Document imaging system incorporating a selectively opaque/transparent liquid crystal platen
US6377339B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2201/0422
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for document imaging is disclosed. The apparatus uses a flatbed scanner with a selectively opaque/transparent liquid crystal platen. The platen is divided into controllable segments defined by an electrode pattern formed within the platen itself. These segments can each be selectively made transmissive or opaque by applying appropriate voltages to the segment electrodes.An advantage of the invention is that it can operate without a platen cover, since the area of the platen not covered by the original can be made opaque. The opaque part of the platen directs imaging light back into the system, shielding a user's eyes and helping to create a white background if the platen is imaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.