Optical image scanner with adjustable object plane
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorRodney Carl Harris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cam-operated focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment comprises a method of adjusting the location of an object plane above a platen to be scanned by an optical head. Briefly described, one such method comprises rotating a cam-shaped spacer that is functionally disposed between the platen and the optical head.
Claims20
An optical image scanner comprising:
- a platen;
- an optical head;
- and
- a cam-shaped spacer disposed between the platen and the optical head for adjusting the object plane at which the optical head is focused based on the rotation of the cam-shaped spacer, the cam-shaped spacer comprising a plurality of gear teeth for engaging a gear that translates the optical head.
An optical image scanner comprising:
- a platen;
- an optical head;
- and
- a cam-shaped spacer functionally disposed between the platen and the optical head and adapted to change a distance between the optical head and the platen when the cam-shaped spacer is rotated;
- wherein the cam-shaped spacer comprises a first longitudinal bar member disposed at a first end of the optical head and a second longitudinal bar member disposed at a second end of the optical head, the first and second longitudinal bar members each having a non-uniform, cross-sectional profile.
An optical image scanner comprising:
- a platen;
- an optical head;
- and
- a cam-shaped spacer functionally disposed between the platen and the optical head and adapted to change a distance between the optical head and the platen when the cam-shaped spacer is rotated;
- and
- a linkage arm attached to the cam-shaped spacer for rotating the cam-shaped spacer;
- wherein the linkage arm is positioned below a hole in the platen such that a focus shift member may be inserted through the hole for rotating the cam-shaped spacer.
A method for scanning an object disposed above a platen to be scanned by an optical head, the method comprising:
- providing a cam-shaped spacer between the platen and the optical head for adjusting a distance between the platen and the optical head;
- and
- translating the optical head by engaging the cam-shaped spacer;
- wherein the translating the optical head comprises translating the optical head by engaging a pinion gear with the cam-shaped spacer.
A method for scanning an object disposed above a platen to be scanned by an optical head, the method comprising:
- providing a cam-shaped spacer between the platen and the optical head for adjusting a distance between the platen and the optical head;
- and
- translating the optical head by engaging the cam-shaped spacer;
- wherein the translating the optical head comprises translating the optical head by engaging a pinion gear with a gear rack integrated with the cam-shaped spacer.
A method for scanning an object disposed above a platen to be scanned by an optical head, the method comprising:
- providing a cam-shaped spacer between the platen and the optical head for adjusting a distance between the platen and the optical head;
- and
- translating the optical head by engaging the cam-shaped spacer;
- wherein the translating the optical head comprises translating the optical head by engaging a pinion gear with gear teeth formed in the cam-shaped spacer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.