Type of scanning device with upgraded resolution

Abstract

Resolution of a scanner is upgraded by utilizing refraction to shift light rays incident on an image capture device by a small distance, thus capturing image data between picture elements of an original picture. The scanner includes a scanning platform arranged to support a scanned object, a scanning light source, an image capture mechanism having a lens and a CCD component arranged to capture light received from said light scanning light source after the light has scanned the object on the scanning platform, and a light refracting component having a moving end and a fulcrum end, the light refracting component being pivotably interposed between the scanning platform and the image capture mechanism. An electro-magnet mechanism is arranged to attract the moving end of the refractive component and thereby pivot the component about its fulcrum end. The consequent pivoting of the light refracting component varies the amount by which the light refracting component refracts and thereby shift the light captured by the lens and CCD component. A counterweight can be added at the fulcrum end to minimize the energy necessary to move the component.

I claim:  
     
       1. A scanner in which the resolution is upgraded by utilizing refraction to shift light rays from a scanned object by a small distance, thus capturing image data between picture elements of an original picture; comprising: 
       a scanning platform arranged to support a scanned object;  
       a scanning light source;  
       an image capture mechanism having a lens and a CCD component arranged to capture light received from said light scanning light source after the light has scanned the object on the scanning platform;  
       a light refracting component having a moving end and a fulcrum end, said light refracting component being pivotably interposed between said scanning platform and said image capture mechanism  CCD; and  
       an electro-magnet mechanism arranged to attract said moving end and thereby pivot said light refracting component about said fulcrum end,  
       whereby rotation of the light refracting component to vary an amount by which said light refracting component refracts and  thereby shifts the light captured by the lens and CCD component.  
     
     
       2. A scanner as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said light refracting component is a sheet of transparent glass having a permanent magnet at said moving end, said permanent magnet being attracted by said electromagnet mechanism to pivot said light refracting component. 
     
     
       3. A scanner as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said light refracting component has a counterweight at said fulcrum end, said counterweight being arranged to balance a torque on said refracting element so that the electromagnet mechanism moves said refracting element with minimum energy.