Optical coupling assembly for image sensing operator input device
US6531692B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0317
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An emitter lens is provided between the radiation source and the work surface to be illuminated. The emitter lens collects radiation and reshapes the illumination pattern to increase intensity and uniformity. The radiation source and emitter lens have associated housings which act to properly orient and align the emitter lens and radiation source. The emitter lens also acts to space the radiation source from an aperture in a housing of the computer input device to provide protection against damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD). An imaging lens is provided between the work surface and the image sensor to focus light reflected from the work surface onto the image sensor. An imaging lens housing or holder is provided to properly orient and align the imaging lens with the image sensor. The imaging lens housing provides an apron which increases ESD discharge path length. The imaging lens housing also provides bias members and a lens/sensor interface which act to accurately locate the imaging lens closely proximate the image sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.