GB2292281A

GB2292281A - Wedge shaped scanner for copying partially opened books

Info

Publication number: GB2292281A
Application number: GB9416090A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Russell Christie-Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-08-09
Filing date: 1994-08-09
Publication date: 1996-02-14
Also published as: GB9416090D0

Abstract

A scanning device which is capable of scanning books larger than the scanning unit by reflected light and/or by transmitted light without damage to the book. Watermarks may be recorded. The book only needs to be opened to a right angle. The source of transmitted light may be removed. Then the book may be scanned only by reflected light, but only needs to be opened forty-five degrees. <IMAGE>

Description

ADAPTABLE REFLECT TRANSMIT SCANiutn This invention relates to a device for scanning books. It is Adaptable for different needs. It can operate by Reflected light or by Transmitted light or by reflected light and transmitted light.

Scanners and photocopiers are able to scan sheets of paper, but they are prone to damage the binding of books1 especially when attempts are made to capture items of information such as watermarks.

According to the present invention there is provided a plinth upon which is located a scanning device. The scanner may be equipped with the Angled Light Emitting Photohead at one end or at both ends. In this mode the scanner operates by reflected light, and the book to be scanned only needs to be opened some 45 degrees.

In the other mode a separate light source is added to the plinth, and faces the scanner. The scanner and the light source are separable for the insertion of the item which is to be scanned by transmitted light. In this mode the book to be scanned only needs to be opened some ninety degrees.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described in the two operating modes by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, in perspective, the scanner 1 on the plinth 2 and a book in place.

Figure 2 shows, from above, the scanner 1 on the plinth 2 with a book in place.

In the event of a book that is twice the height of the scanner needing to be scanned by reflected light, then the book is removed and turned upside down and placed against the other acute angle 3 of the scanner. This is shown from above in Figure 3. In the event of a book needing to be scanned that is more than twice the height of the scanner, then the scanner itself would be elevated above the plinth.

Figure 4 shows, in perspective, the device in the second mode of operation.

Illumination is provided from the separate light source 4. In both modes the scanning unit and the separate light source are under the control of a computer (not shown).

Figure 5 shows, in perspective, the complete device with a book in position. In the event of a book that is twice the height of the scanner needing to be scanned by transmitted light, then the book is removed and turned upside down and placed against the other acute angle of the scanner 3. In the event of a book that is more than twice the height of the scanner needing to be scanned by transmitted light, then the scanner and the light source would both be elevated above the plinth.

Figure 6 shows, from above, the complete device with a book in position.

Referring to the drawing Figure 1, the device comprises a scanning unit 1, which scans the left hand page of the book. The scanning unit is mounted onto a plinth 2.

Referring to the drawing Figure 4 a separate light source 4 has been added to the plinth 2 in order for illumination to be provided so that items such as watermarks may be detected by the scanner 1. In this mode two images may be obtained for processing. One image is by reflected light from the scanner; the other image is by transmitted light from the separate light source.

In the figures the book is smaller than the scanning unit, but when the book is wider, as opposed to taller than the scanning unit, several scans may be obtained by partially removing the book. These images may then be patched together, typically on a computer.

One method of holding the item to be scanned against the scanner 1 is by the use of an electrostatic charge. The application of the charge prior to scanning attracts the page. Discharge after scanning releases it.

Claims

1. A scanning device that only requires a book to open 45 degrees for scanning by reflected light.

2. A scanning device that only requires a book to open 90 degrees for scanning by transmitted light.

3. A scanning device that may be operated as in 2 above so as to provide one image by reflected light plus one perfectly aligned image by transmitted light.

4. A scanning device capable, without modification, of scanning items twice as tall as the scanner itself.

6. A scanning device capable of scanning items more than twice as tall as the scanner itself by elevation of the scanner, with or without the separate light source, above the plinth.

7. A scanning device capable of operating, as in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 above, on books wider than the scanning device.

8. A means of holding an item to be scanned in position by means of an electrostatic charge.

9. A scanning device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.