Abstract:
A transparency adapter includes a frame configured to removably receive and support a transparent media to be scanned, and a housing cooperating with the frame to position the frame at a comfortable viewing angle. A method of scanning an image residing on transparent media and a system for improving the scanning of transparencies on the platen of a reflective scanner are also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of optical scanners, and more particularly to an adapter for viewing and scanning transparent media.  
           [0003]    2. Related Art  
           [0004]    A document scanner converts a visible image such as a photograph, transparency, or printed paper into an electronic form suitable for copying, storing, or processing by a computer. Reflective document scanners typically have a controlled source of light which is reflected off of the surface of a document onto an array of photosensitive devices. The photosensitive devices convert received light intensity into an electronic signal. Transparency scanners pass light through a transparent image such as a photographic positive slide image, or perhaps a photographic negative, and then onto an array of photosensitive devices.  
           [0005]    A transparent image may be scanned in a reflective scanner by placing a white surface behind the transparency, slide, negative or other transparent media. In such an arrangement light passes through the transparent media to a white background, reflects off the white background and passes through the transparent media a second time before impinging onto the photosensitive devices. As a result, light is filtered twice by the transparent image. In general, this double filtering creates an unacceptable distortion of gray scale, color, contrast, and other image characteristics of interest.  
           [0006]    Reflective document scanners may also be adapted to scan transparent images by providing a separate light source to backlight the image so that the light passes through the transparent media only once. Such scanners, as well as reflective document scanners utilizing a white surface behind the transparent medium, typically employ a separate template, which is generally pre-positioned on the glass reflective image area or platen of the scanner to assist in the arrangement and alignment of the transparent media on the platen prior to scanning. Generally speaking, the process of arranging the transparent media, particularly slides and negatives, within the template on the platen is a time-consuming task. In addition, the scanner light is typically off during this process, thus viewing the slides and/or negatives while positioning them for scanning is impractical if not impossible.  
           [0007]    As a general rule, the user may utilize a light source unrelated to the transparency adapter or scanner itself to view the slides and/or negatives prior to scanning to determine which, if any of the slides and/or negatives should be scanned and thereafter stored in memory. The selected slides and/or negatives may then be positioned within the template on the platen. A separate transparency adapter may then be positioned atop of the template and slides to facilitate scanning operations. This practice, however, requires additional equipment, which in turn increases the costs associated with scanning transparent media such as slides and negatives.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    One aspect of the present invention is directed to a transparency adapter comprising a frame configured to removably receive and support transparent media to be scanned, and a housing cooperating with the frame to position the frame at a comfortable viewing angle.  
           [0009]    In another aspect the present invention relates to a system for improving the scanning of transparencies on the platen of a reflective scanner. The transparency adapter comprises a frame configured to removably receive and support transparent media for viewing and a housing cooperating with the frame to position the frame at a comfortable viewing angle. A mounting template is constructed to mate with the housing to align the housing on the platen for scanning.  
           [0010]    In yet another aspect the present invention is directed to a method of scanning an image residing on transparent media. The method comprises supporting the transparent media on a transparency adapter, and mating the transparency adapter with a template sized and shaped to receive the transparency adapter such that the transparent media supported on the transparency adapter is automatically aligned for scanning. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawing figures. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles and operation of the invention. Wherever possible, like reference numerals will be used throughout the drawing figures to refer to or designate the same or like parts throughout the several views.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the transparency adapter in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the transparency adapter depicted in FIG. 1 shown supporting transparent slides in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a transparency adapter according to the present invention, taken along lines  3 -- 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the cooperation of the transparency adapter depicted in FIG. 2 and a preferred mounting template for scanning transparencies utilizing a reflective optical scanner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]    A heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry for a transparency adapter that supports the transparent media apart from the platen for viewing, selecting, and orienting desired images residing on the transparent media.  
         [0017]    The present invention, in general, is directed to an adapter for use with optical scanners that facilitates the viewing, selection, orientation, and scanning of images that reside on transparent media such as, but not limited to, slides and photographic negatives. More specifically, and in accordance with the present invention, embodiments of the transparency adapter support and align a transparent media and provide backlighting for the transparent media when the transparency adapter is connected to, but not positioned on, the platen for scanning. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a single transparency adapter may serve a dual purpose. The preferred embodiment may serve as both a light box for viewing and selecting transparent images for scanning, and as an adapter for supporting and positioning the selected transparent images on the platen of an optical scanner to facilitate transparent image scanning, thus offering device versatility and ease of use.  
         [0018]    While the adapter of the present invention is applicable for use with any number of optical scanners, and is capable of supporting and backlighting any type of transparent media for viewing and scanning, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to one implementation as a transparency adapter for use with flatbed reflective optical scanners. Moreover, while the images referred to below may reside on any transparent or any substantially transparent material, the preferred transparency adapter will be described with reference to images residing on slides and/or photographic negatives.  
         [0019]    Reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. An exemplary optical scanner for use with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and is designated generally throughout by reference numeral  10 . Reflective optical scanner  10  preferably includes a base portion  12  housing a source of light (not shown) and scanning electronics (not shown), and preferably defines a reflective image area or platen  14  having a platen boundary  16  for receiving media to be scanned. Generally speaking, when reflective optical scanner  10  is operated in the reflective mode, a non-transparent media, such as paper, is positioned on platen  14 , preferably a transparent glass material, and a cover  18  is pivoted on one or more hinges  22  connecting the cover  18  to base portion  12  in the direction of platen  14 , to cover the media to be scanned. So arranged, a reflective surface  20 , preferably white in color, is positioned atop any portion of platen  14  not occupied by the media to be scanned in order to reflect any light passing through platen  14  back into reflective optical scanner  10 .  
         [0020]    An embodiment of a transparency adapter  24  is also depicted in FIG. 1. A preferred transparency adapter  24  is shown positioned at a comfortable viewing angle adjacent reflective optical scanner  10  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Transparency adapter  24  preferably comprises a housing  26  constructed and arranged to house transparency adapter electronics (not shown) and a source of light (not shown), and preferably defines a viewing surface  28 , preferably a clear plastic although a glass material may be used. As will be described in greater detail below, transparency adapter  24  preferably includes a frame  30  constructed and arranged on housing  26  to receive and support a transparent media (FIG. 2) and position the media adjacent viewing surface  28 . A recessed loading region  32  may be provided to facilitate the loading and unloading of the transparent media into frame  30 . As one of skill in the art will appreciate, a calibration window  34  may also be provided on transparency adapter  24  to improve the transparent image scanning resolution and quality. A conduit  36  may preferably connect transparency adapter  24  to reflective optical scanner  12  and provide a communication pathway between transparency adapter  24  and reflective optical scanner  10 .  
         [0021]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, transparency adapter  24  serves a dual purpose. As shown in FIG. 1, transparency adapter  24  may be configured to function as a light box for viewing, screening, selecting, and arranging slides, photographic negatives, or other transparent media. In another aspect of the present invention, transparency adapter  24  may be configured to cooperate with a scanner to facilitate scanning of the images that reside on the selected slides or photographic negatives, as will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4. When so configured, transparency adapter  24  may cooperate with a mounting template  38  that may generally be arranged and employed to provide for expeditious and accurate positioning of transparency adapter  24  on platen  14  for scanning.  
         [0022]    As shown in FIG. 1, mounting template  38  preferably includes an aperture  39  sized and shaped to receive transparency adapter  24  such that the face of transparency adapter  24  is directly adjacent platen  14 . When configured as a light box as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, a portion of housing  26  may preferably form a three-sided frame  30  substantially bounding viewing surface  28 . Frame  30  is preferably constructed and arranged to support a plurality of slides or a multiple frame negative strip adjacent viewing surface  28 . In a preferred embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2, frame  30  is preferably sized to support up to three slides  40 , each containing an image  42  thereon. If desired, frame  30  may instead support a negative strip.  
         [0023]    When conduit  36  of transparency adapter  24  is properly connected to scanner  10  via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or serial port, and a light box mode or non-HP reflective mode for scanning is selected, viewing surface  28  may preferably be backlit so that slides  40  may be viewed by a user. Each slide  40  or other transparent media may preferably be positioned on recessed loading region  32  and thereafter sequentially urged in the direction of loading arrow  44  into the slot defined between frame  30  and viewing surface  28 . Frame  30  is preferably sized and arranged such that each slide  40  may be firmly held in position atop viewing surface  28 . Light from the light source (not shown) behind viewing surface  28  passes through slides  40  so that images  42  thereon may be easily viewed and examined by a user.  
         [0024]    Another aspect of the present invention that facilitates viewing, screening, and selecting of images  42  is the construction and arrangement of housing  26 . Housing  26  is preferably constructed and arranged such that face  48  of housing  26  may be presented to a user at an inclined angle Φ when housing  26  is resting on any substantially horizontal surface  50 . Inclined angle Φ is referred to herein as a “comfortable viewing angle”, and may be defined as an angle of between about zero degrees (0°) and ninety degrees (90°) when measured from horizontal surface  50 . In preferred embodiments, “comfortable viewing angle” Φ may preferably be an angle between about thirty degrees (30°) and sixty degrees (60°) from horizontal surface  50 . In a most preferred embodiment, “comfortable viewing angle” Φ may preferably be an angle of about forty-five degrees (45°) from horizontal surface  50 . Those of skill in the art will recognize, however, that the angle at which face  48 , and thus frame  30 , of transparency adapter  24  is presented to a viewer will vary from the angles mentioned above when the surface upon which transparency adapter  24  rests is a surface other than a horizontal surface.  
         [0025]    When transparency adapter  24  is positioned as described above, face  48 , and thus images  42  on slides  40 , is preferably optimally oriented such that a user can manipulate slides  40  and view images  42  on viewing surface  28  from a comfortable position. To achieve this orientation, transparency adapter  24  preferably includes a pair of slanted substantially planar surfaces  52 , each of which is adapted to rest on horizontal surface  50  as shown in FIG. 3. Those of skill in the art will recognize that housing  26  may include only a single planar surface  52 , and that the one or more planar surfaces  52  may be any size, shape and dimension that is capable of supporting the weight of transparency adapter  24 . More specifically, planar surfaces  52  may be sized and shaped such that transparency adapter  24  does not rotate and thus tip over when transparency adapter  24  is supported on planar surface  52 .  
         [0026]    With transparency adapter  24  resting on planar surface  52 , a user may repetitively insert and remove slides  40  from transparency adapter  24  in order to view images  42  while images  42  are substantially optimally oriented for viewing (when slides  40  are supported by frame  30  and transparency adapter  24  is supported on a planar surface  52 ) until the desired slides  40  are selected and arranged as desired for scanning. As a result, a user is less likely to become fatigued during the viewing and selecting process.  
         [0027]    Once slides  40  are arranged as desired, a user may grasp transparency adapter  24  with one hand and move transparency adapter  24  onto platen  14  to facilitate scanning of images  42  aligned within frame  30  of transparency adapter  24 . Transparency adapter  24  is preferably received within aperture  39  of mounting template  38  to substantially cover platen  14 . So arranged, transparency adapter  24 , and thus slides  40  are preferably aligned on platen  14  for scanning as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, sides  54  of transparency adapter  24  may preferably be shaped to facilitate grasping of transparency adapter  24  by a user. Sides  54  are preferably curved to form concave surfaces which serve as handles for grasping transparency adapter  24 . Concave sides  54  thus assist a user in moving transparency adapter  24  from a viewing position to a scanning position as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0028]    Referring again to FIG. 4, mounting template  38  may preferably be configured to facilitate insertion of transparency adapter  24  into aperture  39 . More specifically, mounting template  38  may preferably include a pair of slanted recessed surfaces  56  adjacent aperture  39 , which preferably correspond in location to the most narrow portion of face  48  of transparency adapter  24  when transparency adapter  24  is positioned within aperture  39 . Slanted recessed surfaces  56 , in cooperation with concave sides  54  of transparency adapter  24 , thus provide room for a user&#39;s fingers to grasp sides  54  of transparency adapter  24  making it easier to insert and remove transparency adapter  24  from aperture  39 .  
         [0029]    When transparency adapter  24  is properly positioned within aperture  39  of template  38 , viewing surface  28  will preferably remain backlit and reflective optical scanner  10  may scan images  42  positioned adjacent platen  14  in a non-reflective scanning mode. When scanning is complete, the user may simply grasp sides  54  of transparency adapter  24 , preferably at or about the location of slanted recessed surfaces  56 , and remove transparency adapter  24  from mounting template  38 . Transparency adapter  24  may then be moved to a viewing position such as that shown in FIG. 1 and positioned on one of planar surfaces  52  so that the previously scanned slides  40  may be removed and/or replaced with additional slides  40 . The newly selected slides may then be scanned as described above. This process may be repeated until all the desired slides  40  are scanned.  
         [0030]    Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to it being seated in a template  38 , one skilled in the art will recognize that transparency adapter  24  could be configured to automatically align itself on platen  14  without the use of template  38 . Moreover, while the preferred embodiment of transparency adapter  24  has been described as being capable of supporting up to three slides or a negative strip containing up to four frames, one of skill in the art will recognize that frame  30  could be sized to hold fewer or greater numbers of slides or negative strip frames. Once the appropriate images are selected and oriented on the transparency adapter, the adapter may simply be moved onto the platen so that the images may be scanned by the scanner. Such a device may preferably provide backlighting for the transparent media supported thereon, be configured to permit one-handed manipulation of the transparency adapter, be sized and shaped to present the supported images for viewing at a viewing angle that is comfortable to a viewer, and generally eliminate the steps of prepositioning and aligning the transparent media directly on the platen. Therefore, the above mentioned description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting.