Removable bicolored platen covers for image capture devices

• US 6,587,233 B1
• Filed: 11/22/1999
• Issued: 07/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Salgado, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Cheukfan
• Application Number:
  US09/444,832
• Time in Patent Office: 1,317 Days
• Field of Search: 358/488, 358/486, 358/497, 358/494, 358/400, 358/471, 358/474, 358/401, 358/501, 358/500, 358/505, 358/506, 399/380, 399/379
• US Class Current: 358/505
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00551 Top covers or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/10 using flat picture-bearing surfaces H04N1/113, H04N1/195 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/19 using multi-element arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0422 Media holders, covers, supports, backgrounds; Arrangements to facilitate placing of the medium H04N2201/0406 - H04N2201/0412, H04N2201/0434 take precedence

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'"'"'s selection.

Claims

1. An image capture device that generates electronic image data from an original image, comprising:

a transparent platen, the original image placeable on the transparent platen;

a changeable platen cover having at least two surfaces that can be exposed, each surface having a different combination of color and surface treatment;

a light source; and

an imaging device.

2. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein the changeable platen cover is removable.

3. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein the image capture device informs the user of an appropriate changeable platen cover surface that corresponds to an image capture function selected by the user.

4. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein the changeable platen cover is attached to the image capture device by a mechanical attachment structure.

5. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein the changeable platen cover is attached to the image capture device by at least one of at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet.

6. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein the changeable platen cover is retractable.

7. The image capture device according to claim 1, wherein the changeable platen cover is retracted using a pulley system.

8. A method for changing a platen cover surface of a changeable platen cover having at least two surfaces that can be exposed, each surface having a different combination of color and surface treatment, according to a desired operation of an image capture device, including:

determining the desired operation of the image capture device;

determining an appropriate one of the at least two surfaces based on the desired operation; and

changing the changeable platen cover to expose the determined surface.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein changing the exposed surface of the changeable platen cover comprises removing the platen cover surface from the platen cover;

selecting a different platen cover surface; and

reattaching the determined platen cover surface to the platen cover.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching the changeable platen cover to the image capture device using at least one mechanical connection device.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching the changeable platen cover to the image capture device using at least one of at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein changing the changeable platen cover comprises at least one of retracting at least one retractable platen cover layer and extending at least one retractable platen cover layer.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein retracting and extending the at least one retractable platen cover layer comprises retracting and extending the at least one platen cover layer using a pulley system.

14. A method for automatically changing a platen cover color and/or surface of a changeable platen cover having at least two surfaces that can be exposed, each surface having a different combination of color and surface treatment, according to a desired operation of an image capture device, including:

determining the desired operation of the image capture device;

determining an appropriate one of the at least two surfaces based on the desired operation; and

automatically changing the changeable platen cover to expose the determined surface.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, if another desired operation is to be performed:

determining an appropriate one of the at least two surfaces based on the another desired operation; and

changing automatically the changeable platen cover to expose the determined surface.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising automatically returning the changeable platen cover to a default state after the desired operation is performed.