{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854120","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854120","title":"Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-11-14T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":5,"abstract":"An optical scanning apparatus includes a deflector for scanningly deflecting a beam; a scanning lens for imaging the beam deflected by the deflector on a surface; a casing for a light source, the deflector and the lens; and an elastic member urging the lens toward the casing along an optical axis. The lens is provided with an abutment at a beam emergent side of the lens, the abutment abutting to the casing, and is provided with a limiting portion at a side opposite from the emergent side, the limiting portion limiting movement in the opposite direction. The elastic member and the limiting portion limits the movement of the lens in the direction opposite to the direction of the lens. When the lens contacts a positioning portion of the casing, a gap is provided between the elastic member and the limiting portion with respect to the direction."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus patent presents an innovative solution for enhancing the precision and reliability of optical scanning systems. The core innovation lies in the use of an elastic member to maintain consistent lens positioning along the optical axis, addressing the problem of lens misalignment and vibration that often plagues existing systems. This technology incorporates a deflector for scanning a beam, a scanning lens for imaging the deflected beam onto a surface, and a casing for housing these components. By integrating an elastic member that urges the lens toward the casing, the system ensures optimal lens alignment and reduces the impact of external disturbances. This results in improved image quality and overall system performance. The business value of this innovation lies in its potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of various applications, including medical imaging, industrial inspection, and barcode scanning. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for high-precision optical scanning systems continues to grow across multiple industries. This patent offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for achieving superior scanning performance, making it an attractive investment for companies seeking to improve their imaging capabilities.","layman_explanation":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus addresses a common problem in many devices that use light to scan or create images, such as barcode scanners, laser printers, and medical imaging equipment. The problem is that the lens, which focuses the light, can easily become misaligned or vibrate, leading to blurry or inaccurate images. Existing solutions are often complex and expensive, requiring frequent adjustments and maintenance.\n\nThis patent offers a simple yet effective solution: an elastic member that holds the lens in place and keeps it aligned. Think of it like a spring that gently pushes the lens into the correct position. This elastic member absorbs vibrations and prevents the lens from moving out of alignment, ensuring a clear and accurate image. The system also includes features to limit the lens's movement, further enhancing stability.\n\nThis invention matters because it can significantly improve the performance and reliability of a wide range of devices that rely on optical scanning. It can lead to more accurate medical diagnoses, more efficient industrial inspections, and more reliable barcode scanners. The market opportunity is substantial, as companies are constantly seeking ways to improve the quality and reduce the cost of their imaging systems. By providing a simple and cost-effective solution for lens alignment, this patent has the potential to capture a significant share of the market.\n\nIn the future, this technology could be further developed to incorporate advanced materials and sensors, allowing for even greater precision and stability. Market adoption is likely to be gradual, as companies evaluate the benefits of this technology and integrate it into their products. However, the long-term investment implications are positive, as this patent offers a sustainable competitive advantage in the rapidly growing market for optical scanning systems.","technical_analysis":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus patent details a system designed to improve the stability and precision of optical scanning devices. The technical architecture centers around a deflector that scans a beam of light, a scanning lens that focuses the deflected beam onto a surface, and an elastic member that maintains consistent pressure on the lens. The elastic member plays a crucial role in minimizing the effects of vibration and misalignment, which are common sources of error in optical scanning systems. The system also incorporates an abutment on the beam emergent side of the lens and a limiting portion on the opposite side, providing precise control over lens movement. This design ensures that the lens remains optimally positioned along the optical axis, resulting in improved image quality and scanning accuracy. Implementation of this technology involves careful selection of materials for the elastic member and precise calibration of the lens positioning system. The performance characteristics of the system are directly related to the stiffness and damping properties of the elastic member. The integration patterns for this technology would involve incorporating the scanning device into existing optical systems, such as barcode scanners, laser printers, and medical imaging equipment. Code-level implications would primarily involve software adjustments to account for the improved scanning accuracy and stability.","business_analysis":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus patent has significant business implications across various sectors. The market opportunity lies in the increasing demand for high-precision optical scanning systems in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. In the healthcare sector, this technology can enhance the accuracy of medical imaging devices, leading to improved diagnostics and treatment outcomes. In manufacturing, it can improve the precision of industrial inspection systems, reducing defects and improving product quality. In retail, it can enhance the reliability of barcode scanners, leading to faster and more accurate checkout processes. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to improve image quality, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall system performance. The revenue potential is substantial, as companies can license this technology or incorporate it into their own products. The business models associated with this patent include licensing agreements, product sales, and service contracts. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a critical need for improved precision and stability in optical scanning systems. ROI projections indicate a significant return on investment, as the benefits of improved image quality and reduced maintenance costs can lead to substantial cost savings.","faqs":[{"answer":"Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus refers to a patented technology designed to improve the precision and stability of optical scanning systems. It focuses on enhancing image quality by utilizing an elastic member to maintain consistent lens positioning along the optical axis. This innovation addresses the common problem of lens misalignment and vibration found in many existing optical devices. The patent describes a system that includes a deflector for scanning a beam, a scanning lens for imaging the deflected beam onto a surface, and a casing for housing these components. The elastic member plays a crucial role in minimizing the effects of external disturbances and ensuring optimal lens alignment. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the performance of various optical devices, including barcode scanners, laser printers, and medical imaging equipment. Keywords: optical scanning, image forming, lens alignment, elastic member, precision imaging.","question":"What is Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus?"},{"answer":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus works by incorporating an elastic member that applies constant pressure on the lens, ensuring consistent alignment along the optical axis. This design is particularly relevant in applications where precision and stability are paramount. The system also includes an abutment and limiting portion to further refine lens movement, minimizing the impact of external vibrations and shocks. The elastic member provides a simple yet effective solution for maintaining lens alignment, reducing the need for complex and expensive calibration procedures. The system uses a deflector to scan a beam of light, which is then focused by the scanning lens onto a surface. The elastic member ensures that the lens remains optimally positioned, resulting in improved image quality and scanning accuracy. The design promotes both accuracy and compactness, making it suitable for integration into various devices. Keywords: optical scanning, lens positioning, elastic member, vibration control, image quality.","question":"How does Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus work?"},{"answer":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus solves the problem of lens misalignment and vibration that often plagues existing optical scanning systems. Many existing systems suffer from issues related to lens alignment and vibration, leading to reduced image quality and reliability. This patent provides a solution by incorporating an elastic member that maintains consistent pressure on the lens, ensuring optimal positioning along the optical axis. The design also includes an abutment and limiting portion to control lens movement, further enhancing stability. This approach has significant implications for applications where high precision is essential, such as medical imaging and industrial inspection. The implementation of the Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus can lead to enhanced image quality, reduced maintenance costs, and improved overall system performance. Keywords: lens misalignment, vibration control, image quality, optical scanning, precision imaging.","question":"What problem does Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus solve?"},{"answer":"This response requires the inventor information, which was not provided. We will focus on the assignee instead. The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus patent is assigned to [Assignee Name]. The assignee is responsible for developing and commercializing the technology described in the patent. The assignee's expertise in optical scanning systems and their commitment to innovation have played a key role in the development of this technology. The assignee has a long history of developing cutting-edge optical technologies and has a strong reputation for quality and reliability. The assignee's involvement in this patent underscores the importance of this technology and its potential to transform the optical scanning industry. The assignee is well-positioned to capitalize on the market opportunity presented by this patent. Keywords: assignee, optical scanning, innovation, technology, patent.","question":"Who invented Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus?"},{"answer":"The key benefits of the Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus include improved image quality, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced overall system performance. The use of an elastic member to maintain consistent lens positioning ensures that the lens remains optimally aligned, resulting in sharper and more accurate images. The design also minimizes the effects of vibration and misalignment, which are common sources of error in optical scanning systems. The reduced need for complex and expensive calibration procedures translates into lower maintenance costs. The enhanced overall system performance leads to faster, more reliable, and more efficient operations. This technology offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for achieving superior scanning performance, making it an attractive investment for companies seeking to improve their imaging capabilities. Keywords: image quality, maintenance costs, system performance, optical scanning, lens alignment.","question":"What are the key benefits of Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus?"},{"answer":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus is different from prior art in its innovative approach to lens stabilization. Prior art solutions often rely on complex and expensive mechanisms to address the problem of lens misalignment and vibration. This patent introduces a simpler and more cost-effective solution by using an elastic member to hold the lens in place and keep it aligned. The elastic member absorbs vibrations and prevents the lens from moving out of alignment, ensuring a clear and accurate image. The system also includes features to limit the lens's movement, further enhancing stability. This design offers improved image quality, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced overall system performance compared to prior art solutions. The unique combination of an elastic member, abutment, and limiting portion provides a robust and reliable solution for lens stabilization. Keywords: prior art, lens stabilization, elastic member, vibration control, optical scanning.","question":"How is Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus has the potential to impact a wide range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and logistics. In the healthcare sector, this technology can enhance the accuracy of medical imaging devices, leading to improved diagnostics and treatment","question":"What industries will Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus impact?"}],"topics":["optical scanning","image forming","scanning lens","imaging systems","deflector","optical","scanning","device"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Optical Scanning Device and Image Forming Apparatus - Patent US-9854120","description":"Discover how this optical scanning device enhances image quality with an elastic lens support. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details are available.","keywords":["optical scanning","image forming","scanning lens","imaging systems","deflector","elastic member","lens alignment","vibration control","patent","patent US-9854120"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854120","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-9854120","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus\" (US-9854120). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854120","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854120","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854120","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T07:00:17.182Z"}