Abstract:
A platen cover having a plurality of platen cover surfaces that can be exposed. Each platen cover surface has a different color and/or has a different surface treatment, such as matte, gloss, reflective and the like. The different exposable surfaces are carried on at least one removable platen cover surface that can be detachably attached to the platen cover. To change the exposed surface, the platen cover surface is detached from the platen cover. That platen cover surface can then be rotated to expose a different face of the platen cover surface. Alternately, a different platen cover surface can be installed. In other exemplary embodiments, the platen cover has a plurality of retractable platen cover layers that can be exposed. Each platen cover layer has a different color and/or surface treatment. The quality of many functions that are performed in an image capture device can be improved by using different platen cover colors. Therefore, the platen cover is selected based on the operation being performed or a image capture device user&#39;s selection.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention is related to platen covers and their use in image capture devices. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Image capture devices read information from an original image to generate electronic data representing the captured original image. The original image is placed on a transparent platen. The transparent platen is covered by a platen cover. Light, from a light source, traverses through the transparent platen and onto the original image. The light reflections and intensities contain information about the original image. This light is usually focused onto the surface of a photosensitive element. There, the light is turned into electrical signals. These signals are then output to a storage device or to an image generating system or device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     During the operation of copiers and other image capture devices, a document is laid on or fed onto a transparent platen and is covered by a platen cover. The platen cover aides in retaining the position of the document on the transparent platen. When copying large or thick documents, such as a book, the platen cover helps to prevent the rays of light from striking the operators&#39; eyes. The platen cover is also used to aid in capturing information, particularly scan and image quality features. These include aiding in determining paper boundaries and size, in background suppression and in photo screening, to detecting colors. Using a different color and/or a different surface for the platen cover can improve each of these scan and image quality features. However, most copiers and other image capture devices only provide a platen cover using a single color, which is usually white. 
     This invention provides image capturing systems and methods that improve the quality of certain features that are platen-cover dependent. 
     This invention separately provides image capturing systems and methods that provide a removable platen cover that allows different platen cover colors and/or surfaces to be used. 
     This invention separately provides image capturing systems and methods that provide a set of one or more retractable platen covers, each having a different color and/or surface. 
     This invention separately provides systems and methods that automatically change the platen cover and/or surface based on the selected image capture operations. 
     In various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention, platen covers of various colors and/or surfaces are provided that correspond to the various scan and image quality features that can be obtained. For example, document size determination works best with a gray platen cover, automatic background suppression and photo screening work best with a white cover, and detecting colors, works best with mirrored surface covers. 
     In various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention, a removable snap-on platen cover is used to change the platen cover to a desired color and/or surface. The platen cover has different unchangeable colors and/or surfaces on each side. If it is desirable to provide more than two colors and/or surfaces, several interchangeable platen covers that corresponds to the various desired colors and/or surfaces can be provided. In various exemplary embodiments, during an image capture operation, the system can inform the operator of the appropriate platen color and/or surface for that operation. If that platen cover is not already installed, the operator can then easily and quickly change to the appropriate platen cover. 
     In other exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention, one or more retractable platen covers is used. Each retractable platen cover has a different color and/or surface. The system chooses which platen cover to put in place based on the operation being performed or a user selection. 
     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the apparatus/systems and methods according to this invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an image capture device according to this invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the image capture device of FIG. 1 with the cover in an open position; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a mechanical device that retracts the platen covers; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates another mechanical device that retracts the platen covers; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a third mechanical device that retracts the platen covers; and 
     FIG. 6 is a flowchart outlining one exemplary embodiment of a method for using retractable platen covers according to this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows an image capture device  100  that includes a light source  130  used to illuminate an original image  200  through a transparent platen  120 . When the image capture device  100  is in operation, a platen cover  110  having a changeable platen cover surface  112  is usually laid over the original image  200  after the original image  200  is placed upon the transparent platen  120 . An operator provides a control signal to a controller  160  of the image capture device  100  to choose an image capture function to be performed on the original image  200 . Light  132  from the light source  130  illuminates the platen cover surface  112  and the original image  200 . The resulting reflections from the platen cover surface  112  and the original image  200  are directed towards a photosensitive array  170 . The photosensitive array can be a CCD array, an array of photodiodes, a photo receptor or any other known or later developed device for generating electronic image data from the light reflected from the platen cover surface  112  and the original image  200 . The image signals generated by the photosensitive array are then output to an image data sink. Alternatively, the photosensitive array can be replaced with a photosensitive member, such as a photoreceptor belt or drum. 
     FIG. 2 shows a top view of the image capture device  100 . The platen cover  110  is opened to reveal the platen cover surface  112 , the original image  200  and the transparent platen  120 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments of the image capture device  100  according to this invention, the platen cover surface  112  is removable. The platen cover surface  112  can be easily removed and snapped back into place. When the image capture device  100  informs the operator that a certain platen cover color is desirable, the operator can easily remove the current platen cover surface  112  having one color and/or surface and replace it with another platen cover surface  112  having a different color and/or surface. Each platen cover surface  112  has two exposable platen cover surfaces, each exposable platen cover surfaces having a different color and/or surface. In some instances it is only necessary to remove the current platen cover surface  112  and flip this platen cover surface  112  over to expose the other exposable platen cover surface. If more than two colors and/or surfaces are desirable to provide appropriate colors and/or surfaces for a larger number of image capturing functions, then several platen covers surfaces  112  can be provided. Each platen cover surface  112  has at least two exposable platen cover surfaces, with a different color and/or surface on each exposable platen cover surface. 
     In operating the image capture device  100 , an operator chooses a specific image capture function that the operator wishes to perform on the original image  200 . A controller  160  of the image capture device  100  will then determine or select which platen cover color and/or surface of those provided in the image capture device  100  is appropriately usable with that specified function. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the image capture device  100  then informs the user, through a display system or the like, of the determined platen cover color and/or surface. The image capture device  100  then enters a waiting mode. The operator can then choose to change the platen cover color and/or surface or to continue operating the image capture device  100  with the current platen cover surface  112 . If the determined platen cover color and/or surface is already the exposed platen cover surface  112 , the user can input a control signal to advise the controller  160  of the image capture device  100  that the determined platen cover is the exposed color and/or surface of the platen cover surface  112 . If the user chooses to change the platen cover surface  112 , the user opens the platen cover  110 , changes the platen cover surface  112  to expose the platen cover surface  112  of the platen cover  110  having the determined color and/or surface. The user then re-closes the platen cover  110  and inputs the control signal to advise the controller  160  of the image capture device  110  that the exposed color and/or surface  112  of the platen cover  110  is the determined platen cover color and/or surface. The image capture device  100  then performs the selected image capture operation. 
     In various other exemplary embodiments, each exposable surface  112  of the platen cover  110  is provided with a “keying” device or structure  114  that cooperates with a sensing device or structure  150 . The sensing device or structure  150 , based on the keying device or structure  114  of the exposed  112  surface of the platen cover  110 , outputs a signal to the controller  160  of image capture device  100 . This signal informs the controller  160  of the image capture device  100  of the currently exposed surface  112  of the platen cover  110 . If the platen cover surface  112  corresponding to the determined color and/or surface is already in place, then the image capture device  100  proceeds to perform the selected function. If another platen cover  110  is more appropriate for the selected function, then the image capture device  100  will inform the operator, through a display system or the like, of the particular platen cover  110  that is appropriate for the selected operation. The operator can then choose to change the platen cover color and/or surface or to continue operating the image capture device  100  with the current platen cover surface  112 . 
     If the operator chooses to change the platen cover surface  112 , the operator opens the platen cover  110 , changes the platen cover surface  112  to expose the surface  112  of the platen cover  110  having the determined color and/or surface. Once the operator re-closes the platen cover  110 , the controller  160  inputs the signal from the sensor device or structure  150 . The image capture device  100  will then inform the operator if the correct platen cover color and/or surface  112  has been exposed. If it is the correct platen cover color and/or surface  112 , then the image capture device  100  will proceed with the selected function. If the exposed platen cover and/or surface  112  is the incorrect platen cover color and/or surface  112 , then the operator has the option of changing the platen cover color and/or surface  112  or using the exposed platen cover and/or surface  112  already installed. 
     Once the image capture device  100  has performed the selected function, the operator can then choose to leave the platen cover color and/or surface  112  as is or replace it, so the image capture device  100  is in its original state. In this case, the image capture device  100  is then ready to be used by another operator. 
     In other exemplary embodiments of the image capture device according to this invention, the platen cover  110  has one or more retractable layers that form the platen cover surfaces  112 . That is, the platen cover  110  contains several layers of platen covers surfaces  112 . Each such platen cover layer  112  contains a different color and/or surface. When an operator chooses a specific function, the controller  160  of the image capture device  100  decides which platen cover color and/or surface  112  to use, based on the selected function  100 . One or more of the platen cover layers  112  are retracted or extended until the platen cover layer  112  having the desired color and/or surface is exposed. This requires little involvement by the operator. 
     Using the image capture device  100  that uses different platen covers surfaces  112  or platen cover layers  112  that have different colors and/or surfaces improves the quality of certain features that are platen-cover dependent. This allows for greater versatility in operating the image capture system  100 . Using the snap-on or retractable platen cover surfaces  112  according to the various different exemplary embodiments of the invention makes it possible to perform the platen-cover-dependent functions in an easy manner. 
     The removable platen cover surfaces  112  according to this invention can be removed and snapped into place using various mechanical, electrical or magnetic connecting structures or devices. When using snap-on-type platen cover surfaces  112 , a magnet or electromagnet can be used to snap and remove the platen cover surfaces  112  easily into place. Alternatively, mechanical flanges can extend from the platen cover  110 , where the platen cover surfaces  112  can be securely placed between the flanges. It should be appreciated that any other known or later developed mechanical, magnetic and/or electrical connection structures or devices can be also used. 
     The retracting platen cover layers  112  can use various electrical and mechanical devices to retract and extend the retractable platen cover layers  112 . FIG. 3 shows one of many mechanical structures usable to retract the platen cover layers  112 . Each platen cover layer  112  is retracted by pulley system  300 . The platen cover layer  112  is attached to a cable  320  by an attachment structure  310 . The cable  320  is attached to the top of the attachment structure  310 . The cable  320  slides along the bottom of the attachment structure  310 . When the platen cover layer  112  is retracted, the appropriate pulley turns to retract the platen cover layer  112 . When the platen cover layer  112  is placed back into its extended position, the other pulley turns, bringing the platen cover layer  112  back to this position. A similar retraction system can be used or provided for each such retractable platen cover layer  112 . 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 show two other exemplary embodiments of a retraction system usable to retract the platen covers. The platen cover surface  112  shown in FIG. 4, are attached to a pulley cable  320 . When the bottom platen cover surface  112  is retracted, the pulleys  330  turn to pull the platen cover surface  112  around the track  340 , exposing the platen cover surface  112  above it. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a hook  350  is used to hold the platen cover surface  112  in place. When the platen cover is retracted, the hooks  350  release and the pulleys  330  turn and pull the screen to the left, exposing the platen cover surface  112  above. 
     FIG. 6 is a flowchart outlining one exemplary embodiment of a method for using the retractable platen cover surface according to this invention. Beginning in step S 100 , control continues to step S 110 , where the presence of an original image on a platen of an image capture device is detected. Then, in step S 120 , a determination is made whether an original image has been detected. If not, control jumps back to step S 110 . Otherwise, if an original image is detected, control continues to step S 130 . 
     In step S 130 , a determination is made whether the paper size is to be determined. If so, control continues to step S 140 . Otherwise, control jumps directly to step S 160 . 
     In step S 140 , a white platen cover layer is exposed. Then, in step S 150 , the size of the original image on the platen is determined using the exposed white platen cover. 
     In step S 160 , the image capture operation desired by the user is input. Then, in step S 170 , the appropriate platen cover for the desired image capture operation is determined from the set of available platen cover layers. Next, in step S 180 , the determined platen cover layer is exposed by either retracting the platen cover layers that are between the determined platen cover layer and the platen or by extending the determined platen cover layer and any retracted platen cover layers that are on the other side of the determined platen cover layer from the platen. Then, in step S 190 , the input image capture operation is performed using the exposed platen cover layer. Control then continues to step S 200 . 
     In step S 200 , a determination is made whether any more image capture operations are to be performed on the current original image placed on the platen. If so, control jumps back to step S 160 . Otherwise, control continues to step S 210 . In step S 210 , the platen covers are returned to their default extended or retracted states. Then, in step S 220 , the image capture process ends. 
     While FIG. 1 shows the image capture device  100  as a separate device from an image data sink, the image capture device  100  may be an integrated device, such as an analog copier, a digital copier, a computer with a built-in scanner, a facsimile machine, or any other integrated device that is capable of producing electronic image data or an electrostatic latent image from an original image. With such a configuration, for example the image capture device  100  and data sink may be contained within a single device. Alternatively, the image capture device  100  may be a separate device attachable upstream of a stand alone image data sink. For example, the image capture device  100  may be a device which interfaces with the image data sink. 
     In general, the image capture device  100  can be any one of a number of different types of devices, such as a scanner, an analog copier, a digital copier, or a facsimile device that is suitable for generating electronic image data. Thus, the image capture device  100  can be any known or later developed device that is capable of generating image data or an electrostatic latent image by illuminating an original image. In general, the image data sink can be any device that is capable of processing or storing the generates image data generated according to the systems and methods of this invention, such as a printer, a copier or other image forming devices, a facsimile device, a display device, a memory, or the like. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.