Enhanced illuminated scanning unit reference marker
View Patent ↗A method for providing a visible reference marker on a scanning unit for orienting an item to be scanned or copied includes the steps of emitting a light from a light source, guiding the light to a scanning unit having a contact glass scanning surface, and redirecting the light to define an illuminated reference marker substantially adjacent to the contact glass. A reference marker assembly for accomplishing that method is provided, including a light source, a waveguide for guiding light emitted from the light source to a scanning unit having a contact glass, and a redirector for redirecting the light to define an illuminated reference marker adjacent to the contact glass, for orienting an item to be copied or scanned. The light source may be a light emitting diode, and the redirector may be a light diffuser for redirecting the collected light to define an illuminated reference marker adjacent to the contact glass.
1. A method for providing a visible reference marker on a scanning unit for orienting an item to be scanned or copied, comprising:
emitting a light from a light source;
guiding the light to the scanning unit having a contact glass scanning surface; and
redirecting the light to illuminate the visible reference marker fixably mounted on the scanning unit so as to be in a fixed position substantially adjacent to the contact glass.
2. The method of claim 1 , including providing a waveguide for guiding the light to the scanning unit.
3. The method of claim 2 , including:
collecting at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source; and
guiding and further focusing the collected light to the scanning unit.
4. The method of claim 3 , including passing the collected light exiting the guide member through a diffuser to scatter the light and define the illuminated reference marker.
5. An imaging device, comprising:
a scanning unit including contact glass for receiving one or more sheets of media to be scanned; and
a reference marker assembly, comprising:
a reference marker disposed on the scanning unit adjacent the contact glass in a fixed position relative the contact glass;
a light source;
a waveguide for guiding light emitted from the light source towards the reference marker; and
a redirector for redirecting the guided light to illuminate the reference marker adjacent to the contact glass, for orienting an item to be copied or scanned.
6. The imaging device of claim 5 , wherein the light source is selected from the group of light sources consisting of a light emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, a laser, a halogen lamp, a gas discharge lamp, and a high intensity discharge lamp.
7. The imaging device of claim 6 , wherein the light source is positioned about two inches from the redirector.
8. The imaging device of claim 5 , wherein the waveguide comprises:
a collector for collecting at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source; and
a guide member extending from the collector for guiding and further focusing the collected light.
9. The imaging device of claim 8 , wherein the waveguide is selected from one of a light pipe, at least one optical fiber, a mirrored reflecting system, and a lens system.
10. The imaging device of claim 9 , wherein the collector comprises an enlarged light collecting aperture and at least one side wall defining a taper for guiding the light to the guide member.
11. The imaging device of claim 9 , wherein the guide member includes at least one sidewall defining a taper for guiding and further focusing the collected light passed therethrough to the redirector.
12. The imaging device of claim 9 , wherein the guide member has an elongated rectangular cross-section having a width greater than a depth.
13. The imaging device of claim 5 , wherein the redirector permits at least a portion of the light to pass therethrough.
14. The imaging device of claim 13 , wherein the redirector includes at least one light-diffusing surface for scattering light passing therethrough.
15. The imaging device of claim 5 , wherein the redirector includes a series of substantially parallel ridges for scattering light passing through the redirector.
16. A reference marker assembly for a scanning unit of an electrophotographic device, comprising:
a light emitting diode light source;
a waveguide for collecting at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source and guiding the collected light to a scanning unit having a contact glass, the waveguide comprising a tapered light collector and a guide member extending from the light collector;
a reference marker mounted in a fixed position on the scanning unit and positioned substantially adjacent to the contact glass so as to be in a fixed relation thereto; and
a diffuser for redirecting the collected light to illuminate the reference marker adjacent to the contact glass, for orienting an item to be copied or scanned.
17. The reference marker assembly of claim 16 , wherein the diffuser permits at least a portion of the collected light to pass therethrough to define the illuminated reference marker.
18. The reference marker assembly of claim 17 , wherein the diffuser includes at least one light-diffusing surface for scattering light passing therethrough.
19. The reference marker assembly of claim 16 , wherein the guide member includes at least one sidewall defining a taper for guiding and further focusing the collected light passed therethrough to the diffuser.
20. The reference marker assembly of claim 16 , wherein the light emitting diode is positioned about two inches from the diffuser.
21. The reference marker assembly of claim 16 , wherein the diffuser includes a series of substantially parallel ridges for scattering light passing through the diffuser.