Multi-beam scanning device
AssigneePENTAX Corporation
InventorsYoshihiro Hama, Masakazu Hirano
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The multi-beam scanning device includes first and second light emitting elements that emit first and second light beams, respectively, a polygon mirror that deflects the first and second light beams to simultaneously scan the first and second light beams across an object. A prism having a light entrance portion and a light exit portion is located between the light emitting elements and the polygon mirror such that the first light beam enters the first prism through the light entrance portion and exits from the first prism through the light exit portion toward the polygon mirror. The light exit portion is inserted into the optical path of the second light beam to prevent a part of the second light beam from proceeding toward the polygon mirror.
Claims20
A multi-beam scanning device comprising:
- first and second light emitting elements that emit first and second light beams, respectively;
- a polygon mirror that deflects the first and second light beams to simultaneously scan the first and second light beams across an object;
- and
- a first prism having a light entrance portion and a light exit portion, the first light beam entering said first prism through said light entrance portion and exiting from said first prism through said light exit portion toward said polygon mirror, said light exit portion being inserted into the optical path of the second light beam to prevent a part of the second light beam from proceeding toward said polygon mirror.
A light source comprising:
- first and second light emitting elements that emit first and second light beams, respectively;
- a first prism located such that the first light beam enters said first prism, said first prism having a light exit portion through which the first light beam exits from said first prism in a predetermined direction, said light exit portion being inserted into the optical path of the second light beam to prevent a part of the second light beam from proceeding in the predetermined direction;
- and
- a single supporting member that supports said first and second light emitting elements and said first prism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.