes. However, the scanner
is too complicated to economically manufacture. In addition, it is
too complicate to assemble.
[0010] Thus, it is desirable to provide an image scanning device
with a switching mechanism which is capable of overcoming the
problems described above and facilitating scanning operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Consequently, a primary object of the present invention is
to provide an image scanning device with a rotatable reflection
mirror mounted in the optical scanning module. By means of the
rotatable reflection mirror, the scanner is capable of conducting
either a reflective scanning mode or a transparent scanning
mode.
[0012] In order to achieve the object set forth, a scanner for
selectively scanning reflective and transparent original document
in accordance with the present invention comprises an optical
scanning module provided with a rotatable reflection mirror for
selectively scanning a reflective original document or a
transparent original document. The rotatable reflection mirror may
be rotated by a driving device comprising such as a stepping motor
and a mechanical shaft coupled to the rotatable reflection mirror.
At scanning a reflective document, the rotatable reflection mirror
is rotated to a first reflection position. A light beam from a
first light source projects to the reflective document. The image
of the reflective document is reflected by the rotatable reflection
mirror and a number of fixed reflective optical path mirrors, and
then received by an image sensing module through a first focusing
lens. At scanning a transparent document, the rotatable reflection
mirror is rotated to a second reflection position. A light beam
from a second light source projects to the transparent document.
The image of the transparent document is reflected by the rotatable
reflection mirror and a number of fixed transparent optical path
mirrors, and then received by the image sensing module through a
second focusing lens.
[0013] Preferably, two position detecting unites are arranged
within an effective rotation radius of the rotatable reflection
mirror for detecting the position of the rotatable reflection
mirror.
[0014] To further understand the present invention, reference is
made to the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, as well as the attached
drawings, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art reflective type
scanner;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an optical path in an
optical scanning module of the reflective type scanner of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art transparent type
scanner;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an optical path in an
optical scanning module of the transparent type scanner of FIG.
3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a rotatable reflection
mirror, a number of reflection mirrors, two focusing lenses, and an
image sensing module are arranged in an optical scanning module of
a scanner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a reflective optical path
during scanning a reflective original document in accordance with
the present invention, in which the rotatable reflection mirror is
at a first reflection position;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a transparent optical
path during scanning a transparent original document in accordance
with the present invention, in which the rotatable reflection
mirror is at a second reflection position; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the rotatable
reflection mirror is coupled to a driving device in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring to FIG. 5, an optical scanning module 3 is
arranged in a housing of a scanner in accordance with the present
invention and which is moveable along a pair of guiding rails
arranged in the housing. A document positioning plate 4 is mounted
on the housing of the scanner and arranged above the optical
scanning module 3 for supporting an original document 7
thereon.
[0024] The optical scanning module 3 is provided with a first light
source 30 for providing light source during a reflective scanning
process. Besides, a second light source 5 is arranged above the
document positioning plate 4 for providing back light source during
a transparent scanning process. In general, the second light source
5 is arranged in a conventional back lighting module 23 as shown in
FIG. 3.
[0025] The optical scanning device 3 of the present invention
includes an image sensing module 31, a first focusing lens 32, a
second focusing lens 33, a plurality of fixed light reflection
mirrors 71, 72, 73, 74, and a rotatable reflection mirror 8. The
image sensing module 31 includes a charge coupled device (CCD). The
first focusing lens 32 has a light receiving inlet 32a facing to
the fixed light reflection mirror 72 and a light projecting outlet
32b facing to the image sensing module 31. The second focusing lens
33 has a light receiving inlet 33a facing to the fixed light
reflection mirror 74 and a light projecting outlet 33b facing to
the image sensing module 31. In addition, the first focusing lens
32 is particularly arranged at an angle with respect to the second
focusing lens 33.
[0026] The rotatable reflection mirror 8 may be rotated about a
mechanical shaft 80 by a known driving mechanism to a first
reflection position as shown in FIG. 6 or a second reflection
position as shown in FIG. 7. The position of the rotatable
reflection mirror 8 can be detected by a first and second position
detecting unites 91, 92 properly arranged adjacent to the rotatable
reflection mirror 8.
[0027] The present invention includes a reflective image optical
path and a transparent image optical path. The reflective image
optical path is configured by the fixed light reflection mirrors
71, 72 and the first focusing lens 32. When a reflective original
document 5a is to be scanned, the rotatable reflection mirror 8 is
rotated to the first reflection position, as shown in FIG. 6. A
light beam as indicated by dashed line from the first light source
30 projects to the reflective original document 5a supported on the
document positioning plate 4 of the scanner frame. The image of the
reflective original document 5a is reflected by the rotatable
reflection mirror 8, and the reflection mirrors 71, 72
sequentially. Then, the reflected image of the reflective original
document 5a is received by the image sensing module 31 through the
first focusing lens 32.
[0028] The transparent image optical path of the present invention
is configured by the fixed light reflection mirrors 73, 74 and the
second focusing lens 33. When a transparent original document 5b is
to be scanned, the rotatable reflection mirror 8 is rotated to the
second reflection position, as shown in FIG. 7. A back light beam
as indicated by dashed line from the second light source 6 projects
to the transparent original document 5b supported on the document
positioning plate 4 of the scanner frame. The image of the
transparent original document 5b is reflected by the rotatable
reflection mirror 8, and the reflection mirrors 73, 74
sequentially. Then, the reflected image of the transparent original
document 5b is received by the image sensing module 31 through the
second focusing lens 33.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the rotatable
reflection mirror 8 is coupled to a driving device 81 in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The driving
device 81 may be a conventional stepping motor, DC motor, or AC
motor. The driving device 81 is provided with a mechanical shaft 80
which is mechanically coupled to the rotatable reflection mirror 8,
with reference to FIG. 5. So, the driving device 81 is capable of
rotating the rotatable reflection mirror 8 via the mechanical shaft
80 to either the first reflection position as shown in FIG. 6 or
the second reflection position as shown in FIG. 7. The position of
the rotatable reflection mirror 8 can be detected by the first and
second position detecting unites 91, 92 properly arranged adjacent
to the rotatable reflection mirror 8.
[0030] In practical use, the above mentioned first focusing lens 32
and the second focusing lens 33 can be of different optical
magnifications so as to achieve different optical scanning
resolutions according to requirement at operation of reflective and
transparent scanning.
[0031] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described to illustrate the present invention, it is
apparent that changes and modifications in the specifically
described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the
scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the
appended claims.
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