{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854118","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854118","title":"Image reading apparatus","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-08-01T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":5,"abstract":"A transmission light source unit includes a first light source portion including: a first light source; and a first light guide that shapes light emitted by the first light source into a line and emits the light toward a conveyance path of a paper sheet. An image sensor unit includes: a second light source portion that emits light toward the conveyance path of the paper sheet; and an image sensor that detects the light emitted by the first light source portion and transmitted through the paper sheet and the light emitted by the second light source portion and reflected by the paper sheet. A first light diffusing surface of the first light guide is provided with at least one of concave portions and convex portions including inclined surfaces and inclined relative to a normal line of the first light emission surface."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Reading Apparatus patent introduces an innovative approach to document scanning, utilizing a dual-light source system to enhance image accuracy and reduce distortion. This technology addresses the limitations of traditional scanning methods, which often struggle with inconsistencies in paper quality, lighting conditions, and image distortion. The invention incorporates a first light source that transmits light through the paper and a second light source that reflects light off the paper's surface. An image sensor captures both transmitted and reflected light, providing a more comprehensive and detailed image of the document. This dual approach allows the system to compensate for variations in paper opacity and surface texture, resulting in more accurate and reliable scans. The business value of this innovation lies in its ability to improve document processing workflows, reduce errors, and increase throughput. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and government, where accurate and efficient document management is critical. The market opportunity for this technology is significant, driven by the increasing demand for digital document solutions and the need for improved scanning accuracy. By offering a superior scanning solution, the Image Reading Apparatus can capture a significant share of the document management market and generate substantial revenue.","layman_explanation":"1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\nThe Image Reading Apparatus addresses the common problem of inaccurate or distorted document scans. Existing scanning solutions often struggle with variations in paper quality, lighting conditions, and wrinkles, leading to images that are difficult to read or require manual correction. This can be a significant issue for businesses that rely on accurate document processing, such as healthcare providers, financial institutions, and government agencies. The limitations of current technology result in wasted time, increased costs, and potential errors in data extraction.\n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words)\nInstead of relying on a single light source like traditional scanners, the Image Reading Apparatus uses two. One light shines through the paper, while the other reflects off its surface. Think of it like taking a picture with both a flash and natural light. The scanner then captures both types of light, providing a more complete picture of the document. This approach helps to compensate for variations in paper thickness, wrinkles, and lighting, resulting in a clearer and more accurate image. Imagine trying to read a sign in the dark – it's much easier if you have both a flashlight shining on it and ambient light from the surroundings. The Image Reading Apparatus works on the same principle, using two light sources to capture all the details of the document.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\nThis innovation has the potential to significantly improve document processing workflows across various industries. By providing more accurate and reliable scans, the Image Reading Apparatus can reduce the need for manual correction, speed up data extraction, and minimize errors. This translates to cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved decision-making. The market for document scanning solutions is substantial, and this technology offers a competitive advantage by addressing the limitations of existing systems. The potential ROI is high, as businesses can streamline their operations and improve the quality of their data.\n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words)\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with advanced image recognition software, enabling automated data extraction and analysis. As the demand for digital document solutions continues to grow, the Image Reading Apparatus is well-positioned to become a key component of modern document management systems. The market adoption timeline is expected to be rapid, as businesses seek to improve their document processing workflows and reduce costs. This innovation presents a compelling investment opportunity for those seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and accurate document scanning solutions.","technical_analysis":"The Image Reading Apparatus patent presents a novel technical architecture for document scanning. The core of the system is its dual-light source, comprising a first light source portion with a light guide shaping emitted light into a line towards the paper's conveyance path, and a second light source portion emitting light towards the same path. The image sensor detects both the transmitted light from the first source and the reflected light from the second. This dual detection method enables the system to gather more comprehensive data about the document, mitigating issues caused by paper variations and lighting inconsistencies. The first light guide's diffusing surface is specifically designed with concave and convex portions, including inclined surfaces relative to a normal line of the light emission surface. This design ensures uniform light distribution, minimizing shadows and hot spots. The system's implementation involves precise alignment of the light sources and sensor to ensure optimal light capture. Algorithms are used to process the captured data, compensating for variations in paper opacity and surface texture. Integration with existing document management systems can be achieved through standard APIs, allowing for seamless data transfer. The system's performance is characterized by its ability to produce high-resolution images with minimal distortion, even when scanning documents with varying paper quality or under non-ideal lighting conditions. Code-level implications involve optimized image processing routines to efficiently handle the dual-source data and correct for any remaining distortions.","business_analysis":"The Image Reading Apparatus patent holds significant business potential within the document management and imaging industries. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing digitization of documents across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and government. The competitive advantage of this technology lies in its dual-light source system, which enhances image accuracy and reduces distortion compared to traditional scanning methods. This improved accuracy can lead to reduced manual correction efforts, increased throughput, and improved overall efficiency. The revenue potential for this technology is significant, with opportunities for licensing, product development, and service offerings. Potential business models include selling scanning devices incorporating this technology, licensing the patent to other manufacturers, and offering document scanning services. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries where accurate and efficient document processing is critical. ROI projections are favorable, considering the potential cost savings and revenue generation opportunities. The technology's ability to improve document workflows, reduce errors, and increase throughput can lead to significant financial benefits for organizations adopting this innovation.","faqs":null,"topics":["image reading","document scanning","dual light source","image accuracy","optical sensors","technical","image","reading"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Reading Apparatus - Patent US-9854118","description":"Discover the Image Reading Apparatus patent, revolutionizing document scanning with dual light sources for enhanced accuracy. Full analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["image reading","document scanning","dual light source","image accuracy","optical sensors","patent","patent US-9854118"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854118","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854118","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image reading apparatus\" (US-9854118). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854118","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854118","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854118","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T17:38:07.128Z"}