WO2009120216A1

WO2009120216A1 - Device and method for scanning three-dimensional objects

Info

Publication number: WO2009120216A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/058687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sal Saloum
Original assignee: Sal Saloum
Priority date: 2008-03-28
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2009-10-01

Abstract

An imaging assembly is provided for use with a standard flatbed system, such as a photocopier, facsimile machine or computer scanner, for capturing two-dimensional images of three-dimensional objects The assembly provides an additional source of light to be shined upon objects as they are scanned, thereby enhancing the quality of image produced when a multifaceted or bulky object is scanned The assembly may be an independent, free-standing, self-powered system, or may be fully integrated into a standard flatbed system, either when the system is originally constructed or as an additional accessory to be utilized in selected situations.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SCANNING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to devices and methods for reproducing images and, more particularly, to improved devices and methods for imaging three-dimensional objects.

Background Information

[0002] Systems and methods for scanning two-dimensional images of objects are regularly used in many home and office applications. Typical systems can include photocopiers, facsimile machines, flatbed scanners connected to computers via Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables, or others. These systems and methods can generally involve placing an object to be scanned (such as a document, photograph, book or other item), onto a flat, substantially transparent flatbed surface (such as glass) positioned within an enclosure. A light source and a photographic means for recording images are positioned beneath the transparent flatbed surface. The light source illuminates the object to be scanned is illuminated as the photographic means captures a two- dimensional duplicate or replica image thereof. Many such systems and methods for scanning contemplate instantly illuminating the entire object as the image is captured, as with a flash from a conventional camera, while other systems and methods involve illuminating portions of the object as images of portions of that object are recorded.

[0003] Flatbed scanning systems and methods are generally used to capture substantially accurate two-dimensional image of objects, and the reproduced images can be used in any number of ways. For example, everyday photocopiers can duplicate paper items or photographs and reproduce them in print form. Facsimile machines can capture and transmit duplicates of documents or images to distant end users via standard communication lines, such as by telephone or the Internet. Computer scanners can record digital images to be reproduced in print form or for use in digital form, in video or computer applications such as World Wide Web pages or sites. [0004] Because flatbed scanning systems and methods involve the projection of light from one direction (typically, from beneath the object disposed on the flatbed) as the object is scanned,

MEl 7180762v.l these systems and methods are very effective when the object to be scanned is paper (such as a document or picture) or another substantially flat object (such as a book). However, their efficacy is limited when the object to be scanned is three-dimensional in nature, or has features on more than one plane. The primary reason for this phenomenon is that illumination is provided to the object from only one plane within the scanner enclosure, usually from beneath the flat transparent flatbed surface, with the object resting thereon. As such, flatbed scanning systems and methods of the art can recreate accurate images of photographs, documents or pages from a book or a magazine, wherein all of the features desired for duplication are substantially located on one plane, and that plane is disposed flush against the transparent flatbed surface. However, when a three- dimensional object is placed atop the scanner flatbed, only the features nearest the transparent flatbed surface are reliably represented in the resulting two-dimensional image. Other features, located either on other planes or positioned more distant from the transparent flatbed surface and the illumination source, can be distorted, faded, or otherwise obscured from view in the captured image. For example, scanning a spherical object such as a baseball could produce a clear image of the portions of the baseball directly on the flatbed surface, and could accurately depict the texture of the baseball, including its seams or any scuffs or autographs thereon, but would likely produce a more distorted image of the portions of the baseball not substantially on the flatbed surface. Likewise, scanning a multifaceted object such as a piece of jewelry could crisply capture the features of the jewelry nearest the flatbed surface, but could less accurately record more distant features.

[0005] For at least the reasons presented above, there exists a need for both an apparatus and a method for improving the scanning of three-dimensional objects using conventional flatbed scanning systems and methods, such as photocopiers, facsimile machines or computer scanners.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Described herein is a device for the improved photographic imaging of three- dimensional objects using flatbed scanning systems and methods of the art by providing an

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MEl 7180762v.l additional light source or sources to enhance the illumination of the object. Specifically, the present invention includes an illumination assembly (herein, a "light box") to be positioned above or around an object that has been placed in or on a standard photocopier, facsimile machine, computer scanner, or comparable system for capturing two-dimensional images. The illumination assembly improves the performance of existing systems by shining additional light onto the object from at least one additional angle as the object is scanned, thereby complementing the light originating from beneath the flatbed surface, and improving the quality of the image that is ultimately recorded.

[0007] The present invention also provides an improved method for scanning three- dimensional objects by shining light onto the object from multiple angles or directions while recording an image of the object.

[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent in view of the following Detailed Description and the accompanying Drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illumination assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a cutaway showing a typical object to be scanned. [0010] FIG. 2 is a view of a typical object subject to light from different directions, placed on a flatbed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

[0011] The present invention is based on the surprising and unexpected discovery that providing additional light, for example, light from at least one other source, to a three-dimensional object to be scanned enhances the quality of the image produced by an electronic imaging device, for example, a flatbed scanning apparatus.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment (with reference to FIG. 1), a light box 10, comprising a housing assembly 18 having a body portion that defines a plurality of faces and an internal chamber, is positioned above an object 12 to be scanned on the flatbed 14 of a conventional

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MEl 7180762v.l photocopier, facsimile machine, computer scanner or other like system for scanning images is shown. The exemplary light box 10 provides illumination from above the object 12 in addition to light that is also provided by the scanning device 16, thereby improving the quality of the image recorded by the scanning system. In another exemplary embodiment, the light box 10 comprises a housing assembly, and an illumination assembly 20 having a light source. In the exemplary embodiment presented in FIG. 1, the illumination assembly 20 comprises a plurality of fluorescent lights 22. However, as would be recognized by those of skill in the art, the additional light can be provided from one or more light producing sources, including, for example, halogen, laser, light emitting diode (LED), incandescent, and the like.

[0013] The effect of the additional light source on an object 12 to be imaged by a standard photocopier 14 with a rolling photography apparatus is shown in FIG. 2. Intrinsic light flux from the photocopier's internal scanning system is shown in the direction U. The present invention provides additional light downward from above the object 12, in at least one other direction, for example, direction D, or radially inward from any side of the object, for example, directions L, R, F or B, or any combination of directions and from any combinations of angles. By illuminating more of the object, and from different angles, the quality of an image that is ultimately produced or recorded of the object is enhanced. Although the embodiment in FIG. 1 features a frame and a light source directing light downward from above the object 12, the present invention is not limited as such. Additional embodiments are contemplated, which include incident light sources directing light from one or more sides in addition to or instead of the top, and includes combinations thereof.

[0014] As is shown in FIG. 1, the light box 10 comprises an illumination assembly 20 having a light source, comprising a plurality of fluorescent lights 22 positioned above the object 12 to be scanned. The light source provides illuminating light flux from above the object 12, as the image is recorded by the scanning device 16, which translates in the direction C beneath the flatbed 14, as the object 12 is scanned.

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MEl 7180762v.l [0015] Although the illumination assembly 20 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises elongated fluorescent lights 22 substantially covering the entire transparent flatbed surface of the scanner, as described previously, it should be understood that this embodiment in no way limits the scope of available light sources contemplated and encompassed by the present invention. Additionally, the light source of the present invention need not cover the entire the entire transparent flatbed surface of the scanner, and the light source is not limited to purely "white" light. It is expressly contemplated that the light may be of any color, intensity, wavelength, strength. In addition, the light may be emitted from the light source for any suitable duration. In certain embodiments, the duration of light emission from the light source is greater than at least 0.001 seconds.

[0016] Furthermore, in any of the embodiments encompassed by the instant claims, the light may come from a variety of sources including, for example, fluorescent lights, incandescent lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser, halogen or any other light transmitter that is known, or that may become known, to those in the art. The light source may be powered from an alternating current (AC) connection such as from an outlet, a direct current (DC) source such as a battery, or any other available power.

[0017] The housing assembly 18 of the light box 10 of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is substantially open on its sides, but it should also be understood that this embodiment in no way limits the scope of available frames of the present invention. Frames may be open, as is shown in FIG. 1, or substantially closed with any type of shroud, seal or wall, of any level of transparency or opacity, to achieve the desired result. For example, the housing assembly 18 could be equipped with reflective mirrors, to enhance the reflection of light onto the object 12 from the illumination assembly 20 or the intrinsic light from beneath the flatbed 14. [0018] As is shown in FIG. 1, the scanning device 16 is a typical such device that translates beneath the flatbed 14, and shines light onto portions of the object 12 as it captures an image thereof. However, the light box 10 may be utilized with any other type of scanning system,

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MEl 7180762v.l featuring any kind of scanning device 16, such as one that photographs the entire object instantly and simultaneously. Additionally, although the scanning device 16 in FIG. 1 includes an embedded light source therein, the light box 10 can be used in concert with a scanning system or method that utilizes any other method of illuminating the object 12, so long as the object 12 is illuminated from multiple angles or sides as an image thereof is captured. Moreover, the flatbed 14 may be transparent, or may include any colorations, indicia or markings, for example, a grid having indicia indicating relative size, such as, inches, centimeters, or the like. [0019] Moreover, although the preferred embodiment of the light box 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an independent structure and system, this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention. Light boxes 10 can be free-standing, as is shown in FIG. 1, or may be integrated into a photocopier, facsimile machine, computer scanner or other like system. For example, the light box 10 may be completely or partially attached to the scanner, for example, with a hinge or other form of connection, to act as a lid or cover over the flatbed 14. When the light box 10 is installed in this manner, the light source need not be illuminated when two-dimensional objects (such as documents) are copied, but may be selectively energized when certain three-dimensional objects are imaged. In this scenario, when the light box 10 is integrally formed with the scanning system, the light source may be internally wired to draw power from the same source as the scanning device 16, or from any other power source, and can be actuated from an integrated system that can control both the scanning device 16 and the light source.

[0020] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the components of the light box may take on any of numerous different configurations, or may be formed of any of numerous different materials, that are currently known, or that later become known; any of a variety of the disclosed components may be eliminated, or additional components or features may be added; and the light boxes may

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MEl 7180762v.l be used with any of numerous different types of scanning systems or methods that are currently known, or that later become known. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently- preferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.

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MEl 7180762v.l

Claims

What is Claimed Is:

1. A device for use with an electronic imager, comprising:

(a) a housing assembly having an internal chamber, wherein the internal chamber is adapted to receive at least one three-dimensional object; and

(b) an illumination assembly having at least one light source.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a universal serial bus connector, wherein the device is configured to interface with a computer.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic imager is a photocopier.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic imager is a scanner.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the object is placed on a substantially transparent plate within internal chamber.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the plate is marked with grid markings.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal chamber comprises at least one optical imaging device for capturing an image of the object.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a fluorescent light.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a light-emitting diode.

10. A device for use with an electronic imager, comprising:

(a) a housing assembly having a plurality of faces including a top face and a side face, and an internal chamber, wherein the internal chamber is adapted to receive at least one three-dimensional object; and

(b) an illumination assembly having at least one light source, wherein the illumination assembly is affixed to the top face of the housing assembly body, and wherein the light source directs light into the internal chamber.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the light source comprises a fluorescent light.

MEl 7180762v.l