System for optically scanning images using optical shutter
US6005990A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2201/0426
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image is optically scanned by projecting the image onto an optical sensor through an optical shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the image is projected through the optical shutter while the shutter is made substantially opaque except for a selected substantially transparent group of contiguous pixels. Then, the contents of the document are scanned by advancing this group of pixels across the shutter in a predetermined pattern. The shutter, for example, may comprise an LCD screen. To scan a document, the document is first placed against the shutter. As a light source directs light through the document and the shutter, the shutter is made substantially opaque except for a selected substantially transparent group of contiguous pixels. Then, the contents of the document are scanned by advancing this group of pixels across the shutter in a predetermined pattern. The document may be placed against either side of the shutter--near the light source or near the optical sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.