US4557581A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Full-frame short focal length imaging system
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1984-08-03
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Granted: 1985-12-10
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Expires: 2004-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A compact, two-dimensional full-frame document illumination and imaging device is formed by combining a short focal length imaging area array, such as a gradient index fiber lens area array, with a light source formed in the fiber interstitial areas of the array. The light source is addressed to provide a uniform illumination level at a document platen interface. The full document image is reflected back to the array and projected onto a photosensitive image plane.
Inventors
- 👤 Warren H. Woolley
- 👤 William L. Lama
- 👤 James D. Rees
- 👤 John A. Durbin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:49
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/522; G03B27/523
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An imaging system for transmitting an image of a document at an object plane onto a photosensitive image plane, the system including a full-frame imaging and illumination device positioned between said object and image planes, said device comprising: a plurality of short focal length lens elements assembled to form a full-frame lens array, a light source positioned in at least some of the interstitial spaces separating said lens elements and on the surface of the array adjacent said object plane, and means to activate said light source whereby light produced by said light source is directed to said document, reflected therefrom and projected by said lens array onto said image plane to form a latent image of said document on said image plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
An imaging system for transmitting an image of a document at an object plane onto a photosensitive image plane, the system including a full-frame imaging and illumination device positioned between said object and image planes, said device comprising: a plurality of short focal length lens elements assembled to form a full-frame lens array, a light source positioned in at least some of the interstitial spaces separating said lens elements and on the surface of the array adjacent said object plane, and means to activate said light source whereby light produced by said light source is directed to said document, reflected therefrom and projected by said lens array onto said image plane to form a latent image of said document on said image plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said lens elements are gradient index optical fibers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said lens elements are a plurality of homogeneous, triplet microlens segments combined in layers to form a "strip lens".
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said lens elements are a plurality of thick lenses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said light source is an electroluminescent layer formed in said interstitial areas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said light source is a matrix of light-emitting diodes positioned in said interstitial areas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said object plane consists of a transparent glass platen and wherein said imaging and illumination device is formed integral with said platen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein said lens elements form an image at a magnification of less than unity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the total conjugate of said full-frame lens array is between 5 and 150 mm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A two-dimensional short focal length illuminator/lens array comprising: a plurality of short focal length lens elements integrally assembled to form a lens array, said lens elements separated from each other by interstitial areas, and a light source formed within said interstitial areas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
A two-dimensional short focal length illuminator/lens array comprising: a plurality of short focal length lens elements integrally assembled to form a lens array, said lens elements separated from each other by interstitial areas, and a light source formed within said interstitial areas.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The illuminator/lens array of claim 10 wherein said light source comprises an electroluminescent layer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-09 | 1989-06-10 | 1989-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-09 | 1993-06-10 | 1993-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-09 | 1997-06-10 | 1997-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |