# US 6,967,751 B2 · Image sensor, and image processing apparatus and information processing system using the same

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- Number: US 6,967,751 B2
- Document ID: US6967751B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 09/867,732
- Filed: 2001-05-30
- Published: 2002-03-14
- Granted: 2005-11-22
- Earliest claimed: 2000-05-30
- Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
- Inventors: Kenji Nagata
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6967751B2

## CPC

- H04N 1/0312: {using an array of optical fibres or rod-lenses}
- H04N 1/031: the photodetectors having a one-to-one and optically positive correspondence with the scanned picture elements, e.g. linear contact sensors
- H04N 1/0315: {using photodetectors and illumination means mounted on separate supports or substrates or mounted in different planes}
- H04N 2201/03112: Light source
- H04N 2201/03129: Transparent cover or transparent document support mounted on the head
- H04N 2201/03141: Photodetector lens
- H04N 2201/03145: Photodetector
- H04N 2201/0317: Shape
- H04N 2201/03179: Frame
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION

## Abstract

This invention has as its object to provide an image sensor which can effectively attain higher read resolution, and an image processing apparatus and information processing system using the same. To achieve this object, function members including a light source (6) for irradiating an object to be read (PP) with light, a sensor (3) for receiving light reflected by the object to be read (PP), and an imaging element (7) for forming an image of the reflected light on a light-receiving portion of the sensor (3) are attached to and supported by a support member (1) to have a predetermined positional relationship. In order to assure high attachment positional precision and rigidity for the function members, the support member (1) is formed to have a hollow shape. The support member (1) is formed to have the hollow shape along its longitudinal direction. Two side portions of the support member (1) are formed to have a hollow shape, and are coupled at end portions in the longitudinal direction.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An image sensor in which function members including a light source for irradiating an object to be read with light, a sensor for receiving light reflected by the object to be read, and an imaging element for forming an image of the reflected light on a light-receiving portion of the sensor are attached to and supported by a support member to have a predetermined positional relationship,
wherein the support member is formed to have a hollow shape by gas assist molding.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the support member is formed to have the hollow shape except for storage spaces for the function members.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the support member is formed to have the hollow shape along a longitudinal direction thereof.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The sensor according to claim 3, wherein two side portions of the support member are formed to have a hollow shape, and are coupled at end portions in the longitudinal direction of the support member.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The sensor according to claim 1, wherein no openings are formed on two outer surfaces of the support member.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The sensor according to claim 1, wherein a gas injection hole and resin injection hole in the gas assist molding are identical to each other.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The sensor according to claim 1, wherein a gas exhaust hole and resin exhaust hole in the gas assist molding are identical to each other.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The sensor according to claim 1, wherein gas and resin injection holes, and gas and resin exhaust holes in the gas assist molding are respecfully formed on opposing surfaces of the support member.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

An image processing apparatus for reading and processing image information from an object to be read using an image sensor according to claim 1.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a flatbed type image sensor unit is used.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a sheet-feeder type image sensor unit is used.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising driving means for changing a relative position of the image sensor along a scanning direction during scanning of the object to be read.

### Claim 13 (depends on 9)

An information processing system comprising an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, and an external information processing apparatus for controlling the image processing apparatus.